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About Us

Our mission is to provide the access to and subsidies for evidence-informed, animal-assisted and nature based mental health and wellness supports and services to individuals with mental health challenges and their families, caregivers, and staff. These will include counselling, psychoeducation and professional development to support positive mental health and wellness, to foster healthy relationships and connections, and to build greater resilience and a sense of hope for individuals and communities.

Nurtured By Nature Mental Health and Wellness Society offers a variety of trauma informed traditional and holistic therapeutic modalities, as well as professional development opportunities that integrate land-based learning across the programs. All of the offerings are facilitated by certified professionals with many years of experience in their respective fields.

Our Values

These values represent what we believe in and stand for at NBN. They guide our work and help us fulfill our purpose. We believe in and practice…

1. Compassion - We will demonstrate compassion by respecting and appreciating each other, our clients, our equine and nature-based partners, those we collaborate with and all living things. Compassion is a driving force for our work and how we show our humanity.

2. Integrity – We will act in a trustworthy, open, honest and ethical way holding ourselves accountable for ensuring NBN maximizes its impact.

3. Connection - We welcome everyone in a safe, accepting environment based on belonging, diversity and community. We believe that healing and well-being happen through authentic, respectful and nurturing relationships.

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Statement

NBN believes that diversity strengthens our organization and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating welcoming, respectful, and inclusive spaces where all individuals are treated with dignity and feel valued for who they are.

We strive to ensure our programs, services, and our organization are accessible and free from discrimination and bias. By recognizing and respecting the diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities within our community, we aim to foster belonging, equity, and meaningful participation for everyone.

We serve Calgary and surrounding areas including Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, the M.D. of Foothills and Rocky View County.

Our Board Of Directors

Nicole Bowerman - Chair

Nicole brings to the role many years of retail experience, business development, customer relations and team building with the intention it helps bring clarity, guidance and joy to her new position.

Nicole has been a keen supporter of both Women in Need Society (WINS) as well as Dogs With Wings.

She is an avid creator and learner. Knitting, furniture refinishing, lino print making, and anything creative!

Nicole equally loves animals as well as new adventures. She is excited to be part of this new one!

Mary Ellen Baldwin-Director

Mary Ellen is a retired Registered Psychologist who worked at the Alberta Children's Hospital for a total of 38 years, finishing in 2020.

During her years there she specialized in working with children with developmental disorders, child and youth mental health and assessment and diagnosis of children with severe prenatal and postnatal adverse exposures. Her practice was evidence based and trauma informed.

Mary Ellen has been deeply involved for 12 years as a paddler with a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team and has also been an active board member with this group.

Mary Ellen has also spent time volunteering with a dog rescue organization in Calgary.

Besides family and friends, fitness and outdoor activity is a big part of Mary Ellen's life.

Catherine Yates-Director

Catherine is a social worker and community volunteer whose career has focused on building capacity in the non-profit sector through research, program leadership, case management, fund
development and strategic communications.

Catherine holds a Masters of Social Work in International & Community Development from the University of Calgary, and is working toward certification in Equine-Facilitated Wellness. She believes deeply in the healing power of nature and human-animal connections.

Catherine loves to dig into a good book, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends.

Ann Ceccanese-Director

Ann is a retired Geologist who worked in the Oil & Gas industry for 40 years.

During her years in the petroleum business Ann specialized in exploring for oil and gas in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. Ann worked on many high-profile projects with engineers, geophysicists and landmen. Over her career she held leadership, supervisory and mentoring positions.

Ann has been involved for 10 years as a paddler with a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, and she has been an active board member with the Sistership DragonBoat Association, as well as the Springbank Park for all Seasons.

Since retiring Ann has also spent some time volunteering with the YMCA, and she is thrilled to have joined the NBN board, as she is a firm believer in various methods to bring mental wellness to individuals.

Besides spending time with family and friends; fitness, outdoor activities and travel is a huge part of Ann's life.

Dana Braunberger-Director

Dana is an educational researcher, university instructor, and leadership development practitioner focused on innovation, equity, and systems change in education.

She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in neurodiversity and learning theory, and supports school leaders in building future-focused, culturally responsive practices across diverse communities, including First Nations contexts in Canada.

Through research, coaching, and program design, Dana helps leaders align innovation with meaningful impact for students and communities.

Jim Watson-Director

After spending five years as a high school teacher and coach, Jim re-trained in accounting and spent the next 30 plus years marketing and supporting financial accounting systems to over 400 junior and mid-sized oil and gas companies in Calgary.

With a love for all sports and two active kids, coaching in the community was a natural fit for him; one where he met so many fine neighbors and knew his kids were thriving in the community. With time passing, friends, family, golf and travel occupy his days.

Through his daughter’s involvement with providing equine services to struggling
individuals and groups, he has become more aware of the large segment of our local society in need of supports. He is amazed at the caring and compassion shown by those involved and is happy to donate his time as Treasurer to Nurtured By Nature.

Cassidy Deering-Director

Bio coming soon.

Jennifer Lomsnes-Director

Bio coming soon.

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