Who We Are
At Rising Above, we are driven by compassion and a deep calling.
From our dedicated staff to our board of directors, we are individuals with real stories, personal experiences, and a shared passion to serve. We believe in the transformative power of God's truth and the abundant freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Our mission is clear: to walk alongside those trapped in cycles of defeat, helping them break free, discover their true identity, and live in lasting freedom. We are fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, grandparents and friends—united by a singular purpose: to see lives restored and renewed.
We don’t just serve—we stand with each person, believing that healing, hope, and purpose are possible for everyone.
mel siggelkow - executive director
In 2007 Mel began Rising Above as a ministry through the Church he was pastoring in Grande Prairie, Alberta. This ministry grew quickly, and after 20 years of pastoral ministry Mel realized that his passion for helping people “break cycles of defeat” was pulling him more towards the ministry of Rising Above. Mel transitioned out of the Church leadership role to devote his energy towards Rising Above. Mel says, “seeing people break free from destructive patterns is the most rewarding and fulfilling work I have ever been involved with.” Mel enjoys opportunities to share about Rising Above with various groups and speaking at different churches.
Mel and his wife Liz have been married for over 30 years and have raised three amazing kids who are now young adults. They are thrilled to see the hearts of compassion and outreach in each of their children.
Both Mel and Liz were raised in strong Christian families and were modeled a lifestyle of compassion. Those seeds have grown and the passion to help people is what keeps them so engaged with a ministry like Rising Above.
Kimberly Cairns - Intake Manager
Kimberly moved to the Peace Country in 1993 to pursue schooling at Peace River Bible Institute. After receiving a Certificate of Christian Studies, she was hired on as an Associate Dean of Women and then moved into various administrative roles over the next decade. Following her time at PRBI she held a couple short-term jobs and then joined the Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning as a program manager for the next nine years.
Kimberly is passionate about working with people where they’re at and providing the necessary tools to help them get to where they want to be. She especially has a heart for supporting them to find freedom through Christ and succeed in their faith journey. “God’s hand has been evident in my faith journey, and I want to pass that long to others. Even though I was born into a non-Christian home I came to know the Lord because of a praying grandmother and the faithful obedience of a Kindergarten teacher who took me to Sunday School every weekend! And years later, the encouragement of a church secretary began my post-secondary education at PRBI.”
Kimberly is thrilled to be part of the Rising Above team as the Intake Manager. This role fuels her passion for education, building meaningful relationships, and encouraging individuals through Christ, while using her administrative gifts. “Rising Above has been a ministry close to my heart. When the opportunity came up to take on the role of Intake Manager, I felt God’s prompting and peace and knew it was time for me to join the team. As I engage with staff and participants, my desire is to exemplify Galatians 2:20, ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’”
Outside of work, Kimberly and Kim (husband) value every moment with their children and grandchildren. They also enjoy reading, working on house projects, spending time with friends, and camping/hiking in the summer.
RHONDA SHORT - ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Rhonda Short joined the Rising Above team on November 20, 2017, bringing with her a heart for service and a strong background in administration. As our Finance/Administrator, Rhonda plays a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly and effectively.
Originally from the beautiful province of Newfoundland, Rhonda, her husband Darren, and their two children made the move to Grande Prairie in 2005 and have since called home. She holds a certification in Business Administration with Payroll and has pursued further spiritual and leadership training through Victory Bible Training Center in Grande Prairie and a year of online study with Jerry Savelle Ministries.
Outside of the office, Rhonda cherishes every moment she can spend with her two granddaughters, Aemilia and Athena. She also enjoys riding motorcycle with Darren and expressing her creativity in her sewing room.
Rhonda's personal background has given her deep empathy and understanding for those facing addiction and hardship. She sees her role at Rising Above as a gift from God—a place where she can live out her calling to love, serve, and help others find hope and freedom.
Allison Wiseman - Communications & Front-End Coodinator
Allison started with Rising Above in January 2025. She brings a strong background and a passion for delivering excellent service. Allison holds diplomas in both Business Management and Hospitality. Originally from Ontario, she spent seven years living in Newfoundland before settling in Grande Prairie, where she has been for the past 13 years.
