Caring is in our DNA
AWARD WINNING
About Us
Dare to Care was founded in 1999 to address the pervasive and crippling impact that bullying continues to have on children, youth and adults to this day. In 2018 this program expanded to the sports sector where it has made a meaningful, immediate and lasting impact. Today Dare to Care is the most practical and comprehensive bully prevention program in Canada. This proven and award-winning program has worked with more than one million participants across Canada and continues to create communities where bullying behaviour is unacceptable and kindness becomes the dominant force.
Empower communities with the skills & courage to prevent bullying so everyone can prosper in life, learning, and play.
Mission
Vision
Thriving communities where every individual has a sense of belonging.
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Values
C.A.R.E. Connection Advocacy, Relevancy and Excellence.
CONNECTION
ADVOCACY
RELEVANCY
EXCELLENCE
We believe that people are the center point of everything we do and strive to create trusted relationships where individuals feel valued,
respected and have a true sense of belonging.
We have the courage to tackle and be a voice for a complex and crippling issue that impacts children, youth and adults in all aspects of life.
We will continue to deliver impactful and innovative content which will require creative-thinking collaboration, continuous learning and leadership.
We will always go the extra mile to ensure superior program development and delivery while paving the way to be leaders in the space of bullying prevention.
HELLO FROM THE DARE TO CARE TEAM!
Meet Our Team
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We are a group of dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds who believe in creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
At Dare to Care we understand the harmful impact of bullying and its long-lasting impacts on individuals. We have assembled a team of passionate professionals committed to making a difference.
We believe in the power of knowledge and actively work to educate and foster healthy relationships among students, parents, educators, athletes, teams, coaches, referees, workplaces and the community at large.
Our innovative programs and workshops aim to empower individuals with the tools and strategies needed to prevent bullying. We provide practical guidance for recognizing and addressing bullying behaviours and promoting empathy, kindness, and respect.
Together, we can make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
Your's in caring,
The Dare to Care Team
Executive Director
Lisa Dixon-Wells
Sport Program Director
Mathieu Constantin
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Marketing & Community Engagement Lead
Raine Paul
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Raine Paul joined Dare to Care as a facilitator in 2022. She is passionate about the potential sport can have in creating social change and is motivated to build positive, inclusive and accessible sporting environments. Raine earned her Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Graphic Design & Journalism) and MBA from California Baptist University where she played four seasons of Div 1 NCAA water polo.
As a three time Team Canada Age Group National Team coach, Raine is a fierce advocate for women and girls in sport and has often been a trailblazer in her sports community. Additionally, Raine is the co-founder and co-host of the Sporting Change Podcast which raises awareness on diversity, equity and inclusion topics in the Canadian sports landscape. Raine’s coaching experience, advocacy, communication and leadership skills make her a great addition to the Dare to Care team.
Mathieu Constantin is an experienced coach, athletic director, leader and decorated athlete. Originally from Montreal, Mat moved to Calgary in 2009 to train with the Canadian Men’s National Water Polo Team where he competed at numerous events representing Team Canada. Mat has coached at the community, high performance, provincial and national levels. Coaching with incredible passion, integrity and patience, Mat is committed to creating sport cultures where everyone feels welcomed and respected.
Mat joins Dare to Care with a Bachelor of kinesiology, with a focus on pedagogy and coaching, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. His professional experience includes working with various not-for-profit organizations where he has acted in leadership/management roles and worked as a youth mentor for community investment projects. Mat works with Raine as the co-founder and co-host of the Sporting Change Podcast.
Lisa Dixon-Wells has been working in schools across Western Canada since 1990. After completing her M.Ed in Educational Psychology Lisa’s focus has been on Comprehensive Guidance and Bully Prevention. As the founder of Dare to Care, Lisa’s work has focused on early prevention and intervention in schools, sport organizations and communities. Through professional development, parent information nights and classroom facilitation (including assemblies, student forums, and role playing), Lisa has helped over 2000 schools, youth organizations and corporations create and maintain safe and caring environments.
