Meet Your Community Futures Highwood Region Team
Our team of dedicated small business specialists really care about your goals and would love to hear about your plans. Meet our team of business analysts, proudly located in Okotoks. They’re here and ready to help you.
Ursula Sherwood
Executive Director
(403) 995-4151
ursulas@cfhighwood.net
Ursula joined CFH in June of 2015 as a business advisor and moved into the Excecutive Director role in May 2021. She brings many years of experience with her, both as a small business owner herself, business and life coach, and of course business advisor. As she has worked in a variety of careers over the years, she has experience in several different industries.
She greatly enjoys working with the team at CFH and collaborating with other stakeholders in the region. Supporting our entrepreneurs and seeing them succeed is rewarding on a daily basis and brings fun and enjoyment to this work.
Ursula immigrated from Germany in 1990 and still feels that was the best decision she ever made. She loves to spend time outdoors going kayaking, hiking, biking, camping and snowshoeing, finding peace and inspiration in nature. When not at work or outdoors, she loves spending time with her two kids and two cats.
Billie Charlton
Business Advisor
(403) 995-4151
billiec@cfhighwood.net
Billie joined CFH initially as a part time employee coming from running a photography business that lasted 10 years. Now, she finds fulfillment from helping business owners realize their dreams.
She has business and coaching certifications but her biggest qualifications come from being an entrepreneur and a mom.
She is married with two teenagers, and split her time quite unequally between their barn watching her daughter ride horses and various baseball diamonds watching her son play baseball.
She still does photography, along with baking, on the side.
Cayla Eskesen
Marketing and Junior Business Advisor
(403) 995-4151
caylae@cfhighwood.net
Cayla joined CFH in the summer of 2020 after finishing her Marketing Analytics Certificate from the University of California. Cayla originally studied Photojournalism and spent 16 weeks in Haiti for her exposition on the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
Cayla is a fellow entrepreneur, working in and running multiple ventures throughout the past decade. Cayla proudly comes from the Métis Nation Region 3, is an active member of the Alberta Herbalists Association, and a very loving dog mom to 2 (feel free to ask for photos). Cayla's favourite thing in the world is seeing it, so if you ever need someone to chat travel dreams and top spots, she's your gal!
Tara Cole-Klippenstein
Office Manager
(403) 995-4151
tarack@cfhighwood.net
Once upon a time, Tara was the epitome of cool. However, life had different plans for her when she discovered her passion for accounting and helping small businesses thrive behind the scenes. Now, that's exactly where you'll find her!
Don't be fooled by her number-crunching skills alone! Tara loves embracing the great outdoors, often found exploring new adventures with her beloved dogs and her little ones. Whether it's hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a sunny day on a local patio, she finds solace in nature's embrace.
On quieter days, you might spot Tara on her yoga mat, seeking inner peace and harmony. Balancing the hectic world of numbers with the tranquility of yoga keeps her grounded and centered.
Join Tara on her journey as she unlocks the mysteries of book balancing in the world of Non-Profit and finds joy in every outdoor escapade. Expect a sprinkle of accounting insights, snapshots of breathtaking landscapes, and the occasional yoga pose.
Ardis Agustsdottir
Community Economic Development (CED) Coordinator
(403) 995-4151
ardisa@cfhighwood.net
Ardis Agustsdottir made Okotoks her home in 2017 and has since embraced the opportunity to build deep, meaningful relationships within the community. Her passion for people and her enthusiasm for fostering connections have made her an active participant in various organizations and community groups.
Joining CF Highwood in the summer of 2024 as the Community Economic Development Coordinator, Ardis brings a vibrant and positive energy to her role. She draws on a rich background in administrative support, project management, and customer service to drive impactful initiatives that support local economic growth. Ardis is dedicated to streamlining processes, supporting teams, and managing a diverse range of projects, always with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
Her commitment to community engagement is evident in her work, where she focuses on creating meaningful connections with stakeholders and explores innovative strategies that enhance the vibrancy of the Highwood community. Ardis's empathetic approach and forward-thinking attitude make her a key contributor to the success of local economic development efforts.
In her personal life, Ardis enjoys exploring with her family, discovering new activities, visiting both new and familiar places, and attending community events. She particularly enjoys swimming and chess, even though she's still working on mastering both. Additionally, Ardis has a keen interest in stand-up comedy, which adds a touch of humour to her dynamic personality.
Let’s see what we can do for your business
Give us a call, send us an email, or drop in for a chat.
