Regional Advisory Council 1 - Health

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. 

As the deputy mayor, she contributes to several regional boards, including Boreal Housing, the Allyship Circle and the Northwest Health Foundation. With a background in municipal leadership and holistic health, Julie is committed to creating accessible, collaborative health care solutions across northern Alberta. 

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 was elected to the Town of High Level’s council in 2019. He has called High Level home since 1996, when he began working at a local drugstore and the hospital as a pharmacist. During his career, he has also owned and operated a local pharmacy with his wife. 

Along with regular work, life and council duties, Jan sits on the Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Society Board, Community Futures Northwest and is a member of the High Level TV and Film Task Force. He is committed to fostering meaningful relationships with surrounding Indigenous and municipal communities.