Chair

Britt is a psychotherapist working in private practice. Prior to this work, she has spent over a decade in community organizing and social services doing things like case management, housing support, and outreach. Britt remains active in advocacy efforts around mental health, community alternatives to policing, and broader social justice issues. She holds an MA in Counseling Psychology, a diploma in Child and Youth Work, and a BA in International Development Studies.

Vice Chair

Yasmin is a long-standing supporter of Jessie’s Centre and is passionate about supporting children and youth. Yasmin has over 25 years of business and legal experience as a lawyer, an engineer and an anti-money laundering specialist. She is currently working as a Director and AML Officer at the Bank of Montreal. Yasmin graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master’s in Science and from the University of British Columbia Law School in 2004. As a believer in continuous learning, she is also pursuing a certificate at the Toronto Metropolitan University in Design for Arts and Entertainment.

Board Secretary

Shelley is currently AVP, Legal Operations and Assistant Corporate Secretary at Foresters Financial. She has over 25 years of progressively senior legal and corporate governance experience, specializing in legal operations as well as corporate secretarial and regulatory services. Over the years, Shelley has participated in a number of volunteer activities for SickKids Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, KaBOOM! Playground Builds, and most recently organized workplace volunteer events for a pre-treatment house for men awaiting admission to residential treatment programs and Patient Care kits for a SHN emergency department. Shelley is excited for the opportunity to continue to be a part of Jessie’s.

Treasurer

Amanda is currently a Finance Manager, Programs at Grand Challenges Canada where she provides financial support to the Programs area of the organization, enabling downstream partners to meet pre-and post-award financial requirements. Prior to joining Grand Challenges Canada, she worked in a corporate tax advisory and reporting role at a large Canadian public company and practiced tax and audit at a national accounting firm, servicing small and large companies in various industries. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and obtained her CPA, CA designation in 2014. Amanda is excited to give back to the community and be a part of Jessie’s.

Nancy is a former Jessie’s participant. She believes that the services and support she received at Jessie’s were critical in helping her continue with her education while raising two children. After graduating from York University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Nancy received a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources from Humber College. Nancy currently works as a Senior Compensation Consultant at Foresters Financial and has over 19 years of human resources experience, specializing in Total Rewards. Nancy also supported Jessie’s as Board Chair for 2021/2022.

Jessica is passionate about social justice, feminism, and using storytelling to fight all forms of inequality and marginalization. She’s held progressively senior positions in communications and fundraising, and has broad non-profit experience working and volunteering across numerous sectors, including health care, international development, and post-secondary education. Jessica also has a master’s degree in communications from N.Y.U.

Cecelia works at the United Way of Anchorage as a Director of Education Impact and her portfolio includes early learning initiatives. She has cross-sector experience supporting organizational effectiveness in non-profit organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto and Teach For Canada, and in the private sector as a consultant with Ernst & Young. Cecelia has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Development.

Lesley has spent her career advocating for housing justice and equity, starting as a frontline worker at one of Ottawa’s largest shelters, and later overseeing the operations of a variety of supportive housing programs in Ontario. Now the Executive Director of The Shoebox Project for Women, Lesley is committed to supporting a growing network of volunteers across Canada, the USA and the UK, and strives to foster compassionate, supportive and inclusive communities for women and gender-diverse people. She lives in Toronto with her two kids and a loveable senior bulldog named Barksdale.

Gurjot is a CPA who currently works as a Senior Financial Analyst at McCain Foods Limited. She has a background in audit services and is now focused on financial planning and analysis. As a firm believer in equity and respect towards women and young parents, she is excited to join the board this upcoming month and looks forward to supporting Jessie’s vision in her term.

Alexa is the Manager of Clinical Knowledge Translation at the Association of Ontario Midwives. In this role, Alexa helps to advance the clinical practice of midwives and promotes accessible, high-quality, and client-centered pregnancy and postpartum care. Alexa holds a BA in Political Science and a Masters’ of Science with a specialization in public health policy.

Valarie is a lawyer who practices exclusively in the area of family law. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and her law degree from Harvard Law School. She has a particular interest in ensuring equity in education and has volunteered with various organizations that support underserved youth in the United States and Canada.

Micaela is a former Jessie’s participant, Jessie’s graduate, former birth doula, and former Community Education Speaker. Currently she is a Social Service Work student at George Brown. She is a very proud mother of two. She has experience in volunteering as a mealtime host at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She hopes to shine light on the tough experiences she overcame and give back to Jessie’s.

Noelle is a business strategist, problem solver and storyteller. She is a Principal Consultant with Slalom, a purpose-driven consulting firm that helps companies solve business problems and build for the future. An Industrial Engineer by training, Noelle built her career in helping organizations move from ideation to execution, create high-functioning business, and drive operational efficiencies. She is passionate about intersectional feminism and is excited to contribute to the community through Jessie’s.

Diana is a paralegal who practices exclusively in the area of landlord and tenant law at the Landlord’s Self-Help Centre. She educates residential landlords about tenants’ rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure equality and equity in housing.