MEET OUR TEAM
We are The Broom Tree Foundation
We are The Broom Tree Foundation, a boots on the ground resource for people in need in our community. Through our network of local community support groups, as well as with the help of individual donors, we will work together to meet needs and share hope to those who need it. We do not know what needs will come through our door, but we know that we have the means to meet them together.
Who we are Directors 
DONNA ABMA | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Donna is the founder and leader of the Broom Tree Foundation. Her passion, desire and willingness to walk along side women who are struggling is undeniable and inspiring. For many years Donna has envisioned a foundation where any woman regardless of their economic status or situation can obtain the necessary supports to build and foster healthy, vital and independent lives. In January 2020 her long-time vision became a reality. Donna’s tenacity and drive have inspired and mobilized the community to come together for a shared purpose.
TAMARA NOORDHOF | PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Tamara Noordhof is one of the co-founders serving as program director of the Broom Tree Foundation. She is a registered Social Worker and has been integral to the development and orchestration of what the Broom Tree is today. She is passionate about serving her community and helping people who may not have adequate support to find meaning and valuable connections in their lives.
Tamara loves to motivate and encourage others to get involved in their communities and church. She believes that when the community comes together to support one another, the impact will be profound.
KESHIA CARMICHAEL | BRIDGES PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Keshia has her diploma in addictions. After fulfilling her practicum hours with the Broom Tree Foundation, we were excited to offer her a job right away. Keshia has also been a volunteer with our Broom Tree Sisters Program and in our Café. Keshia has a heart to serve. She is always one of the first people to step up and offer to help when any need arises and is willing to use her many gifts and talents to serve her community well. Keshia also is a doula and is passionate about offering pregnancy, labor and postpartum support.
SHARON GARVEY | OFFICE ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Sharon joined our team as Office Administration Assistant in March 2023. She moved to Lacombe in 2004 and has 2 grown children, 2 grandchildren and her dog Chase. Her love of family and the community is what brought her to The Broom Tree Foundation. With over 30 years of administrative experience at EPSB and Red Deer Polytechnic she is excited to be working in Lacombe. As we grow she will be an integral part of our team.
Her first introduction to The Broom Tree Foundation was through Tamara. “I was so inspired how the staff at The Broom Tree Foundation helps the many women and their families in assisting with their needs to live healthy and enriched lives. It was then I knew I would love to be a part of the team.”
ALISSA MORRISON | BROOM TREE SISTERS COORDINATOR
Alissa is our Broom Tree Sisters Program Coordinator. She is a mother of 4 and has her BA in Psychology. She was inspired by the work the Broom Tree Foundation was doing right away and is a Broom Tree Sister herself. Alissa has been involved in supporting people in their journey to better mental health for many years. She has a strong passion for helping others and shows kindness to all that she meets. She looks forward to serving the community and making a real difference.
Broom Tree Cafe Team 
HELMA TOLSMA | CAFÉ MANAGER
From the very first time I learned about The Broom Tree Foundation, I was excited about it's vision and it's mission. After volunteering in the cafe, taking the Broom Tree Sister training, and being paired up with a lovely young lady to walk alongside, I came to love it even more.
Cooking and baking are a way in which I enjoy serving others, and the cafe is a great place for me to do so. It is such a blessing to experience and see so many willing hands and hearts as we as a community are the hands and feet on serving and loving those in need around us.
SHELLEY MELDRUM | BT SWEETS
Ever since I heard of The Broom Tree Foundation, I have wholeheartedly given all I can to support the mandate they seek to fulfill. I enjoy creatively serving others, especially with good food and fancy cakes. Serving here has fulfilled a deep desire I have to meet pressing needs in a practical way.
Board Members
BECKY KOOIKER | VICE CHAIR/
CO-FOUNDER
Becky joined the foundation because of her willingness to walk alongside women in crisis and help them achieve their potential. Becky is a wife and mom of four busy boys and understands how important it is for young moms to have the appropriate supports. Becky truly has a servant’s heart. She is always willing to do the hard work and help in any way she can. Becky’s amazing gifts in practical strategy and planning lends itself perfectly to this foundation and we are so honoured to have her be a part of it.
JANIS BUTCHER | SECRETARY/
CO-FOUNDER
Janis joined the Broom Tree Foundation board without hesitation as she is passionate about making a positive and life changing impact on the lives of the women in her community. Janis’s contribution to the foundation is essential to the organization’s success. Her leadership qualities, professionalism and interior design education are a tremendous asset as the Broom Tree Café develops and we continually depend on her wisdom, expertise and dynamic creative mind as this foundation continues to grow.
COREY GISH | TREASURER/ CO-FOUNDER
Corey Gish is a lawyer who has been practicing in Lacombe since 1997. Corey’s volunteer history ranges from Lacombe Chamber of Commerce in her early years, to participation in a variety of minor sport association roles and as her children have grown expanding to current commitments which include the Lacombe Police Commission and the Lacombe Health Trust and now The Broom Tree Foundation Ltd.
WHITNEY ANDERSON | CHAIR
Whitney is a local business owner who puts plans into action. She wants to help other women achieve their goals by giving them a means of support and mentorship.
Whitney owns Wolf Creek Cabinets which graciously donated all the beautiful cabinets in our café. Whitney’s gifts have been evident in many ways since she came aboard. Whitney is a visionary who continues to encourage growth in our foundation with her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to contribute to Central Alberta.
Agency StructureBOARD GOVERNANCE
Whitney Anderson - Chair
Becky Kooiker - Vice Chair
Janis Butcher - Secretary
Corey Gish - Treasurer
BROOM TREE FOUNDING MEMBERS
Donna Abma
Tamara Noordhof
Corey Gish
Janis Butcher
Becky Kooiker
BROOM TREE FOUNDATION EMPLOYEES
Donna Abma - Executive Director
Tamara Noordhof, RSW - Program Director
Keshia Carmichael - Bridges Program Director
Alissa Morrison, BA - Broom Tree Sisters Coordinator
Sharon Garvey - Administrative Assistant
BROOM TREE CAFE EMPLOYEES
Helma Tolsma - Manager
Shelley Meldrum - BT Sweets Coordinator
Tia Meldrum - Assistant Manager
Adrienne Gadsby - Barista
Kealy Cherniuk - Barista
Lydia Jo Butcher - Barista
Yvette Baggs - Barista