Board of Directors:
Mary Haffey is the Human Resource Manager/Safety Coordinator for Snap-on Tools Manufacturing Plant in Newmarket. In her current position, Mary is responsible for: Labour Relations, Benefits Administration and Employment. Mary currently holds American and Canadian Certification as an Occupational Nurse and is responsible for all Health and Safety related policies at Snap-on Tools. Her past volunteer experience includes school and church committees, Red Cross and was a Board of Director for the United Way of York Region for six years.
Derek Leung brings over 5 years of relevant financial experience as a valued business partner and is currently employed at Bayer Inc., an international research-based group with core businesses in health care, crop science, and innovative materials. Mr. Leung holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from
Susanne Lyle is an experienced consultant and coach who sees her role as a catalyst for positive change. Most of her 15 years as a professional have been spent in the world of large international financial services companies, such as CIBC and Fidelity Investments, and has also included work in the non profit sector, pharmaceutical organizations and as an independent consultant. Susanne's areas of expertise are Human Resources, Organizational Development, and Change Management. She has led many training and development initiatives, and organisational improvement projects. She is an accomplished facilitator who has designed and delivered a variety of workshops. Susanne holds a Masters in Organizational Consulting from Ashridge Management College in the UK and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto. In addition, she is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute, and is trained and experienced in Appreciative Inquiry and True Colors personality typing.
Imran Saleem is a Senior Business Planning & Analysis Manager for Rogers Cable Inc and a part time instructor with the
Rob Spence is the Director, Master Data for Indigo Books & Music Inc. His professional background is supply chain management. He has previously worked with Procuron and Procter & Gamble. He has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA from the Ivey Business School. His past volunteer experience includes coaching his children's hockey, baseball and soccer teams, church committees and leading the start-up and operation of an Out of the Cold shelter in Richmond Hill for homeless persons.
John Vernon is with the Communications Branch of the Ministry of Education. John has an Honours BA from the University of Toronto and a MBA from Queen's University. Previous volunteer service includes work on church committees and 6 years on the Board of Trustees of the Markham Public Library.
Rehana Doobay, Vice President, Human Resources, Amex Canada Inc.
Rehana has overall responsibility for compensation, benefits, talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational design, as well as employee development and engagement at American Express in Canada.With over 20 years of experience in human resources, Rehana joined American Express in 1998 and has held several progressive positions within the company, including Recruitment Manager, Human Resources Consultant (Relationship Leader) and Director Relationship Leader, prior to her current role. Before joining American Express, Rehana worked in the areas of recruitment and as an HR generalist for a number of companies, in Canada and in the U.K. Rehana holds a Certified Human Resources Management (CHRM) designation and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wales. Her achievements in Human Resources have been recognized with several awards including HR Excellence in 2003 and 2004. A busy wife and mother to three daughters, ranging in age from seven to fourteen, Rehana finds time to stay fit by running, swimming and making trips to the on-site gym at American Express. She also enjoys cooking and curling up with a good book.
Gina Rosen, CFRE, as founding Executive Director, Gina Rosen has been a driving force in the development of the York Region Community Foundation. Beginning as a volunteer, she moved into her current part-time position bringing over 20 years experience in the charitable sector, most of which has been in a leadership role. As consultant and executive coach, Gina assists many charities and not-for-profits further their Mission through organizational, program and fund development. Gina has earned and retained her internationally recognized CFRE status (Certified Fundraising Executive), served on the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) Greater Toronto Chapter Board of Directors, and has a long history of community volunteerism, including having served on several Boards of Directors. Gina lives and works in York Region.
Shaneeza Nazseer - Raised and educated in York Region, Shaneeza pursued student leadership opportunities at an early age that focused on providing outlets for young people to become active citizens in their communities and abroad. Upon election as Prime Minister of the York Region Presidents’ Council, Shaneeza facilitated leadership training at student-run Leadership Conferences, served on the YRDSB Race Relations Council, and co-founded an annual Female Student Empowerment Conference. Shaneeza’s commitment to serving young people and their families began as a volunteer in a Guatemala City slum. Her involvement continued with Boys and Girls Clubs in London and Scarborough, Ontario and currently with Habitat for Humanity Toronto. Shaneeza holds a degree in Business Administration and after 5 years of Corporate Marketing and Project Management experience, Shaneeza is returning to graduate school to pursue her passion for serving the not-for-profit sector.
Carolyn Bo Shao - Carolyn Shao is a Business Analyst in Business Planning & Analysis at National Express Corp. She has an MBA degree from Richard Ivey School of Business. She has also been a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) since 2006. Carolyn has lived in three countries including China, UAE and Canada. She enjoys travelling and has an open heart to all cultures and deeply believes in giving back to the society. Over the years, she has gained valuable knowledge and experiences working in a variety of business and social environments, from government owned businesses in China, to privately owned businesses in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to multinational companies from the US and Canada.
Staff:
Ginger Beard-Martin is our Executive Director. She brings a broad range of career experience to her role in both corporate environments and private business ownership. Ginger has worked in the areas of customer relationship management, and finance, as well as business development, and team leadership. Ginger has a diploma in Business Administration from Seneca College. She dedicates herself to continuous personal development and is near completion of her Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Psychology at York University. Drawing on her experience with process improvement, business planning, and team leadership, Ginger will lead the organization in the development of new service offerings, while ensuring the delivery of existing services and programs meet the needs of individuals and families in the communities we serve.
