VAD Society's Podcast
VAD Society's Podcast
The Voice - Meet VAD's Office Staff
Join VAD today as we meet all the staff from the office. Learn what each staff member does in the office.
www.vadsociety.ca to join.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Welcome to the Voice of Albertans with Disabilities podcast for January 2026. My name is Teresa Makarewich and I'm your host as well as VAD's Program and Services Manager. Thank you so much for joining us today. Voice of Albertans with Disabilities acknowledges the importance of the land we call Alberta. where we live, work, and gather. We recognize the ancestral territories of all the Inuit, Metis, and First Nations people who have called this land home for generations. We honor the ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous families and communities, and we are called to reflect on our responsibilities. Let us each consider how we can move forward together in the spirit of reconciliation, respect, and collaboration. Hy Hy.
At VAD, we continue to connect with local agencies and community partners to better understand the resources available to people with disabilities across Alberta. On today's podcast, I'm excited to introduce you to the staff of Voice of Albertans with Disabilities. Our staff's truly the backbone of this organization. Without their expertise, dedication, and passion, VAD would not be able to do the work it does every day. Thank you for joining us. Together we hold the power. Let's start with our Executive Director. Hello, Tara. Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about who you are?
Tara L, Executive Director
Oh, absolutely. So my name is Tara Lyon, and I'm the Executive Director of Voice of Albertans with Disabilities. I'm also a mom of two children, and my youngest son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of three. I also live with a non-visible disability myself. something I see as a strength that deeply informs the way I lead and advocate. I'm very people-centered and passionate about creating systems that actually work for people they're meant to serve. I see individuals with disabilities not through a deficit lens, but as people with incredible and often untapped potential and strengths that deserve to be recognized, supported, and valued. I believe in strong collaboration, transparency, and making sure voices that are often unheard are not only included but truly listened to.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Wonderful. Can you tell us about the Voice of Albertans with Disabilities in your own words?
Tara L, Executive Director
Voice of Albertans with Disabilities, or VAD, is an organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to navigate systems, advocate for themselves, and live with dignity and independence. We work alongside individuals to remove barriers, whether those barriers are systemic, social, or practical. and we amplify the voices of people with disabilities so they are heard at every level.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
What is VAD's vision and mandate when it comes to supporting people with disabilities?
Tara L, Executive Director
VAD's mandate is rooted in advocacy, education, and support. We work to ensure that people with disabilities have equitable access to services, opportunities, and decision-making processes that affect their lives. Our vision is a more inclusive Alberta where people with disabilities are respected, supported, and empowered to participate fully in their communities.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Can you explain the different type of projects you'll contribute to at the VAD office?
Tara L, Executive Director
Absolutely. Although I started on December 1st, 2025 as the Executive Director, my role spans many areas. I work closely with staff on program development, funding and grant applications, community partnerships, and organizational planning. I also support governance, financial sustainability, and strategic initiatives that strengthen VAD over the long term. A big part of my role is ensuring our team has the tools, clarity, and support they need to do their work effectively.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
For those listening today, how can they get in touch with you?
Tara L, Executive Director
All the best ways to contact me through our website or calling our office, 780-488-9088. My extension is 103. We always welcome people reaching out, whether they're seeking support, looking to collaborate, or simply wanting to learn more.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
What's an interesting fact or a surprising fact about you that more people should know?
Tara L, Executive Director
One thing people may find interesting is that I'm very heart-led in my work. I truly believe empathy and compassion are strengths in leadership, not weaknesses. I'm deeply motivated by connection and purpose, and I believe the best outcomes happen when people feel seen, valued, and genuinely heard.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Thank you, Tara. Hello, Chantelle. Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about who you are?
Chantelle S, Case Manager
Yes, my name is Chantelle Samoridny and I'm a case manager at Voice of Albertans with disabilities since November of 2025.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
What are your main duties when it comes to supporting people with disabilities?
Chantelle S, Case Manager
So we have appointments that can be booked by phone or one-on-one appointments in person. I help with advocacy, help clients fill out government benefit forms such as AISH, CPP-disability, Leisure access pass. assistance with workplace and school accommodations, and we do presentations in different rural communities and in the city.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Can you explain the different type of projects you contribute to at the VAD office?
