Meet the Team


The staff of AMA’s School Safety Patrol are part of an experienced and collaborative team. We’re inspired by the generations of patrollers who’ve stepped up to the crosswalk year after year, and are dedicated to making sure schools have the supports needed to keep their young communities safe. We put in the time to get to know each of our schools and hope you’ll get to know us too.


Get to Know Us

Eva Friedley

I’m Eva, and I have a passion for fostering safe and vibrant communities. With a background in community engagement, I enjoy working with youth and educators to promote pedestrian safety through leadership. Since joining the AMA School Safety Patrol team in 2009, I’ve trained thousands of students, worked with hundreds of teachers and their schools, and connected with many community partners to create dynamic and interactive educational initiatives and appreciation events. From classroom to crosswalk, I’m dedicated to equipping the next generation with essential safety skills.

Elecia Grange

My name’s Elecia but my Edmonton and Fort McMurray patrollers know me as Mrs. Grange. The AMA School Safety Patrol family has shown me the value of listening and learning from one another, regardless of age. Even after 20+ years on the team, working with children and seeing them thrive is still incredibly rewarding. The School Safety Patrol allows students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance. I love showing students that their efforts matter to their community! In my spare time, I enjoy cruising, board game nights, reading, and volunteering.

Kathy McTaggart

My name is Kathy, and I’m the patrol coordinator for Red Deer, Camrose and surrounding areas. I have a passion for community building and love seeing patrollers out at the crosswalks helping give back and keep their school community safe. As a former educator and administrator, school patrol is a great fit for me to stay involved with students and schools. Living in rural Alberta, I’m very used to driving, whether it’s to go skiing at Kicking Horse or finding a great hike. I truly believe it takes a community to raise a child, so I’m enjoying working with AMA in this capacity.

Maureen O’Brien

Hi all, I’m Maureen! It’s been great working with students and supervisors in the Edmonton region through AMA School Safety Patrol for the past 15+ years. My passion for the program comes from the joy that patrollers experience, and the memories they create. School Safety Patrol is an excellent volunteer opportunity that encourages students to step up and be leaders. I enjoy seeing patrollers become ambassadors for their schools and broader community; we’re so grateful for their continued service. Outside of this role, I love going for walks and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Allison Purcell

Hi everyone! I’m Allison from the Lethbridge and Medicine Hat region. I’m all about creating strong community connections. The AMA School Safety Patrol Program is a shining example of how when relationships are formed, almost any work can get done. Patrollers show us that, even at a young age, we can all learn the value and impact of volunteering our time and giving back to our neighbourhoods. It’s amazing to see the difference our patrollers make, and I feel honoured to be part of it.

Colleen Sim-Copeland

I’m Colleen from the Calgary-area AMA School Safety Patrol team. I’m very proud to have worked with thousands of patrollers and their supervisors for more than 30 years. Patrollers are our crosswalk guardians; every day, they show up ready to work together to protect others. But my favourite thing about this role is seeing the skills patrollers learn beyond the crosswalk—from the friendships they make to the self-confidence they build. In addition to enjoying interacting with young people, I love to garden and create special meals for family and friends – we’ve spent many good times together, with more to come!

Crystal Vercholuk

Crystal here! Like my fellow patrollers, I love having fun but am serious about safety. In 2019, my passion for inspiring students brought me to AMA School Safety Patrol, where I get the privilege, as an Edmonton-area patrol coordinator and Community Engagement Specialist, to empower kids to protect their peers. I’m a former school transportation professional, and I too was an AMA patroller in Grade 6. I have a passion for community building and have volunteered with my community league over the past 16 years. To relax and recharge, I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family and friends.