The Staff Team
General Inquiries: info@caunitedway.ca
Tel: (403) 343-3900 Fax: (403) 309-3820
Robert J. Mitchell – Chief Executive Officer
Ph: 403 343 3900 ext.21 E: robert@caunitedway.ca
Robert came to Canada with his family in 2003 and became a proud Canadian citizen in 2011. He worked for the Boys & Girls clubs in the UK for 12 years, rising from an Activities Officer in Manchester, to a Development Officer in London and finally to the CEO of Middlesex Young People`s Clubs. In 2006 he became the Executive Director of the Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary and in 2009 moved to Central Alberta where with his wife Jill bought Parkland Beach General Store which is located on the North West Edge of Gull Lake. Robert holds a BA (Hons) degree in Sport & Recreation Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies (for non-profit organizations). He joined United Way on September 13th 2011 and is looking forward to taking the organization forward.
Outside of work Robert enjoys Cross Country skiing, target shooting and is a keen photographer. He also shows his Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs. His eldest dog Rufus is a Canadian Champion and his youngest Reeba is just beginning her show career.
Jennifer Forrest – Resource Development Director
Ph: 403 343 3900 ext.26 E: jennifer@caunitedway.ca
Jennifer Forrest has been living and working in the Red Deer since 2008, when she moved from Toronto to raise her family. Raised on a farm in Manitoba, she loves living in a community where you often bump into your neighbours and friends at the grocery store or when out for a walk. Jennifer has been with United Way almost as long as she has been in Red Deer, and enjoys the challenges and many rewards of working in the non-profit sector. Her first career in Toronto was focused on the film industry; marketing and distributing feature films, documentaries and DVDs. Skilled in both managing operations and marketing, she has found an opportunity with United Way to further grow her skills and experience.
Kristin Mountain – Resource Development Associate
Ph: 403 343 3900 ext.27 E: kristin@caunitedway.ca 
Kristin Mountain moved to Red Deer with her newlywed husband in December, 2010. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Kristin spent most of her summers at her parent’s cabin in Sylvan Lake. Familiar with Central Alberta, she has always admired the community. Kristin’s first experience with United Way was as a Communications Assistant with United Way of Calgary and Area. After graduating with her Communications Degree, she moved to Yorkton, Saskatchewan, where she became the Fund Development and Communications Officer with United Way of Yorkton. Eventually, she was able to move back to Alberta and was fortunate to receive a position at United Way of Central Alberta as the Resource Development Associate. She loves working for her community and is proud to be a Central Albertan.
Cynthia Marie McLaren - Resource Development Assistant
Ph: 403 343 3900 ext.25 E: cynthia@caunitedway.ca
With an Honours Diploma in Legal Administration from Keyano College, and a graduate of the Alberta Ballet School’s Professional Program, Cynthia’s diverse background includes four years with Red Deer College, where she was the Senior Instructor and Director of the Conservatory of Dance. Her passion of early childhood development, education, children and supporting families in our community is very evident in her spirit. With over ten years of administrative experience and a passion for nonprofit Cynthia is delighted to be part of the Resource Development team.
Cynthia is active in the Bikram yoga community and enjoys creating things with her hands, music, gardening, golfing, literature, spending time with her family, pets and friends. As a proud mother of two, Cynthia works every day to make our world a better place for them.
Vic Pirie – Finance Director
Ph: 403 343 3900 ext.29 E: vic@caunitedway.ca
Vic began working for United Way in November 2010 shortly after he and his wife Elaine moved to Red Deer after spending two years overseas volunteering in Papua New Guinea. Graduating from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1982, Vic spent the next twenty years employed as Secretary Treasurer for school districts/divisions in both British Columbia and Alberta. In 1997 he obtained his professional accounting designation completing the Certified General Accountant’s program.
Over the years Vic has been involved in a variety of community organizations as his four children participated in music, drama and sporting activities. Elaine and Vic enjoy the numerous biking and hiking trails in and around Red Deer, spending time with their children and attending various cultural events taking place in the community.
Vic is proud to be part of the United Way team which is working hard to be recognized as a trusted leader and partner in building strong resilient communities.
Lori Kalin – IT/Database Administrator
Ph: 403 343 3900 ext.24 E: lori@caunitedway.ca
Lori has been with the United Way since 2009. She brings with her 15 years’ experience in the Information Technology field and is responsible for ensuring information is maintained according to the standards set out by United Way. A graduate of Olds College Computer Engineer Program, her skill set includes teacher, expert level in most of the Microsoft Office Products and various other software programs, trouble shooting and general problem solver.
An avid horsewoman and outdoor enthusiast, owner of Pegasus Equine Products, mother, wife and grandmother, Lori has also always been an active volunteer in her community and at this time is proud to be part of the committee that puts on the Bighorn Stampede in Caroline, AB.
Val Yarbrough – Executive Assistant
Ph: 403 343 3900 E: ea@caunitedway.ca
Val joined the United Way team in May, 2011 as an Executive Assistant. She brings over thirty years of office experience to the United Way and is excited to be learning about the positive contribution United Way makes to our community.Val has served her community as a board member of the Davenport Place Community Association , Coordinator of the Welcome Wagon program in the City of Red Deer, and presently a board member for Ten Thousand Villages. She has also worked with youth in a church for several years and currently enjoys actively participating in her home church of Living Stones.
Val loves spending time with her family and friends (and her adorable Rag-doll kitten, Winston), traveling, pursuing a healthy lifestyle and serving others.
Lori Jack – Community Impact Development Officer
Ph: 403 343 3900 ext.22 E: lori.jack@caunitedway.ca 
Lori Jack has lived in Red Deer since 1992. She comes to the United Way after having spent nearly 20 years with Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre. Lori holds BA degrees in Psychology and Child and Youth Care. She spent many of the past 20 years consulting to children, families and community agencies throughout Central Alberta. She has also been involved with a variety of community initiatives including Children’s Council, the management committee to establish the Healthy Families program in Central Alberta, the Autism Collaboration Initiative and Child and Youth Friendly Red Deer. Lori completed her Master’s degree in Management of Non-profit Organizations in 2009. She enjoys working as a team to address the challenges and explore the opportunities in the non-profit sector. Lori joined the United Way in May 2012 and is excited to be working with a dynamic group of people to make a difference in Central Alberta.
Vijaya Noorithaya – Finance AdministratorPh: 403 343 3900 ext.30 E: vijaya@caunitedway.ca
Vijaya holds a degree in Mathmatics and Statistics from the University of Mangalore, India, and has completed her Professional Bookkeeping Certificate course from Red Deer College. Born and raised in Karnataka, India, Vijaya is fluent in Hindi, Kannada and Tulu. She lived in Purwakarta Indonesia for nine years before moving to Canada in 2004 with her husband and 2 daughters. Vijaya joined the United Way of Central Alberta family in 2007 and became a proud Canadian citizen in 2009. She enjoys working for United Way beceause it provides leadership and support to the non-profit sector.