Our Team
Our Story
We are all connected. A personal relationship, a comparable experience or simply living in the same community, our circles may run parallel and never touch, intersect one or two times, or blend together on a continual basis. Whether direct connections or indirect links, we want you to find collaborators and supporters to help you unlock your potential and build the foundation for resilience.
Some Other Solutions is a Society for Crisis Prevention. We are a proactive community, here to empower you to be your best self. To be confident through chaos and to help you find the strength within to not only be empowered yourself, but to spread that feeling to others at the same time.
It’s your life to control. We will help you. Let’s be the solution together.
Our Vision
Everyone has the right to feel empowered and supported to meet life’s challenges.
Our Mission
Some Other Solution empowers and supports the diverse families and individuals of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo by providing a holistic approach in overcoming life’s challenges through accessible counselling and outreach services.
Our Core Values
Guidance: resilience is the key to a person engaging with meaningful life
Building a strong community: united neighbourhoods are built on the acceptance of all individuals
Diversity: a provision of equal opportunities is a right, not a privilege
Here for our community.
"I believe hope emerges when we focus on strengths and connection. I believe in walking alongside you as we work through what has been stuck. My goal is to empower you to meet stress with more understanding and compassion."
— Judith Friesen, Mental Health Counsellor
Our History
1986 - Some Other Solutions Society for Crisis Prevention originally operated by the Family and Community Support Service, with a focus on suicide awareness and prevention.
1986 - The same year, Some Other Solutions is established as a separate society with funding from the Province of Alberta.
1987 - The helpline (now Crisis Line) was established. The first year, there were approximately 106 calls per month.
1988 - The Growing Grief Program (now Health and Wellness Program) is established to provide support for individuals who have suffered a loss. The Teen Line is also added.
1990 - The health line is expanded with support from the Wild Rose Foundation. Service is now available in many remote areas of North Eastern Alberta.
1997 - The Students Assisting Students Program (now Child and Youth Program) was formed to support teens in the region. The service also expanded to include a Mentoring Program.
2018 - Some Other Solutions relocates to a new storefront location on Franklin Avenue, in the heart of downtown Fort McMurray.
2020 - In March 2020, during the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Some Other Solutions flipped all of their services to be provided in virtual form to continue to support the community.
ping zhang, executive director
She/Her
Ping Zhang is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in senior leadership and strategic planning specializing in social services. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit, with a strong background in relationship building, stakeholder engagement, and program development.
Ping holds a Master of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, certified programmer for the Families and Schools Together (F&ST) program; complemented by an ECE Diploma and registered in Alberta as Level-3 Early-Years Childhood Educator. She also serves on the Public Art Committee at the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ping's passion for music is evident through her hobby of playing music and performing with orchestras and symphonies globally. Outside of work, Ping shares her musical talents by teaching music to others.
JERRICA HIGDON, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
She/Her
Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Jerrica brings a decade of dedicated experience in the housing sector to her role at SOS. Over the course of ten years in her professional career, she honed skills in project management, stakeholder relations, and strategic planning. With a heart deeply rooted in serving others, in 2021 I embarked on a transformative journey that led her to the inspiring realm of non-profit work with Some Other Solutions. As the Executive Assistant, she channels her extensive experience to provide critical support in streamlining operational processes.
paula caines, mental health counsellor
she/Her
A registered social worker with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Paula has been practicing in Fort McMurray for more than 20 years and has a passion for the therapeutic process. She supports clients on their life journey in dealing with mental health struggles, life transitions, family issues and more. Paula offers a person-centred, non-judgemental approach using a variety of modalities including Emotionally Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, EMDR, and Mindfulness-based approaches. She is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and offers assessment and recovery support services for those who struggle with substance use/abuse.
JUDITH FRIESEN, MC, CCC, RSW, Mental health COUNSELLOR
She/Her
Judith has more than 30 years’ of experience in Human services including, foster care, adoptions, life transition issues, youth at risk, and trauma. She has also worked with rural communities as a school counsellor. Her areas of focus include: PTSD, post-traumatic stress, child and youth, life transitions, stress, and relationships. She uses the following approaches: Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Family systems, strength and attachment based. She has a Masters of Counselling (MC), is a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC), and is a Registered Social Worker (RSW).
Hailey fraser, community outreach worker
SHE/HER
Born in British Columbia and raised in Fort McMurray, Hailey’s background is in the field of psychology. She is a passionate advocate for mental health and youths in the community. Helping children become their ideal self is Hailey’s goal, and she believes that every child can reach their full potential with support and guidance from a trusted, caring individual.
LAURIE JUHLIN, community helpers program coordinator
SHE/HER
Born and raised in Ontario, Laurie has been a resident of Fort McMurray since 2018 and has been in the “helping” field for more than 13 years. She has a diploma in Drug and Alcohol Counselling and a certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Laurie is currently finishing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Laurie is deeply passionate about promoting mental wellbeing and supporting individuals in their journey towards recovery.
