Meet Our Team

Paula Galenzoski
Executive Director

Paula and her family made Fort McMurray their home in 2010, moving from Calgary with their two young sons. Over the past 15 years, she has witnessed the community grow, heal, adapt, and survive.

Community building has always been at the heart of Paula’s work. From 2013 to 2025, she proudly served as a trustee with the Fort McMurray Catholic School Division, advocating for students, families, and accessible education. She has also held multiple roles within the region’s social profit sector, strengthening community partnerships and supporting organizations dedicated to improving life in Wood Buffalo.

In 2016, Paula joined the Government of Alberta’s Wildfire Recovery Task Force as a Recovery Coordinator. This experience offered her a profound appreciation for the essential role social profit organizations play in supporting and rebuilding communities during times of crisis.

Today, as Executive Director of United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, Paula brings her passion, experience, and deep community roots to an organization she has long admired. She is honoured to help lead its next chapter and continue advancing a strong, connected, and thriving region.

Maryellen Fenech
Director of Finance & Administration

Maryellen has been an integral part of the United Way team for over 20 years, overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations as Director of Finance & Administration.

 

Since moving to Fort McMurray in 1997, she has developed a deep understanding of the region’s non-profit sector and the critical importance of allocating resources where they will create the greatest impact.

 

Outside of work, Maryellen enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Dan, and their two daughters, Gabbi and Liv.

Pavlina Vaverka
Finance Coordinator

Pavlina has lived and worked in Fort McMurray for over 15 years, bringing extensive experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, management, and event planning to every role she’s held. Her commitment and keen eye for detail makes her an integral part of our team.
 

As Finance Coordinator, Pavlina works closely with the Finance and Administration team to ensure every dollar is accurately accounted for and directed where it creates the greatest impact. She first joined United Way in 2015–2017 and returned in October 2022, contributing her expertise and dedication for the past three years.

Pavlina is a graduate of the Leadership Wood Buffalo program and holds a Payroll Leadership Professional Certificate from the National Payroll Institute. She is currently completing her Business Administration in Accounting diploma through NAIT. Outside of work, Pavlina enjoys spending time with her husband Cam, son Xavier and their two dogs (Siba and Taz), while continuing her academic pursuits.

Sophia Joyce Piosca
Redpoll Centre Administrator

Born and raised in the Philippines, Sophia moved to Fort McMurray in 2022. Since arriving, she has fallen in love with the community and its natural beauty. She continues to seek opportunities to grow, give back, and stay engaged through local events and volunteer programs.

Sophia holds a background in Business and Accountancy, along with Business Administration studies from Central Philippine University. She also completed the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), graduating as the top student in her class. In addition, she has participated in the YMCA Bridging the Gap Program and has worked with The Salvation Army.

Passionate about connecting with people, Sophia strives to inspire the younger generation to reach their full potential and become the best version of themselves. Spreading positivity and contributing to the United Way are among the ways she aims to support the community and help make Fort McMurray a wonderful place to live—fulfilling her purpose through service.

Anna Dolling
Community Campaign Coordinator 

Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Anna brings a deep commitment to her role at United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (General Management), Anna uses her education and lived experience to strengthen local initiatives and contribute to meaningful change across the region.

At UWFMWB, Anna leads campaign-related work, resource development, and marketing and communications. Growing up in Fort McMurray, it has given her a strong understanding of the community’s needs. She is grateful for her experience and education, and is committed to reinvesting her skills back into the place that shaped her.
 
Volunteerism and philanthropy have shaped Anna’s life from a young age. She has proudly served as a head leader with Santas Anonymous and has long been involved in gymnastics, a passion she continues to share through coaching. When she’s not at the office or out in the community, She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, or doing yoga and pilates.