Board of Directors 2

Molly Varga

President & Treasurer

Molly began her career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in 2006, initially serving in rural Alberta before relocating to Edmonton in 2007. In 2008, she transitioned to a metropolitan EMS environment as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and completed her Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) diploma in 2009. Over the years, Molly developed a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and peer support, shaped by her frontline experience in high-pressure urban settings.

In 2015, she shifted her focus from frontline response to the development and coordination of a peer support program. Under her co-leadership with Mark Carson, the team grew from 6 minimally trained members to a robust and effective group of over 140 active peer supporters by 2021, serving a workforce of more than 1,500. Molly played a key role in designing and integrating holistic wellness initiatives, recognizing the vital importance of comprehensive mental health support in high-stress professions.

Her interest in neuroscience, trauma, and resilience has driven innovation in fostering psychological safety within the workplace. Molly has contributed her expertise to several boards dedicated to first responder mental health and has been a vocal advocate for improving psychological support systems within EMS organizations.

In 2015, she was nominated by her peers to serve on the Mental Health Task Force Team within Alberta Health Services EMS (Edmonton Zone). In 2018, she received the President’s Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievements in People Excellence for her contributions to the Provincial Psychological Health and Safety Committee.

Molly holds instructor certifications in The Working Minds for First Responders (TWM-FR), AHS Suicide Prevention Education Awareness Knowledge Skills (SPEAKS), and HeartMath. Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional career, with past volunteer experience including Calgary’s Feed the Hungry program, the Calgary Children’s Hospital (2004–2005), and humanitarian work in Haiti with the Global Volunteer Network following the 2010 earthquake.

She remains deeply committed to championing the mental health and well-being of first responders, advocating for greater awareness, resources, and systemic support in addressing the psychological demands of the profession.

Mark Carson

Vice President

Mark Carson was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Mark started his career in EMS in 1982 and has witnessed an insurmountable amount of change over the many years. He has spent numerous years in his career as an active peer support member and has first-hand witnessed the impact an effective peer team can have. He has experience as an Advance Care Paramedic (ACP) and the Edmonton Zone Peer Support Coordinator. His knowledge and expertise in the profession bring invaluable richness to the work. Mark has a reputation “beyond reputations” for having the biggest heart. Mark is known for the unwavering love and support he gives to others and for having a direct tell-it-like-it-is approach. Mark has a labradoodle Sonny is a Certified Therapy dog, which proves to be an extension of the work he does by creating meaningful connections with those around him. Mark and Sonny volunteer their time at extended nursing homes, visiting the residents and putting smiles on their faces. As volunteerism is so important to Mark, he has spent over 30 years coaching the Special Olympics for swimming. He is an active member in his community, whether it is volunteering with the Knights of Columbus or completing 26 years of riding in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) bike ride from Leduc to Camrose. Mark dabbles in his woodwork, from turning pens on the lathe to creating beautiful willow benches. Mark also was nominated by his peers in 2015 to sit as a member of the AHS EMS Mental Health Task Force Team responsible for researching best practices for psychologically safe workplaces and is an instructor in TWM-FR, AHS SPEAKS, and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).

Bill Hilton

Secretary

Bill was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. From 1987-1995 he was a member in the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserves) trained as a Medical Assistant, where he achieved the rank of Master Corporal. Bill moved to Edmonton and began his EMS career in 1990 and in Edmonton as an Advanced Care Paramedic for Alberta Health Services since 2001. He has been actively involved in Peer Support as a Team Lead for over 10 years, managing a team of peer support members under him.

Over this time Bill has completed several courses dealing with psychological health and suicide prevention. Bill’s provides invaluable insight with his experience to EMS Peer Support & Wellness Solutions. His steadfast support and awareness of frontline stressors and requirements allows him to bring a close up perspective that is indispensable.

Katie Lehane

Grant Administrator

Katie was born and raised in central Alberta; she then moved to Calgary to pursue her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mount Royal University and then completed her education at the University of Calgary. Katie knew from an early age that she wanted a career focusing on helping others. After volunteering in Haiti at multiple orphanages and then again after the devastating Earthquake in 2010, she was even more determined to return to Canada and choose a career that would support vulnerable families.

For the next decade, she worked in Calgary with at-risk families, connecting them with basic needs and essential resources. Katie educated families on healthy child development, effective parenting skills, and screening for postpartum depression. Through strength-based home visitations, she witnessed families becoming more confident, secure and knowledgeable with their children and their surroundings. More recently, Katie was allowed to help source funding for peer support programs that help first responders. Nearly two years later Katie thrives on being able to contribute to a cause that is so desperately needed and undervalued. In addition to researching and grant writing, Katie enjoys gardening, camping, and travelling with her family.