Executive Spotlight: Elena Dansereau Guiding Cards for Care’s Expansion into Calgary

By Lyra Brown, VP Communications

Growth is not just about numbers. It is about impact, intention and community.

As Cards for Care expands beyond Edmonton and into Calgary’s healthcare community, we are proud to introduce Elena Dansereau as our Director of Calgary Operations. This next chapter marks an exciting milestone for Cards for Care, and Elena’s leadership reflects both thoughtful expansion and a deep commitment to the mental health and well-being of Albertans.

Elena Dansereau, Cards for Care Director of Calgary Operations

A psychology student with a passion for community-based mental health support, Elena was drawn to Cards for Care because of its intentional focus on prioritizing the mental health of children, seniors, and healthcare workers. For her, emotional care in medical spaces is not secondary — it is essential.

“Mental illness and medical conditions are often comorbid,” she explains. “Each requires individualized care and attention.”

That belief sits at the heart of her work.

As Calgary programming begins to take shape, Elena’s role will focus on implementing new card programs, recruiting volunteers, and building strong partnerships across Calgary’s healthcare community. Her vision is clear: mirror the success of Cards for Care in Edmonton while building something uniquely responsive to Calgary’s needs.

Healthcare environments are often defined by clinical care and efficiency. Elena believes Cards for Care offers something equally essential.

“Handwritten cards may seem like a small token,” she says, “but they carry a great impact. Healthcare spaces have a surplus of medical professionals facilitating medical care — but the emotional, holistic, and psychosocial side of well-being should be of equal importance.”

Through small, tangible acts of compassion, Elena hopes to help integrate thoughtful gestures into medical culture itself. She is particularly excited about increasing public awareness and media engagement in Calgary so that more volunteers, partners, and supporters can become part of the movement.

Cards for Care has experienced exceptional growth over the past year. With Elena leading Calgary Operations, that momentum continues to expand not just geographically, but emotionally and relationally.

Her goal is to build sustainably, grow strategically, and ensure that warmth and compassion reach more patients, families, and healthcare workers across Alberta.

This is an exciting moment for Cards for Care, and we are so grateful to have Elena guiding this next chapter.

If you are based in Calgary and interested in volunteering, partnering, or learning more about our expansion, we invite you to connect with Elena directly at cardsforcareyyc@gmail.com. Together, we can continue building a culture of care across Alberta.