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ABOUT

Who We Are

We are interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral; Our members and our focus encompass community services, housing, continuing care, health care, education, research, and policy leadership. We connect evidence and policy with experiential insights to advance a culture and community for systemic change.

Mission

Our mission is to advance health and social systems policy, education, and practice in Alberta. We are inspired by a future where older persons are engaged and empowered, living in inclusive communities with social connections, and accessing care and services that enhance their quality of life. As a province-wide interdisciplinary, non-profit organization, we strive to make this vision a reality.

Values

In a spirit of collaboration and open communications and working in partnership with older persons, service providers, policy leaders, researchers, educators, and students, we:

  • Connect to understand needs and opportunities for change related to issues affecting older adults.
  • Provide evidence-informed information and expertise and thought leadership and policy advocacy to enable system transformation.
  • Recognize contributions of members with achievement awards and support students with scholarships.

AAG History

1975: A small group of system leaders and seniors’ advocates create a new a new membership -based, not-for-profit organization to be a catalyst for the future of continuing care, a new priority for the Ministry of Health at the time (remember the Broda Report!). AAG was unique with its interdisciplinary focus, emphasizing research, education, and practice to advance the field of gerontology.

Today: AAG’s vision is stronger and more crucial than ever as Alberta’s aging population is growing rapidly. By 2031, the number of people over age 65 will double. This presents an opportunity for our province to evolve its healthcare system, integrating services across sectors, to meet people’s need and serving people and empower the workforce.

Strategic Plan

Our refined strategic plan prioritizes actionable outcomes across five challenge areas.

  1. System Transformation
  2. Ecosystems for Living Well
  3. Technology & Innovation
  4. Workforce & Caregiver Support
  5. Culture Change

AAG’s Strategic Plan has been sharpened to focus AAG work in three areas which build on the foregoing strategic intentions.

AAG VISION

A leading force for healthy aging & enhanced quality of life for older Albertans.

STRATEGIC GOALS 2025/26 TO 2028/29

1. CULTURE, PRACTICE & POLICY CHANGE
  • Focus: Propose & promote culture, practice & policy change for system transformation (cross reference challenge areas)
  • Evolve Futures Policy Forum
  • Promote Knowledge Mobilization Events
  • Develop policy submissions provincially & nationally
2. CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS
  • Focus: Expand opportunities for cross-sector practice & policy discussion & engagement
  • Formalize partnerships for cross-sector practice & policy development
  • Cohost meetings, workshops, conferences
  • Communicate qualitative & quantitative outcomes for stakeholder engagement
3. MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
  • Focus: Increase activities that retain & attract members (key to AAG sustainability & relevance)
  • Diversify focus & location of networking events
  • Diversify content in AAG Communique, both News & Views & scholarly topics through AAGMag
  • Seek benefits in partner events for AAG members

AAG APPROACH

s a provincial, non-profit, multi-disciplinary organization, we connect leaders across sectors advancing the ADKAR model for system/organizational change.

AAG MISSION

Advance health & social systems policy, education, inspired by a future where older persons are engaged & empowered, living in inclusive communities with social connections, accessing care & services that enhance their quality of life.

Our Board

Board Members are elected for three-year terms and may have two terms. Annual updating of Board composition is managed by the ad hoc Recruitment and Development Committee.

Marlene Raasok, MHA

President & Goal 2:
Policy Committee Chair

Marlene Raasok has dedicated her career to enhancing services and supports for older adults through leadership in healthcare, education, policy, and community development. She began her work in aging with her Master of Health Services Administration thesis at the University of Alberta, followed by policy and planning roles with the Department of Hospitals and Medical Care and senior leadership positions with Extendicare, Carewest, and the Calgary Health Region. In post-secondary education leadership roles, Marlene advanced initiatives to better prepare graduates to support older adults and helped establish the collaborative structure for the Research Institute for Aging at Conestoga College. Now retired and living in Airdrie, she continues to contribute through volunteer leadership focused on healthy aging, innovation, and community collaboration, including serving as Chair of the Good Samaritan Society.

