Meet the Team!
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Lana & Henry Madsen
Directors The 'He' and 'La' of HeLa, Henry and Lana have owned and operated HeLa since 1987. Until 1997, they provided school programs from May to June and September to October, and spent their summers guiding for Nahanni River Adventures. Their winters involved more University, cross country skiing, and various contract positions with school boards and university. Following the birth of their first daughter, they figured it was time to upgrade their living situation, so they moved out of their blue van and purchased the present HeLa facility. Henry and Lana are heavily involved in the cross country ski community, and the winter finds them both on their skis as often as possible. Henry is also a Principal with Edmonton Public Schools while Lana works as a Programmer at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. During their spare time, if they have any, they pursue their outdoor passions with their 2 daughters, Kiera and Rhea. |
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Brett Pawlyk
Program Manager | MAS Head Teacher Brett has been with HeLa since 2002. Brett's passion for paddling has taken him to rivers all over North America and the rest of the world. His favourite would have to be either the Churchill in northern Saskatchewan or the Colorado through the Grand Canyon. He is also an avid rock-climber, scrambler and backpacker and spends most of his winters exploring warmer countries. He recently published the guidebook David Thompson Country: A Scrambling Guide. Lana and Henry have been kind enough to allow HeLa to be the full-time home for his family. Certifications and training include: B.A Recreation & Tourism, B.Ed University of Alberta Alberta Certified Teacher (PPC) Wilderness First Responder (80hr) Swiftwater Rescue Technician Paddle Canada Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Advanced Tandem and Solo Paddle Canada Camping Leadership Instructor Trainer Paddle Canada Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Intermediate Tandem and Solo ACMG Top Rope Instructor Avalanche Safety Training 1 NCCP 1 Orienteering Coach |
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Annabelle Oung Administrative Manager This is the French accent you'll hear when you phone HeLa! Annabelle moved to Alberta from France in 2009 for what was supposed to be a 9 month stint. Fast forward 12 years and she is still here. She spent her first few years in Canada teaching French in Edmonton before joining the HeLa team. She is also a certified French translator. Annabelle is an avid hiker/scrambler/backpacker and you will usually find her exploring the mountains with her daughter on her time off. Certifications and training include: B.A English & French as a Foreign Language, Post Grad Diploma FSL - Université de Rouen ATIA Certified Translator English-French Wilderness First Responder (80hr) Alberta Food Sanitation & Hygiene |
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Adam Biesinger
Facility Manager Adam worked at HeLa in its early days, in the late 90's and early 2000's, before leaving for many years to pursue other life goals. The HeLa vortex brought him back in 2016. Adam is a trail-runner, climber, biker, skier, free-diver and all around explorer. A jack of all trades, his latest projects involve building his own tiny home and row boat. You may even spot him on a biking or climbing program at HeLa. Certifications and training include: Lakeland College Adventure Tourism Degree Wilderness First Responder (80hr) Avalanche Safety Training 1 Certified Bicycle Mechanic AIDA 3 Advanced Freediver NCCP 1 Orienteering Coach Registered Massage Therapist |