Our Team

Helen McPhaden

Executive Director

Stardale Women’s Group is led by Helen McPhaden, who is the Executive Director. Prior to being a founding member of the grassroots organization, Helen had been working within the Indigenous community. Helen worked with girls to become models and hostesses. Helen in the recipient of multiple community and research awards including the JLC Partnership Service Award 2017-2018 from the Junior League of Calgary as well as the 2014 ECOS Award (Event for Communities of Sustainability). She is truly the glue that holds Stardale together and is at the helm of all of our incredible projects an initiatives.

  • Elder Wanda First Rider

    ELDER

    Coming soon!

  • Michaela Tomic

    COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

    Using our Stardale platforms to voice the girls stories and unique perspectives is the most important part of my job here at Stardale. I’m so proud to participate in an organization that amplifies young Indigenous voices and sets them on a solid path for their future. My main role is to manage all of our communications channels including email, website, social media and more. You’ll also find me behind the camera at Stardale events capturing snapshots of the girls activities.

  • Muse Laroyia

    RESEARCH AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INTERN

    As Stardale’s Research Intern, I’m honoured to be developing “The Stardale Contribution,” a digital curriculum grounded in Stardale’s legacy of suicide prevention, cultural strength, and youth empowerment. I’m completing my MSc in Neuroscience, where my research explores memory, learning, and brain resilience. Working alongside the Stardale team and community knowledge holders, I’m committed to co-creating resources that honour Indigenous storytelling, build hope, and strengthen belonging.

    Outside of Stardale, I’m involved in research and advocacy projects related to foster care reform, health equity, and accessible education. I also create artwork for galleries and community spaces where stories of resilience bloom boldly. No matter the space, my goal is always the same: to spark change through creativity, compassion, and collaboration, bridging research, advocacy, and art to build a more just, inspired, and inclusive world.

Interested in joining the Stardale team?

Contact us today for information on available positions or visit our “Work With Us” page for current postings.