Our MFRC Team
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Elaine Giles
Executive Director View BioElaine Giles is the Executive Director of the Suffield Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). With over 13 years of dedicated service, Elaine has held a variety of roles within the organization, including Kiddie Kare Supervisor, Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Employment & Education Assistance Coordinator, Information & Referral Coordinator, and Front Desk Receptionist.Elaine Giles
Executive Director
As the spouse of a British Military Veteran, Elaine has lived in several countries and on multiple bases. In 2011, when her husband was posted to BATUS, she began her career with the MFRC in Child Services. Following a posting to Ireland in 2013, Elaine and her family returned to Canada in 2014, where she rejoined the MFRC and worked her way into leadership.
Elaine holds a Bachelor of General Studies in Arts and Science, a Diploma in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, two Counselling Certificates, and a Certification in Death and Grief Studies. Passionate about supporting others through change, loss, and growth, Elaine is dedicated to leading the MFRC as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of military and veteran families. -
Rolanda Eirich
Social Worker / Veteran Family Program View BioRolanda Eirich
Social Worker / Veteran Family ProgramJoining the Suffield MFRC in January 2023, Rolanda covers both the Social Worker and Veteran Family Program Coordinator roles. Having personally supported a military family with their transition to Canada, Rolanda has a heart and passion for working with serving members, veterans and their families.
Rolanda brings extensive experience supporting individuals and families through times of change and challenge. Her background in long-term care focused on grief and loss counselling, transition support, and advocacy for residents and their families. In addition to her work in long-term care, Rolanda has supported individuals experiencing homelessness and those from low-income populations, providing mental health, addiction, trauma, and PTSD support. Over the past three years, she has expanded her practice to include one-on-one counselling, helping clients navigate a wide range of concerns with a focus on trauma and grief. Rolanda is passionate about fostering resilience and empowering individuals to find healing and hope through compassionate, person-centered care.
Rolanda holds both a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, along with specialized certifications in Advanced Applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Clinical Military Counseling, and Grief and Death Studies under the supervision of Dr. Alan Wolfelt. She is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma processing and is a certified facilitator for True Colors, Mindfulness X, and Military Dads programs. Rolanda is a Registered Social Worker in the province of Alberta. -
Sharlene MacKinnon
Financial Administrator View BioSharlene commenced her employment with the MFRC in 2009 after first volunteering with the organization. Raised in a military family and married to a British Veteran, Sharlene has lived in many different countries and brings a strong understanding of the military lifestyle to her work.Sharlene MacKinnon
Financial Administrator
After arriving in BATUS for a posting in 2008, Sharlene joined the MFRC’s Child Services program and soon after took on the role of Relief Receptionist. In 2019, she became the Front Desk Receptionist and, in 2020, expanded her responsibilities to include coordinating the Volunteer Leadership and Information and Referral programs.
Today, Sharlene works primarily behind the scenes, administering the MFRC’s finances and overseeing the Support Our Troops application process. She holds qualifications in Accounting, QuickBooks, and Family & Community Care.
Sharlene can be reached at:
Phone: 403-544-5567
Email: mfrc.finance@gmail.com -
Sarah Branch
Deployment & Absence / Volunteer Leadership /Information and Referral coordinator View BioSarah Branch
Deployment & Absence / Volunteer Leadership /Information and Referral coordinatorSarah was raised within a military family, and like many military children, attended boarding school for a number of years. Married to a British Veteran, Sarah has resided in many countries including Germany, Spain, Northern Ireland and England.
Sarah first came to BATUS in 2018 and promptly joined the ranks of the MFRC Volunteer Leadership team, before gaining employment as a Relief Receptionist in 2019. Sarah is currently the full-time Volunteer Leadership Coordinator, Deployment and Absence Coordinator and Information and Referral Coordinator. If you would like to Volunteer for the MFRC please click here for more information.
Be sure to visit the MFRC office and get to know Sarah; as a military child, wife and mother, she has walked in your shoes, experienced the same challenges and is a friendly face you can count on for support and understanding.
Sarah has training and qualifications in 'Leadership & Management', 'Equality & Diversity', 'Health & Safety in the Workplace', and 'Communication Skills'.
Contact Sarah at:
Phone: 403-544-5567
Email: cfbsuffieldmfrc@gmail.com -
Haylee Meshen
Communications & Outreach Coordinator View BioHaylee Meshen
Communications & Outreach CoordinatorHaylee joined the Suffield MFRC team in June 2025, bringing with her a strong background in Marketing, Communications, and Outreach Coordination. With close family members who served in the military, Haylee has a deep understanding of the unique experiences of military families. This connection fuels her passion for ensuring families receive timely, relevant, and accessible information about available support services, events, and community activities.
Her previous experience in the communications and marketing field includes creating targeted advertisements, managing social media platforms, designing newsletters and promotional materials, producing engaging photo and video content, developing a mobile app, and planning and attending professional events. These skills allow Haylee to effectively share what’s happening at the MFRC, bring a fresh perspective to programming and outreach, and connect with community members.
Haylee holds a Bachelor's Degree in Art and Design and has professional experience in creative industries as well as in roles supporting individuals dealing with grief and loss. Her unique blend of creativity and compassion helps her engage meaningfully with the military community and contribute to a welcoming and informed environment.
If you would like to connect or reach out to Haylee, feel free to message or email at:
Phone: 403-544-5567
Email: suffield.coms@gmail.com
