Help shape the future of recovery in Canada.
SMART Recovery Canada is growing, and we are inviting new directors to help lead the way. If you believe in choice, science, and dignity in recovery, and you have skills and perspective to bring, this is your invitation to get involved.
Why join our board
This is a chance to put your skills to work for something that changes lives. You do not need previous board experience. You need to care about the mission and be ready to contribute.
- Attend board meetings, held at least quarterly, plus regular working sessions
- Give roughly 5 to 10 hours a month
- Serve on a committee or a special initiative
- Support fundraising and advocacy as your role and capacity allow
- Commit to a term of two or three years
What you bring, what you gain
You bring your skills, judgment, and a belief in what we do. In return, you help build a national charity that gives people the support and the tools to change their lives, and you join a group of people who genuinely care about getting it right.
What drives us
A Canada where anyone can find effective, judgment-free support and the skills to build a balanced, meaningful life.
We support the well-being of people, families, and communities across Canada impacted by addictive or other concerning behaviours through science-based, accessible SMART Recovery meetings led by trained facilitators at no cost to participants.
People lead their own recovery
Self-management and choice are at the core. You set your own goals and choose the tools and pathways that fit.
We learn and grow together
Respectful discussions led by trained facilitators, where people share experiences and learn from one another.
No stigma, no labels
We meet everyone with dignity and respect, whatever their story and wherever they are in their journey.
Everyone belongs
Whatever your background, culture, or identity, there's a place for you at SMART.
We follow the science, and keep evolving
SMART's tools and approaches are science-based, and we evolve as research and our own experiences grow.
We grow through partnerships
We work with volunteers, communities, organizations, donors, and funders to reach more people across Canada.
We're accountable and transparent
We set goals, follow through, and deliver on our commitments.
Directors to strengthen our reach
We are especially interested in the skills and regions below, where adding strength would help us most. If this is not quite you but you still feel called to serve, we would still love to hear from you.
Skills we want to add
Accounting and finance
A finance or audit professional to strengthen our financial oversight and keep a growing charity solvent, compliant, and trusted by funders.
Information technology
Our meetings, training, and donor systems all run on technology. An IT leader helps us choose the right tools, protect our data, and grow securely.
Fundraising and government relations
Reaching more people takes sustainable funding. Experience in fundraising or government relations helps us build partnerships, grants, and public support.
Communications, digital and social
Too few people know SMART Recovery exists. A communications, digital, or social leader helps us tell our story and reach the people who need us.
Strategy and planning
As we grow across the country, clear strategic thinking keeps us focused on what matters most. We are looking for someone who can help shape our direction and pressure-test big decisions.
Research
SMART is science-based, and we intend to stay that way. A researcher or academic helps us keep our work grounded in science and measure the difference we make.
Where we're hoping to find new directors
Our board already includes directors in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. To serve the whole country well, we are hoping to find directors who live in these regions:
- Vancouver Island
- Manitoba
- Atlantic Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
Local knowledge and lived perspective from these regions help us reach communities we do not yet serve well.
How it works
Here's our process, from your application to a seat at the table.
Apply
Complete the online application and attach your resume.
Review
A committee of the board reviews applications against the skills and regions we are seeking.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates meet a panel of board members to talk about fit, contribution, and expectations.
Selection
The board selects new directors to fill current vacancies.
Welcome
New directors join the board and serve until the next Annual General Meeting, where directors are elected.
Meet our board
You would be joining a group of people who care deeply about our vision and bring a wide range of experience and perspective to the table.
Jan Folk
Co-Chair and President
An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jan founded J. Folk & Associates and the National Home Warranty Program before turning to charitable work, including the Orange Dog Foundation. She has served on the boards of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, the Zebra Child Protection Centre, and the Edmonton Humane Society. A certified facilitator who leads a weekly Women's Only SMART meeting, Jan brings lived experience and a deep commitment to recovery.
Kraig Docherty
Co-Chair and President
A certified SMART Recovery facilitator who co-facilitates a weekly in-person meeting in White Rock, BC, Kraig brings over 20 years of experience as a Chief People Officer and consultant. He has helped organizations across Canada, the U.S., and Europe navigate complex transitions and build cultures where people thrive. He joined the board to strengthen SMART Recovery Canada's national infrastructure and expand its impact across every province and territory.
Jessica Hutton
Vice-President, Treasurer and Chair, Governance Committee
Jessica is a senior leader with more than 15 years in social services, specializing in systems change and service integration across mental health, housing, justice, and health, often in rural and remote communities including in Alberta, Nunavut, and British Columbia. She holds a BA in Psychology and a Master's in Counselling Psychology, and is a certified Human Rights Consultant.
Dillon Shaver
Secretary
A communications professional, business owner, and mental health advocate based in Toronto, Dillon founded his own public relations practice and brings over a decade of experience in storytelling, partnerships, and community engagement. A graduate of Humber's Addictions and Mental Health program, he pairs professional expertise with lived experience, and facilitates SMART meetings for 2SLGBTQIA+ peers while building affirming, inclusive communities.
Britni Brady
Director at Large
Britni is an experienced fundraising and communications professional with a strong background in nonprofit leadership across Alberta and Canada. She has led initiatives in mental health, trauma recovery, and community impact, and brings a deep commitment to supporting people and families affected by addiction. As a director at large, she helps advance our fundraising and our work to reduce stigma and widen access to support.
Meet our Director of Operations
Alanna Mahar
Director of Operations
Alanna is on the front line of everything SMART Recovery Canada does, and the main point of contact for facilitators, partners, and participants across the country. She leads our operations end to end, from programs and facilitator support to training, meetings, donor systems, and the technology that keeps it all running. If you join the board, you will work closely with Alanna.
Ready to put your name forward?
Tell us about yourself and what you would bring. The application takes about 15 minutes, and we read every one.
Start your applicationQuestions? Email nominations@smartrecovery-canada.ca