Board of Governors

MEET THE

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors provides strategic oversight to ensure Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School continues to build on its strong heritage while embracing opportunities for the future. Guided by our motto, Nil nisi optimum — nothing but our best — the Board is committed to continuous improvement and long-term sustainability. Working in partnership with school leadership, the Board advances initiatives that prepare students to thrive as leaders, thinkers, and confident global citizens.

Sheila Acharya

Dr. Sheila Acharya (FRCPC, MD, LLB, BSc (Hon)) is a physician working in the fields of General and Forensic Psychiatry, and a Clinical Lecturer with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Education has been an integral part of her life as she has studied both locally and internationally including time as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in a Master of Public Health Program at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and obtaining a Certificate in Human Rights, Humanitarian and International Criminal Law from the University of Salzburg, Austria. Sheila practiced law at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP prior to starting her journey in medicine, which occurred when her children were young. She credits the supportive community environment at STS as being instrumental in allowing her children to thrive while she pursued her medical education and looks forward to giving back in her capacity as a Governor. Sheila is Chair of the Infrastructure and Risk Management Committee.

Judy Fairburn

Judy Fairburn is co-founder and Fund Managing Partner of The51 – providing a financial platform and women-led venture funds for investors, entrepreneurs and those who aspire. A Petronas Energy Canada, Business Council of Alberta and tech board director, she has been at the vanguard of environmental sustainability, digital skills and diversity as critical to future-proof business. Along with her experience as a former C-suite energy executive with deep strategy, safety, operations and technology development experience, Judy co-founded a $100 million cleantech venture fund. She graduated with an MSc (Chemical Engineering) and an MBA (Ivey School of Business) and holds the ICD.D designation. Judy has two children – Kate ’24 and Neal ’26. Judy is Chair of the Governance & HR Committee.

Robin Furlong

Robin Furlong, a Red Seal Journeymen tradesman, is the founder and owner of Furlong Steel Industries, based in Calgary. With nearly two decades of experience managing large-scale projects and collaborating with other leaders across industries and within his community, Robin is known for his integrity, practical leadership, and commitment to excellence. Passionate about promoting skilled trades among youth, Robin volunteers his time speaking to Calgary high school students, encouraging them to explore opportunities in trades and technical professions. His dedication to mentorship reflects his belief in the importance of hands-on learning, perseverance, and community connection. Robin and his family have been deeply connected to the STS community, and he is honoured to contribute in his role as a Governor. Robin is a member of the Infrastructure Risk Management Committee and has two daughters; Ava ’25 and Lilyan ‘27

Anthony Giuffre

Anthony Giuffre is the founder, CEO, and executive chairman of Avenue Living, with over 25 years of experience in building and managing start-ups. Beyond his business ventures, Anthony and his wife, Laura Britt Giuffre, are dedicated philanthropists. They support various causes, including the Canadian Olympic Foundation and YW Calgary, and serve on UNICEF’s National Board and Water for Life Patrons Council. Together, they are committed to family and community while raising their daughters.  Anthony is a member of the Advancement Committee.

Stephanie Li

Stephanie Li is currently the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) at BDL Development Ltd. (“BDL”). BDL specializes in development and construction management for multifamily projects and has successfully completed over $750 million of multifamily projects totalling 3,000 units in the past 30 years. Stephanie was previously the Vice President, Finance at  a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), the CFO at an environmental technology company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, Chair of the Board and Audit Committee Chair at a leading technology company listed on the TSX, and served in a leadership role at one of Canada’s largest multi-family REITs listed on the TSX. Stephanie has over 15 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, governance and risk management, and capital markets. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), PwC alumni, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta. Stephanie has one daughter, Vienna ’33 and is a member of the Finance Committee.

Barbara MacIntyre

Barbara MacIntyre is a Certified Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba. She oversees operations of their family business, Lake Breeze Winery, an award-winning Okanagan boutique winery. Barbara and her husband, Drew, have two sons, William ’19 and Harrison ’22. Barbara is a member of the Finance Committee.

John Mercury

John Mercury is the Executive Chairman of Bennett Jones LLP.  Prior to his role as Chairman, John was the firm’s Vice Chair of Clients and Industries and head of its private equity practice group, where he led a number of cross-border mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance transactions.  Prior to joining Bennett Jones in 2006, John spent nearly a decade in New York where he practiced law with a leading New York-based law firm and where he worked as an investment banker with Merrill Lynch.  John received his B.A. from Northwestern University, his M.A. (Finance) from Yale University and his LL.B. from the University of Toronto.  John and his wife Stacey have three boys, Michael ’26, Alexander ’28, and Nicholas.  John is a member of the Governance & HR Committee.

Amy Meyer

Amy Meyer has over 15 years experience as a Recruiting Consultant in the Financial Industry with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and two additional years towards a master’s degree in business communications (MBC) from St. Thomas University in Minneapolis, MN. Amy served as President of the Parents’ Organization of STS (POSTS) from 2020-2022.  She and her husband, Justin, moved to Kansas City in the summer of 2024 with their three daughters, Carter ’23, Audrey ’24, and Heidi ’27. Amy has been on the Board of Governors since 2020 with the first two years as an ex officio member representing POSTS and is currently the Chair of the Advancement Committee.

