We are all Treaty people: As we live and work on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories we pay respect to the Indigenous ancestors of this place and embrace the opportunity to affirm our collective commitment to reconciliation.
Hope’s Home Board of Directors oversees the organization throughout Saskatchewan, works to enhance growth and development across Canada, and ensures guidance, transparency, and accountibility at all levels.
It is comprised of a carefully selected group of individuals who come from a variety of education and employment backgrounds. Members are chosen based on the perspective and talents they can contribute, and are charged with the responsibility of acting as the governing body of Hope’s Home to ensure the organization’s philosophy, goals, values, and vision are met.
2026 – 2027
Kristian Wells
Board Chair
About Me
President & CEO, SaskTel International
Kristian joined SaskTel immediately following convocation from the University of Regina. While at SaskTel he spent 10 years in numerous finance roles and obtained his CMA designation (now CPA, CMA). In 2012 he joined the Directwest Executive where he held the position of CFO and Vice-President Corporate Services which provided him much broader experience including HR, Administration, and Project Management oversight. In June of 2022, he moved over to SaskTel International, where he holds the title of CFO. Kristian takes great pride in finding ways for numbers to help find solutions and tries very hard to make numbers and accounting as interesting and easy to understand as possible.
He is excited to be a part of the Board as his son Logan has specialized medical needs and attended Hope’s Home along with his sister Olivia. As a result, he has a special understanding of how important Hope’s Home is to families with children facing medical challenges and its importance to the community.
Richard Schwan
Treasurer
About Me
Chief Banking Officer, Affinity Credit Union
Richard joined Affinity Credit Union in October 2018, bringing with him over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry working at both RBC and TCU Financial Group. His career has given him extensive experience in a variety of roles, which include, Branch Manager, Regional Vice President, National Director of Distribution & Operations and Chief Operations Officer before fulfilling the role of Executive Vice President of Advisory Services at Affinity.
Richard focuses on providing strategic insight and leadership to guide the success of Affinity’s 56 advice centres, Contact Centre, Wealth Management and Business teams in delivering a remarkable experience to members across the province.
He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, received his Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers designation and earned his MBA from Dalhousie University. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Richard balances his personal time between his family, his contributions to the community and recreational sports. He is actively involved in several charitable and community organizations, including past-president of the Rotary Club of Regina Eastview.
Chris Knihnitski
Director
About Me
Chris Knihnitski, CPA
Board Director | CFO | Strategic Finance Executive
Chris Knihnitski is a results-driven financial executive and board contributor with extensive leadership experience across research, public, and private sectors. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS), where he leads financial strategy, governance, and business transformation. Chris has played a critical role in transitioning GIFS from a grant-funded model to a sustainable, service-based enterprise – modernizing financial systems, embedding performance metrics, and supporting commercial growth.
Chris brings expertise in financial planning & analysis, capital allocation, risk management, and board-level reporting. His background includes roles at Cameco Corporation, NSC Minerals, and TCU Place, guiding strategic decisions, stakeholder relations, and operational resilience during the COVID- 19 pandemic.
In addition to his executive role, Chris is a Director and Treasurer of the MEF2C Family Foundation, supporting research and advocacy for a disease that impacts his family directly. He also represents GIFS on the boards of multiple agri-food non-profit organizations.
Carson Sinclair
Director
About Me
Customer Success – Manager at IntelliCulture
Carson Sinclair is a strategic relationship-builder and currently serves as the Customer Success Manager at IntelliCulture, where he helps agricultural businesses unlock operational efficiency through technology. His career spans the agriculture, clean tech, and not-for-profit sectors, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, program development, and turning innovative ideas into measurable impact.
Throughout his career, Carson has focused on building collaborative partnerships that drive meaningful outcomes for communities and businesses alike. His passion for giving back started early. He first learned about Hope’s Home while volunteering during university, and later attended the organization’s flagship fundraiser, Swinging with the Stars, where his mother participated as a dancer—an experience that further deepened his connection to the cause. Inspired by Hope’s Home’s mission and the life-changing care it provides, Carson is proud to support the organization in delivering inclusive childcare for children with complex medical needs and their families across Saskatchewan.
Corey Sheehan
Director
About Me
Electrical Operations Manager for Saskatchewan at Shermco Industries Canada Ltd
Corey grew up in the small town of Canwood, Saskatchewan. After graduating high school in 2005 he moved west, living in Macklin Saskatchewan and working in Provost Alberta where he started his electrical apprenticeship. He spent 5+ years with Vulcan Electric Ltd. working in the Provost and area oil and gas industry, where he achieved his Red Seal Journeyman Electrician certificate.
In late 2010 he started working for Shermco Industries Canada Ltd. (formerly Magna Electric Corporation, better known as MEC) based out of Saskatoon. Twelve years later he is still there and currently serving as the Electrical Operations Manager for Saskatchewan with responsibilities in both the Saskatoon and Regina offices, where he oversees personnel, finance, assets and sales.
Corey feels his greatest achievement however is his family. His wife of 10 years Natashia Sheehan and their two children. Their daughter Aria who turns 8 this July attended Hope’s Home in Prince Albert from the age of 1 through 5. Their son Emmet who turns 4 in September, currently attends Hope’s Home in Prince Albert.