Stephen Lollar is the Director of Fund Development. With more than 19 years of management experience in the not-for-profit sector as a professional fundraiser, Stephen has worked in the areas of financial analysis, strategic planning and resource development. Stephen has extensive experience with information technology and business systems analysis. He has an Honours B.A. and a Masters of Public Administration from Queen's School of Policy Studies and is a certified True Colors Facilitator. Working closely with Pathways staff and volunteers, his focus includes developing financial strength and sustained growth through leading-edge fundraising methodologies such as major gifts, social marketing and fostering corporate partnerships. Stephen enjoys various sports throughout the year and views golf as a strategic learning opportunity.
Theron Cumberbatch is the Program Director of Home Base; our Youth Drop-in Centre located in Richmond Hill. As a skilled and dedicated social service worker, Theron has worked with children and youth for over 13 years. While working with Pathways for 6 of those years he has held multiple positions such as Youth Worker, Housing Worker and Team Leader of Home Base. Theron has a sound background working with families and youth from diverse cultures and circumstances. Having seen and experienced various struggles as a youth, it inspired him to work and mentor young people. Along with his staff team, Theron successfully plans and promotes various programs and activities at Home Base. He also works closely with other professionals to collaborate effective supports and services for youth. Before coming to Pathways', Theron worked for several years with Toronto Parks and Recreation providing afterschool programs to youth in his old neighborhood of Jane and Finch. During that time he also coached Midget Boys Basketball at Westview Centennial Secondary School, eventually leading them to a North York Championship. Currently, he is active in his local church where he serves as a Youth Leader.
Kelly Butcher is the Team Leader for Pathways Base 4 Success Employment Program. Prior to this position she was a Youth Outreach Worker for Pathways providing referrals to youth in Newmarket, Richmond Hill and Maple. Kelly attended Carleton University in Ottawa where she completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Psychology. Prior to graduating with high honours from Carleton, she completed a Social Service Work diploma at Centennial College. Over the past 10 years Kelly has worked with children, youth and adults throughout the GTA, Ottawa, Peel, and York Region in various areas of the Social Service field including employment, corrections, residential settings, and community centres.
Yonne Dong is the Program Director of Pathways’ Family Resource Centres. Yonne is a qualified Early Childhood Educator. She joined the Pathways team in 2002. During her time as a front-line worker, Yonne organized and led early learning programs and parenting workshops. One of her main focuses is to create pathways to success for children and their families. Yonne's multilingual fluency in English, Cantonese and Mandarin has allowed her to bridge cultural and linguistic barriers. She is excited to take up responsibilities as the Program Director, and is optimistic about bringing the Family Resource Centres to new milestones along with her passionate and dedicated staff team.
Kailea Robbins is the Residential Program Director and Manager for the Aftercare Transitional Support Program for Pathways; she has been with the agency for 3 years. When she started at Pathways her role was to create and implemented the Aftercare Program. She ran the program by herself for over a year and is proud to say it has flourished into a great success. Many youth benefit from the assistance of an Aftercare Worker to gain independence each day. Some of her other roles included; Life Skills Coordinator for the Residential Programs and a developer and facilitator the Pathways 2 Success program. She was offered the role of Residential Program Director in December of 2009 and took on the task hoping to further impact the lives of the youth we serve. She loves inspiring and empowering youth to become the best they can be, even when life throws them a “hardball”. She has been working in the field for over 8 years and there is not a day that goes by that she is not thankful for where she is in her career.
Debora Opoku is the Individual and Family counsellor at Pathways. Debora has many years of experience working with adolescents and their families. Debora especially has a passion to work with at risk youth, empowering them to understand and reach their goals. Debora attended the University of Toronto where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and sociology, as well as a Masters in Counselling. Debora is currently working on achieving her certification in Marriage and Family therapy. Prior to becoming a counsellor, Debora has worked as a child and youth worker for over 10 years in at risk neighbourhoods in Toronto, Durham and Peel regions.
Christine Adonis, who is currently the residential Team Leader, has been with Pathways for approximately twelve years. During this period she has served in a number of capacities, including overnight worker and a member of the front line day staff. As the Team Leader, Christine is responsible for supervision and the co-ordination of staff and residents’ activities in the Hamilton Hall and Oak Lea houses.
Christine attended Centennial College, where she obtained a diploma in the Social Service Worker Program. She is also the holder of a Diploma in Travel and Tourism from the Toronto School of Business.
In 2004 Christine received recognition for her work with children and youth from the Krista Sepp Memorial Award Committee of Ontario.
Keisha Walcott is the Team Leader with HomeBase.Keisha brings a wealth of experience working with youth in various settings. Keisha has worked for Pathways for over 3 years as a Summer Student, Youth Worker, and Employment Outreach Worker and as a Relief Worker within our Residential Program.
As Team Leader, Keisha is responsible for assisting with the day to day, operation and co-ordination of programs and services for Home Base as well as supervision of the staff team.
Tracy Williams brings over 15 years of relevant financial experience and training across many different industries. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University and completed her CGA (Certified General Accountant) designation in 2000. Her advanced knowledge of various financial software and databases – including QuickBooks Pro is a tremendous asset in building Pathways’ financial and accounting capacity. Tracy is the volunteer Treasurer of the York Synchronized Swim Club and is the director of sponsorship for the Central York Region Girls Hockey League. In addition to career and community volunteer activities, her family -- especially her four lovely children keep her extremely busy.
