ANNUAL REPORT
PAA Members & Community,
It is an honour to join such a strong and vibrant psychology organization. As I step into the role of CEO, I am inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of PAA’s members now over 4,500 strong.
This year’s Annual Report reflects many successes, but also a deepened commitment to professional excellence, ethical guidance, and lifelong learning From record-breaking participation in CPD workshops to active Communities of Practice and expanding social media engagement, PAA is a hub for connection, advocacy, and innovation. I am especially proud of PAA’s continued dedication to Indigenous reconciliation and safe, effective, and culturally responsive practice, as well as ongoing supports offered through PAA’s Professional Guidance Program And I want to offer special thanks and appreciation to Dr Judi Malone, Board President Mira Singh, and interim CEO Lori Pratt, for their most-excellent leadership and oversight of PAA last year.
With ongoing strong financial stewardship and a passionate Board and staff, PAA is advancing the profession and promoting psychological health across Alberta In the year ahead, I look forward to working alongside you, strengthening PAA’s collective voice, and fostering meaningful impact in the lives of Albertans Bottom line: I want you to feel proud of your profession, practice, and PAA.
Land Acknowledgement
PAA acknowledges we are on Indigenous land We do this to strengthen the awareness of the presence, and rights, of all First Peoples. We do this to recognize the history of colonialism and its impact on the Indigenous Peoples of this land. We do this as a transformative act in response to Indigenous erasure. We do this in respect of the need for meaningful change toward reconciliation. And we do this to weave Indigenous presence into our systems and processes.
Dr. William E. Hanson
Ph D , R Psych, CEO
Lands in and around Alberta are traditional meeting and traveling routes for diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Dene, Stoney-Nakoda-Sioux, Blood, Blackfoot Confederacy Nations, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and many others. Their vibrant histories, languages and cultures continue to influence our vibrant communities, and whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.
In recognizing the contributions and importance of Indigenous Peoples, we take a necessary small step towards a clear and overt commitment to embody the promises and the challenges of Truth and Reconciliation
PAA Board and governance team, November 2024.
Who We Are & What We Do
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) is the voluntary body that:
advocates for psychology in Alberta informs the public and the media advocates for consumers of psychological and mental health services
PAA supports initiatives that seek to enhance health and well-being in our province:
having an active communications strategy operating a province-wide referral service providing professional development and networking opportunities for members
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to promote the science-based profession of psychology and the well-being and potential of all Albertans.
Our vision is that the PAA and its members are recognized leaders and experts in enhancing the psychological health of all Albertans.
Strategic Goals
2020–2025
Ensure financial sustainability
Focus on PAA’s membership value
Enhance the development of psychologists
Advocate for psychology’s unique value
Promote the psychological health of all
Our Staff
Dr. William E. Hanson
Ph D , R Psych, CEO
Joanna Leung Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Harpreet Gill Ph D , R Psych, Director of Professional Affairs
Angela Sargent Governance Officer
Annika Rorem Guidance Officer
Madison Fankhanel Continuing Professional Development Officer
Emma McGrath Member Services Officer
Arim Kim Member Engagement Officer
Jennifer Whyte Communications Officer
2024–2025 PAA Board of Directors
Singh President
Dr. Quintina Bearchief-Adolpho President-Elect
President’s Note
Pawluk Audit Committee Chair
As I look back on the past year, I’m struck by how much my focus and perhaps our collective focus has shifted What once felt like a pursuit of individual achievement now feels more like a commitment to building relationships, finding purpose, and supporting one another. This year, I’ve found the most meaning not in checking off goals, but in strengthening connections. Whether personal or professional, these relationships have been a source of inspiration and resilience in a world that can often feel uncertain.
This past year was full of surprise and change at the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) While change can be unsettling, there is a forward motion inherent in new perspectives, experiences, and connections As a community, we bid a fond farewell to our long-serving CEO, Dr Judi Malone. Her leadership created a strong foundation for connection and growth within the profession. We now welcome Dr. Bill Hanson to the role. With his leadership, we’re poised to enter an exciting new chapter in the Association’s evolution.
