Accessibility Tools

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.

Image

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.

Image

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.

Image

Cayla Eskesen

Marketing & 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 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!

 

 

Image

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.

 

 

 

Image

Hansel Diarios

 Digital Service Squad Member

(403) 995-4151 

hanseld@cfhighwood.net

 Originating from Toronto Ontario, Hansel and his family moved to Calgary at the end of 2021 in hopes of building a new legacy. Hansel joined CFH in April of 2024 as a Digital Service Squad member with a passion for helping local small businesses grow. After operating, co-owning, and co-founding a clothing brand for 5 years with close friends, he began to develop a desire to want to help small business owners succeed after being one himself and realizing all the challenges that come with it. Hansel attended Durham College in Oshawa Ontario where he studied Entrepreneurship and Small Business and graduated with a diploma in business.


Hansel was previously an E-Commerce Advisor for the Canada Digital Adoption Plan where he began his first role working in business advisory, being able to do what he loves and is passionate about. 


 When he's not working, you can find Hansel serving at his local church, modelling for video shoots and photo shoots, and getting active and exercising. His favourite hobbies are gaming and watching anime, so don't be afraid to start a conversation with him by giving your hottest anime takes! (Do this at your own precaution)

Let’s see what we can do for your business

Give us a call, send us an email, or drop in for a chat.

Contact Us

14 McRae Street
PO Box 1599
Okotoks, AB  T1S 1B5
P: 403-995-4151

Connect

Communities Served

Aldersyde, Blackie, Carmangay, Cayley, De Winton, Diamond Valley, Foothills County, High River, Kananaskis Improvement District, Lomond, Longview, MD of Willow Creek, Millarville, Milo, Mossleigh, Nanton, Okotoks, Priddis, Vulcan, and Vulcan County.