MEET THE BOARD
Chairperson
GENEVIEVE CANDELORA
Hey! My name is Genevieve Candelora. I am the Chairperson of Northern Animal Rescue and one of the founding members of this incredible organization. I am a wife, a mom of two beautiful children, Joel and Gianna, and a “dog mom” to my two fur babies- my husky/malamute, Juneau, and my rescue mix, Pocah.
I have lived in La Ronge since 2005. The community is such a beautiful place, full of rich culture and amazing natural wonders. The animal population was pretty out of control when I first moved here, and roaming dogs meant a lot of community safety issues, health issues, and animals were subject to all sorts of terrible things. I wanted to make a difference for the animals, and do something about the issue that the communities were facing.
Myself, Colleen and Rebecca (former Board Member) called a community meeting where some of our other current board members came, and we started a discussion that lead to the formation of this group. Since there has been a lot of action on the issues around animal welfare, animal control, education and support, and a lot of work together with the three surrounding communities.
We have come a long way, evolved as a board and organization and still have much work to do. My hope is that our work changes the standards of animal care and expectations of the community. I envision children growing up in a community seeing the value of animals, the rights they have to food, water, shelter, exercise, a safe and happy life, that they will be responsible and loving pet owners, and supporters of people and their animals. I am super proud to be part of this impactful group. Be the change you wish to see!
Vice-Chairperson
COURTNEY FISKE
Hi my name is Courtney Fiske! I grew up in a small town 3.5 hours south of La Ronge. I believe that my strong respect for animals is rooted in the fact that I grew up in family where I was constantly surrounded by animals. I became familiar with La Ronge when I started dating my husband (he was born and raised in La Ronge).
My husband and I have lived in La Ronge since April 2016. We have two amazing dogs that we adopted from NAR (Zoey and Delta) and our son Easton - they are the center of our world.
I have truly fallen in love with La Ronge and the outdoor northern lifestyle. I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends, fishing, or at my in-laws cabin. I have been apart of the NAR Board since 2018 and have enjoyed every minute of it! NAR is a great organization made up of individuals dedicated to the welfare of animals. Their network connections have given so many families the ability to provide rescue animals with a loving home. I am proud to have the opportunity to help NAR continue to impact lives of animals in Northern Saskatchewan.
Executive Director
JOANNE DICKSON
I’m Joanne Dickson and I have been on the NAR Board since it was founded in January of 2009. I have always been a huge animal lover and was concerned about the plight of stray animals in our community so I decided to do what I could to help. All of our family pets have been rescues and have been such amazing dogs. I am extremely proud of our organization for what we’ve accomplished with the help of many partners over the past decade. I am excited to set goals at the start of every year.
Secretary
MAIJA ENNS
My name is Maija Enns and I'm new to La Ronge. I first became interested in volunteering with NAR shortly after the move when I noticed many loose dogs in the area. My husband and I have two rescue dogs, Roxy and Gatsby. They have enriched our lives beyond any measure and I know that every animal in need of a good home can do the same for the right person.
Treasurer
ALEX MUNRO
My name is Alex Munro! I was born and raised in Calgary, AB but lived in Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan for the better part of four years. While not from La Ronge, I have several family members who live there and spend time every summer on the lake.
I grew up with a dog, and the month after I moved out of my parent’s house, got my puppy Luna. She definitely runs the house and I can’t even be upset about it! During my free time, I can be found golfing, skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing with Luna and my fiancé, Riley.
I have a passion for animals and love seeing the success stories of each pet that gets adopted and watching them grow with the family. NAR has made such a difference in the community since inception in 2009 and I am excited to be part of the continued success.
Medical Lead
My name is Colleen! I have lived in La Ronge since 1984. I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren, all of whom live in the La Ronge area. I enjoy my time living in the north, and spend my free time walking my dogs, skiing the beautiful cross-country ski trails, and volunteering for Northern Animal Rescue. I see a great need for animal advocacy and protection, and feel very strongly about animal rights. My love for animals stems from a very young age of growing up on a farm.
Fundraising Lead
MELISSA MACLEAN
Born and raised in Southern Saskatchewan, I fell in love with animals as a small child spending time on the farm. Whether it was playing with the numerous dogs and cats, bottle feeding calves, or collecting eggs while being terrified of the chickens -I was always surrounding myself with animals. That passion has continued throughout my life.
I recently moved to La Ronge with my husband, 2 sons, and 3 dogs and wanted to do something meaningful in my spare time. As a marketing professional in the Agriculture sector, I am lucky enough to work from home when not traveling for work. I look forward to using my marketing expertise, and passion for the arts to implement best practices for recruiting and managing community engagement, marketing, and promotions resulting in revenue growth and most importantly the achievement of helping more animals find the love and care they deserve!
Community Engagement Lead
LOGAN FISKE
My name is Logan Fiske! I have been volunteering for NAR since I was 13 years old and have been an active member of the Board of Directors since July 2017. My current role is the Community Engagement Lead. I was born and raised in La Ronge, and am currently attending the University of Saskatchewan (La Ronge Campus). Growing up, I had a family dog named Baryn who is still an important member of my family! In 2016, I adopted my dog Jack through Northern Animal Rescue after realizing that he was a “foster fail.” Most of my free time is spent relaxing at my cabin in the summer, snowmobiling or with my family and their 5 dogs. I have always had a passion for animals, and plan to get my Animal Therapy Certification to supplement my University education. NAR is an important organization that continues to help many animals that have been mistreated and abused. I truly believe that NAR is continuing to make a difference in animal welfare in Northern Saskatchewan!
Education Lead
MAX KARNITSKY
My name is Max Karnitsky and I am excited to help out in the Community Education Lead role. I was born and raised in Regina, SK, but La Ronge will be my home for the next few years. I am able to bring a different perspective to the board being one of the new resident doctors in town. Teaching is something I’m passionate about so I was excited for what I can bring to this position. There are lots of opportunities for our team to put on educational sessions and presentations, so you’ll see me in and around the community for sure!. There will be a few videos that I’ll be making showing off what we are able to help out with at Northern Animal Rescue. This is an incredible opportunity!
Member at Large
JAYME WOODHOUSE-MCKENZIE
Hey, my name is Jayme Woodhouse Mckenzie this is my first year on the NAR board and I am excited to bring as much help I can to this wonderful group! I am the owner of Pawsitive Attitude Dog Training meaning my day job is a dog trainer which couldn’t be any better!
I have always loved animals since I was young and this is all just a dream come true as my life is surrounded by pups expecially my own pup named Spencer which she means the world to me!
Member at Large
JORDAN DENTON
Hey guys my name is Jordan Denton. I am a Member at large and started in 2020. I have lived in La Ronge since 2017. I grew up in a small village in central Saskatchewan called Parkside. My family has always had dogs in our home for as long as I have been alive and a few cats as well! My mother started to teach me how to show kindness to animals the day I came home from the hospital, after I was born, and that has stayed with me even today. You can usually find me at work at the Co-op C-store In La Ronge. In my spare time I enjoy playing video games, watching Netflix with my fiancé and longboarding in the summer. I have also been known to rescue a few dogs in my hometown. No matter where I am, I always want to stop and play with any dog that I may see. I have never in my life met a dog that I do not like. I can not wait to see what I can do to help with NAR. I am excited to help our furry and not so furry friends.