Change also reached the PAA staff and Board of Directors With fresh perspectives at both ends of the system, we’re anticipating more robust member engagement and continued advocacy for improved mental health resources across Alberta
Rashmani Chakrabarty Board Custodian
Our 2024 PAA Gala was a highlight, celebrating excellence in research, supervision, teaching, and leadership We also welcomed newly registered psychologists marking a significant step in their professional journeys The Gala offered space for both recognition and reflection, held just before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It reminded us of our responsibility to engage with Indigenous communities and perspectives in ways that are culturally meaningful and healing.
Throughout the year, our Collaborate platform, referral program, and professional development offerings continued to strengthen our community ensuring we remain connected, supported, and informed
Amid all this, I’ve been reminded of a lasting truth: service creates connection, and connection fosters fulfillment. It has been a pleasure to have served on the BoD. As we look to the year ahead, I invite each of you to stay engaged whether through volunteering, nominating a colleague, or simply reaching out Thank you for being part of a year defined by resilience, growth, and connection
Be well, Mira Singh, 2024–2025 Board President
Chris
Stacey Steele Member at Large
Mira
Tamara Austin Member at Large
Carmen Bellows Member at Large
Dr. Sandra Dixon Member at Large
Dr. Allison McNeil Member at Large
Lisa Kaldenbach Member at Large
Audit Committee Chair’s Report: Ensuring Financial Sustainability
I am pleased to report to the PAA membership on the financial status of the association for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. PAA’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025*, ended with a small operating surplus, and as planned, a small overall surplus as the board directed the allocation of additional funds to projects that support members The association’s net assets remained stable Notably, PAA continued to show slightly increased revenue from membership growth, and workshops There were no major changes to the budget or financial status of the PAA.
PAA’s continued strong financial status, adequate reserves, and predicted revenue growth provides a solid foundation upon which we can improve services to members, including the continuation and enhancement of professional guidance services, improved referral services, and additional professional learning As treasurer, ensuring funds are wisely spent to provide benefits to members in the short, medium, and long term remains the highest financial priority.
In accordance with our bylaws, Mahon + Associates Chartered Professional Accountants served as the auditor. On the Board’s behalf, I take this opportunity to thank them for their outstanding service This will be their final time as our auditors, as they are changing focus We are undertaking a search for new auditors I’d also like to express my thanks to all PAA staff, board members, and key contributors for their prudent and responsible approach to managing our budget and financial resources. Financial statements can be accessed by request. For more information, contact the PAA office.
Chris Pawluk, Audit Committee Chair
*These figures (pictured right) represent extracted financial details For complete details, email paa@paa-ab ca
2024–2025 Revenues & Expenditures* Year End: March 31, 2025
Statement of Financial Position* As of March 31, 2025
TOTAL ASSETS
$1,879,435 $955,885 $923,550
The Value of Membership
Members of PAA help shape issues that matter while connecting and learning from their peers. In 2024–2025, PAA saw growth in both its membership numbers and its engagement platform, Collaborate.
2024–2025 PAA Membership
Total members in the 2024–2025 membership year.
Collaboration & Community
PAA’s Communities of Practice are a place for members to connect, ask questions and share. Each Community of Practice is geared towards a specific area of practice.
2024–2025 Communities of Practice
Total members in each community
163 Clinical/Counselling Psychology Private Practice
346
Indigenizing Psychology
178
Supervision
282
Our 2024 Award Winners
Psychologist of the Year
Dr Caroline Buzanko
Dr. Sheri Madigan
Dr Cheryl Nekolaichuk
Excellence in Teaching Psychology
Dr. Damien Cormier
Awards Committee
In 2024–2025, the awards committee bid farewell to two outstanding committee members: Dr. Kerry Mothersill and Dr. Ceinwen Cumming. Their dedication to the adjudication process will be greatly missed. Remaining committee members Dr. Emma Climie, Dr. Jessica Van Vliet, Dr. Eric Wikman, Dr Sally MacLean, and Dr Sandra Dixon welcomed their newest member, Dr Stu Hoover
The 2024 Gala, Building Tomorrow Together, was an elegant celebration that brought together over 150 guests, award recipients, newly registered psychologists, and volunteers for an unforgettable evening at the Beautiful Grey Eagle Resort in Calgary, Alberta. The PAA Awards Adjudication Committee received twenty-six nominations for the PAA Awards, with ten PAA members receiving awards congratulations to all the outstanding winners! This dedicated committee meets twice a year to review existing award nomination criteria, review award nominations, select the recipients of the awards, and revi and address other issues related to awards.
