Borealis Health Regional Advisory Council

ShawnaLee Jessiman is a registered speech-language pathologist with more than 33 years’ experience enhancing health care access in rural and northern communities. Eleven of these years have been in High Level area. ShawnaLee has worked extensively across the continuum of care in early childhood programs, schools, community health, hospitals, long-term care and private practice. 

She holds a doctorate degree, has presented nationally and collaborates with the University of Alberta to support training and mentorship for future clinicians working in remote areas. ShawnaLee volunteers with numerous local organizations and serves on provincial and national boards focused on health advocacy and improved health care outcomes.

Julie Melville has been an advocate for rural health and community well-being for more than 30 years. Based in Rainbow Lake, she’s played a key role in initiatives like Alberta’s nurse practitioner pilot and setting up a dental office that served the community for several years. Julie chaired the former True North Health Advisory Council and served on various health committees over years. 

With a background in municipal leadership and holistic health, Julie is committed to creating accessible, collaborative health care solutions across northern Alberta. As former deputy mayor, she has contributed to several regional boards over the year. Currently, Julie is serving as the treasurer of the Northwest Health Foundation.

Joyce Fehr has spent her much of her adult life living in La Crete. Joyce has three children, the eldest with Down syndrome, which started her on a health advocacy journey within the region. From the late 1980s to early ‘90s, Joyce worked in the health sector doing administration work and home care. 

She maintains an active business relationship with physicians from Lethbridge to La Crete. In 2009, she joined a local health board that advocates for health services in the community and physician recruitment. Joyce loves family, travelling, reading and seeing improvements in her community’s health services.

Nella Fehr grew up in the La Crete area and has been a pharmacist in the community for 15 years. Community members have come to know her as a good listener and often share their concerns and issues with her. Nella is active in the area and volunteers on several boards and committees to help others in need. 

Jan Welke has called High Level home since 1996, when he began working at a local drugstore and the hospital as a pharmacist. In 2009 he and his wife purchased the drugstore and operate it to this day. In 2019 Jan was elected as a municipal town councillor. He served High Level until 2025, at which time he chose to focus on his family and the regional delivery of pharmacy services with his wife.

Along with work, Jan sits on the Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Society Board, and Community Futures. He is committed to fostering meaningful relationships with surrounding Indigenous and municipal communities, especially focused on healthcare delivery.

Lisa Wardley is a dedicated community leader and long-serving municipal councillor with over 20 years of experience. Lisa represents Mackenzie County and the residents of Northern Alberta. She brings a strong background in local governance, regional collaboration, and community advocacy to her role on the Regional Advisory Council. She is working to ensure rural and northern voices help shape accessible, responsive health care services for Albertans.