Corey looks forward to giving back to Hope’s Home, the organization that has made a very positive impact on his family.
Amanda Stefan
Director
About Me
Senior Labour Relations Specialist at Saskatchewan Health Authority
Amanda was born and raised in Saskatchewan, specifically at Regina Beach. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Regina – Bachelor of Kinesiology double majoring in Adapted Movement Science and Human Kinetics. After completing her bachelor’s degree she began her career with the Saskatchewan Health Authority in 2013 as a Consultant in Attendance and Accommodation.
Her interest in business and Human Resources then led to the completion of her Master’s degree with Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business obtaining a Master’s of Human Resource Management. She became a Labour Relations Specialist in 2016 where she currently still works leading her team as a Senior Specialist.
Throughout her time with the SHA she has gained extensive experience in all areas in Human Resources and has built excellent relationships and partnerships throughout the organization.
She loves consulting, problem solving, negotiating, and adapting to the ever-changing environment of healthcare!
She is married with two children ages 1 and 3 that both attend Hope’s Home – Rosewood. In her spare time she loves to run half marathons with her mom Golden Retrievers, swim and spend time with my family camping and travelling.
Christopher Mason
Director
About Me
Lawyer
Chris’ career experience has served him well as both a business owner and inhouse counsel for both a financial institution and many professional regulatory bodies including several years with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.
Chris has enjoyed giving numerous presentations to many organizations including the College of Law. Chris’ career focus remains in corporate commercial law.
Outside of his career, Chris has volunteered with many nonprofit groups, including serving as Vice Chair of the Sanctum Care group in Saskatoon.
Chris’s aspirations with Hope’s Homes is to give back where he can in a team atmosphere for the benefit of “building a better world.”
Chris raised his family with his wife in Saskatoon and has enjoyed owning business, practicing law and volunteering in his community. Apart from hiking in the pacific northwest Chris enjoys making sawdust in his garage in hopes of producing something his wife will use around the house.
Kyle Egeto
Director
About Me
Registered Nurse at Saskatchewan Health Authorities
Born and raised in Saskatchewan between the city/farm, married and have 2 children both attended hopes home and 1 still here. Varied work history working in EMS, carpentry, iron working and the last 12 years for the former RQHR and now SHA as a Registered Nurse. Currently managing the integrated renal program. With my 4 years with children at hopes home I have lived the experience it provides and want to support the great program it is.
Kristie Schmidt
Director
About Me
Manager, Advisory Services – Affinity Credit Union
Kristie is an Advisory Services Manager with Affinity Credit Union, leading the teams at three of their Advice Centres in Saskatoon. With 17 years of experience in the financial industry, she’s worked closely with Affinity’s membership in a variety of roles, transitioning into leadership in 2019. Her journey as a leader has been incredibly fulfilling, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving excellence and fostering strong working relationships.
Growing up in a small town, Kristie has always valued community involvement and volunteerism. Last year, she attended a cheque presentation for Hope’s Home, where she watched a video about their impactful work in the province and heard firsthand from a family benefitting from their services. This experience left a lasting impression on her. Additionally, Kristie has witnessed a friend and colleague navigate a life-changing diagnosis for their son, gaining some insight into the challenges faced by families who have children with complex medical needs. These experiences motivated her to put her name forward to serve on the Board of Directors.
Kristie lives in Saskatoon with her family. When she’s not busy with the activities of her two girls, Ellie (9) and Harper (7), she enjoys cooking, being outdoors, and staying active. Kristie also volunteers her time as a judge with Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming, a sport she ‘s enjoyed and been involved with since her youth.
Michele Primeau
Director
About Me
Financial Planner – Retired
Michele brings over 30 years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner to Hope’s Home.
Throughout her career, she has provided comprehensive financial services, including investment management, sales, administration, customer service, and estate planning. Michele has worked closely with clients to help them achieve their estate planning goals, equipping them with the necessary tools and guidance for long-term success.
She has extensive experience in developing will plans and has collaborated closely with legal professionals to draft detailed wills and powers of attorney. Additionally, Michele has managed trusts and testamentary trusts, ensuring clients’ wishes are carried out with precision and care.
Michele’s depth of knowledge and expertise will be a tremendous asset to Hope’s Home.
Board Chair’s Message
2025-2026
As I assume the role of Board Chair, I’m reminded that Hope’s Home’s mission extends far beyond programs and services; it touches families in deeply personal ways, including my own.
Both of my children have attended Hope’s Home, and like many families we serve, we have navigated the realities of raising a child with complex medical needs. Through that experience, I’ve seen firsthand the compassion, expertise, and dedication that define this organization. Hope’s Home is more than a place of care; it’s a community that provides families with support and a true sense of belonging.
Every day, the team at Hope’s Home makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families who rely on specialized, inclusive care. Their work enables parents to pursue their careers, strengthens families, and creates opportunities for every child to thrive.
As a member of the Board of Directors, I am incredibly proud of the impact Hope’s Home continues to have, and deeply grateful to the staff, supporters, and partners who make it possible. As a parent, I am simply thankful.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of this important work.
Kristian Wells
Chair of the Board of Directors, Hope’s Home