About Us

Tina Gillies, Co-Founder and CEO, and Executive Director of Communications Division - Alberta  

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Tina Gillies (Retired MCpl) is an Afghanistan veteran, Imagery Technician and Co-Founder of the Kadence Legacy Fund, where she leads strategic growth, partnerships, and development initiatives across the organization.

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With a professional background in public relations, fundraising, communications, marketing, and digital media, Tina brings a results-driven approach to building awareness, securing sponsorships, and advancing mission-based work. Her experience includes proposal writing, government engagement, project management, and campaign development within both public and private sectors.

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She has contributed to children’s cancer advocacy through her work in communications with the Terry Fox Foundation and has volunteered her time as a photographer supporting veteran-focused organization Solider On, further reflecting her commitment to community, service, and storytelling.

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Her expertise in storytelling, brand positioning, and fundraising strategy enables the organization to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships, and deliver meaningful impact at a national level.

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Tina continues to guide the organization’s vision, operations, and growth, ensuring the legacy behind the Kadence Legacy Fund is carried forward with purpose and professionalism.

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Derek Pimiskern, Co-Founder, COO and Executive Director of Operations - Alberta 

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Sergeant (Retired) Combat Engineer with over 20 years of service, Derek is Co-Founder of the Kadence Legacy Fund and leads operations and strategic partnerships.

 

His lived experience with PTSD, combined with a strong family legacy of military service, with both parents, his grandfather, and great-grandfather serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, provides a deep foundation for developing programs grounded in understanding, structure, and real-world impact.

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Derek plays a critical role in day-to-day operations, the operational setup and coordination of events, military connections, and strategic relationship building. His leadership supports program delivery and ensures strong partnerships that contribute to meaningful, lasting outcomes for veterans and first responders.

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John Dugas, Alberta Certified Trainer, Government Approved Service Dog Provider, Holdfast K9, Service Dog Trainer and Provider for the One Dog, One Life Program

 

Executive Director of Training and Standards Division, Alberta 

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Master Warrant Officer (Retired) with 30 years of service, John Dugas is the service dog trainer and provider for our One Dog, One Life program.

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After an incredible journey with Courageous Companions, where he served as Executive Director since 2016, John has transitioned into the role of Director of Training and Standards. During his tenure, he made a profound impact, helping hundreds of veterans and first responders find their service dogs and supporting their journey toward stability and independence. In this role, John continues to advance training procedures and standards while contributing to program development in a sustainable way as he manages his disability.

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As a key connection between organizations, John plays an important role in strengthening the partnership between Courageous Companions and the Kadence Legacy Fund. Through this collaboration, we are able to expand access to trained service dogs and enhance the support available to our program participants.

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Holdfast K9 and his longstanding role with Courageous Companions, John supports the Kadence Legacy Fund by providing training guidance, mentorship, and the continued development of service dog programming.

 

Alex (Alexandra) Munro, Program Ambassador - Operations Division, Alberta 

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Retired Signal Operator, veteran, and peer support of the One Dog, One Life program, Alex serves as a Program Ambassador providing peer support, mentorship, and community connection to veterans and first responders navigating the challenges of PTSD.

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Drawing on her own lived experience, Alex helps individuals build confidence, reconnect with their communities, and access support networks that foster resilience and recovery. Through one-on-one mentorship, group engagement, and program outreach, she provides understanding, encouragement, and practical guidance to those on their own wellness journey.

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Alongside K9 Morgan, Alex plays an important role in promoting awareness, reducing stigma surrounding mental health, and helping participants feel supported, understood, and connected.

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As part of the One Dog, One Life program, Alex contributes to the development of peer support initiatives designed to strengthen outcomes for veterans, first responders, and their families.

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Avery Melnyk, Creator of Communications - Communication Division, Alberta 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avery brings her love of animals, art, and storytelling to her role as KLF’s Creative Communication Assistant. With skills in photography, videography, and art, she helps manage KLF’s social media and TikTok while documenting our work through photos and videos. She uses creative storytelling to raise awareness, share meaningful stories, and highlight the life-changing impact of service dogs.

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Avery and her black Lab, K9 Louie, have been part of the Holdfast K9 team since August 2025. K9 Louie is Avery’s service dog and has already brought support, consistency, and companionship to her daily life.

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As part of Holdfast K9’s One Dog. One Life. owner-trained program, Avery brings a valuable younger perspective and firsthand understanding of the program to KLF. Through her work, she hopes to help people understand that service dogs are much more than pets and that people do not have to be Veterans to need a medical service dog.

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​Stephanie McMullen, Maritimes President of Atlantic Canada 

​​Atlantic Canada Regional Lead (NB, NS & PEI)

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Stephanie is a retired Afghanistan Veteran who brings lived experience, compassion, and dedication to her role with the Kadence Legacy Fund Atlantic Canada division.

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Stephanie leads regional outreach, fundraising, and partnership development while supporting veterans through lived experience and strong community engagement. Her leadership is focused on building sustainable growth, raising awareness, and expanding access to service dogs across Atlantic Canada.

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Stephanie is leading the expansion of our team across the Maritimes, bringing valuable experience in grant funding, corporate partnerships, event fundraising, bookkeeping, and nonprofit operations. Our team is entirely volunteer-based, made up of dedicated individuals from the veteran and first responder community.

Email: KLF.maritimes@gmail.com

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Join Our Team

​​Our team brings lived experience across military and emergency services, with an understanding of the realities many face, including trauma, operational stress, and complex PTSD.

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We are continuously expanding our team across grant funding, corporate partnerships, event fundraising, bookkeeping, and nonprofit operations. While we are proud to have strong support in marketing, public relations, program delivery, and veteran-focused services, we are always looking to strengthen our foundation.

 

If you have experience that could support and elevate our mission, we encourage you to connect with

the Kadence Legacy Fund team.