Our Team
Saffron Centre is run by a fantastic team of caring people!
Each person on our team is committed to helping our clients flourish through their healing journey.
Saffron Centre is run by a fantastic team of caring people!
Each person on our team is committed to helping our clients flourish through their healing journey.
Hi, I’m Roxane Tiessen and I have been involved with Saffron Centre since 2014, first as a volunteer board member and then accepting the role of Executive Director in 2022. With a Bachelor degree in Secondary Education, I believe strongly that Saffron Centre’s educational programming can change people, leading to our goal of safe communities free from sexual violence. My background includes founding and leading a local non-profit as well as, owning and operating a successful business for over a decade. These experiences have fueled my passion for building an exceptional team who are dedicated to supporting our clients on their healing journey. When not working at Saffron Centre, I love spending time with my children and grand-daughter, and traveling with my husband and our mini-dachshund, Oscar.
Hi, I’m Kiara Warkentin and I found my way to this work in the Summer of 2018 when I applied for an administrative position at Saffron while finishing my degree from the University of Alberta. Years later, I am now responsible for outreach, education, and specialized police and court programming as Director of Justice, Research, and Outreach. I am passionate about working in advocacy and violence prevention because I see firsthand the strength our clients carry with them every day, and it continues to inspire me. When I am not in the office or handling our Facility Support Dog, Yukon, in court, I am usually on a paddleboard or at a campground with my family.
Hi, I’m Debbie Fillion, a Registered Psychologist and the Director of Saffron Centre’s Counselling Program. With a career spanning over three decades, I have dedicated myself to the prevention of and nurturing healing from sexual violence. My professional journey began as a forensic counsellor, providing support to high-risk youth impacted by intergenerational trauma. Since my introduction to Saffron in 2011, while I was finishing my master’s degree in counselling, I have evolved from a student therapist to a registered psychologist with advanced certifications in trauma therapy. I have remained dedicated to Saffron’s mission, transitioning from part-time contract therapist to full-time staff therapist, and finally, culminating in my current role as Director of Counselling in 2019. This position embodies my passion for guiding client healing, fostering excellence within our counselling team, and driving innovation to meet our community’s diverse needs. During my free time, you may find me curled up with a good book, cradling a comforting mug of hot chocolate, or relishing time with my family, including my cherished fur companions, including the adorable Yukon!
Trained by the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, I have been working as Saffron’s Facility Support Dog since 2022. I love to meet new clients and lay on their laps while they are in our counselling or police and court programs. I also love to meet new people at outreach events. When I am not supporting clients, I love to snack on yummy treats and sleep on my back. I am excited that I get to see both my work mom (Kiara) and home mom (Debbie) at Saffron every day.
Bill has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017. As a councillor for Strathcona County and a former teacher and principal, he understands how important this work is in creating a safer community for all. A background as an educator has given him perspective on the importance of this work and the need to connect with young people to truly change social norms. As a father of four adult children and a grandfather of four, Bill believes that the work Saffron does is pivotal in creating a better future for all.
Part of the Saffron Board since 2020, Nicole is an Education Coordinator for Beaumont Outreach School. Holding a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and a Masters in Education, Nicole brings a unique lens to Saffron’s Public Education services due to both her experience and education. She loves working with Saffron knowing that the Centre is helping people to become true survivors of sexual violence as they attain healing through care and compassion. Outside of work, you can find Nicole spending time with her wonderful husband and lovely stepdaughters or playing with her dog.
Lauren is the Vice President of Administration for Park Derochie (PD) Group of Companies Inc. and joined the Saffron Board as Treasurer in early 2023. She holds a Business Degree with a specialization in Finance, and is currently completing her MBA. Working with Saffron has been incredibly fulfilling to Lauren as she believes that Saffron Centre’s education and counselling support is so important to our community, particularly as we learn more about the prevalence of sexual violence within sports. In her personal life, Lauren spends time with her very busy of family of four – soon to be five! – and also with their beloved fur baby. Passionate about all things sports, Lauren has also been heavily involved in sport her entire life and has competed at the highest level having played in the U-17 World Cup and the U-20 CONCACAF.
Dion is a local high school counsellor, parenting educator, and a mom to three young children and has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and master’s degree in Educational Psychology in school counselling. As an educator and mental health professional, Dion is passionate about Saffron’s commitment to educating future generations about healthy relationships and in supporting those who have experienced sexual violence find hope and healing. Dion enjoys cheering on the Saffron team and encouraging them in their important work, and she is also passionate about good coffee, chocolate, and travel, and can often be found enjoying at least one of the three.
As an executive leader within the regulated health profession system, Erin wants to use her professional experience to help Saffron Centre. She has direct experience in corporate governance, strategic and operations planning, policy development, financial oversight, marketing and communications, stakeholder education, project management, and navigating within a regulated environment. Erin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, an Executive Management certificate from both Queens University and the University of Alberta, Six Sigma certification and governance courses from the Institute of Corporate Directors. On a personal level, raising two teenagers in today’s world makes her keenly aware of how important the work Saffron Center does for the community and by volunteering her time, she can help build a little more momentum towards Saffron Center achieving its vision of safe communities free from sexual violence.
Joining the Saffron Board in 2024, Rita brings a background in Pastoral Care to the team. She leads volunteer teams who support people with various life challenges through individual care programs and support groups. Rita has a degree in Theology and is a certified Grief Recovery Specialist with additional training in Mental Health First Aid. During her 26 years as a pastor, she has seen the power of holistic recovery in the context of healthy community and integrated care. She strongly believes in the work Saffron is doing to help those who have experienced sexual violence and is honoured to support their preventative work. In her downtime, Rita enjoys gardening, walks in nature, reading, great conversation, and good food with family and friends.
Corey-Ann was nominated to the Saffron Board in 2024. She joins with 30 years of business experience in the manufacturing and sales industry. Corey-Ann also serves as the Strathcona County Councillor for Ward 6. Alongside her business experience, Corey-Ann is the mother of four children and grandmother of two, who she raised in Sherwood Park alongside her husband. She believes in the importance of Saffron’s mission and looks forward to adding her expertise in governance to her role on the Board.
Mike joined the Saffron Board in 2024. He is a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for community safety. After a distinguished 25-year career in law enforcement, Mike transitioned into pivotal roles that helped shape public safety strategies and municipal operations across Alberta.
His leadership extends beyond policing, having taken on key roles in public safety, risk management, and municipal operations. He is driven by a passion for transparency in governance that strengthens our community and ensures effective, compassionate leadership. As a respected board member, he truly believes in the work of Saffron Centre. He is excited to help the organization work toward the existence of a community free from sexual violence.
Monday 9:00am 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:00am 9:00pm Wednesday 9:00am 9:00pm
Thursday 9:00am 4:30pm
Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Saffron Centre will be closed beginning Saturday, December 23rd through Monday, January 1st and will reopen on January 2nd. Voicemails and emails will not be monitored during this time. For immediate support, call the Edmonton Distress line at 780-482-4357 or the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre 24-Hour Help line at 1-866-956-1099.
From all of us at Saffron Centre, we wish you a peaceful holiday season and many blessings in the New Year.