Sharon Anderson, PhD

Past President

Sharon Anderson is a Family Gerontologist who brings a unique combination of lived caregiving experience, academic expertise, and research knowledge to the Alberta Association of Gerontology Board. She completed her PhD in Research on Aging, Policies and Practice at the University of Alberta, following graduate studies in Health Promotion and Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. Sharon has contributed to aging and social support research through roles with the University of Alberta’s Social Support Research Program and currently works as a Research Coordinator with Dr. Jasneet Parmar. Drawing from both her research background and her experience as a family caregiver for her mother, Sharon is committed to advancing understanding and support for older adults, families, and caregivers.

Lynn Haugen, RN

Executive Director, LKR Care Excellence Consulting
Vice President and Chair,
Governance Committee

Lynn Haugen is a seasoned healthcare leader with over 40 years of experience in seniors’ health, continuing care, and healthcare operations. Throughout her career, she has held various clinical, operational, and executive leadership roles, successfully leading interdisciplinary teams, managing multi-site operations, and overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets.

Her areas of expertise include regulatory compliance, accreditation (such as CARF, CCHSS, Accreditation Canada, and Alberta Accommodation Standards), workforce engagement, and policy development, with a strong emphasis on person-centered and culturally responsive care. Lynn has also guided organizations through complex change initiatives, including the implementation of electronic medical records and responses to the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring the continuity of care for vulnerable populations.

In addition to her extensive healthcare experience, Lynn has nearly two decades of leadership experience on boards and in community initiatives, including the Tofield Health Foundation and various provincial programs. She is dedicated to championing innovative, evidence-based approaches to aging in place, caregiver support, and systemic improvement. Lynn’s collaborative approach and strategic insight position her as a valuable contributor to advancing the goals of the Alberta Association of Gerontology.

Dr. Denise Milne, PhD, Psych

Executive Director, Alberta Continuing Care Association
Board Secretary

Dr. Denise Milne is the Executive Director of the Alberta Continuing Care Association (ACCA), where she advocates for organizations and partners supporting Albertans in the continuing care sector. A respected leader in mental health, social work, and health system administration, Denise has held executive roles with CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health, the Alberta Mental Health Board, and the Government of Alberta. She has also served as a management consultant, Chair of the Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, and a member of Alberta’s Mental Health Review Panel. Denise holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and multiple graduate degrees in social work, administration, and counselling psychology. She is an advanced practice clinical social worker, registered provisional psychologist, educator, and frequent presenter with more than 30 years of clinical practice serving individuals, couples, and families.


French Lau, BCom, CA

Controller, Lifestyle Options Retirement Communities,
Treasurer

French Lau is the Controller for Lifestyle Options Retirement Communities, where he supports the financial operations of senior living communities in Edmonton and the surrounding area. He is passionate about improving the seniors’ care continuum and reducing pressures on the healthcare system by supporting transitions from acute care back into community-based living. With more than 10 years of experience in public practice and industry, French brings expertise in financial reporting, accounting, and organizational stewardship. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with Distinction from the University of Alberta and earned his Chartered Accountant designation with PwC.

Kelly Baskerville, RN, MN (Aging), GNC(C), CPAFH

Executive Director, ICCER
Member at Large, Awards & Scholarships Committee Chair

Kelly is the Executive Director for ICCER (Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research), Research Coordinator at the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing, and Nursing Education and Practice Lead for Caregiver Centered Care at the University of Alberta.
She has extensive leadership and governance experience through AGNA, CGNA, CASN, and AAG-related initiatives, including the Stakeholder Collaborative Committee, Workforce Think Tank, Still Me Leaders and Next Practices Forums.

