Meet Our Team

Paula Galenzoski
Executive Director

In 2010, Paula, her husband, and 2 sons embarked on a big move to Fort McMurray from Calgary. The last 15 years have been nothing short of amazing to see this community grow, heal, adapt, and survive. Community building is near and dear to her heart. She has been a trustee with the Fort McMurray Catholic School Division since 2013, and in various roles in the social profit community in the region. In 2016 she held the role of Recovery Coordinator with the GoA’s Wildfire Recovery Task force, which opened up a whole new level of appreciation for the social profit sector that supports our community in such vital ways. The United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo has always been a prominent leader and community partner, and she is excited to be a part of its future.

Maryellen Fenech
Director of Administration

Maryellen has been an instrumental member of the United Way team for 20 years, leading the organization’s day-to-day operations as the Director of Administration. She also sits on the National Employee Benefits Committee. Being a resident of Fort McMurray since 1997, Maryellen is well-versed in our region’s non-profit sector and the importance of allocating available funds to where they will have the greatest impact. Maryellen is wife to Dan, proud mom of Gabbi and Olivia and pet mom to their dog Blue.

Pavlina Vaverka
Finance Coordinator

Pavlina has lived and worked in Fort McMurray for the last 15 years. Through that time she has worked with various organizations in roles that utilized her many skills in payroll, accounting, human resources and management. As the Finance Coordinator she works with the Finance and Administration team to make sure that all the dollars are accounted for and distributed to where they have the most impact. When Pavlina is not working she is continuing her academic pursuits and spending time with her husband Cam, son Xavier and their 2 dogs: Siba and Taz and their Guinea Pig: Fredrick.

Sophia Joyce Piosca
Redpoll Centre Administrator

Born and raised in the Philippines, Sophia moved to Fort McMurray in 2022. She’s fallen in love with the beauty of Fort McMurray since her arrival. And was currently seeking more opportunities to grow and help the community by joining events and volunteering programs. With the background of Business and Accountancy, Business and Administration Central Philippine University. She Graduated as well as Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) as the top 1 of their class. She’s also been a participant at YMCA Bridging the Gap Program and was employed at the Salvation Army as well. She enjoys meeting new people and inspires the young generation to be the best version of themselves to reach their full potential. Spreading positivity and working in the United Way to make Fort McMurray a lovely place is one of her ways to serve the community and live with a purpose.

The Redpoll Centre at Shell Place

1 C.A. Knight Way

Fort McMurray, AB T9H 5C5

780-791-0077

hello@fmwbunitedway.com

Charitable Registration Number:
119260495RR0001

United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo recognizes that we live, work and serve communities on Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral and traditional land of the Cree, Dene, and Métis people. We honour and acknowledge the Indigenous ancestors who marked these lands for generations and whose languages, histories and cultures continue to influence our vibrant region. Together may we all be stewards of the land.

Copyright ©2025 United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo