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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet our dedicated board members who help ensure our centre runs smoothly by setting policy and reviewing operations and financials. This governance board is composed of 5-9 volunteers with specialized skills.
Board Chair

SHARON WILLIAMS

Sharon has worked in municipal government for the majority of her career and has a passion for supporting and giving back to the community.
Board Vice-Chairperson

MINDY HAWTHORNE

Mindy is a proud Thorpe alumni, local business owner, and a passionate advocate for health and community- she brings a lived experience and ignites hope, wellness, and a sobriety in others.
Board Member

BEV SPENCER

Bev Spencer is a REALTOR with over 24 years of experience and a strong focus on community and addiction support. Her commitment to Thorpe is rooted in a personal connection to recovery and a deep belief in the power of rehabilitation. Bev also enjoys expressing her creativity through art and painting.
Board Member

TAMI MOLLE

Tami Molle brings leadership experience and a strong commitment to her community. She is passionate about supporting individuals and families and helping strengthen recovery services.
Board Member

ROXANNE SMITH

Board Member

JOSH RAE

I grew up in small town Saskatchewan and have called Lloydminster home for the last 8 years. I enjoy the outdoors and keep busy with sports. I wanted to give back to the community and serve the people that call this area home. I volunteer at TRC and value the opportunity to contribute to the recovery community and make a positive impact.
Board Member

SHAUNA WOBESER

Shauna actively gives her time to impactful non-profit organizations. She serves as a volunteer and Board member for The Hope Street Team, supporting vulnerable populations, and volunteers for the Border Paws haunted House.
Board Member

DEVISH KUMAR

Devish Kumar , BPT, PGD (Healthcare Administration)

Devish is an accomplished healthcare entrepreneur and clinician who has been deeply dedicated to serving the Lloydminster community since 2020. As the founder and principal of Axial Physio & Health Clinic, he brings a strong combination of clinical excellence, operational leadership, and strategic healthcare management to the Thorpe Recovery Centre Board of Directors.

Devish holds a Bachelor of Physical Therapy from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, India, and completed advanced graduate studies in Healthcare Administration at Conestoga College. This dual background equips him with unique insights into patient-centric care models, resource allocation, and organizational compliance within public and private healthcare sectors.

An advocate for professional development and mentorship, Devish also serves as a Clinical Instructor for the University of Alberta, guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals. His proven track record of building collaborative community relationships, combined with his expertise in healthcare governance, aligns seamlessly with Thorpe Recovery Centre's mission to deliver evidence-based, compassionate, and holistic addiction and mental health services

Board Member

LAWRENCE ATKINS

As a Project Manager for a pipeline company, Lawrence oversees the integrity program and brings A strong financial background and extensive experience serving on nonprofit boards. Having seen firsthand, the significant impact addiction can have on families. Lawrence is passionate about helping other individuals and families find hope, healing in the opportunity for a happier, healthier future. Outside of work and volunteering Lawrence enjoy spending time with grandchildren and friends at the lake.

WANT TO JOIN OUR BOARD?

We’re always looking for board members with a diverse skillset and a passion for people.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

Chief Executive Officer

KAGAN KNEEN

With more than two decades of leadership experience, Kagan Kneen brings a unique blend of business expertise and people-focused leadership to his role as CEO of Thorpe Recovery Centre. His professional background spans multiple sectors, including retail, telecommunications, ophthalmology, veterinary medicine, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership.

Kagan is driven by a commitment to developing strong teams and cultivating a culture of growth, accountability, and service excellence. Having volunteered with Thorpe Run Club for over two years prior to joining Thorpe Recovery Centre, he has a deep understanding of the organization's mission and impact. Today, he leads with a vision of empowering clients, supporting the community, and ensuring that Thorpe continues to provide exceptional treatment and recovery services.

Director of Finance

SCOTT ABEL

Scott is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce and strong financial leadership experience. As Director of Finance at Thorpe Recovery Centre, he supports the centre’s mission with a grounded, compassionate approach. Originally from Lloydminster, Scott values family and community.
Director of Operations

CHAD STURGE

Chad Sturge is the Director of Operations with over eight years of leadership experience in the role. Born in Lloydminster, Chad brings a strong foundation from his 15+ years in the oil and gas industry, where he worked as an Electrician, Project Manager, and Electrical Manager. His hands-on expertise and strategic oversight have been instrumental in driving operational excellence. Chad is known for his practical approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Clinical Director

VERA KOSTER

Vera is a dedicated mental health and addiction professional with over a decade of experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Vera is EMDR-trained and specializes in addiction, trauma, and recovery. She is certified as a CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist), CMAT (Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist), and CCPCP-R (Registered Clinical Counsellor). A member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA), Vera has been in long-term recovery since 2011, bringing both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. A passionate runner, she values movement as a powerful tool for healing and overall well-being.
Human Resources Director

TASHA THIBEAULT

Tasha brings over 15 years of experience in human resources, with a focus on creating fair, consistent, and supportive workplace practices. She leads Human Resources at Thorpe Recovery Centre with a calm, solution-focused approach and a strong understanding of Employment Standards, Occupational Health and Safety, and Human Rights. Tasha is committed to building systems that support both people and the organization. She takes pride in helping teams navigate challenges with clarity, respect, and professionalism.