Yinfei Duan, PhD, RN

TREC, UofA, Edmonton
Member at Large

Yinfei Duan is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta and an emerging researcher in the field of long-term care. Her research explores the relationship between work environments, quality of care, staff well-being, and the successful implementation of improvement initiatives in long-term care settings. Prior to joining the faculty, Yinfei completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship with the Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) program at the University of Alberta. She earned her PhD in Nursing from the University of Minnesota, where her research examined culture change practices in long-term care and their impact on residents’ quality of life, care outcomes, and family satisfaction. Yinfei is committed to advancing evidence-informed approaches that enhance the experiences of both residents and care providers.

Rose Joudi, PhD, Psych

Senior Advisor, Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
HelpAge Canada
Member at Large

Dr. Rose Joudi is a researcher, educator, and advocate advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in aging. As Senior Advisor, Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with HelpAge Canada, she leads initiatives supporting older adults who experience systemic barriers and works to promote more inclusive policies and practices. Her research and expertise focus on ethnocultural diversity, elder abuse prevention, ageism, and culturally responsive approaches to care. Dr. Joudi has led community-based research initiatives, including working with Carya’s The Way In Network, collaborating with governments, service providers, and community partners to strengthen supports for diverse older adults. She serves as a Board Director with the Alberta Association on Gerontology and has contributed to organizations including the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the Alberta Council on Aging.

Raeesa Kassam, RN

Member at Large

Raeesa is a Registered Nurse with Alberta Health Services, where she has worked for the past six years. Her passion lies in geriatric and seniors’ health, and her professional experience includes acute geriatric care, long-term care, public health, home care, and case management. She obtained her Gerontology Nursing Certification with the Canadian Nurses Association in November 2024 and continues to pursue opportunities for growth and learning in geriatric care. Raeesa also volunteers with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary and the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and she was recently appointed as a Board Member with the Alberta Association of Gerontology. In this role, she hopes to further contribute to policy development, advocacy, and the holistic health and well-being of the older adult population.

Barb Kathol, MN

Chief Operating Officer, Carewest Innovative Health Care, Calgary
Member at Large

Barb Kathol previously held the role of Senior Operating Officer for the Peter Lougheed Centre and the Alberta Kidney Care – South and Transplant programs. During her healthcare career, Barb has held many leadership positions including Senior Program Officer with the Connect Care Clinical Operations Team Executive Director including for the Emergency Department, Medicine, Ambulatory areas, Gastroenterology services, Allied Health, and many other subspecialty programs. Barb holds a Master of Nursing from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Nursing (with Distinction). In addition, she is a graduate of the AHS Executive Education program. In addition to her current role, Barb is a member of the Alberta Association of Nurses Board of Directors, the Mosaic PCN Board of Directors, and is a regular volunteer with the Calgary Food Bank.

Tammy Lautner, RSW

Founder & CEO, Peace of Mind Concierge, Edmonton
Member at Large

Tammy is the CEO and owner of Peace of Mind Concierge Inc. and a Registered Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience supporting older adults and their families. Her career has included leadership roles in long-term care, community outreach, seniors’ financial assistance programs with the Government of Alberta, and as Director of Family and Community Support Services for the City of Fort Saskatchewan. Tammy has served on the Alberta College of Social Workers’ Discipline Committee for over a decade and is a member of the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council’s Ageism Committee. She is passionate about helping seniors and family caregivers navigate aging with confidence, compassion, and practical support, while fostering meaningful connections that enhance quality of life.

Kevin Mah, MBA, CPA, CMA

Vice-President, Corporate Services & CFO
Greater Edmonton Foundation (GEF) Seniors Housing
Member at Large

Kevin is a finance executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the seniors’ affordable housing and non-profit sectors. He has also operated a successful financial consulting practice specializing in the seniors’ sector. Passionate about supporting older adults, Kevin is committed to strong financial stewardship, accountability, and organizational excellence. He is an active community volunteer who has contributed his expertise to numerous charitable and benevolent organizations.

