About Us
Introduction
SMART Recovery Association is a Charitable organization dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to overcoming addiction. Using a science-based, self-empowering approach, SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) Recovery provides tools and support for people struggling with substance use and behavioral addictions. The SMART Friends and Family program supports those coping with a Loved One (LO) having issues with addiction.
Operating across Alberta, the organization offers peer-supported meetings both in-person and online, helping participants develop self-reliance and practical coping skills. Through structured programs based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training), SMART Recovery Association focuses on:
Building Motivation for change
Coping with Urges and cravings
Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors effectively
Living a Balanced Life beyond addiction
In addition to direct support, SMART Recovery Association works with communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to expand addiction recovery resources and awareness. The organization also trains volunteer facilitators, ensuring that SMART Recovery meetings remain accessible and impactful for those in need.
Purpose
To help individuals gain independence from addictive behavior and lead meaningful and satisfying lives. To support the availability of choices in recovery.
Mission
To offer no-fee, self-empowering, science-based, face-to-face support groups for abstaining from any substance or activity addiction.
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
SMART’s Organizational Values are the foundation of all our principles and positions.
Empowerment:
We are committed to the power of choice, offering stigma-free tools and communities for individuals to use as they make progress on their own goals to build a life beyond addiction
Equity:
We see the value in every human being and are dedicated to identifying and transcending barriers to participation in SMART Recovery.
Inclusion:
We accept and appreciate our different ways of being and support one another with respect, encouragement, and compassion.
Integrity:
We are committed to being transparent and honest in our decision-making, aligning our actions with our words.
Accountability:
We strive to have a meaningful positive impact in the world. We set goals, encourage innovation, measure progress, and follow through on our commitments
SMART Recovery Board of Directors
Bob Fisher ~ Board President/Chairperson
Bob Fisher ~ Board President/Chairperson
Bob Fisher ~ Board President/Chairperson
Bob Fisher, C.Mgr., is a dedicated leader and experienced management professional, currently serving as the Past President of CIM | Chartered Managers Canada. With a strong foundation in leadership, ethics, and continuous learning, he has held multiple key roles within CIM, including President, Executive Board Chair, and Secretary.
Known for his dependability, adaptability, and strong communication skills, Bob is passionate about strengthening his professional network and staying at the forefront of modern management practices.
In addition to his work with CIM, Bob is the President and Board Chair of SMART Recovery Association. As a committed facilitator, he leads a Sunday morning 4-Point meeting and a Thursday night Family & Friends meeting. He is excited to guide the organization in its evolution into SMART Canada.
Kathy Harline ~ Board Secretary
Bob Fisher ~ Board President/Chairperson
Bob Fisher ~ Board President/Chairperson
Kathy has over a decade of experience supporting loved ones with addictive behaviours and exploring various recovery approaches to understand better and cope. She discovered SMART Recovery four years ago and found it invaluable. In September 2023, she became a certified SMART Recovery facilitator and is currently pursuing the Brain Story Certification through the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.
A dedicated volunteer and leader, Kathy has served in multiple community roles and held executive positions in Toastmasters. Passionate about expanding SMART Recovery and its Family and Friends program, she is committed to raising awareness and providing hope to those affected by addiction across Alberta and Canada.
Kathy serves as the Board Secretary of the SMART Recovery Association Board of Directors.
Janet Folk ~ Board Treasurer
Curtis Boudreau ~ Director at Large
Curtis Boudreau ~ Director at Large
Janet Folk is a successful entrepreneur and founder of J. Folk & Associates Agencies Ltd. and the National Home Warranty Program. After selling her businesses to AVIVA Canada in 2008, she turned to philanthropy, founding the Orange Dog Foundation to rescue abandoned puppies and launching charitable ventures like Orange Dog/A Restaurant with a Cause. She has also served on the boards of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, The Zebra Child Protection Centre, and the Edmonton Humane Society.
Deeply committed to recovery support, Janet participated in weekly SMART Recovery meetings from 2021 to 2023 before becoming a certified facilitator in December 2023. She now leads a weekly Women’s Only SMART meeting and serves as a Director on the SMART Recovery Alberta Board and Treasurer of the new SMART Recovery Association Board. She also shares her journey through addiction and resilience in her memoir, Hell In High Heels: How I Conquered My Demons.
Curtis Boudreau ~ Director at Large
Curtis Boudreau ~ Director at Large
Curtis Boudreau ~ Director at Large
Curtis has been committed to the Addiction Recovery Movement since 2005 when he entered recovery to deal with his addiction concerns. Since the day he first found out about SMART Recovery, he knew that the 4-Point program was a game changer in the addiction world and
worked tirelessly since 2006 to expand SMART Recovery in Alberta. This included public speaking, meeting facilitation, facilitator training, and assisting in the startup of new meetings throughout Alberta. Curtis was instrumental in the founding of the CRA Registered SMART Recovery Alberta and is elated to continue his work with the transition to the SMART Recovery Association, encompassing all of Canada.
In addition to the SMART Recovery Association board work, Curtis is currently employed with the Sobriety Home Foundation, where he implemented and manages their SMART Recovery Family & Friends Program. He also facilitates a weekly Family & Friends Meeting with the
Foundation which assists the spouses, partners, children, families, and friends who have loved ones battling addiction. Curtis currently serves as a Director at Large with the SMART Recovery Association Board of Directors.