Emily has been with Captivenia since it’s second year in 2012. She has witnessed, year after year, the power of Christ moving in the hearts of all who attend – Maidens, Bellesera, young adult team, and moms alike. It was through the camp, most especially it’s powerful storyline and it’s loving team, that she first encountered the transforming love of Christ.

Being deeply convicted of the truth of the Catholic Church, she yearns to see all women and girls set ablaze in fullness of life and true freedom. Her greatest desire for all who enter the Kingdom of Captivenia is that they would grow ever closer to God, becoming more and more the person – and the saint – they are meant to be.

Emily grew up Catholic in a small town in northern Alberta. She had her re-conversion to the faith during her first year at Captivenia. From there, she continued her journey of discovery at St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission, where she completed two years of the Lay Apostolate Formation Program. In addition, Emily also holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Religion.

She is currently living in Calgary and working for Clear Water Academy as the Formation Instructor for Girls.

For many years, Valerie has desired to help young people to experience God’s love and acquire a deeper knowledge of the Catholic faith. While growing up, she led music in her parish for 10 years. As a young adult, she obtained a certificate in sacred studies at John Paul II Bible School, and also traveled for a year with NET Ministries, putting on retreats for youth all over the States.

Later in life, when Valerie saw the success of Arcātheos (a boys’ camp founded and directed by her husband) and heard a number of girls expressing their desire to also have an adventure camp, she felt the need to make this a reality.

In 2011, Valerie began gathering together a team of talented young women and mothers. This team shared the desire to help others discover God’s love, grow in their understanding the feminine genius (as taught by St. John Paul II), and discover their potential as Catholic leaders in the world. Within three months, a unique camp, not found anywhere else, was created!

Valerie served as the director of Captivenia for 2011, 2012, 2016-19, before turning her focus to spiritual aspects of the camp.

Valerie loves her life in Okotoks, Alberta, where she resides with her husband, Dr. Brian Doran, and their seven children.