Our Leadership Team
The management team of the Cosmos Group represents many years of industry and leadership experience, both within the not-for-profit sector and in the broader world of competitive business. Our programs and services are overseen by professionals with a wide range of expertise who use a collaborative and strategic approach to ensure the success of each project.
In addition to our managers’ ongoing contribution to the organization, they may also serve the community and the human services sector through their involvement on other community boards. Some of these include Urban Indigenous Voices Society (UIVS), PACE, Alberta Council for Disability Services (ACDS), Alberta Bottle Depot Association (ABDA), and the Lifelong Learning Council.
Becky Braconnier – Executive Director
Becky has been with Cosmos since 2020 and serves as the Executive Director, advocating for an inclusive environment that empowers individuals to be their authentic selves. With a background in psychology and leadership development, she is passionate about fostering organizational growth and nurturing community partnerships.
Outside of work, Becky enjoys spending quality time with her family and children, immersing herself in a good book, hiking Alberta’s breathtaking trails and waterfalls, or indulging in her favorite treats—Slurpees and tea. Becky embraces life with warmth, compassion, curiosity, and a sense of adventure in all life balances.
Eileen Berry – Financial Controller
Financial Controller for Cosmos Group of Companies, traditionally referred to as a Bean Counter. However, her nickname is The Candy Lady, as she makes freeze-dried candies to sell at markets. The buzz around town is that she has a small family farm with many types of livestock, from horses to honeybees.
Maryanne Rentz - Director of Programs
As Director of Programs, Maryanne brings a strong passion for inclusion and empowerment to her role at Cosmos. Since joining the organization in 2007, she has grown through a variety of positions, building deep knowledge of our programs and the individuals we support. Maryanne is committed to creating meaningful opportunities that enable individuals to feel valued, included, and supported as they reach their full potential. Her leadership reflects both experience and genuine care for the Cosmos community. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, volunteering at the local animal shelter, and spending time with her family..
Robb Robertson - Karma Cafe, Food & Beverage Manager
Robb has been with Cosmos since the start of 2019, managing the Karma Café and providing guidance & practical work experience to individuals in our Food, Beverage and Customer Service training programs.
He joins us from the West Coast of BC, where he enjoyed a rewarding career in the Food and Beverage, Music, and Entertainment industries.
Robb's hobbies and pastimes include renovation and home improvement projects, culinary arts, and keeping up with four busy children. In his spare time, Robb can be found wandering aimlessly around a Home Depot or toiling away on his scale model railroad empire.
Our long-standing community agency serves to connect community members to the wealth of resources and opportunities that exist in the central region of Alberta.
COSMOS Community Support Services Ltd.
Renata Vasilj
Community Access Program Team Lead
Penny Swales
Community Access Program Team Lead
Sheila Beaudoin
Residential Program Team Lead
Taylor Currah
Residential Program Team Lead
Loretta Fost
Program & Fund Development Coordinator
Maryna Slobodian
Career and Personal Development Team Lead
COSMOS Bottle Depots Ltd.
Winston Pitos – Cosmos Bottle Depot 1, Manager
Tracy Nelson – Cosmos Bottle Depot 2, Manager
Jonas Dy – Blackfalds Cosmos Bottle Depot 3, Manager
COSMOS invites all members of our community to participate in our programs and services!
