Board of Directors
Tara Ernst
President
Tara Ernst, President of Calgary Beyond The Blue, joined the ‘thin blue line family’ in 2008. Tara and her husband, Graham, benefitted from pre-marriage counseling offered through the Calgary Police Service Chaplains and says it was then that they committed to making it through this police life, thriving together. Tara recognized that the success of their marriage, through the challenges of policing, was going to be largely determined by their attitude, and ensuring they had the tools and knowledge to navigate this unique lifestyle. Tara homeschools their 3 beautiful children from their Calgary home. Tara was an integral part of the team who founded Calgary Beyond The Blue in 2014, recognizing the need for shared connection, resources for police families and a way to bridge the gap that is between our officers and their families. Tara is passionate about her work with BTB, leading its peer support team and a police spouse bible study group. Tara said, “It is my hope that no spouse feels alone in this journey and to know they are part of a bigger, greater family.”
Christina H.
Vice President
Christina has been part of the policing family since April of 2010. She joined the board as a Director in May 2019. Christina says " In the business world I was a Human Resources Advisor; my current 24/7 gig is now managing the daily affairs and personal assistance of my 3 young boys." She loves all things outdoors, from gardening and camping in the summer to chillier adventures of snowshoeing and skiing in the winter. Chances are if it’s outside she's willing to try it and will probably love it. Christina wants members to know "Being part of Beyond the Blue has been a very rewarding experience. Knowing that the end result is ultimately working to build healthy members which thereby creates a stronger community network not only for our blue families, but also the positive impact that we have on our world as a whole, for me, that’s the motivation behind it all".
Rachel Pugh
Director
Rachel has been part of the policing family since September of 2013. She joined the board as a Director in November 2020. Rachel is the talented manager of administration and document control in her workplace and proud dog mom! Born and raised in South Africa, Rachel has called Calgary home since 2011. With adventure in her soul she loves to travel and experience new cultures and connect with people. In her spare moments Rachel loves spending quality time with her: hubby, doggies, family and friends. Family is paramount "I believe we were made for connection, for community. We are not meant to do life alone. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of CBTB in this capacity as we strive to build stronger families within CPS through community, resources and education. I encourage you to take the step and join BTB, we truly are a family and would love to walk along side you and your family".
Taryn gunn-law
Director
Taryn has been part of the policing family since November of 2019, joining the board as a Director in November 2020. In her work-life Taryn is an academic support specialist. After hours Taryn enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with her hubby and very active dog. With a flair for the arts Taryn has worked at Walt Disney World in the EPCOP Canadian Pavilian. A true Disney enthusiast, you can ask her any question to see if you can stump her!