About Evermore
Our Focus
Our team
Our History
Our Mission
Supporting permanency and empowering families through education, programs and services.
Our Vision
Offering quality programs and services so that every child can flourish in a forever family.
Our Values
Integrity
Building relationships on trust, honesty and consideration of other people’s well-being.
Compassion
Considering the generations of history that have impacted children and families today.
Collaboration
Creating mutually beneficial relationships with partners that have common goals benefitting individuals, children and families.
Inclusiveness
Providing a safe and open environment for everyone that is seeking our services with a commitment diversity and inclusion.
Respect
Practicing in ways that regard differences in feelings, rights or traditions of others and being present and holding space for others when communicating.
Accountability
Being accountable for our decisions and actions in all that we do to ourselves, others and our stakeholders.


What Drives Us
We believe that education about adoption and permanency is important to the success of adoptive and permanent families. Knowledge about current practices in adoption dispels myths and helps families and our larger community understand the process and impact of adoption today.
When any form of permanency, including adoption, becomes the plan for a child we believe the child's best interests are met when families are well-equipped with a broad understanding of the issues that may arise along the journey. Knowing what resources are available to support the child throughout his or her life within a permanent family is essential from the start.
What is Permanency and Why is it Important?
Permanency is an expansive term, with many important factors. The definition of permanency includes adoption, legal guardianship and kinship care. The Evermore Centre supports all forms of permanency. A Permanent connection with at least one committed adult who provides a safe, stable, and secure parenting relationship, unconditional commitment and lifelong love and support is crucial for every child. We emphasize the importance of cultural competency in any permanency relationship.
We emphasize the importance of cultural competency in any permanency relationship, and by choosing a more inclusive name, we aim to step in the direction of reconciliation and deeper partnership with Indigenous communities. We recognize that Canada’s colonial legacy has negatively impacted many families, and with this name change, we aim to reflect cultural humility and a commitment towards healing.
We are happy to share that we have changed our name to “The Evermore Centre”. The word “evermore” is a synonym for “forever, always”, and it reflects our organization’s focus on fostering permanent homes that create well being & long term stability for children.
Fostering Cultural Identity and Reconciliation
As an organization that works with many Indigenous families, we take seriously our commitment to reconciliation. We know that the challenges facing Indigenous families are rooted in a legacy of colonization that tore families apart.
We are here as a resource, a partner, and ally in the reconciliation journey. With the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action as a framework, we are committed to widening the circle of support and reimagining the future of child-centred care.

Our Team

Denise Mildner, BBA, MBA
Executive Director
View Bio
Denise is a highly accomplished professional with a strong educational foundation, having earned both her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from York University. Her academic achievements have equipped her with the critical thinking and business acumen needed to excel in her leadership roles. With extensive experience in management and governance, Denise has honed her expertise through various leadership positions, where she has been responsible for overseeing organizational growth, managing teams, and making key decisions to drive success.
Currently, Denise leads the Evermore Centre, where she is instrumental in executing the organization’s strategic plan. Her role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring that the Centre’s objectives are met, and fostering a work environment that promotes productivity and collaboration. Denise provides continuous guidance and mentorship to her team, enabling them to align with the Centre’s vision and achieve their individual and collective goals.
In addition to her operational responsibilities, Denise plays a key role in reporting to the board of directors, keeping them informed of progress, challenges, and opportunities. Her ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and her commitment to transparent governance help ensure that the Centre operates with integrity and is positioned for long-term success.
As a solutions-oriented professional, Denise is known for her ability to approach challenges strategically, finding innovative ways to improve processes, increase efficiency, and deliver results. Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, clear communication, and a focus on continuous improvement, all of which contribute to the Evermore Centre’s thriving environment.