Rising Above holds a special place in her heart, as she has experienced the loss of 2 cousins to addiction. Allison is excited to watch the growth of the organization as well as it's staff and participants.
When Allison is not working, she likes spending time with family, reading, crafting, watching tv, and walking when the weather is nice. Allison enjoys going to Ontario during the summer to visit family and friends. While there, she enjoys the beach and taking in a Blue Jays game.
MARK VAN DER RAADT - Property Maintenance
Prior to Rising Above, Mark dedicated 15 years in sales at Prairie Coast Equipment in Grande Prairie. Throughout the years, Mark has helped to lead 16 Alpha courses through the Grande Prairie Alliance Church which fed into his passion of helping others find a relationship in Christ. When the opportunity presented itself to start a new career as Employment Readiness Facilitator at Rising Above, Mark knew the time was right to take it. Mark's role at Rising Above is to help program participants re-enter into the workforce by matching them with suitable employers. Making the transition into the workplace after a life of addiction is difficult, so Mark ensures participants have the proper coaching and support to be successful in their jobs. Mark says one of the things that he loves about this job is seeing people break from their cycle of defeat and having the opportunity to witness them confidently step into their second chance in life. When Mark isn't at work, he is spending time with Lynne, his wife, of 43 years and his grandchildren. Mark and Lynne love taking their grandchildren camping and hiking during the summer and anything else that involves spending time together.
sandra gonzalez - CASE MANAGER
Sandra Gonzalez is Rising Above’s Women’s Case Manager and is no stranger to the role. She has been in the field for over a decade working with various populations across Canada.
Originally from Colombia, Sandra’s transition into Canada in 2002 was rocky. New to Canada with minimal English skills while staying at a women’s shelter, Sandra chose to volunteer at a homeless shelter as part of her immigration requirements. Now over 20 years later, Sandra has continued working with individuals within the addiction and mental health population in Toronto, Fort McMurray, and Grande Prairie, and has pursued schooling aimed at bettering her abilities to assist the individuals she works with.
Sandra enjoys relationship and trust building with individuals she has worked with and has persistence and determination in seeing people succeed. She reflects fondly on the times she has run into former clients who are still doing well. “There’s something incredibly rewarding in seeing people still thriving well after working with them.”
Away from work, Sandra enjoys a simple life with her husband and takes time to connect with friends and her church. She also runs an online international women's Spanish bible study and is actively involved on the board of her church.
Manuel Ronquillo - Participant Care & Program Manager
Manuel joined the Rising Above team in September 2023 and is currently serving as Participant Care/Program Manager. In this role, he supports participants throughout their recovery journey while overseeing the structure and delivery of the program itself. Whether offering one-on-one guidance, connecting people with resources, or coordinating program components, his aim is to ensure each participant has the tools, encouragement, and consistent support needed for lasting change.
Originally from Ecuador, Manuel met his wife, Kristin, while she was studying there. They married in 2009, moved to Canada in 2016, and have two children. Before moving to Grande Prairie in 2023 to be closer to family, Manuel pastored a church in Stettler, AB. Having seen both the damage addiction can cause and the transformation that’s possible, he is passionate about creating a space where people feel safe, valued, and able to take real steps toward a new life.
Dustin Gano - Case Manager & Recovery Coach
Dustin joined our team in late 2024 and brings a unique perspective, having been a previous participant who successfully graduated in 2023. Originally from Rycroft, Alberta, he worked various jobs and acquired different skills and abilities. He has since completed the Addictions and Community Support Worker course, and is now dedicated to supporting others on their journey to healing and transformation.
Kim peters - INNER HEALINg Facilitator Lead
I began my journey with Rising Above in 2012 in the admin and finance position. Rising Above looked a lot different back then. We were transitioning from Government funding to being fully community supported. Its been so amazing being part of such an amazing ministry and watching how much growth has happened in the last 8 years. My background was in Child and Youth Care working with at risk youth. With drastic changes to my life I went back to school for business admin. For as long as I can remember I had a passion for the vulnerable people of our world and my life experiences have prepared my heart and deepened my passion for people.
