Our Mission
Empowering people with information, family supports and community connection.
Our Vision
A thriving community of resilient individuals and families
Our Annual Report
2022 -2023 Report | click to view
Our Annual Report
2021 -2022 Report | click to view
Our Annual Report
2020 -2021 Report | click to view
Catherine Siakaluk
Board Chair
Catherine serves as the Communications Officer for the County of Newell. With a Masters degree in Communication & Leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Catherine’s professional journey took her through the realms of corporate Economic Development and then into the non-profit sector, offering her a diverse background to draw upon in her current role.
Born and raised in Calgary, Catherine moved to Brooks In May of 2023, and is loving small town life in the prairies. Beyond her professional commitments, Catherine is a proud mother to four mostly grown children. As she navigates the joys and transitions of the ‘Empty Nest’ phase, her love for the prairies and dedication to effective communication remains constant.
Tim Peters
Vice Chair
I am a registered massage therapist who co-owns and operates Brooks In Touch Therapy. I am originally from Manitoba and have a background in farming and management. I moved to Brooks with my family officially in 2021.
In my spare time I enjoy spending with my wife and three little boys, always up for adventure. I also enjoy making creative pieces of furniture with wood and spending time with dogs and horses.
Lisa Patton
secretary
Ruby Tatem
Director
Rubidia (Ruby) Tatem joins the SPEC Board of Directors after previously working at SPEC parentLINKcentre for 13 years as Coordinator and Accredited Triple P Parenting Education Facilitator.
She and her husband have raised their two sons in Brooks and operate a small business in the city. Both have volunteered their time on various other community boards, including the Grasslands Soccer Association and The Newell Integrated Child Care Society.
Some of her passions include early childhood education and development, child safety, equal human rights for all and investing in our communities futures.
Rubidia looks forward to investing more time in Brooks and the County of Newell in order to “be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Ghandi
Amanda Goodnough BSW RSW
Executive Director
Amanda joined SPEC with over 20 years of experience navigating both non-profit and government sectors, through which she has demonstrated strong leadership, excellent communication, and a passion for working with vulnerable populations. She has had education and experience in change management, working with diverse cultures, and a demonstrated history of building positive relationships with clients, team members and community partners. Living in Brooks since 2007, Amanda believes SPEC is one of the community’s greatest assets and feels honoured to be in a position to carry on the organization’s vision of creating a thriving community of resilient individuals and families.
Maureen (Moe) Andruschak
Past Executive Director
Moe, as she is known to most, was an invaluable part of SPEC for over 21 years. Moe’s heart has always been with the front line and she always managed to maintain old relationships while continually developing new ones with the program participants that passed her open doorway. It was not unusual for children from her previous programs to stop by and check out her new gadgets and toys. She was always innovative in looking for and trying new ways to do programming, a self-confessed research-a-holic. Moe always made time to listen and gave any input considered thought. She would discuss all sides of an issue to come up with the best option for all. The number of people Moe has touched in this community are immeasurable and SPEC is immensely better thanks to her efforts over the years.
Chelsea Opperman
Program Manager- SPEC Hub (FRN)
Chelsea joins SPEC after previously working at Grasslands Public Schools for 16 years as the Prevention and Education Wellness Mentor, developing and delivering specialized universal programs to all of the schools within the district for Kindergartens to Grade 11. She was a member of various community committees, sat on volunteer boards and collaboration projects throughout Brooks and area. She has also worked closely with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection bringing the Kids in the Know program and Commit to Kids resources to children, families and our community.
Chelsea was born and raised in Brooks and continues to live here with her family. Some of her passions include child safety, resilient children and youth, healthy relationships, and building community connections. Chelsea looks forward to continuing to grow connections and promote positive well-being with children and families within Brooks and the County of Newell!
Xin Zhang
PROGRAM MANAGER- NEWCOMER SERVICES
Xin continues at SPEC in her new position as LINKS Newcomers Services Manager. She spent the last nine years as a Settlement Worker in Schools and most recently as the SWIS team coordinator. Before her time at SPEC, Xin worked in Human Resources at JBS Food Canada and in an executive/senior management role for 10 years in China. In her home country, Xin had extensive experience managing a large number of staff and the responsibility for multi-million dollar budgets.
Xin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration as well as first hand understanding the newcomer experience. She has been in Canada for over 13 years- with her husband and two children.
Xin looks forward to continuing to work with the local community and serving SPEC’s great clients!
Jennifer Scholz
PROGRAM MANAGER- FASD Programs
Jen joined the PCAP program at SPEC with over 15 years of experience working in non-profit and support-based organizations in Brooks and region.
Growing up in a rural community near Brooks and starting her own family in the same community, she has established deep roots and a growing passion for Brooks and the rural communities surrounding it. She strives to empower families with the tools and community connections they need to navigate life feeling supported.
Jen believes strongly in the PCAP model of building relationships by meeting participants where they are at and assisting them to create the life they want.