Lisa is a former member of the Canadian National Swim Team and World Masters Swimming Champion. In 2015, Lisa was inducted into the University of Calgary Sports Hall of Fame. The Dare to Care sports program lets Lisa merge her passions: Youth education, community impact and sport.
Facilitator
Julie Booke
Facilitator
Freya Szmidt
Facilitator
Hollen Wells
Hollen Wells joined Dare to Care as a facilitator in 2023. Hollen comes from a background of psychology, having completed her Psychology undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary. She furthered her education by becoming a Child and Youth Care Counselor, with extensive education and knowledge surrounding child and youth mental health, trauma informed practices, and therapeutic care. She is passionate about being a strong advocate to increase the mental health of children and youth across Canada, as well as creating safe and fun environments for all.
Additionally, Hollen comes from a sporting background, having been a competitive swimmer as well as a competitive swim coach. This sporting background allows Hollen to connect with athletes and coaches to create a safe sporting environment.
Freya Szmidt joined the Dare to Care team as a facilitator in 2023. She is driven by creating and encouraging psychological safety for all- in sport and beyond. Freya has experienced the positive impact of sport first-hand after representing England, Great Britain and the University Calgary Dinos for basketball and track & field. Freya is passionate about the learning and unlearning process necessary for the endeavour towards accessible, united and safe spaces for all.
Freya completed her BSc in Kinesiology with a major in mind sciences, and has background in Neuro-Visual Optometry. She has a deep understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness of one’s neurology and experiences. Beyond her playing career, she coached young, aspiring athletes, along with elite level basketball players. She was VP of a club geared towards building community for sporting events which exercised her skills of building cohesion between a variety of
people.
Julie Booke completed a Bachelors of Recreation Studies at the University of Manitoba. After completing her undergraduate degree she worked for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School before returning to the University of Manitoba to complete a Master of Arts degree focusing on the impact of wilderness education on youth at risk. Julie’s PhD is from the University of Calgary in the Department of Graduate Division of Educational Research. Her dissertation focused on the impact of an educational development program on university instructors teaching assumptions, philosophies and practices. Her teaching areas include leadership, communication, program planning, and issues and trends within the field of sport and recreation management. Her research focuses on behavior in sport and educational development.
Facilitator
Hilary Annich
Facilitator
Alex Roger
School Program Mktg Coordinator
Jessica Coomber
A passionate advocate for bullying prevention, Jessica "Jess" Coomber's journey with Dare to Care began a decade ago when she was introduced to the organization and instantly connected with its cause. Understanding the need for funding to support Dare to Care's impactful work in schools across Canada, Jess put her creative prowess to work and conceived an ambitious plan to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest lemonade stand in the world.
With unwavering determination, Jess rallied over 250 companies to join her in this endeavour, uniting the community in raising vital funds for Dare to Care. This initiative raised essential financial support and awareness for the cause, highlighting the importance of bullying prevention.
Through this initiative, Jess established a strong partnership with Dare to Care and continued to support the organization's marketing needs as a contractor over the years. Jess is thrilled to transition into a formal role within the Dare to Care team, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for bully prevention to the forefront.
Alex completed his Masters Degree in Sport Management & Leadership from Western University and currently acts as a Certified NCCP Learning Facilitator for multiple national and provincial sport organizations. With a passion for sport development and coaching & safe sport, Alex has dedicated his career to fostering growth and excellence in the athletic community. As a former varsity rower & current highschool coach, he brings firsthand experience of elite competition to their current role as a High Performance Manager at Cross Country Ski - Ontario, where he works closely with a diverse range of athletes and coaches to optimize training programs and performance outcomes.
In his role, Alex leverages a deep understanding of sports science, leadership principles, coach training & athlete development to drive success at the highest levels. His work involves creating tailored training strategies, managing athlete development pathways, and supporting high-performance environments. With a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, Alex is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential while promoting the values of inclusivity, teamwork, and resilience.
