The South Alberta Community Board has nine members from communities throughout southern Alberta. The PDD South Board ensures our mandate is aligned with our goal of true recognition, acceptance and inclusion of every person and culture.

Some of the responsibilities of our Board include:

• Developing a plan for services within our communities
• Working with service providers to make sure individuals get the support they need to live and work productively in their communities
• Promoting a community vision of inclusion and equality

Bob Bartlett of Lethbridge has worked for more than 30 years in government and the private sector, including ten years as the city manager with the City of Lethbridge. He is very active in his community and has served on a wide variety of boards and clubs, including serving as a board member and co-chair of the Southwest Child and Family Services Authority, past president of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Hockey Alberta Foundation. In 2009, Bob was appointed to the PDD South Region Community Board. Bob’s experience and networking abilities are instrumental in promoting inclusive communities.

Henry Heinen of Picture Butte is a retired Junior/Senior High School teacher and vice-principal who served on the Picture Butte Chamber of Commerce. Henry is currently a member of the Southwest Child and Family Services Authority Board. Henry and his wife have been foster parents for 28 years and currently foster 3 children. They have 3 biological children as well as 9 grandchildren. Henry was appointed to the PDD South Region Community Board in 2007.

Thomas Hopkins of Lethbridge has served as a board member with the Rehabilitation Society of Lethbridge and was appointed to the PDD South Region Community Board in 2007. Tom started his career with the City of Lethbridge as a lifeguard. He held management positions with Transit and Leisure Facilities prior to becoming Manager of Recreation, Parks and Culture. During his time with the City of Lethbridge, he oversaw the development of a Recreation and Culture Master Plan, a Parks, Bicycle and Pathways Master Plan and a Sport and Recreation Policy. Tom has also worked with several not-for-profit organizations locally and provincially. He is past president of the Recreation Facility Personnel Association of Alberta. Tom is a skilled facilitator and instructor and continues to teach leadership courses throughout the province.

Sandra Moritz of Medicine Hat has 34 years experience as a teacher focusing on program development for people who are hearing impaired and for persons with developmental disabilities from pre-school to grade 12. She has served on a number of boards and committees, including the Medicine Hat Rehabilitation Society - REDI Enterprises for 18 years where she served eight years as chair. In the past, Sandra served as a board member for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) South Region Community Board and was reappointed to the Board in 2009. Sandra is well known and connected in the city of Medicine Hat.

Sahra Nodge of Pincher Creek was born in Craik, Saskatchewan and raised in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Sahra has lived in Victoria, British Columbia, Oakland, California, Vancouver BC, and Twin Butte, Alberta. She admires outdoor beauty, and enjoys participating in stimulating discussions. Sahra has experience as a personal care and home support worker, a window washer, social justice advocate, and working in a deli. She currently owns and operates Bridges Natural Foods in Pincher Creek. Sahra is a councillor for the Town of Pincher Creek and is actively involved in a number of municipal committees as part of her role as councillor. She has also been involved with Southern Alberta Sustainable Communities Initiative; Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek and Children’s World Day Care. In 2011, Sahra was appointed to the PDD South Region.

Fred Nowicki of Lethbridge has extensive leadership experience, including being a past director of Human Resources Development Canada in the Northwest Territories and Southern Alberta. He has a background in human services, has designed and taught woodworking and physical education programs at the Christine Meikle School for Disabled Children in Calgary, implemented Aboriginal child care programs, and was a direct service coordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association for Calgary and Southern Alberta. Fred has served on several boards, including the Southern Alberta Community Living Association and as director and campaign chairman of the United Way. In 2009, Fred was appointed to the PDD South Region Community Board.

Leo VandenHeuvel of Lethbridge is retired from municipal government where he obtained experience with risk and financial management, administration and business negotiations. He also brings strong communication and relationship-building skills to the Board. Leo was appointed to the PDD South Board in 2007.