Board of Directors

Alison Archambault, President
Alison joined National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors in 2010 bringing with her a wealth of experience in corporate governance, communications, marketing, business development and the non-profit sector. Alison is the Director Brand & Engagement for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo where her portfolio includes brand, marketing, communications, event sales, special experiences and media relations.  In addition to her work with National Service Dogs, Alison is a volunteer firefighter/FMR with Redwood Meadows Emergency Services and holds certification in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Individual and Group Crisis Intervention.

Adam Saperia, Vice President
A long-time supporter of National Service Dogs, Adam joined the Board of Directors in 2016. In addition to having organized and hosted fundraisers for NSD since 2009 which have generated over $40,000 in donations, Adam brings to the Board years of experience in helping small organizations quickly grow. After receiving his MBA from the prestigious Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Adam has spent the past decade in senior management roles in the healthcare field, serving diverse patient groups with unique needs. Adam is passionate about helping those in need. Along with his work for NSD, he supports a grassroots charity working with young adults with developmental disabilities.

Breanna Roycroft, Secretary & Past President
Breanna joined the Board of Directors in 2018, bringing with her extensive experience in the not-for-profit and healthcare industries. She received her Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in 2010 and spent time working in Ottawa in various capacities on Parliament Hill. This includes a contract with the Canadian Foreign Service in India, where her work included the research and development of the Human Rights Report for the region.  After leaving Ottawa, Breanna leveraged her government experienced to support not-for-profits focused on healthcare and education. She spent time developing the corporate engagement and grants department with the We Charity group.

Graham Hunt, Treasurer
Graham rejoined the National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors as the Treasurer in 2022 after previously serving as Treasurer on the Board from 2012 – 2017. He brings significant experience in the areas of business and finance from over 20 years as a professional accountant in a number of industries including transportation, retail and logistics. His current role is that of General Manager at V. Fraas Manufacturing Inc., the Canadian arm of V. Fraas GmbH, a 143 year old family business based in Germany which produces scarves, throws and other woven fashion accessories, involves
overseeing the Canadian operations.
Graham’s previous Board experience includes being Treasurer of the Clarington Minor Hockey Association, Past President and Executive Member of the Royal St. George’s College Alumni Association and past Board member of the Acadia Alumni Association.  As well, he has held various volunteer coaching positions within his community’s minor league hockey and lacrosse associations

Leif Erickson, Director

Lisa Callaghan, Director
Lisa Callaghan is the CEO, Auto Sector Retiree Health Care Trust.   Lisa has worked in the insurance industry for over a decade. Prior to her move to insurance, Lisa worked in the defense manufacturing industry, supporting a global executive team creating business strategies and organizational redesign as well as leading the global business process improvement team.  Lisa holds undergraduate degrees in Science and Physical Education from Queen’s University, an MSc in Biomechanics from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.  As a lifelong Labrador retriever owner, NSD’s mission, and the focus on empowering people to achieve their full potential with the support of strategically trained and certified service dogs, is closely aligned to her both her personal values and passions.

Colin Merrick, Director
Colin has over 25 years of business experience in developing corporate strategy and company culture. With a deep background in Human Resources he has led a variety of functional teams in the areas of Environment, Health and Safety; Corporate Communications; Information Technology, Finance/Accounting, Marketing, Building Services and Sustainability. Prior to joining Newalta, he held executive positions with Black Diamond Group Limited, Pace Oil and Gas and Deloitte.  Colin is a Business Administration graduate from Mount Royal University and holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California.  He is a strong believer in giving back to the community and along with volunteering for several organizations he has over 10 years of not for profit board experience having served as both a Director and Board Chair.

Jas Atwal, Director
I have 20+ years’ experience driving cross-functional teams in the execution of transformative projects, programs and initiatives for industry-leading companies. I am recognized as a strategic problem solver with a record of identifying technical needs, optimizing day-to-day processes and introducing lasting solutions that satisfy immediate and long-term business objectives. As a TELUS team member, I have moved through a number of parts of the organization in my 10 years with the team and am currently the Director, Information Services at TELUS Health. Two areas that I am very excited about are Diversity & Inclusivity & Health & Wellness. I’m also honoured to be a member of the Race Relations committee for the city of Markham where we are helping to implement action plans on diversity & inclusivity.

Nicole King, Director
Nicole joined the NSD Board of Directors in 2023, bringing with her experience in HR consulting and executive recruitment in the not-for-profit, sport, and retail and apparel industries. Nicole received her Master of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary. She is currently on the executive talent acquisition team at lululemon and previously worked in consulting with a global executive search firm, working with clients predominantly in the not-for-profit and public sectors. Nicole was previously a volunteer snowboard instructor with the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS) and foster dog parent with Endless Pawsibilities Rescue Society, until she foster failed with her husky mix, Flanders.

Dr. Jackie Bowcott, Special Advisor

In her role as Special Advisor to NSD’s Board of Directors, Dr. Bowcott brings a portfolio of education centred around veterinary medicine. A certified DVM and owner of a small animal practice in Oxford County, Dr. Bowcott contributes her expertise to numerous animal welfare agencies including several humane societies, and Friends of the Orphans Canada.  Dr. Jackie and her husband make their home in rural Ontario, along with their children and menagerie of animals including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens.