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Hope's Home
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is comprised of a carefully selected group of individuals who come from a variety of education and employment backgrounds. Members are chosen based on the perspective and talents they can contribute, and are charged with the responsibility of acting as the governing body of Hope's Home to ensure the organization’s philosophy, goals, mission, and vision are met.
John Labatt, President
John Labatt has held senior positions in the fields of family counseling, child welfare, youth justice, mental health and addictions services and has extensive experience working in the non-profit, government, and regional health sectors. Most recently he was the Vice President of Primary Health Care Services for the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region. John has an MSW from the University of British Columbia, is married to wife Claudia, and has three grown children and two grandchildren.
Melanie Kohlruss, Past President
Melanie Kohlruss is a Senior Analyst at SaskPower where she has worked for the past 13 years. She holds a Bachelor of Administration degree from the University of Regina. Melanie is married with two children, a boy and girl. Her oldest child has complex medical needs and both have attended Hope’s Home daycare since its 2005 opening.
Karol Schram, Vice President
Karol Schram has a background as a Registered Nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Regina General Hospital from 1979-2007. Adding to her extensive nursing experience is a successful career in real estate. Karol is now a Realtor for Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd. in the Regina area.
Norma Knuth, Treasurer
Norma Knuth is a retiree from the Provincial Government who worked primarily with teachers’ pensions. She has a CMA and a CEBS (certified employee benefit specialist) designation. Her expertise includes accounting, investments, financial statements and budgeting. Norma is married to husband Martin, and has two grown children.
Sandra Palandri, Director
Sandra Palandri is a Senior Medical Social Worker employed by the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region and has been working in the Children's Program at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre since 1999. Her employment with the Health Region extends back to 1984 when she was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (1984 - 1999) in the Extended Care and Veterans Program at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre.
Dan Kohlruss, Director
Dan Kohlruss is a Research Petroleum Geologist for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources. He is currently working towards a Masters of Science degree in Geology at the University of Regina, and is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Family council in Regina. Dan is married with two children, one of which has complex medical needs. Both of his children are enrolled at Hope’s Home and have been there since its inception.
Adam Ailsby, Director
Adam Ailsby is a lawyer with the law firm of Kanuka Thuringer LLP in Regina and has a background in economics and public relations. Adam is also active in the multicultural and soccer communities and lives with his wife, Michele, in Regina.