Our Board
The Board of Directors at Some Other Solutions is a team of individuals bringing exceptional skills, vision and experience from a variety of backgrounds. They guide the strategic direction, governance and accountability of Some Other Solutions.
Chair
Bernie Boyes
He/Him
Bernie Boyes is a dedicated community leader and co-owner of C&B Maintenance Corp. With a passion for making a positive impact, Bernie has been nominated to lead the strategic direction and governance of Some Other Solutions as the Chairman of the Board. Bernie’s experience as a co-owner of C&B Maintenance Corp has given him valuable insights into community development, collaboration, and effective leadership. Bernie actively contributes to the well-being of Fort McMurray by supporting local initiatives and fostering unity among residents. As the Chairman, Bernie will guide the organization’s mission, goals, and policies, ensuring that Some Other Solutions continues to empower and support diverse families and individuals in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Vice Chair
Angela Maxson
She/Her
Angela is born and raised in Fort McMurray , she is Cree and a member of Mikisew Cree First Nation. Fort McMurray is where she and her husband have chosen to raise their 4 daughters and join the family business. Angela has a background in Social Work, is an active community based facilitator and Entrepreneur. Her focus is to build up the strengths of First Nations individuals, families, and communities by supporting family values and culture using the principles of respect, trust, self-determination and commitment. She is currently working with Ihkapaskwa Indigneous Wellness Collective as a Auntie Support Worker.
Treasurer
Adair Thompson, P.Eng
He/Him
Adair has called Fort McMurray home since 2012 when he moved here with his wife Maggie and two children. He joined the board in August 2016 to help support the organization’s mission at a time of need in the community.
Adair is a professional engineer working at Suncor and studying for his MBA at the University of Alberta. He enjoys spending time with his family and cheering from the stands for his two young hockey players.
Secretary
Coming soon!
Board Director
Board Director
Board Director
Jennifer McLeod
She/Her
Jennifer McLeod, originally from Terrace Bay, Ontario, has proudly called Fort McMurray home for over 20 years. Jennifer is well-versed in our region’s non-profit sector and the importance of providing essential services to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). Her extensive experience is complemented by her dedication to community service. Over the past decade, Jennifer has served on multiple volunteer boards within the RMWB, her involvement in these boards has allowed her to make significant impacts, fostering collaboration and driving positive change within the community. Jennifer’s motivation knows no bounds as she continues to lead by example, striving for excellence in both her professional and personal endeavors. Her commitment to the community and unwavering dedication to service make her an invaluable asset to Some Other Solutions.
Brad Friesen
He/Him
Board Member, Some Other Solutions
Brad Friesen is a dedicated community member who brings exceptional skills and experience to the Board of Directors at Some Other Solutions. With a background as a business owner in the community of Fort McMurray, Brad is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
As a member of the board, Brad contributes to establishing the mission, goals, and policies of the organization. His vision and strategic insights help guide the overall direction and governance of Some Other Solutions. Brad’s passion for community well-being and his commitment to crisis prevention align perfectly with the organization’s mission.
Brad believes that everyone has the right to feel empowered and supported in overcoming life’s challenges. His dedication to building a strong community and providing equal opportunities for all individuals makes him an invaluable asset to the board. Through accessible counseling and outreach services, Some Other Solutions aims to empower families and individuals, and Brad plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Joshua Splaine
He/Him
As a proud alumnus of McMaster University with a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Management, Josh brings a wealth of leadership expertise and a unique perspective to the Board of Directors of Some Other Solutions. Josh and his wife Kelly moved to Fort McMurray in 2014 where Josh was an engineer at Suncor’s Base Plant. They have since started a family in Fort McMurray and now have a son Emmett, two cats and their most recent addition to the family, a Great Dane named Arlo.
With a career that spans over a decade at Suncor’s Base Plant and leadership experience in both maintenance and engineering, Josh has honed his skills in leadership, strategic planning and risk management. This skillset is one which Josh intends to leverage to enhance the services that Some Other Solutions provides to foster sustainable, effective addiction and mental health programs which will improve the place we all call home, the RMWB.
Executive Director
Community Partners
Partnerships are at the core of what we do at Some Other Solutions. We are a proactive community, working together to advocate for and support our neighbours.
Thank you to the following partners and community groups who directly support our work:
United Way Wood Buffalo and Fort McMurray
United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo is 100% local! We transform peoples lives, while working to build a brighter future for each and every one of our community members.
Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is responsible for promoting wellness and providing health care services across the province.
calgary counselling centre
Calgary Counselling Centre changes lives. For over 60 years, they've been helping people develop the skills they need to thrive.
A proactive community.
Working together, we are stronger advocates and community supporters.
— Jason King, Former Executive Director
Annual Reports
Financial reports
Coming soon!
Annual Reports
Coming soon!