Candy Hamre Wyka
Program & Family Coordinator
View Bio
Candy has had a long-standing connection with the Evermore Centre, having served on its Board of Directors for several terms, where her passion for family support and community development flourished. In October 2023, her dedication to helping families led her to join the staff, making her transition from volunteer leadership to staff member a natural next step in her commitment to the centre's mission.
Candy's journey is deeply intertwined with her professional work. Having built her own family through adoption and a PSI (Person of Sufficient Interest) placement, she brings both a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to her role. With years of hands-on experience working with children and families, she understands the challenges and joys of building a family through adoption, fostering, and other supportive placements. Her background allows her to connect with families personally, providing the compassion, understanding, and insight they need as they navigate their adoption journeys.
At the Evermore Centre, Candy is an essential part of the team. She is responsible for overseeing the Domestic Adoption Orientation (DAO) program, where she provides crucial information and resources for prospective adoptive parents. Through this program, Candy helps families better understand the adoption process, offering support and guidance from the beginning. She also leads workshops and other program opportunities to educate and empower families in their adoption journeys. Additionally, Candy co-facilitates the PRIDE Review Session, an essential aspect of the adoption process, where she works alongside families to review their progress and ensure they are on track to move forward with the adoption process.

Nicole Woods, BSW
Administration
View Bio
Nicole holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Regina, which has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to effectively support families in navigating various aspects of permanency. Her expertise includes working with individuals and families through complex processes like Person of Sufficient Interest (PSI), kinship care, and pre-and post-adoption services. With her compassionate approach and deep understanding of the adoption system, Nicole is dedicated to offering guidance and ensuring families receive the support they need during these life-changing transitions.
As the first point of contact for the organization, Nicole plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming environment. She responds promptly to general inquiries and assists prospective families with their questions, providing them with important information and resources. Her organizational skills extend to overseeing the Domestic Adoption Orientations (DAOs), where she manages the logistics, scheduling, and coordination of these informative sessions for new and prospective adoptive parents.
Additionally, Nicole is responsible for the membership database, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring that all information is up-to-date. Her role also involves streamlining various administrative processes to ensure smooth operations within the organization. Nicole’s commitment to client service and organizational efficiency makes her an integral part of the team, helping to facilitate a supportive and responsive environment for families in need of adoption and permanency services.

Samantha Cree
Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator
View Bio
Samantha is a dedicated and passionate student currently enrolled in the Indigenous Social Work Program at the First Nations University of Canada. With a strong foundation in academic knowledge and personal lived experience, she has developed a deep understanding of the critical importance of cultural connection for Indigenous children and families. Her commitment to enhancing the lives of Indigenous peoples is reflected in her mission to bridge gaps in social services, ensuring that all families—especially those navigating different forms of permanency, such as Persons of Sufficient Interest (PSI), Kinship, and pre-and post-adoption—are granted full access to their cultural heritage and rights to Indigenous identity.
Samantha’s work is driven by her belief that cultural continuity is central to Indigenous communities' healing, resilience, and well-being. She recognizes the profound impact that cultural disconnection can have, particularly on children and families who experience different forms of permanency. Through her educational journey and past experiences, Samantha has gained the skills to work alongside families, advocating for their right to remain connected to their heritage, traditions, and community.
Additionally, Samantha leads the development and implementation of Indigenous programming in partnership with various organizations, community groups, elders, and knowledge keepers. This collaborative approach seeks to create large-scale access to cultural teachings passed down through generations. By facilitating these partnerships, Samantha is committed to promoting cultural pride, spiritual healing, and sharing traditional knowledge, ensuring that Indigenous children and families are empowered to embrace their identities and cultural values.
Our Board
Kim Gilbert
President
Michele Hengen
Vice President
Vacant
Treasurer
Brittney Landstrom
Secretary
Joanne Morgan
Director
Robyn Tady
Director
Audrey Ben
Director
Robert Belley
Pas President

Why the triangles?
In the world of adoption the triangle (sometimes a triangle intertwined with a heart) and sometimes a circle, has traditionally been used as a symbol that represents the adoption journey and the key relationships within it. It does not encompass every aspect of the journey but it does highlight three of the key people involved - the adoptee, the birth parent(s), and the adoptive parent(s). Each side of the triangle represents the relationship between those key person(s). The triangle displays the interconnectedness and interdependence within adoption.