An organization is only as good as its people — and our people are as good as they get.
Science Alberta Foundation has composed a leadership team with impressive qualifications including degrees at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels, and extensive workplace experience.
What really sets the team apart is their deep commitment to our mission: To be a leader in the development of science literacy enabling all to excel in a global society.
Leadership Team
Dr. Arlene Ponting
CEO, Science Alberta Foundation
Arlene Ponting has been Chief Executive Officer of Science Alberta Foundation since 1999. During that time she led the creation of a high performance organization that has exponentially increased the number of people reached with creative, innovative and widely distributed programs in science and technology. She led the development of new strategic and business plans with robust performance metrics that have been integral to the organization’s success. Science Alberta Foundation has a solid balance sheet, a prestigious and capable Board of Directors, talented and committed staff, and an excellent reputation in the education and corporate sectors.
Dr. Ponting has a B.Sc. (Hon) in Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Alberta. Her research was in the area of program evaluation. Prior to coming to Science Alberta Foundation she was a drug information pharmacist and author of two books; the Director of Continuing Pharmacy Education at the University of Alberta and an Educational Consultant with SAIT.
Dr. Ponting received the Award of Achievement from the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association in 1993 and the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 in recognition of outstanding service to the people and the province of Alberta. She serves on the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Board of Trustees of the Alberta Ingenuity Fund.
Hyacinth Schaeffer
Director of Learning, Science Alberta Foundation
Hyacinth Schaeffer was the Science Supervisor (K-12) for the Calgary Separate School District for 11 years before joining Science Alberta in 2002. This experience enhances her leadership in the areas of science curriculum development, program assessment, and project co-ordination. Hyacinth is the co-author of a practical book for teachers entitled I Think, Therefore I Learn!, and is the author of a new biology text book for the Alberta Science 10 program. She also serves on curriculum development and student assessment committees for Alberta Learning.
Ruth Burgerhout
Director of Finance and Administration
Ruth is a Certified Management Accountant. She has experience as a financial manager in both not-for-profit and business environments. Her responsibilities at SAF include external and internal financial reporting, cash management and all aspects of day-to-day accounting.
Learning Team
Sharon Green
Manager, Learning Initiatives
Sharon Green is a Project Manager for the crate program. Sharon has an education degree and enjoys working with teachers, experts and students to develop high quality and curriculum relevant “Science-in-a-Crate” units. She has developed two Grade 2 crates, one on Magnetism and one on Boats & Buoyancy with an Aboriginal perspective.
Christine Leach
Manager, Learning Initiatives
Christine received a BEd majoring in Math and Science from the University of Calgary. In 2001 she joined Science Alberta Foundation after teaching with the Calgary Board of Education for 7 years. Over her SAF career as Manager of Learning Initiatives she has developed an exhibition, and many, many crates. She has also developed science programs for the Gifted Centre of Education at the University of Calgary. What s enjoys most about her job is having the opportunity to collaborate with some incredibly talented Albertans using math/science/technology in their careers AND incredibly talented teachers who are as passionate about math/science/technology as she is.
Marge Worman
Manager, Learning Initiatives
Marge is a Project Manager for the crate program. She brings her experience as a teacher, administrator, curriculum advisor and supervisor and instructor of student teachers to the Foundation. Marge welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with experts and fellow educators in the design of relevant hands-on science activities.
Brent Bawel
Manager, Learning Initiatives
Brent graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 2004 and from Mount Royal College with a Certificate in Forensic Studies. Brent joined the Science Alberta team in September 2005 and is currently coordinating aspects of new crate development as well as working towards making the distribution of the crate program more efficient.
Crate Program
Miriam Abbas-Nejad
Manager, Distribution
Miriam graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 2003. She comes to Science Alberta Foundation with a strong background in coordinating and teaching a wide variety of science programs in classroom, outdoor and retail settings. Through her past experiences as a Coordinator and Instructor for various organizations, she has developed a keen interest for providing fun and interactive science education learning opportunities. Miriam manages the distribution of Science-In-A-Crate and exhibits and works towards providing excellent customer service
Communications
Jill Maryniuk
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Jill joined Science Alberta Foundation in 2008 and is responsible for planning and executing the marketing initiatives for the organization.
Administration
Livia DiGirolamo
Reception & Administrative Assistant
Livia efficiently coordinates the day-to-day operations of Science Alberta Foundation in her position as Reception & Administrative Assistant. Livia is SAF’s organization queen and her attention to detail ensure all aspects of office administration and project support are thoroughly executed.