Mary Schick, President

I am a 21-year-old soul living in a 51-year-old body, full of youthful energy and enthusiasm. In my youth, downhill skiing was one of my greatest joys and deepest passions. However, at 21, I faced a heartbreaking turning point—I had to give it up. My congenital bilateral club feet caused unbearable pain, and I still vividly remember being taken off the mountain by ski patrol. At the time, I believed my skiing days were over. I thought I would never again feel the rush of wind on my face, the exhilaration of speed, or the freedom of carving down a slope.

In 2018, my life took an unexpected and beautiful turn. My husband signed me up for the Slide and Ride Program with CADS Red Deer. For the first time in decades, I returned to the mountain—this time in a sit-ski. The moment I descended the hill, I was completely hooked. I realized my disability did not mean the end of my adventures. Instead, it opened the door to a new way of experiencing them. I rediscovered my need for speed, air, and freedom, and a part of me I thought was gone came back to life.

Since that day, I have remained a dedicated student of adaptive skiing and a passionate advocate for it. In 2021, I expanded my involvement by joining the CADS Red Deer board, first as Vice President and now proudly serving as President. I work alongside an inspiring community committed to making adaptive skiing accessible to everyone. I am also a member of the CADS National Subcommittee for Women In CADS, where I advocate for inclusivity, representation, and empowerment in adaptive sport.

When the snow melts and the ski season ends, I return to my studio, where I channel my creativity into designing and sewing. I create unique bags, purses, and totes, and sometimes piece together quilts filled with color and meaning. I also love sharing my skills with others, teaching them how to create their own handmade treasures.

Whether on the slopes or in my studio, my life is about embracing possibility, rediscovering joy, and helping others find their own sense of freedom along the way.

Alan Dreeshen, Vice President

My name is Alan Dreeshen, but most people know me as Alan D. The nickname stuck because I had a cousin, Alva Dreeshen, who went by “Al,” and it got a little too confusing.

I’ve been farming all my life. I started alongside my parents in 1968, and by 1972 I was raising cattle and producing grain on my own. Farming taught me responsibility, resilience, and the value of hard work. Outside of the farm, I enjoyed county dances, softball, a little pond hockey, and of course—learning the ins and outs of farming life.

I faced some challenges early on with a bad back, which caused my disks to wear out. It forced me to adapt and learn how to live with my disability—but it also gave me a stronger appreciation for perseverance and finding ways to keep going.

Skiing became part of my life in the 1970s, thanks to my brother-in-law Bill and the Nancy Greene alpine ski racing program. I learned quickly that gatekeeping at races was the best way to stay warm, and that eventually led me toward CADS.

I started volunteering with CADS around 1979 and began instructing at Canyon Ski Resort soon after. The combination of teaching skiing while still farming cattle and grain was a perfect fit for me. Over time, I worked my way up to CSIA Level 2 and pursued CADS training in Calgary, working toward Level 3. I also had the privilege of learning adaptive technologies from Gord McKenzie, helping people with physical disabilities experience skiing in ways suited to their range of motion.

When my daughter and youngest son got into alpine racing, I pursued Level 1 coaching so I could support them and help young skiers develop both their skills and their love for the sport. My son Tony even became a Level 1 instructor and worked with CADS, where he had the unique opportunity to guide a legally blind athlete training for the Paralympics.

I’ve continued to serve CADS in different capacities over the years. To me, skiing is a unique gift—downhill motion gives people freedom. All they need to do is learn how to control that motion, and that challenge opens the door to joy, confidence, and independence.

And that’s why I’m still here, doing what I love.

Kadence Devine-McKnight, Secretary/Treasurer

My first time on the ski hill was when I was just a year old, riding in my Papa’s backpack. By the time I was two, I had skis on my feet, and I’ve been hooked ever since. My stepdad even took a year off from coaching to teach me, and my grandpa also played a huge role in shaping the skier I am today. I grew up on ski hills (sometimes even napping on the chairlift) and skiing quickly became a big part of who I am.

CADS has always been close to my family. My Papa has been involved for over 30 years, and my mom, uncle, and cousins have all been part of it too.

At 8 years old, I took a new path and joined a horse 4-H club. For the next 10 years, I poured my energy into showing horses, barrel racing, volunteering, and being part of a community that taught me to “learn by doing.” Those years gave me a love for both hard work and community involvement.

In July of 2019, I was in a riding accident that left me with a fractured L3 vertebra. Recovery was a long process, and for many years I had to learn how to manage back pain and develop coping strategies for day-to-day life. I spent a significant amount of time in a back brace to support healing, and I experienced numbness in my lower extremities; a challenge I still navigate today. On top of that, I often slipped discs in my back, which was painful, but with time (and a few trips to the chiropractor) I learned how to adapt and keep moving forward.

