TEAM
Board of Directors
JANNETTE FESTIVAL, RN, IBCLC
Chair
As the founding executive director, I have always believed there is a community-based solution to support sick and fragile babies. As a labour and delivery nurse at the Foothills hospital, I’ve seen the transformational impact of donor human milk in the NICU and I remain convinced that all babies should have ready access to the life-saving benefits of donor human milk. I am as passionate about milk banking today as I have been since we opened our doors in 2012. Seeing the impact of this milk, the spirit of giving that stems from our selfless donors and the gratitude from our recipient families is a testament to the community of NorthernStar.
DR. VERENA (VRENI) KURET, MD, FRCSC
Medical Director
Dr Kuret is a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist in the Calgary Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. Her clinical practice includes inpatient and outpatient management of high-risk pregnancies and her research focus is on Reproductive Infectious Disease and its impact on maternal and fetal health. She is excited to volunteer with the NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank given it's important work supporting families through access to safe and nutritious donor milk. Working with families facing complex pregnancy challenges, Dr Kuret sees first hand how organizations like NorthernStar can make a positive impact on the well-being of vulnerable infants.
NANCY THOMPSON, BCOM
Director
Nancy has a background in Finance and Administration and has a long history of volunteering, including executive positions in many organizations. From its early beginnings, she has been both fascinated and inspired watching the NorthernStar Mothers’ Milk Bank grow and fill an important need in our health care system and community. She is honoured to continue supporting the success of the NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank in providing donor human milk to as many fragile and sick babies as possible.
PATTI SHANNON
Director
Patti is a VP and Portfolio Manager at Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel. As a mother and a native Calgarian, she is passionate about giving back to the community. She has seen the difference the NorthernStar Mothers' Milk Bank makes for babies, their families and the community and is excited about helping to broaden the base of financial support for this invaluable charity that touches so many lives.
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JULIEN DESCHUTTER
Director
I have extensive experience with several charities and Jannette approached me to discuss set-up of the Milk Bank. Discussion about the Milk Bank operational start-up led to an offer to assist in the intercity transportation field, and one thing led to another.
A year or so later came the phone call from Jannette, and I was honoured to be asked to join the Board of Directors of the Calgary Mothers Milk Bank. I continue to be honoured and proud to be on the Board, working alongside the other members of this exceptional group of Directors, as we all contribute our experience and energy towards making this community (and country-wide) asset the best milk bank in North America. To my mind there is no greater reward than knowing how many newborns The NorthernStar Mothers’ Milk Bank has helped through the first fragile months of their lives.
JESSICA FERGUSON
Director
Jessica was honored to join the board of NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank and have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the milk bank community, a community of mothers providing support and vital nutrition for babies through the provision of donor milk. Jessica is passionate about the availability of donor milk to all babies who need it and the resulting positive impact on the mental health of parents of medically fragile or sick babies. Jessica is a practicing lawyer in Calgary and is a member of the Law Society of Alberta.
DR. MERILEE BROCKWAY, PhD, RN, IBCLC
Director
I am excited to be serving as a member on the Board of Directors (BOD) for the NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank (NMMB). My interest in serving on the board emerges from my experience as a registered nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant as well as my passion as a human milk scientist and breastfeeding researcher. I have been an engaged member of the NMMB community for the past five years and look forward to the opportunity to give my time and expertise to the BOD as an act of service for this amazing institution.
I am invested in improving human milk feeding rates and accessibility of donor human milk for all infants. My professional expertise in human milk focuses on improving evidence around the benefits of donor human milk and exclusive human milk feeding for infants with varying biologic and social vulnerabilities. I bring cutting edge knowledge around human milk feeding, donor human milk and microbiome science to this role.
I currently have a strong network of human milk researchers, clinicians, and policy makers, who I can access to inform evidence-based decision making in this role. I also use every opportunity to promote the milk bank to professional, academic, and clinical audiences on a regular basis. It is my goal to make donor human milk available and accessible to any, and all infants who would benefit from the valuable components in pasteurized donor human milk.
RAYA KUZNETSOVA, CPA, CMA
Director/Treasurer
Conventional volunteering has been a part of my life for many years and a wonderful way to help. However, in growing as a professional, I’ve developed an increased desire to explore opportunities to use my experience and knowledge to help and add value in a different capacity. Upon learning about the NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank and the incredible services provided, I knew I wanted to dedicate my time and expertise to contribute value. I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the exceptional NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank team, and I look forward to learning, getting involved in the community and supporting the profound contributions of this amazing organization.
Medical Advisory Committee
DR. DOUGLAS CAINE, MD
Co-Medical Director
Douglas is a Physician at Helios Health & Wellness and Oak Bay Medical Clinic.
