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.

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.

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.

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.

Danielle Lamothe is currently the vice-president of learning and innovation for the Canadian Society of Association Executives. With almost 2 decades experience in senior leadership roles in the non-profit sector, she has a strong background in governance, financial management, human resources management and service delivery. She is both a Certified Training and Development Professional and a Certified Association Executive and has a BA in English and Film from Laurentian University.

Jessica is an associate lawyer at Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers, with more than eight years of experience in family law. Her legal practice encompasses various aspects, from litigation to alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and collaborative practice. With a strong passion for her clients, Jessica advocates for them by providing personalized solutions to resolve their family law matters quickly and effectively. Jessica eager looks forward to actively contributing to the community through her involvement with Jessie’s.

Solenn is a civil litigation lawyer passionate about social justice. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Victoria and her law degree from Queen’s University.

Nicole is an independent consultant specializing in large-scale technology programs across the finance sector. Prior to this she was the Director of Corporate Systems for one of Canada’s largest investment firms and the Regional Vice President of an international software company. Nicole began her early years as a single mother of two, eventually earning a CPA and an MBA in Finance. She brings a can-do approach to problem solving and strategy, supporting women through the important work done by Jessie’s Centre.

Hazel is a Child and Youth Care Practitioner at the Peel District School Board, where she supports students who struggle with their social-emotional and self-regulation needs as well as those who experience mental health concerns. Hazel is also the Founder of Big Girl Interrupted, it is a community that is dedicated to inspiring women to uncover what is interrupting their life. She empowers women to disrupt the patterns that have impaired their ability to achieve and grow.