Meet Our
Board Members
Rhys Pugatschew
Chairman of the Board
Rhys (he/him) is a trans individual wielding a Bachelor of Arts in English and a strong drive to help the LGBT2QIA+ community in Red Deer grow. He strongly believes that we must all stand together.
Rhys is currently persuing a degree in social work, which he plans on using to help counsel youth in schools and within RDQCA.
Alex Pugatschew
Vice-Chairperson
Alex (she/they) is a genderqueer individual with a background in cultural anthropology and early childhood education. They are a staunch advocate for intersectionality and inclusiveness in all parts of the queer community.
Since the beginning, Alex has worked hard to make RDQCA a safe place for the community which has so warmly welcomed them into the fold.
Chris Vanson
Secretary
Chris Vanson (They/Them/Theirs) is a trans individual who was born and raised in Central Alberta.
Chris recently obtained their Diploma of Social Work from Red Deer Polytech, and through their position with RDQCA, they wish to not only advocate for but to help create a more inclusive and friendly city for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Rebecca Bereziuk
Treasurer
Rebecca's Bio
Garret Ingram
Indigenous Liaison
Garrett (he/they) is a Metis, Two-Spirit person living here in Red Deer. He is currently getting his Sociology Degree in Sex and Gender Across Culture and worked as the Two-Spirit Coordinator and Youth Mentor with the Red Deer Native Friendship Society.
Trina Penner
Youth Coordinator
(Adult Representative)
Trina (she/her) is a fierce ally and advocate for the LGBTQ2S community. She believes in using her status and voice as a cisgender straight person to amplify and support folx within the community. Trina is a teacher in the RDPSD. Trina assists with her school-based QSA (Queer Straight Alliance) group as well as serving on the district SOGI (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity) committee.
Trina attained her Masters' distinction in 2015 with a specialization in Interdisciplinary Studies. Trina has years of Fine Arts experience. She has directed Musicals, coached provincial winning Improvisation teams, created and taught in her Dance program as well as produced dance shows, choreographed dance numbers within the community, and jumped back into acting as an adult within community-based shows.
Trina is passionate about learning and wishes to continue making this world a decent place for everyone along with her family.
Maia Johnson
Youth Coordinator
(Youth Representative)
Maia (she/they) is the volunteer youth advocate for the RDQCA.
In this position she hope to show the queer youth of Red Deer and surrounding areas that there is a community waiting for them with open arms; as well as bringing new and creative ideas to the table.
They've been involved in team activities for several years, such as guiding, choir, and D&D, and plan to utilize both the skills she's acquired through those activities as well as their creative thinking to help her thrive in this position.
This page was last updated on May 31, 2022