2022-2023 Executive

• President: Melissa Williamson
  
  • Meet Melissa, the president of the Riversdale Community Association. Melissa spent most of her 20s and 30s bouncing around Europe, Australia, Mexico, South America and the west coast. She’s called Riversdale home for the past 5 years and loves this community fiercely. Melissa is a safety consultant for the Ministry of Justice by day, and spends her free time volunteering on various boards and catching live shows. She also loves to spend time with her purring roomies Milo, Mousey and Moo who enjoy watching Riversdale action from the windows. Fun fact: Melissa once shared a bathroom in Scotland with a ghost called the Blue Boy – they made a movie about him starring Emma Thomson.
• Past President: Sam Mark
• Vice-President: Dakota Hebert
  • Dakota is a comedian, actor, and writer who lives in Riversdale; although, she is currently making waves in Los Angeles, performing in a play alongside Julie Bowen (Claire from Modern Family). Along with her sweetheart Dylan, she owns Art Bar on 20th, a creative space they have built up to foster the local arts community and offer a vibrant place for the neighborhood to enjoy. Fun Fact: In 2021, Dakota won the Best Actress award at the American Indian Film Festival for her powerful performance in Run Woman Run. Hollywood is calling! (No, literally, it is.)
• Secretary: Jaeda Smith
  • Jaeda is our awesome Secretary who has lived in Riversdale for five years. When she’s not keeping us organized, she’s running her own coffee company, Precision Coffee, alongside her husband. She’s also a mortgage broker. Lady of many talents! In the summer you can probably find her at the community garden on 19^th or selling coffee with her partner at Gather Local Market. Fun fact: Jaeda plays the harp – she real boujie like that. (Really, she does! She can play the HARP!)
• Treasurer: Mike Patola
  • Mike has deep roots in Riversdale, with his family calling the area home since the 1930s. His grandfather’s legacy lives on through Steve Patola Park at Ave M and 20th, a place named in his honor. Mike kicks around town lending a hand to folks. He helps animals, too! He once jumped into hero mode and performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on a choking dog! He saved the dog! By the way, if you think you’re good at high jumping, we bet you couldn’t beat Mike in high jump in 1978…that’s right, he was the boys high jump champion. He’s GOLD.
• Communication (Social media): Daniel Fuller
  • Meet the Professor. Dan is our social media, website and newsletter guru. He’s called Riversdale home for 12 years (with a fun 5-year detour in Newfoundland). Dan is a professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Evenings and weekends you’ll find him cross-country skiing or volunteering on various boards. He likes to spend time with his wife and two kids outdoors. Do you like French beats? Dan used to be a DJ, driving all around Saskatchewan, playing French music for elementary and high school students! Oui, oui!
• Communication (Newsletter/Webmaster): Daniel Fuller
• Indoor Coordinator: Vacant
• Outdoor Coordinator: Haley Mason
  • Haley is our Program Coordinator who’s been loving life in Riversdale since 2019. Haley is all about spending time outdoors with her kids, exploring the parks, and staying active. Whether it’s golfing, biking, walking, gardening, or cross-country skiing, she’s always up for an adventure. When she’s not soaking in the fresh air, she’s working at RUH, and no matter the weather, she’s riding her bike! Fun fact: Haley played volleyball for the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Volleyball Team—she’s like a for realsy athlete.
• Civics: Gillian Fortlage
  • Our Civics Coordinator, Gillian, was just elected to the board and is already making a big impact! She’s our rockstar lawyer. When not busy in the courtroom or volunteering, she likes to play pickleball and play with her dogs. Ohhhh, she can play SIX instruments! Yeah, we may have to put together a Riversdale Board Band soon. Also, did you know Gillian won a national songwriting competition with Family Channel back in the day?! “Wait. Is she a lawyer or a rockstar?” Good question. Yes.
• Director at Large: Amanda Klassen
  • Amanda has lived in Riversdale for 1 year and we’re so stoked to have her join the board! She’s the owner of Property Kings Management and manager at Gordon Howe Campground. A wife and mom of four busy kids. Amanda is also surrounded by many dogs and one very royal cat. When she’s not painting or renovating, she’s volunteering with organizations like WRSOS and the Canadian Cancer Association. A true family-oriented cancer survivor, Amanda is an advocate for women’s rights and a fierce force for good in the community!
• Director at Large: Tom Morgan
  • Ok, for those of you that haven’t been introduced to Tom – meet Tom! He has been part of the Riversdale board for many many years. We seriously think he holds the record for longest running board member, like ever. And are we ever thankful for him! Tom is known for his daily walks, chatting with dogs, and meeting their friendly owners along the way. Tom claims to be the most normal person ever— “There’s nothing wrong with me!” and we love him for it! He’s our down-to-earth, always-friendly neighborhood staple.
• Director at Large: Jennifer Wurdick
  • Meet Jen, our Member-at-Large who’s been loving life in Riversdale for 3 years. Jen loves camping and water sports. She’s also super into renovating houses and keeping the community feel on avenue E. Fun fact: After high school, Jen backpacked across Europe for six weeks and now shares her home with Scruff, her bearded dragon! Wanna go on an adventure? Jen’s your gal!

City Partners

• City Councillor: Senos Timon
• City Consultant: Sarah Mohammed
• Community Librarian: Paige Yellowlees