In 2023, I graduated high school and took my next big step, starting at Red Deer Polytechnic in the Criminal Justice Studies diploma program. My goal has always been a career where I can help people, and this path is leading me toward my Bachelor of Criminal Justice Studies.

By 2024, I found myself knee-deep in assignments but missing the sense of community I had grown up with. That’s when I thought of CADS. I’d always heard my Papa’s passion for the program, so I reached out; and before long, I was on the hill as an instructor, learning from incredible people, teaching lessons, and falling in love with CADS’ mission. Getting to share this with my Papa made it even more special.

When the season ended, a new opportunity popped up: secretary and treasurer roles were opening in the club. Nervously, I asked if a college student could handle it, and with the encouragement of the team, I jumped in. Now, I get to combine my love for skiing and community with giving back in a new way, while supporting one of my favourite people, my Papa.

When I’m not skiing, studying, or volunteering, you’ll usually find me with a book in hand or spending time with my horses or dog, always ready for my next big adventure!

Lisa Herder, Program Director

Skiing as a child and young adult was a sport I thoroughly enjoyed. Feeling the wind in my hair (too cool for a helmet or even a hat), spending the day in the fresh mountain air with friends and family was always a great time. That is until my son was diagnosed with CP and facing the reality that we would likely never get to enjoy the sport as a family took all the joy out of it.

Then we were recommended CADS by our pediatric PT in 2004. My son started taking 4 track lessons from Gord Mackenzie and it also started my involvement in CADS Red Deer. The next season I agreed to take over the secretary/treasurer position and little did I know that my son's involvement in the CADS program would become my passion project and that of my family as well. Having grown up on the hill as part of the CADS program, my 2 younger sons started volunteering at a young age, received instructor certification and have been able to enjoy skiing as a family and bringing that joy to so many other families as well.

I am currently the face behind the emails, receiving student and volunteer registrations, recruiting, planning and promoting CADS alongside so many other dedicated volunteers. Being part of this adaptive program and watching it grow and-change from 4 local members to last year's member count of over 60, while maintaining our dedication to providing an adaptive snowsport program that not only the student but their whole family can enjoy has been a source of frustration, pride and so much joy.

The other great joys of my life include my 4 children, 3 grandchildren, 2 children-in-law, 10 chickens, 1 dog, assorted farm cats, gardening, knitting, quilting and anything that involves beautiful fabrics!

Kiera Davick, Training Coordinator & Media

I began snowboarding at the age of 12, inspired by a generous neighbor who played a pivotal role in introducing me to the sport. Growing up in a large family, access to organized sports was limited; however, my interest in snowboarding never wavered. After helping my neighbor and her partner with small tasks, I was gifted one of her old snowboards—an opportunity that ultimately changed the course of my life.

After learning the fundamentals, I pursued my passion further by joining Medicine Lodge in 2013 as a lift operator. This role allowed me to fully immerse myself in the mountain environment, spending my weekends working and riding. It was during this time that I was introduced to CADS (Canadian Adaptive Snowsports) by a ski instructor who encouraged me to try the program. From my first experience, I felt a strong connection to CADS and have remained actively involved ever since. The organization holds a special place in my life, and I have consistently prioritized my commitment to its programs.

Over the years, I have expanded my involvement at both the municipal and provincial levels. CADS has provided me with numerous opportunities for professional development, including specialized courses and training that have enhanced both my instructional skills and my ability to support others with empathy and compassion.

In addition to instructing students, fellow instructors, and parents, I contribute to the program through social media coordination, helping to showcase our community and its impact. This has been a valuable learning experience, allowing me to develop new skills outside of instruction.

Outside of snowboarding and skiing, I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including backpacking, fishing, wildfire deployments, and paddleboarding. I am also actively involved in my community as a volunteer with my local fire department.

Linda Wilson, Volunteer Coordinator

Tim Rosenkranz, Equipment Coordinator

Thomas Swaffield, Equipment Coordinator

Gord MacKenzie, Member at Large

We have been incredibly lucky to have Gord Mackenzie working beside us. He is a dedicated hard working volunteer throughout the entire lifespan of CADS.  He spends his summers living down at the hill maintaining the CADS equipment and is always offering a helping hand to any projects we may have on the go.

When it comes to our instructors and participants, Gord welcomes them to the area with a big smile and warm greeting. During the winter months you can find him volunteering with students while they experience the joy of skiing. Many of these kids may not think skiing is an option for them, but Gord is quick to knock down that barrier to share his love of the sport.

Jaxon Edwards-Webb, Member at Large

Steve Cole, Training Coordinator