I worked in the admin position for 3 years. In 2015 I felt God calling me in a different direction. To my surprise and grateful heart, I was able to stay with Rising Above and began working in case management and as an inner healing facilitator. In 2017, I was expecting my youngest son Logan and left Rising Above for an extended maternity/parental leave. I have enjoyed my time with my children so much. After nearly 3 years at home, I am back at Rising Above as an Inner Healing Facilitator. I once again feel so incredibly grateful for an opportunity to be a part of such an amazing organization. I’m so excited to be back, and see the healing God has for so many people.
I am married to the love of my life Carey, together we have 4 beautiful children. We love spending time outdoors, camping and hiking. I have recently found a new love for tending to my chickens and other pets around my acreage.
Sue Duke - Inner Healing facilitator & Volunteer Coordinator
Sue Duke joined the Rising Above team in May 2024 as an Inner Healing Facilitator. In November of 2024 she began teaching some of our Life Skills Classes, then in April 2025 her role was extended to becoming our new Volunteer Coordinator.
Sue, her husband Gary, and 5 of their 6 children, moved to the Grande Prairie area in the Fall of 2013. In 12 short years, all 6 of their children have married and are starting families of their own. Sue and Gary are now the proud grandparents of 18 grandchildren!! And that number will likely continue to grow!!
Sue’s education includes a Faith Based Addictions Treatment Certificate, acquired through Peace River Bible Institute. She is also educated in topics related to Trauma, Relational challenges, and in healing through Narrative based Story Work types of models.
Because of her personal experience with addiction and trauma recovery, Sue holds a deep passion for supporting individuals on their own journey of recovery and healing. For Sue, “It is an honor to walk with people in their stories of pain, helping them to name the guilt, fear, and shame, and then be able to offer “their truth” up to God for His Truth and transformational healing.”
With a strong foundation in empathy, active listening, and non-judgmental care, Sue brings both a personal and a professional understanding about the connections between trauma and addiction, to our team here at Rising Above.
Darren Sevigny - Inner healing facilitator
Darren joined the Rising Above team in July 2025, as a men's Inner Healing Facilitator.
Born and raised in Ontario, Darren has always had a heart for people on the margins. His journey took him hitchhiking across Canada to British Columbia, a season that shaped his understanding of resilience and human connection.
For eight years, he worked closely with youth in care, stepping into a fatherly role for many who had none. After marrying in 2021, he and his wife settled in Grande Prairie, where his calling to serve deepened. Though he didn’t grow up knowing Christ personally, Darren encountered God in a powerful way at church, and “everything fell into place.” With lived experience in addiction, he now walks in the freedom found in Christ and feels called to share that hope with others.
As an Inner Healing Facilitator, he loves putting kindness into action and creating space for others to experience God’s healing. Darren brings enthusiasm and humility to everything he does—whether it’s facilitating Alpha sessions, sharing art as worship, or simply being present. He loves his church family and lives out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.” His heart is to help others discover the same freedom, healing, and purpose he has found.
Jenny Gillespie - Inner Healing Facilitator
Jenny lives in Grande Prairie with her husband Jason of over 30 years. They have two grown children, a son who lives in Grande Prairie with his wife and their two boys, and a daughter who’s married to a farmer in Eaglesham, who also have two boys. That makes four grandboy’s – and that means a whole lot of fun! As Jenny puts it “Our favourite days are spent with our fam jam.”
Jenny is also a small business owner. She has owned and managed Sheer Illusions for the last 18 years.
Jenny took the Addictions Certificate course at PRBI, one class at a time from 2021-2025. She thoroughly enjoyed her internship hours at Rising Above focusing on the Inner Healing aspect Rising Above provides. She also has an Addiction Studies Certificate from Mount Royal University in 2012.
She was also actively involved in Celebrate Recovery from 1995-2012. During this time, she participated in and benefited from the 12-step program. Later going on to lead support groups and facilitate step studies.
From her own journey of receiving God’s help and healing in Recovery and Inner Healing, Jenny is honored to share God’s hope with fellow travellers.
Board of Directors
Rory Tarant
Mel Siggelkow
Nikki George
Dan Rigler
Brenden Bozlovitch
David Nesbitt
Darryl Mckay
Julie Pravitz