President and chief executive officer

Blayne Blackburn

Blayne is an inspirational leader who is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. An accomplished regulated health and business professional, Blayne has 25 years of experience using his strengths as a change agent to support others to realize their potential. He joined Chrysalis in 2017 and served as Vice President until his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2021. A lifelong learner, Blayne is a Registered Social Worker and received an MBA from Royal Roads University in 2013. Away from work, Blayne is a sports enthusiast with a number of interests and continues to play competitive hockey. Blayne resides in St. Albert with his wife Michelle and teenage children Brooke-Lyn and Jacob.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM AND SERVICES (EDMONTON)

Elsa Asefaw

Elsa is a dedicated and compassionate person who embodies the qualities of a Servant Leader. With 17 years of working experience in the disability sector, Elsa excels at building meaningful relationships and empowering those around her to achieve their full potential. Elsa currently serves as the Director of Program and Services (Edmonton) at Chrysalis. Elsa’s educational background includes a Medical Administrative Diploma, a Diploma in Operations Management, a Certificate in Business Management, and a Certificate in Organizational Management. Outside of her professional life, Elsa enjoys spending time with family and friends. Elsa resides in Edmonton, AB, with her husband Efrem, and their children Simon and Saron.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM AND SERVICES (CALGARY)

Cindy Davis

Cindy Davis is an empowering leader and passionate advocate who champions growth and opportunity for both Albertans with disabilities and the Chrysalis team. Cindy joined the Chrysalis team in August 2002 and has contributed her expertise in many different roles, from frontline support to leadership. Cindy currently serves as the Director of Program and Services in the Calgary location. She brings over 25 years of experience in the human services sector – supporting both adults and children with disabilities – to her role. Cindy is the proud holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from the University of Calgary. Outside of work, Cindy loves being outdoors and hiking, fishing and camping with family and friends.

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Robert Helm

Robert has been with Chrysalis since the end of 2020 and serves as our Director of Social Enterprises. He is a hardworking, industrious leader who leads the Woods and Plastics teams by example. Robert brings over 30 years of manufacturing experience to Chrysalis. He is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and holds a certificate in project management. Robert’s ability to think outside the box and find solutions that others can’t has led to great innovation within our businesses. At Chrysalis, Robert focuses on refining pricing, costing, and the tools we use when quoting customers. He also leads the expansion of the social enterprise businesses through increased base customers. Outside of work, Robert enjoys golfing, spending time with family, and practicing kung fu.

FUND DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Chantelle Jaster

Chantelle thrives in communities that share an unwavering commitment to bettering society in authentic and sustainable ways. Chantelle joined Chrysalis in early 2022. Her focus is on aligning the different areas of Chrysalis and sharing its vision of a society that fully accepts and includes people with disabilities with the rest of Alberta. Chantelle’s keen eye for detail, love of storytelling, and passion for strategy guide our communication and marketing initiatives. Chantelle brings 15 years of experience as a frontline disability services worker, and eight years of experience in communications, marketing, and public relations. She has always been called to serve and has worked for nonprofits throughout her professional career. Chantelle holds a degree in professional communication from Royal Roads University, a diploma in public relations from MacEwan University, and a visual design certificate from NAIT. Away from work, Chantelle loves taking her dogs on adventures, eating donuts, and researching etymology.