Ian Wheeliker, Director of Programs, Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters
Ian began his career in 1986 in Cape Breton NS working with young offenders. In 1994 Ian became the program coordinator of Second Chance, a program for men who batter. As a licensed social worker, Ian continued working with men who were violent in intimate relationships until the late 1990's. During his work in Nova Scotia Ian worked on the Nova Scotia Governments Frame Work for Action on Family Violence under the leadership of the Honourable Bill Gillis Minister of Justice.
Ian left Nova Scotia with his family in 1998 and took a position as executive director of the West Central Crisis and Family Support centre in Kindersley Sk. His work there focused on domestic/sexual violence and community development.
In September 2007 Ian joined the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter Society as the executive director. As the executive director Ian has focussed on collaboration with community partners, contributing to community projects and working on regional and provincial initiatives.
In June of 2018 Ian joined the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters as the Director of Programs.
In his 33 years working with families, perpetrators and victims of domestic and sexual violence Ian has developed a particular interest in the effects of violence on children. Under Ian’s leadership, the shelter has developed the first children’s healing centre program in a Canadian shelter.
Ian is a lifelong learner and has developed skills and competencies in leading, strategic development and project management. Ian is currently completing an MBA with a concentration on community economic development and leadership.