Debbie Royer

Chairperson

Hi, I’m Debbie. I’m a sessional instructor at MacEwan University, currently teaching in the Educational Assistant Program and the Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration, and previously in Disability Studies. I also worked for the Alberta government and retired from Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) eleven years ago. On a personal note, I am married with 25-year-old twin sons and two dogs (one rescue and one a retirement gift to myself!). 

I have a long history with Skills. I was originally on the board in the mid-nineties and had to leave when I had my twins. Many years later, the opportunity arose to return to the board, and I gladly accepted. When I worked for PDD, I had the pleasure of working with Skills staff on different projects including the Communitea Infusion project. Their vision of citizenship and belonging for all people with disabilities aligns with my own values. Some of our learning in this area was done together at the Edmonton Learning Community, a community of practice a few of us developed together. 

Skills staff have been among my favorite people to work with. Their desire for continuous learning and out-of-the-box creativity has transformed their work and their organization in ways that have changed the lives of the people they support to lead their best lives. Skills is an agency I would trust to support my son.