Casey Thomas

Secretary, Board Member at Orenda

Kind, thoughtful, compassionate, Casey is an unwavering supporter of community, and women and youth. She is deeply involved in providing essential administrative support to ensure the Orenda maintains high-level governance standards, and she constantly gives 100%, every time. Within the Orenda community, she’s well known for her collaborative approach, organizational prowess, and genuine, purposeful communication.

Casey has a professional background in Human Resources and has managed the Human Resources Association of Alberta. Additionally, she serves as an Emergency Communications Officer and holds certifications in Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch, and ASIST through the Centre for Suicide Prevention.

Casey believes that individuals are the heroes of their own stories, a lesson learned through her experiences in Orenda workshops and retreats. Living by the Latin phrase "Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam" ("I will find a way or make one"), Casey strongly aligns her work with the belief in the power of community, acknowledging Orenda as one of the strongest communities she has ever been part of.

Looking ahead, Casey is excited to contribute to Orenda's growth as part of the Board. She envisions witnessing the organization's possibilities become a reality and aims to be inspired while making a meaningful difference. She sees the Orenda Method growing significantly and hopes to play a role in building and supporting communities, both within Okotoks and throughout the province.

Casey is currently pursuing a certificate in Professional Writing with a focus on Business and Technical Writing at the University of Calgary. Through this program, she is developing her leadership abilities and enhancing her communication skills to create documents that have a meaningful and lasting impact.

In addition to her career achievements, Casey considers her greatest accomplishment to be homeschooling her three children, all of whom have excelled academically. She is a devoted mother, a passionate advocate for animals—especially dogs—and an active individual who enjoys daily exercise through strength training, running, and yoga.

Four Thigs You Might Not Know About Me

If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

Tofino on Vancouver Island is my favorite place in the world and where I feel most at home. I think I must have lived there in a previous life. The wildness of the ocean, so much beauty there, the lifestyle – absolutely love it.
Describe a small, everyday moment that brings you joy.

Late evening walks with my two dogs (Titi and Loki) when it is quiet, peaceful, and especially when you can see the stars.
What’s a favorite family tradition or ritual you cherish?

Running the Banff Winterstart Race with my sons in November every year. My Dad was the race director for this race for 20 years. It is a night run up Tunnel Mountain. We lost my Dad over 10 years ago, and this is one of the places we feel most connected to him.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

If I could have a superpower, I would be like Ironman – my personal fave. (Don’t even get me started on how much I love Robert Downey Jr.) How he uses his exceptional brainpower to innovate, to create, and to inspire loyalty. I would use that power to innovate ways to help youth, animals, and to make the world a better place, starting right here in my community.