About US

Board Chair and Grants – Samantha Ulmer

My husband and I moved to this wonderful community 11 years ago and have been blessed to make our home here. I joined the Project H.O.P.E. family in 2015 and have served as Grant Coordinator since 2018 and Chair of our Board since 2020. Having worked with people of all abilities for over 15 years, my passion is working with students as a teacher, coach, mentor, and community member; helping them reach their full potential. I believe that every student can find success with the right team around them, including the amazing therapies offered through Project H.O.P.E. 

Board Secretary – Alaina Heming

It is my honour to have served on the Project H.O.P.E. board since 2018. As a parent of a participant in Project H.O.P.E., I have seen and experienced how life-changing these therapies can be for students and families. My daughter, an individual who does not use verbal communication, has thrived and found her voice in music therapy, a space where she can be her authentic self and share her love of music with others. Adapted phys ed has offered her the opportunities to try new sports and play games at a level that showcases her abilities.

I am currently taking a diploma in Disability Studies at Bow Valley College, so that I can help other individuals like my Maggie, develop their passions, find their courage and live their best lives. I reside in Strathmore with my partner Torie and our three children.

Board Director and Board of Education Coordinator – Linda Tucker

When I first became a teacher for the Golden Hills School Division back in the late nineties, I was immediately drawn to the incredible youth in the Project HOPE program at Wheatland Junior High school. I wanted to help, so I quickly became a Project HOPE Board member and served for several years as a young educator and community member. As the years passed, I became a school Principal and have been able to work more closely with exceptional children and families in a variety of ways. Since 2013, I have had the privilege of serving in the role of the GHSD program coordinator for Project HOPE. This position has allowed me to work more closely with each of our participating schools, the program therapists and be more connected to the families we serve. It has been my pleasure to work directly with the Project HOPE Board members as we collaborate on our fundraising efforts and community support to continue to offer programming in Music Therapy and Adaptive Physical Education to children during the school day. I am honoured to be in this role representing the Golden Hills School Division and serving the children, youth and families of Wheatland County.

Board Vice Chair and Public Relations –  Bobbi-Jo Penna

I have been an Educational Assistant at Crowther Memorial Junior High School, in the Strive Program, since November 2007. I have equally been involved on the Project H.O.P.E. Board since then as well.
Project H.O.P.E. is an organization that I am very passionate to be involved in. I have seen first hand how the therapies bring so much to the students. Through Music Therapy and Adapted Physical Education these students are able to continuously grow and flourish with such a sense of accomplishment and self confidence. I am honoured to be a part of something so beneficial for students in our community.

Board Director, Website Developer and Sponsor Coordinator-  Amber Aldridge

I joined the Project H.O.P.E. board in December of 2021. I am a stay-at-home mother with four children, the youngest of which has Tuberous Sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Autism plus other medical and mental issues; she is the reason I joined Project H.O.P.E.  She has been part of the program for the past since grade 1 and it has done wonders for her ability to interact with her peers and learn to navigate and even overcome some of her sensation issues. She also feels more free to express herself and be who she is with less pressure to adhere to the expectations of a neurotypical child her age. Plus it’s fun, she loves to show me yoga moves, some of which took her 2 years to master, she is very proud of herself, as am I.

Board Director – Scott Haines

I moved to Strathmore almost 2 years ago from Northern Ontario with my wife, Elsie. I have been a teacher for over 20 years and I am currently an ALP (Adapted Learning Program) teacher at Thomas B Riley in Calgary.  I have been a Board of Director for the Northwest Training and Adjustment Board (NTAB) and the Indigenous Sport & Wellness of Ontario (ISWO) prior to moving to Alberta. I look forward to working with a great team and community.

Board Director – Natalie Johnstone

Comedian and Former Radio Host, she now works at Rosebud Theatre.  She is happily using her entertainment business skills to help Project H.O.P.E. achieve further success.

Board Director – Kelly Down

Mother of a boy with exceptionalities who is the center of her world, she is passionate about helping him and other children like him develop while she still is working full time at OJ’s in Strathmore.

Currently Seeking:

Board Treasurer – Requires some financial background.  This is a volunteer position were we meet once a month.  If you are interested in this position contact Bobbi – Jo Penna @ 403-804-3101

Board Director – We are always in need of members for our board of directors, no experience necessary.  If you are interested visit our Contact Page and we will be happy to get back to you soon.