DR. BELAL ALSHAIKH
Dr. Belal Alshaikh, MD MSc MSCE is a Neonatologist, Epidemiologist, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at University of Calgary, and Co-Chair of the Canadian Neonatal Gut Health Group of Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ).
Team Members
DONNA GERSBACH
Executive Director
I was born and raised in Northern Alberta and completed both my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Molecular Genetics at the University of Alberta before eventually making my way to Calgary. I joined NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank in 2021 and have since had the privilege of serving in laboratory, food safety, and leadership roles before becoming Executive Director. As a mother of two young girls, I understand how important support, trust, and reliable information can be during the early stages of parenthood. What inspires me most about NorthernStar is the community behind it: volunteer milk donors, healthcare providers, researchers, supporters, and recipient families all coming together to help vulnerable infants get the best possible start. It is an honour to lead an organization built on compassion, generosity, and science, and to be part of a mission that supports babies and families during some of life's most vulnerable moments.
GLENNA HAUCK
Accounting & Compliance Coordinator
I had been blessed to be the mother of two healthy boys. As I returned to the workforce, I worked in the not-for-profit sector for several years. When I saw that the milk bank was looking for an Office Administrator/Bookkeeper in April 2014, I was very excited at the possibility. Not too long before, a news story about the milk bank introduced me to the concept and I thought it was wonderful that tiny, sick babies could be helped so much and so easily though the generosity of other moms. Now, after working here, watching these babies grow and thrive, and seeing how our donor moms help so much, I know first-hand what a very special place this is.
TAYLOR ANDERSON
Outpatient Coordinator
During my nursing program at the University of Calgary, I was one of the lucky students who got to spend a semester working in the NICU, postpartum and labor and delivery unit. It quickly became obvious to me that this area of nursing was where I wanted to begin my career. I knew about the Milk Bank as I used donor human milk often during my time in the NICU. I contacted the Milk Bank to start volunteering. Shortly after, I was very excited to be able to apply for a job and to become a part of such a truly wonderful organization and am happy to have found this unique niche.
JESSICA WHITMORE
Donor Coordinator
After the birth of my first child, like so many mothers, I experienced incredible stress in the early days of learning how to nurse my baby. It was during this time that I learned of NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank, and the admirable work of donor moms and the Milk Bank team. Coupled with my own experiences and an education in Psychology, I developed an enduring passion to advocate for women’s and children’s health and well-being. The opportunity to join the Milk Bank team has allowed me to realize this passion. I am so humbled and grateful to be a part of this inspiring community.
CHELSEA TEEPELL
Administrative Coordinator
I've always wanted to do work that makes a meaningful difference, and that's exactly what I found at NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank. My background is in administration within both healthcare and education, and I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I'm grateful to work alongside such a passionate team that's dedicated to supporting vulnerable families and medically fragile infants. One of my favourite parts of my role is connecting with our community and sharing the stories that show the incredible impact of donor human milk. It's so rewarding to know that the work we do helps make a difference in the lives of families across Canada.
SYDNEY SAWATSKY
FATIMA YUGUDA
VANIA CAMARGO
Operations Manager
I am a girl from Brazil who fell in love with Canada when studying for a year at the University of Manitoba as an exchange student. After obtaining my M.Sc in Biotechnology back home, I moved to Calgary and worked in retail for a few years. Then, I got an opportunity in an environmental lab, but I still missed applying science to something meaningful that would impact people's lives. When I came across NorthernStar, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. I am so grateful to be part of this amazing team, where I can apply my scientific background to help provide such a vital source of nutrients to babies all over Canada.
KRIS DESJARDINS
Laboratory Systems Specialist
I first learned of milk banking when my best friend volunteered at NorthernStar. The beautiful stories I heard inspired me to volunteer on days off from my previous profession – I worked in a lab setting in funeral service for several years, having studied human sciences and embalming. Soon after, I transitioned to working full-time in the lab at NorthernStar. This community is supportive, compassionate and uplifting; I am so fortunate to be included, and so proud to ensure the precious donations we receive are handled safely so babies in need can get well and thrive.
MARIJA SKEPAROVSKA
Pasteurization Specialist
Coming from Macedonia with an extensive background as a nurse and degree in Quality and Safety of milk and dairy products, I had an opportunity to put my knowledge, experience and education in use at Northernstar Mothers Milk Bank. When I learned of Northernstar Mothers Milk Bank I was lucky that I got a chance to work as Lab Technician and be part of this wonderful team.
HAJIRA NUR
Pasteurizing Technician
Before joining NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank as a Pasteurizing Technician, I worked in research and development in the food safety industry, helping ensure food was safe to eat while maintaining its original quality. I hold a Bachelor of Science and an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, and have several years of experience in the food safety industry. I'm proud to be part of the incredible team at NorthernStar, helping provide safe donor milk to give vulnerable babies the healthiest possible start in life.