Chantelle S, Case Manager
Yes, definitely. The newest one of ours is a community inclusion project where we go out to rural areas all over Alberta and give them presentations and help the clients out there, different communities with disabilities. To give them some more information, we have resource fairs. the International Day of People with Disabilities, we have a resource for them as well.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
For those listening today, how can they get in touch with you?
Chantelle S, Case Manager
By calling the Voicemail office at 780-488-9088 or looking on our website. or you can e-mail me at casemanager@vadsociety.ca.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
What is an interesting or surprising fact about you that more people should know?
Chantelle S, Case Manager
I love camping. Thank you. You're very welcome.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Hello, Yusuf. Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about who you are?
Yusuf A, Case Manager
Thank you very much, Teresa. My name is Yusuf Ariyo. I am originally from Nigeria. I had my first degree in science laboratory technology, microbiology major. I have over 15 years experience in quality control and assurance in manufacturing. I decided to go into helping profession in 2023 and so I took a diploma course in addiction and community health. I have since worked in the inner city of Edmonton with vulnerable population, helping to navigate housing and difficult government benefits. I joined VAD in July 2025 as a case manager for community support. Let me also add that I also have a diploma in cloud engineering.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
What are your main duties when it comes to supporting people with disabilities?
Yusuf A, Case Manager
Like you mentioned, my main duty is to support clients with filling out disability benefit applications like the Canada Disability Benefits, the Disability Tax Credits, AISH, that's Assured Income for Severely Handicapped, the CPPD, Canada Pension Plan Disabilities, OAS, that's Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement, I also help clients with self-advocacy by providing information and referrals.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
For those listening today, how can they get in touch with you?
Yusuf A, Case Manager
By e-mail. They can reach me at Yusuf, that's Y-U-S-U-F, at VADsociety.ca or by phone at 780-488-9088. My extension is 105.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
What is an interesting or surprising fact about you that more people should know?
Yusuf A, Case Manager
Well, there are lots of facts that more people should know about me, but I'm just going to mention a few. I love to learn new skills and teach people about any new skill that I learn. I'm also adventurous, and I have traveled to several countries across the world for trainings. I also have strong passion for supporting people with navigating complex situations. And I love cooking African dishes.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about who you are?
Michelle B, Education Coordinator
Yeah, my name is Michelle Bissell and I'm the education coordinator for that. So what I do is I coordinate and I give disability awareness presentations, and we give these presentations from kindergarten to grade 12 and universities and businesses as well.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Can you tell us about Voice of Albertans with Disabilities in your own words?
Michelle B, Education Coordinator
It's about education in which I do. In my opinion, education is the key to everything of creating understanding and compassion for people with disabilities. That's what that is creating.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
So what are some of your main duties when it comes to supporting people with disabilities?
Michelle B, Education Coordinator
Well, like I said earlier, is coordinating and giving disability awareness presentations, but it's also advocating for people. I advocate not only for myself, but other people at the presentations. I try to help them by telling them what our services are and who to get in contact for those services. And I also recruit and I train volunteers with disabilities to come out with me to do these presentations so that the people that come with me, they're getting educated, they're educating people, and they're helping themselves and other people.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Can you tell us a little bit about your presentation?
Michelle B, Education Coordinator
A general presentation, disabilities, and teaches stuff like appropriate language and behaviour, ableism, all that kind of stuff that you couldn't find anywhere, all information you could find anywhere. Treat people with disabilities, all that you could find anywhere. But the unique thing about the presentations is the whole presentation is tailored to that specific audience and it is intertwined all throughout with their own lived experiences. So each presentation is unique. because each presenter is unique. they generally are different each time. So each presentation is very unique in that the lived experience is very unique to that presentation.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
For those listening today, how can they get in touch with you?
Michelle B, Education Coordinator
They can get in touch with me on the website. All my contact information is there, my e-mail, my phone number, everything is on the website.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
And our website address is www.vadsociety.ca and you can find Michelle's information under full participation. So what's an interesting or surprising fact about your work that more people should know?
Michelle B, Education Coordinator
What I find surprising about my work is how unique our presentations are and that people shocked or amazed at the information in it and how our personal stories or lived experience really makes a difference, really makes people think about our situations.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
So tell us something about yourself that you would want everybody to know.