Beth Mansell, MPH

Provincial Social Prescribing Project Manager
Healthy Aging Alberta
Goal 3: Nominating Committee Chair – Member at Large

Beth Mansell was the 2020 AAG Edmonton Chapter Student Award when she was pursuing her Master’s of Public Health with a focus on health policy and management at the U of Alberta. She brings a wealth of experience in the Seniors Serving Sector. Currently, Beth is the Provincial Social Prescribing Project Manager with Healthy Aging Alberta. She was Strategic Project and Operations Manager at Sage Seniors Association in Edmonton. She served as the Co-chair of the Age-Friendly Community in Edmonton.

Paige Murphy, RN

Member at Large

Paige Murphy is a Registered Nurse with Alberta Health Services. Her Nursing experience includes acute neurology, neurosurgery and stroke care but she has always had a passion for working with older adults. She has 10 years experience working in healthcare, including research at the Cross Cancer Institute. She has volunteered with various Long Term Care facilities both in Edmonton and Calgary, and served as the Vice President of Alberta Council on Aging. She has a strong desire to advocate for and provide support to older adults in healthcare.

Marie Owen

Member at Large

Marie brings exceptional senior leadership in healthcare quality, patient safety, accreditation, and system improvement, with experience across acute care, continuing care, provincial, national, and international settings.

She has strong governance and quality oversight experience, including service on the Health Quality Council of Alberta Board and the Capital Care Advisory Committee.

Jocelyn Rempel

Chair, Older Adult Health, Mount Royal University
Member at Large

Jocelyn Rempel is a Gerontological Nurse and educator who has taught in the Nursing Program at Mount Royal University since 2006. With clinical experience in acute care, pediatrics, oncology, and gerontology, she has dedicated her career to improving care for older adults. Her experience includes serving as a Geriatric Nurse Consultant and as a medical member of the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals for the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security. Jocelyn has led the integration of gerontological content into Mount Royal University’s nursing curriculum and is recognized for building strong community partnerships and advancing excellence in gerontological education and practice.

Patty Wickson, RRT, CHE, eMBA, FCSRT

Director, Research & Innovation, the Brenda Strafford Foundation
Member at Large

Patty Wickson is the newly appointed Director, Research & Innovation with the Brenda Strafford Foundation/Centre for Learning, Innovation & Quality. She is a healthcare executive with strong expertise in leading innovation and system transformation in Canada’s health sector. As a former Executive Director at Alberta Health Services, she developed and led innovation strategies that advanced patient-centered care, digital health, and healthcare commercialization through partnerships with industry, government, and academia. A Certified Health Executive (CHE), Patty has expertise in innovation assessment, change management, Lean Six Sigma, Design Thinking, and evidence-based implementation. She is recognized for building high-performing teams, leading complex organizational change, implementing clinical information systems, and influencing health policy at the provincial and national levels. Patty holds credentials as an RRT, CHE, eMBA, and FCSRT.

Alberta Association on Gerontology is a not-for-profit organization registered with the Alberta Societies Act and the Canada Revenue Agency.

We are committed to balancing our revenues and expenditures each year.

  • The major source of revenue is Membership Fees.
  • Expenses required to operate AAG include a Webmaster, part-time Communications Assistant, part-time Bookkeeper, insurance, and business supplies and materials.
  • Grants are targeted to specific initiatives.
  • Revenue generation activities (like networking dinners) help balance the budget.
  • Donations and sponsorships are essential to be able to provide awards and undertake special initiatives (such as webinars) that are not supported by grants.

YOUR DONATION will make a difference:

AAG currently offers THREE (3) cash AWARDS for students furthering their education as Health Care Aides or for post-graduate studies in nursing or allied health.

We are seeking FIVE (5) Cash Awards to add undergraduate awards for BScN and Allied Health Degrees/Diplomas

You can donate using our DONATION Form (link/button located below) .

To discuss your ideas for sponsorship awards, specific projects or events in 2024-25, please contact us at info@albertaaging.ca.

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