About SABIS

Our Purpose: to make life easier for brain injury survivors and those who support them.

Southern Alberta Brain Injury Society (SABIS) is dedicated to helping adults with acquired brain injuries obtain the supports and services they need to live as independently as possible in the community.

SABIS began in February 1985 as a family support group. Caregivers joined forces with individuals from community agencies and other community members to discuss the lack of information and support for families supporting adults with an acquired brain injury.

SABIS offers supports and services for clients living in Calgary and the surrounding region (see map). Our service coordinators provide resources, make referrals, assist with applications, and engage in informal advocacy and emotional support. In addition to service coordination, we offer support groups for both brain injury survivors and their supporters. SABIS also engages in brain injury awareness and educational campaigns, and our team is available to deliver presentations to help people understand the effects of brain injuries on individuals and their support networks.

For more information, please contact sabis@sabis.ab.ca

Our Team

Annalise Schwaiger (She/Her)

Executive Director

Annalise , or Anna as she is known at SABIS, is a born and raised Calgarian who joined the SABIS team in June 2017. After dabbling in a few educational ventures and completing her Hospital Unit Clerk certification, Anna joined the team as the Administrative Assistant and has worked her way through a number of positions within SABIS, most recently accepting the position of Executive Director.

Throughout her time at SABIS, Anna’s belief that no one should have to navigate difficult circumstances alone has been reinforced. She strives to ensure clients, caregivers, co-workers, and personal connections know they are not alone in their journeys, and that support is available in many forms.

Anna values family, transparency, and integrity. In describing what those values mean to her, Anna says, “It means acting in a respectful, honest, and professional manner. Offering guidance and advocacy but ultimately honoring clients wishes – whether we agree or not – without adding feelings of guilt, while knowing the limits of our support/responsibilities.”

Outside of work, Anna has a variety of interests. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, movies, music, hiking, and caring for her many reptilian pets and dog Maggie. She has recently taken an interest in creative endeavors including making candles and wax melts, seasonal crafts, wood burning, and photography.

Haley (She/Her)

Program Director

Haley joined SABIS in 2021 as a Service Coordinator and now serves as Program Director. She is passionate about people-first, trauma-informed care and believes in creating spaces where clients and team members feel seen, supported, and empowered. Haley leads with empathy and strives to make every interaction an opportunity for connection and meaningful growth.

Haley has a diploma in Human Service Work, and has worked in various social services sectors, including mental health, addiction treatment, supportive housing, and supports for Persons with Developmental Disabilities.

Outside of the office, Haley enjoys exploring the city’s parks, crafts, and spending time with friends and family.

Venecia (She/Her)

Service Coordinator

Venecia, or Ven as she is known around the office, recently completed her Social Work Diploma and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work degree online.

Throughout her studies and work experience, she has been drawn to roles where she can provide meaningful support to others and help them navigate challenges. Her passion for marking a difference and her commitment to community services makes her a valuable member of the SABIS team.

When she isn’t working or studying, Venecia enjoys spending quality time with her kids. Family time keeps her grounded, energized and inspires her dedication to supporting others in their own journeys.

Courtney Simpson (She/Her)

Service Coordinator

Courtney joined the SABIS team as a Service Coordinator from 2022 – 2023, returning in 2025 as an Admin Coordinator, and now in 2026 as a Registered Social Worker.

Courtney has a diploma in speech therapy (2000), certification in home decorating (2006), a bachelor’s degree in social work (2010), and holds a current registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers.

Since 2001, Courtney has lived and worked professionally in communities in Manitoba, NWT, and Alberta (twice).

Courtney’s work is solutions focused, trauma informed, client centered, and strengths based with experience working in many sectors including domestic violence, disabilities, child protection, mental health, addictions, and vulnerable populations.

Courtney values integrity, confidentiality, competent service, and a commitment to Indigenous rights. Outside of SABIS, Courtney enjoys her spin bike, community walks & podcasts, trying new restaurants, and traveling as much as possible.

Mac (He/They)

Service Coordinator

Mac is the newest Service Coordinator on the SABIS team. The graduated from the University of Calgary in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and hace additional training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Life Space Interviews (LSI), and Youth and Family Counselling.

After sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury in 2024, Mac developed a deep passion for brain injury advocacy and awareness – an experience that inspired their path to SABIS. With a strong commitment to community support, Mac is eager to make a positive difference and to continue learning and growing through meaningful connections with others.

Outside of work, Mac enjoys exploring thrift stores in search of unique trinkets, listening to music, and spending time with their black cat, Rupert.