Barrier Free Saskatchewan Board Member Bios
Robin East – President
Robin East has a Bachelor Degree in Social Work, a Certificate In Rehabilitation Personal Development, and Professional International certificates in Adaptive Technologies and Accessibility Guidelines. In 2021 he became a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) – International Association of Accessibility Professionals. He has worked as a Teacher Associate, a Behavioural Therapist, and currently, an Officer with the Federal Public Service .
Robin recently completed an interchange with the canadian Human rights commission Accessible Canada Act Compliance division and is currently working in the Chief Accessibility Service Directorate. Now, add to this over forty years of volunteer work with the Community, the Union, the Province of Saskatchewan, a number of national charitable advocacy organizations, as well as local accessibility and advocacy Not For Profits to give perspective to his lived experience.
robin coined the phrase, “An advocate is like a catalyst that mixes with an ally and inspires empowerment”. He believes in working with ally’s to overcome barriers and address common issues. He has been involved in advocacy since the early 80’s and continues to be a strong leader in which ever role he takes on.
Brenda Edel – Vice President
Brenda was a founding member of Barrier Free Saskatchewan and has served as BFSK Vice President since 2016, working alongside a determined group of fellow advocates working towards a strong Saskatchewan Accessibilities Legislation.
Brenda is active in her union, currently the President of Unifor Workers With Disabilities Prairie Region, At her work place she is the President of the internal disability Affinity Network and sits on the joint employer/union Equity Committee.
Brenda is a passionate volunteer in her community, developing and implementing social policies that ensure equality to everyone. She has been successful in changing social policies in the communities she has lived in.
Brenda was a CNIB Champion team member, succeeding in efforts in lobbying the government acquiring $500,000 in funding for a CNIB Vision Loss Rehabilitation program.
Brenda’s favourite quote is from Martin Luther King “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”.
BFSK is my family. We all work together as a team advocating for Saskatchewan citizens who identify with disability and we all have our own external advocacy efforts that brings a powerful knowledge pool to the BFSK table! Being a part of BFSK brings me joy and energy!
Charlene Young – Secretary
Charlene has been blind since birth due to degenerative Anophthalmia which is where her eyes didn’t fully develop due to a lack of blood supply. Charlene is an Assistive Technology Specialist for Vision Loss Rehabilitation Saskatchewan and she is very dedicated to her job and to her clients.
Charlene is a strong advocate for people with disabilities. She believes in equality for all people and works on breaking down barriers related to misconceptions and stigmas that people like her face on a day-to-day basis. She doesn’t consider her blindness as a disability, just a small obstacle in her life!
“focus on the abilities and not the disability”
Chelsea Wisser – Treasurer
Chelsea Wisser has her Bachelor of Commerce Degree, Supply Chain Management Designation and is currently completing her Bookkeeping Practitioners Certificate. She is the Executive Director for The Ability Hub YXE and has over 7 years of progressive experience in promoting diverse abilities and mental health, advocating for proactive inclusion, accessibility, and integration of individuals with disabilities or health conditions. She has 3 years of experience serving on the City of Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee, presently as the Chairperson and 4 years of experience serving on the Board of Directors of Barrier Free Saskatchewan, presently as the Treasurer.
Terri Sleeva – Director
Terri Sleeva devotes her life to the struggle for peace and justice. She dedicates herself to concerns ranging from anti-poverty, anti-racism, disability, and human rights, to the environmental justice and anti-war movements. She is also a constant ally in Indigenous peoples’ struggle for justice. Terri is active in a variety of roles, with experience in policy development, advocacy, community building, communications and services.
Susana Deranger – Director
Su Deranger has been a strong voice for social justice and disability rights for many years. She has worked on a variety of initiatives and projects nationally, provincially, locally, and internationally. Su has a passion for the unity of all peoples, the protection of Mother Earth, and the creation of an equitable barrier free society for all. She is a proud member of Barrier Free Saskatchewan and is part of its Executive Committee as well. She has four children, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren who motivate her to strive for a better world.