Investing in inclusive communities benefits us all. Chrysalis could not accomplish our goals without the support, involvement, and enthusiasm of our incredible support network.
With community support, Chrysalis continues to apply Human Centered Design (HCD) to help people discover their talents, assess their abilities, improve their quality of life, become their best selves, and help create opportunities for them in the community.
With community support, Chrysalis continues to apply Human Centered Design (HCD) to help people discover their talents, assess their abilities, improve their quality of life, become their best selves, and help create opportunities for them in the community.
Chrysalis Team
Blayne Blackburn
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
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.
Bringing 17 years of senior management experience from positions in the public service sector, Blayne joined Chrysalis in 2017 and served as Vice President until his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2021. Blayne brings vision, strategy, creativity, innovation and business principles to human services, which produce remarkable outcomes.
Blayne’s current professional focus areas include clinical practice in the disability sector, defining and measuring qualitative and quantitative results in service delivery, and fostering academic partnerships in research and evaluation to create best and promising practices in disability services. 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.
Elsa Asefaw
Director of Program and Services (Edmonton)
Elsa is a dedicated and compassionate person who embodies the qualities of a Servant Leader. With a strong focus on prioritizing the needs of others, Elsa excels at building meaningful relationships and empowering those around her to achieve their full potential. With 17 years of working experience in the disability sector, Elsa’s passion for the disability services sector has been a driving force throughout her career. 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. These qualifications have equipped her with a diverse skill set and a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of management and administration.
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.
Cindy Davis
Director of Program and Services (Calgary)
Cindy Davis is an empowering leader and passionate advocate who champions growth and opportunity for both Albertans with disabilities and the Chrysalis team.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to Chrysalis, Cindy joined the team in August 2002 and has had the opportunity to contribute 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 Bachelors 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.
Robert Helm
Director of Business Development
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.