Michelle B, Education Coordinator
In the last few years, I've really become an advocate And I didn't realize, I've lived with a disability all my life, but I went through a life-changing experience. And I got thrown deeper into all the systems, transportation, healthcare systems, the AISH system. And I really can't get over how difficult these systems are and how difficult people navigating these systems get through them. And I can understand now how frustrating it is. And that's how come I'm so glad VAD is around to help navigate all these systems.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Hello, Corrine. Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about who you are?
Corrine B, Financial Administration
Sure thing. My name is Corrine Bergen. I've been with VAD now in an official capacity since September of 2025. I also completed 3 weeks of practicum in August as part of the EmployAbilities Restart Your Career program.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
What are your main duties when it comes to supporting people with disabilities?
Corrine B, Financial Administration
I'm often the person that answers the phone. I'll set up an appointment for you, help explain the DTC or Disability Tax Credit for you, and even help you by filling out your portion over the phone, then putting it in the mail. I will answer your questions to the best of my ability or transfer your call to one of my colleagues better equipped to do that. I often hear that it's so nice to actually speak to a real person. A lot of what I do is behind the scenes in a support role, but it does help to free up some of the valuable time for our case managers and program directors.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Can you explain the different type of projects that you contribute to at the VAD office?
Corrine B, Financial Administration
Being new to the team, I do often feel like I'm the one manning the phone while everyone else is out meeting with clients and doing presentations. but I did participate in our IDPD event at Millwood's Town Centre, meeting with the community at large and answering questions about VAD. As I've already mentioned, I've helped many people with their disability tax credit application, and although it maybe doesn't affect the public much, I was the one who got the new phone system hooked up after the decision was made to switch and the new phones tested and installed. My official title is Finance Administrator, so in the back I'm tracking the funds, both incoming and outgoing, to ensure that we are using grants and donations as directed. Sometimes I'm just another ear, as we all bring different things to the table. And this year, during the tax season, I will be a part of the volunteer tax program, helping low-income individuals file their tax returns.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
For those listening today, how can they get in touch with you?
Corrine B, Financial Administration
All you have to do is call our main number, 780-488-9088, and ask for extension 102. That is, of course, assuming I haven't already answered the phone for you.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
What is an interesting or surprising fact about you that more people should know?
Corrine B, Financial Administration
I consider myself an introvert. I've said for years I only like my friends and I have enough. However, given my job, I do have to be a little more outgoing than that. And if you approach me socially, I'm more than happy to sit down and have a chat with you or a cup of coffee, but just don't expect me to make that first move.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
thank you.
Corrine B, Financial Administration
Thank you.
Teresa M, Program & Services Manager
Last but not least, here's a little bit about myself. Like I said, my name is Teresa Makarewich, and I'm the Program and Services Manager at Voice of Albertans with Disabilities. I've been with VAD since 2017, and I am deeply passionate about advancing accessibility, equity, and full participation for people with disabilities across Alberta. In my role, I oversee and support a wide range of programs and services, including one-to-one navigation, form assistance, including AISH, CPPD, Disability Tax Credit, Canadian Disability Benefit, and more. community outreach, including Indigenous and multicultural engagement, disability awareness presentations for schools, businesses, and organizations to learn about VAD, grant writing, reporting, and project coordination, event planning, communications, and partnership development. My work focuses on reducing barriers, strengthening community connections, and ensuring people have the information and support they need to navigate complex systems. And a fun fact about me, I make really tasty homemade wine. How to get in touch with Voice of Albertans with Disabilities. You can e-mail us directly at vad@vadsociety.ca. You can phone the office at 780-488-9088 or you can visit our website at vadsociety.ca. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need referrals, a presentation, or support navigating disability-related benefits. Thank you to all of our staff for your time, your energy, and your dedication to the community. And thank you to our listeners for your continued support. Voice of Albertans with Disabilities is a cross-disability non-profit organization of and for people with disabilities. We are guided by the principles of accessibility, equity, and inclusion. To learn more about our services, visit our website at VADSociety.ca or give us a call 780-488-9088. If you have a topic you'd like to hear on a future episode, please send your ideas, speaker suggestions, or feedback to Teresa at VADSociety.ca. That's all for today. Together we hold the power.