Alexandra Owens

Alexandra Owens, mother of three STS students, Maddox ’27, Keeva ’30, and Bodhii ’32, President of POSTS, and a committed supporter of parent engagement and student life at STS. Now in their fourth year at the school, she and her husband are grateful for the connection and purpose the STS community brings. With a background in early childhood, diverse communities, and nonprofit fundraising, Alexandra brings a strong focus on inclusion, collaboration, and to continues to be a part of creating welcoming spaces for families with POSTS. Whether coordinating volunteers or showing up in costume for Quest Day, she brings heart and energy to all she does. Alexandra, an ex-officio member of the Board by virtue of her position as President of POSTS, is honoured to work alongside an inspiring group of dedicated and creative volunteers.

Houston Peschl

Houston Peschl MBA, completed his undergraduate degrees at the University of Calgary and soon transitioned to the Director of Operations and Sustainability of DIRTT Environmental Solutions. During his time at DIRTT, he also was recognized as Avenue Magazines’ Top 40 under 40 in 2013. After leaving DIRTT, Houston co-founded Creating Eudaimonia; a firm dedicated to building capacity to start-ups and small companies across Canada and is continually involved with B Corp to promote and advance the public policy for Benefit Corporations across North America.  Mr. Peschl is a full-time Instructor at Haskayne School of Business and has published multiple articles on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the seven skills of Entrepreneurial Thinking. In 2019, Mr. Peschl won two teaching awards, one through the University of Calgary’s Sustainability Department and one through the Student Union. Houston and his wife Rosalynn ’03 have one son who attends STS.  Houston is a member of the Governance & HR Committee.

Karen Robinson ’92

Karen Robinson ’92 attended STS for high school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Business Administration in Technology Commercialization from the University of Alberta. Karen spent ten years working in early-stage technology companies and the economic development space in Alberta. She serves on the Board of Directors of CUPS in Calgary and Chairs their Fund Development Committee. She is currently the President of the STS Alumni Executive and Chairs the Annual Events Committee. Karen previously served on the Board of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs. Karen is an ex-officio member of the Board by virtue of her appointment as President of the Alumni Association.  Karen and her husband, Chad, have two children, including a daughter who attended STS.

Mike Rose

Michael Rose is founder, President, CEO and Chairman of Tourmaline Oil Corp. and has more than 46 years of experience in the oil and natural gas industry. He began his career at Shell Canada in 1979, departed in 1993 and subsequently founded, grew, and sold two intermediate companies, Berkley Petroleum and Duvernay Oil. Mr. Rose founded Tourmaline Oil Corp. in September 2008, and the company is now Canada’s largest natural gas producer. Mr. Rose is on the Advisory Board of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and is involved in a wide range of volunteer and philanthropic pursuits with his wife Sue in the areas of youth education, health and sports. Mike was recognized as Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year in 2023. He and his wife Sue have three sons, Aidan ’20, Jeremy ’14, and Brendan ’12. Mike is Chair of the Board of Governors.

Kam Sandhar

Kam Sandhar is the Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer at Cenovus Energy Inc. With over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Kam has extensive expertise in strategy, business development, finance, and investor relations. He has also led the execution of more than $20 billion in asset transactions. He formerly served as a Principal & Oil and Gas analyst at Peters & Co. Ltd., covering a wide array of Canadian, U.S. and international oil and gas companies. Kam started his career at Deloitte, is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary. Kam also serves on the Board of Headwater Exploration. He and his wife, Sandy, have two boys, Jaiden ’24 and Dylan ’29. Kam is Chair of the Finance Committee.

Allison Taylor

Allison Taylor is the CEO and Portfolio Manager of Invico Capital Corporation and has over 25 years of experience in corporate finance. Allison has been recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women and was named CEO of the Year by Wealth Professional Canada. She has an MBA in Finance from the University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and Statistics from the University of Western Ontario. Allison lives in Calgary with her spouse and daughter and is an avid sports enthusiast, having completed over 65 marathons across North America. Allison is a member of the Finance Committee.

Salimah Walji-Shivji

Salimah Walji-Shivji K.C., ICD.D the CEO of AgeCare. In this role, Salimah leads with a mission-driven focus, inspiring teams to achieve excellence while fostering innovation in the long-term care sector. Salimah’s career is defined by her unwavering commitment to service and social justice. Starting as a social worker and transitioning to law, she held key legal roles at Alberta Health Services, including General Counsel before becoming CEO of AgeCare in January 2024. With degrees in Social Work and Law, an ICD.D. designation, and the King’s Counsel honor, Salimah’s expertise is matched by her dedication to continuous learning. Her achievements have been recognized with awards like Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 and various legal and leadership recognition over the years.  Beyond her professional life, Salimah is a passionate volunteer within the Ismaili Muslim community and supports various charities. Under her leadership, AgeCare continues to emerge as a leader in quality, service, and innovation for senior care. Salimah is a member of the Governance & HR Committee and she and her husband, Hamid, have two children who currently attend STS.

Todd Worsley ’88

Todd Worsley ’88 attended STS from 1980 to 1985, his sister Christy graduated from STS in 1986, and his son Willem graduated from STS in 2021.  Mr. Worsley has a B. Comm. (Hons.) from Queen’s University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. He has spent the past 30 years working in the finance industry, in both Calgary and Toronto, including 17 years at a major Canadian chartered bank. Mr. Worsley joined the Board in 2017 and has previously served as Chair of both the Advancement and Governance & HR Committees of the Board.  Todd serves as Past Chair of the Board of Governors and is a member of the Governance & HR Committee.