Pictured right: moments and memories from PAA’s 2024 Awards Gala.
Excellence in Clinical Supervision
Dr. Brae Anne McArthur
John G. Paterson Media Award
Juanita Chambers Excellence in Community Service
Dr. Sandra Dixon
Masters’ Thesis Research Award Harleen Sanghera
Pettifor Lifetime Achievement
Doctoral Dissertation Research Award Jonathan Dubue
Undergraduate Thesis Research Award
Jenna Himer
Research Poster Award
Sabrina Minor
PAA’s Professional Guidance Program offers support to registered psychologists and provisional psychologists facing ethical dilemmas.
Participants have access to resources and can discuss concerns with the Director of Professional Affairs or a Practice Advisor. The program aims to enhance professional practice, prevent issues, and educate psychologists on ethical codes and practice standards and their application.
Consultations
PAA handled 295 consultation requests in 2024–2025 (a 18% increase over 2023–2024), providing guidance from Practice Advisors and Dr. Harpreet Gill, Director of Professional Affairs.
The Professional Guidance Program offers 1 0 Continuing Education Credit for full consultations In 2024, brief phone consultations were introduced for urgent inquiries
The most common topics:
File management
Release of information
General ethics
Conflict of interest
General legal
Private practice
Complex family issues and supervision
Professional Ethics Round Tables (PERTs)
The PAA Professional Ethics Round Tables are a peersupport program intended to enhance ethical professional practice and decision-making We held five sessions in 2024-2025; topics included Artificial Intelligence and Psychology, Ethical Considerations for Suicidal Ideations, Cultural Responsivity in a Changing World, Dual Relationships and Conflict of Interest, and Sustaining Personal Wellness for the Modern Psychologist. PERTs are being enhanced in the coming year.
2024–2025 Consultations By the Numbers
PAA’s guidance team, Dr. Harpreet Gill and Annika Rorem in the community.
Professional Development: Across the Career Lifespan
In 2024–2025, our CPD program introduced new courses and facilitators. Our learners and professionals accessed our CPD events and courses over 1,500 times Clinical SupervisionLevel 1 course, led by Dr Jeff Chang, closed in October for a revamped version that launched in early 2025 This year PAA also introduced a new 40-credit course, Foundations of Psychological Assessment with Dr Mike Sornberger
Workshops on ethics by Dr. Harpreet Gill, such as Ethical Decision Making and Informed Consent were very popular. In early 2025, we distributed a survey to gather feedback on CPD topics, which will help shape future offerings into 2025/2026. Thank you to everyone who participated and our dedicated facilitators!
2024–2025 Event Attendees
By Event and Course Type
PAA workshop presenters, Dr Jonathan Dubue and Dr Rachel King, March 2025
Keeping Members and the Public Informed & Engaged
2024–2025 was a year of growth for PAA’s membership and social channels. With a renewed focus on how and what content is shared, PAA is moving towards a strategic outlook for all content across its main channels for member and community engagement
Staying Social Into 2025: By the Numbers
+533 new followers (up 19% over last year’s growth) Engagement rate is up 12% over 2023–2024.
+ 496 new followers Engagement rate is up 234% over 2023–2024.
In the 2023 and 2024 membership surveys, members highlighted a desire for a more robust social media presence and a simplified email structure. Keeping the needs of members in mind, PAA’s communication efforts have pivoted towards that request
Psymposium
Psymposium, PAA’s official member newsletter, is published digitally five times a year with a limited print run. It highlights the diverse expertise within PAA’s community and encourages collaboration through articles, personal insights, and stories. Each issue average 1,200 to 2,000 views monthly, and articles are now linked on social media platforms Current and past issues are available on PAA’s website
PAA would like to thank Dr. Michelle Vandegriend for her years of work on Psymposium. PAA is welcoming new co-editors to the publication in September.