We are thrilled to announce the upcoming inaugural “From the Ground Up” event, taking place on November 28th, 2024 in the heart of rural Rocky View County. This unique event is a celebration of community, connection, and collaboration, with a powerful purpose: bringing together the rural community of Rocky View County to enjoy a shared meal, live music, exchange ideas, and help shape the future of healthcare in this region.

“From the Ground Up” is not just about food and fellowship — it’s about creating real change. The event will serve as an essential platform for gathering feedback from local farmers, ranchers, and residents, while also providing the University team with the valuable insight needed to research the gaps in healthcare and wellness access in rural areas. With the participation of the rural community, we aim to better understand the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers when it comes to healthcare and wellness, and together, we can explore solutions to improve access and support for these vital members of our community.

This event would not be possible without the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of a diverse group of individuals and organizations. We would like to take a moment to introduce the talented team members who have come together to make this vision a reality:

The Team

Larry & Kortney Woolliams
Larry, co-owner of Woolliams Farms Ltd. in Rocky View County with his wife Kortney, is deeply committed to agriculture and community wellbeing. Together, they founded the Woolliams Farms Ltd. Charity Golf Tournament, which has raised over $130,000 in just two years to support mental health initiatives in agriculture, reflecting their passion for giving back.

Martin Ferguson-Pell
Martin, a physicist and biomedical engineer, has advanced rehabilitation science through innovative leadership. He founded the University of Alberta’s Rehabilitation Robotics Lab and co-developed Click&Push Accessibility. As Dean of Rehabilitation Medicine (2007–2016) and Executive Director of Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute, he championed virtual care and datadriven health innovations. In 2024, he won the ASTech Award for Medical, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals – Application (Academic Collaboration).

Megan Strickfaden
Megan is a design anthropologist, migrant, caregiver, PTSD survivor, and grandmother, she lives between Edmonton and Calling Lake, Alberta, and serves as a professor in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta. Her work addresses complex challenges faced by individuals with extraordinary circumstances—sightlessness, neurodivergence, and mobility on wheels—driven by her personal caregiving experiences and commitment to impactful design.

Emily Armstrong
Emily, a 2015 University of Alberta (U of A) graduate with Distinction in Psychology, is the Lab & Project Manager at the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab. Driven by her passion for rehabilitation, she excels in community engagement, data analysis, and student mentorship. Honored with the U of A Award for Outstanding Mentorship, Emily advocates for equity and accessibility in care, education, and research.

Michelle Bates
Michelle is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Airdrie Health Foundation. A dedicated leader and advocate for community health, she also works as a Pharmacy Technician at the Peter Lougheed Centre. Beyond her professional roles, Michelle is a proud mother to two daughters, balancing her passion for healthcare with family life.

Ryan Thompson
Ryan is the President of Pureform & PureKids Radiology, a Calgary-based radiology practice specializing in diagnostic imaging, including musculoskeletal, pain management, and breast cancer imaging. As Chair of the Airdrie Health Foundation Board, he champions local health initiatives. Holding a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from UBC, Ryan enjoys family adventures in the Rocky Mountains year-round.

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson
Rebecca, an Applied Social Psychologist and professor at the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus in Camrose, leads the AgWellAB program, which focuses on promoting mental health and wellbeing in the agricultural industry. Her work bridges psychology and community engagement to address the unique challenges faced by those in agriculture.

Jenna Richter
Jenna is a passionate advocate for agriculture, living on her family farm in rural Rocky View County. A graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, she combines her love for farming with her professional role as Executive Assistant at Woolliams Farms Ltd., supporting Larry Woolliams in advancing agricultural
initiatives.

Orsoyla Welch
Orsolya is completing her master’s degree in Human Ecology at the University of Alberta, focusing on how physical environments shape daily practices and enhance quality of life. As a research assistant, she values being part of an interdisciplinary team collaborating with the Rocky View County community to drive
meaningful, community-focused initiatives.

Marcus Wong
Marcus is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honors) student at the University of Alberta and a practicum student at the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab. Passionate about healthcare innovation, he combines his academic pursuits with hands-on experience in rehabilitation research. In his free time, Marcus enjoys playing basketball, walking his dog, and showcasing his musical talent on the piano.

Ashmita Singh
Ashmita is pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of Alberta with a foundation in anthropology and knowledge translation. Her global fieldwork experience enhances her expertise in stakeholder engagement, ethnographic research, and advocacy for equity-deserving groups, fueled by her commitment to create impactful healthcare solutions.

What to Expect from the Event

On November 28th, attendees can look forward to a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can enjoy a locally-sourced meal together. But it doesn’t stop there. The event will feature discussions, feedback sessions, and presentations on the state of rural healthcare, with an emphasis on identifying gaps and finding solutions that will improve the quality of life for farmers and ranchers in Rocky View County.

As the evening unfolds, attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, voice their concerns, and offer feedback on how healthcare services, mental health support, and wellness initiatives can be better tailored to meet the needs of the rural community. This invaluable feedback will be compiled and used to guide the university’s research and ultimately inform future strategies to improve healthcare access in the region.

A Collaborative Future

“From the Ground Up” is more than just an event — it’s the beginning of a collaborative movement to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and rural communities. With the combined efforts of the University team, local farmers, ranchers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier, more connected future in Rocky View County.

We hope to see you on November 28th, 2024, as we come together, share a meal, and work toward creating lasting, positive change for rural healthcare in our community.

Let’s build a stronger, healthier future From the Ground Up.