Hilary Annich is an experienced coach and leader with a rich background in basketball. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Hilary holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary, where she played for the Dinos Women’s Basketball team. Beyond her playing days, she has over 15 years of coaching experience, mentoring young athletes at high school, club, and provincial levels.
Currently, Hilary is an instructor at League Studio, leading high-intensity interval training sessions and developing personalized fitness programs. She also balances a career in medical device sales and running her own small business. As a former team captain and seasoned coach, Hilary emphasizes community building and safe sport practices, advocating for inclusivity and encouraging participation in sports for all. Her dedication to fostering supportive environments promotes well-being and resilience in those she coaches and mentors.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR PASSION
Meet Our Board
At Dare to Care we are a lean, volunteer-driven organization doing big things. Our Board of Directors brings immense talent, dedication, and heart to their roles.
We take pride in recognizing the brilliant and passionate faces behind the scenes who make our organization thrive. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our work, and we couldn't do it without them. As a result of their unwavering commitment and passion, we have achieved numerous accolades and awards, but more importantly, impacted lives around the world.
Thank You!
Chairperson
Cecilia de la Rocha, CFRE
Executive Director
Lisa Dixon-Wells
Director
Leanne McLean, MSc., CPHR
With a passion for unlocking human potential and facilitating connections to create thriving ecosystems, Leanne McLean brings over two decades of diverse leadership experience to her role as a Board Director and chair of our Human Resources Committee at Dare to Care. Leanne's journey as an executive in entrepreneurial start-ups, public FP & F500 companies, and postsecondary education has equipped her with a unique perspective on optimizing human and organizational performance within both sport and business environments.
Leanne's career journey has been marked by a commitment to operationalizing values to execute on priorities and a keen focus on aligning people, processes, and strategy for maximum impact. As a performance expert, Leanne helps individuals and teams clarify and operationalize purpose, navigate challenges and complexity, enhance their leadership skills, and achieve their full potential. Her approach is deeply rooted in brain-based principles, her relentless pursuit of root causes of friction in organizations, and in fostering meaningful conversations that empower individuals and organizations to thrive.
Lisa Dixon-Wells has been working in schools across Western Canada since 1990. After completing her M.Ed in Educational Psychology Lisa’s focus has been on Comprehensive Guidance and Bully Prevention. As the founder of Dare to Care, Lisa’s work has focused on early prevention and intervention in schools, sport organizations and communities. Through professional development, parent information nights and classroom facilitation (including assemblies, student forums, and role playing), Lisa has helped over 2000 schools, youth organizations and corporations create and maintain safe and caring environments.
Cecilia’s 30 year career has spanned both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. A former professional engineer, Cecilia worked in Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management as a project services engineer on international mining projects before segueing to the non-profit sector.
Cecilia honed her skills as a Certified Fund Raising Executive working in fund development with four Calgary based charities, including the University of Calgary. In this time she has raised more than $10M for operations supporting parenting youth, early literacy programs, post-secondary educational research and K-12 teaching programs, and family violence. Throughout this work, Cecilia’s commitment to children and youth has been a consistent through line.
Cecilia’s past board experience includes many years with the Artemis Charitable Foundation in the capacity of Treasurer, Vice President, President and Past President.
She is passionate about supporting the community she lives and works in and is excited to contribute to the mission and vision of Dare to Care.
Director
Patti Nanne
Director
R.H (Dick) Wilson
Director
Charmaine Richter
Patti Nanne spent 25 years in Corporate Human Resources and completed her career with her own consulting business. Contributing to her community has always been important to her. Patti's volunteer contribution to competitive swimming was recognized by Swim Canada with the Volunteer of the Year award in 2016. The same year she received the Swim Alberta Official of the Year award. Her passion is facilitating inclusive, supportive environments that allow youth to reach for and achieve their dreams.
Dick Wilson first connected with Dare to Care as a Founding Corporate sponsor (Alberta Energy Company) in 1999. He has been a cheerleader from the sidelines as Dare to Care grew from Calgary school presentations to province-wide, and additionally to other provinces and some international subscriptions.
Retired in 2006, Dick’s professional career incorporated media, public affairs, issues management, government relations, and community investment since 1967 when he left his native Quebec for an unknown opportunity in Calgary. Dick did not return to Bishop’s University to complete his Business degree in favour of starting his career path. Dick has held volunteer positions with more than 25 organizations, several of which address issues facing youth in Alberta.
Dick is married to Nancy; they have two married children and five grandchildren.
A native Calgarian, Charmaine obtained a Marketing Management Diploma from Mount Royal University and Bachelor of Management Degree from the University of Lethbridge. Charmaine’s roots run deep in Northwest Calgary and she has many ties to various Community Sport Associations including ringette, hockey & fastball.
Charmaine has sat on various boards in the past, including serving as Vice President for NW Ringette Association for three years. Charmaine currently runs her own successful Real Estate Business and is a member of the top producing Viani Real Estate Group with RE/MAX Real Estate (Central). Prior to real estate, Charmaine spent 20 years immersed in the hospitality & tourism industry. In her role as Director of Sales & Marketing with Copper Point Resort in Invermere BC, she was recognized in 2019 as a Top Person in Business and nominated for Most Influential Woman in Business by Kootenay Business Magazine. When Charmaine is not busy selling real estate you can find her at the rink cheering on her son in hockey or lacrosse or you will find her lacing up her own skates as she is still an active, competitive ringette player with ‘Blaze’ her team of twelve years in Calgary’s Open Ringette League. Charmaine is passionate about serving the community she lives in, the advancement of youth sports and has had a positive impact helping to break barriers for more females to coach youth sports.
OUR PARTNERS
Join the Movement
Dare to Care is incredibly thankful to our wonderful partners and sponsors for their unwavering support in making this world kinder. At Dare to Care, we strongly believe in the power of collaboration and its impact on creating more caring communities. We value partnerships with like-minded organizations that share our belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and included - whether in their school, sport, community, home, or workplace.
If your organization wants to support inclusion, prevent bullying, and spread kindness, we would love to explore a partnership. We have opportunities for sponsorships, collaborative campaigns, employee engagement, and more. Every act of caring matters in creating positive change. Will you join us in our mission? Contact us today to start the conversation.
Director
Kim Tackaberry, M.Ed.
Director
Nathan Kindrachuk
Driven by a passion to create safe and inclusive spaces that facilitate high performance outcomes, Nathan has spent fifteen years working in the sport sector. He has held various roles contributing in local, provincial and national contexts in winter and summer sport, including programming catered to support individuals from marginalized groups. Recently, Nathan has focused on safeguarding athletes, complaint management processes, and supporting strategies to prevent and address maltreatment.
Originally a swimmer, Nathan has personally explored sport participation, physical activity, and coach development through academic, volunteer, and professional roles. He is motivated to support Dare to Care in broadening its ability to prevent bullying in new environments. Nathan enjoys spending time outside, lifting weights, marathon running, and pickleball.
Kim Tackaberry has dedicated 33 years to the field of education, with a strong emphasis on literacy and inclusive practices. She currently serves as a Designer of Professional Learning at the Alberta Professional Learning Consortium, where she creates/delivers professional learning as well as develops online courses to support educators throughout the province. A significant portion of Kim's teaching career was spent at Foothills Academy Society, a specialized school for children with learning disabilities and/or ADHD. Her commitment to education is further reflected in her recent completion of a Master of Education in Literacy from Queen’s University. In 2006, Kim founded the GLOW (Girls Leading Others Wisely) program, an 8-week empowerment and leadership initiative for girls ages 9-14. The GLOW Guides and facilitation training has earned global recognition.
Kim is a devoted hockey and baseball mom to her two sons. She credits trail running in the Rocky Mountains for its lasting benefits to both her physical and mental well-being.