Board of Directors
Greg PaulingChair
Greg has been a supporter of AIWC since 2013, and has been on the Board of Directors as Vice-Chair since 2022 after an earlier term on the Board from 2013-15. A retired lawyer and lifelong Calgarian, he has loved encounters with wildlife ever since a porcupine took up residence under the back porch of his family’s house when he was 4 years old. Seeing a wild mammal, bird or amphibian is always a highlight of his travels in southwest Alberta, and as a member of a local hiking club, he’s gradually adding to his admittedly limited store of wildlife knowledge by listening to the birders and retired veterinarians in the club. He can often be seen getting pulled around by the lively little mutt he dog-sits for one of his daughters.
Lisa Makinson Vice-Chair
Lisa is a CPA, CA and joined the AIWC Board of Directors in the fall of 2022. Lisa is a Business Unit Controller for a large Mid-steam company in Calgary’s Oil and Gas industry. Having been a lifelong supporter of animal welfare, Lisa is committed to doing what she can to help ensure Alberta’s wildlife has a fighting chance and is thrilled to be a part of AIWC. Lisa is also the President of one of Canada’s largest animal rescue organizations and brings several years of board governance experience in animal welfare to AIWC.
Colin PattersonTreasurer
Colin is in his first term on AIWC’s Board of Directors. Originally from Saskatchewan, he grew up on his family's ranch where they raised bison and a variety of other livestock. In addition to his family’s background as ranchers and farmers, three of Colin's immediate family members have enjoyed careers as veterinarians or as a registered veterinary technologist. Professionally, Colin is dual qualified as both a lawyer and an accountant. He works for Deloitte in their Disputes Advisory practice, specializing in the areas of quantifying economic losses, business valuations, and forensic accounting after living and working internationally for the previous three years. Colin’s enthusiasm for wildlife and habitat conservation has him excited to support AIWC’s mission in the years ahead.
Suze DetombeSecretary
Recognizing my lifelong commitment to animals and their welfare, a good friend gifted me with a membership to AIWC for my birthday in 2009 and I started volunteering that same year. Since then I have contributed many volunteer shift hours as a rescue driver and center worker as well as participating on many committees and initiatives including membership, education, community outreach and writing articles for the Recovery Review. I look forward to the next opportunity of working with an incredibly talented group of people as a member on AIWC’s Board of Directors. I am a Federal public servant working as a Flight Operations Technical Team Lead within the Civil Aviation branch of Transport Canada, which allows me to enjoy my lifelong passion of aviation.
Shannon TannerDirector
Having lived on an acreage for 30 years I was privileged to interact with wildlife daily. From the birds we fed in our orchard, to our resident porcupine, the moose, deer, fox, and of course coyotes, there was always something around to admire! My love of animals began with my dogs, cats, and horses, and grew during university summer jobs at a zoo where I was fortunate to work with a variety of animals, large and small. I have an administrative business background, and volunteer in varying capacities regularly, including non-profit Board experience. I am a certified Horticulturist in greenhouse crop production, retired hobby Beekeeper, now Beekeeping Consultant, certified Raw Food Chef, and I love to read. I am excited to continue as a member of the Board of Directors of AIWC and work in support of this wonderful organization and their contribution to the welfare of our local wildlife!
Monica KovacSDirector
Monica is a new addtion to the AIWC board of directors this year. Previously, Monica was a center volunteer from 1995 to 2010 at which time she was accepted into Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary requiring her to step back for a time. She is current a small animal and exotics veterinarian working in the Airdrie area. She has always had a love and passion for wildlife exploring nature. Outside of volunteering for AIWC and working, you will find Monica traveling, gardening and hiking with her 2 dogs Duke and Bindi.
Tricia SternerDirector
Tricia holds a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc. in Software Engineering. As a Professional Engineer, Tricia specialized in designing and building technology solutions in the pipeline sector.
Animals and volunteering have always been significant aspects of Tricia’s life. After retiring in 2017, she started volunteering at AIWC in wildlife rehabilitation and rescue driving. She also volunteers at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in the commissary.
Tricia is passionate about wildlife conservation and firmly believes that every life is valuable and deserving of protection. She is committed to AIWC’s Mission and Strategic Plan and is looking forward to contributing as a board member.
Natashya Sherbot-StronachDirector
Natashya holds a PhD. in Clinical Psychology and is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. Her work primarily focuses on assessment and treatment of trauma. She has volunteered for over 20 years in animal rescue, welfare, and rehabilitation. She started volunteering with AIWC in 2023 as a rescue driver and recently joined the AIWC Board of Directors in June 2025. Natashya has a keen interest in supporting wildlife rehabilitation as well as staff and volunteers from a work health perspective. She looks forward to supporting AIWC’s strategic plan. Outside of volunteering, she spends time with her rescue horse, indoor rescue kitties, and family.
Lynwyn Foran-AebliDirector
My family and I have been involved with AIWC in various capacities for many years. My connection with wildlife dates back to childhood when I moved to our family property at Priddis and was fortunate to explore unspoiled spaces where meaningful encounters with wild creatures transformed curiosity into a lifelong passion. This property is now under a conservation easement to ensure future generations can enjoy the pristine forests, fields and waterways that provide homes to many wild species. I recently retired from a 35 year teaching career with the Calgary Board of Education, and one of my greatest joys was instilling in my students an understanding and appreciation of local animal species. I oversee two charitable family foundations focused on animal welfare, animal rights and the environment. I am new to the Board this year, and I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other members to support AIWC’s ongoing efforts in aid of Alberta’s wildlife.
