James Thomson is the Executive Director of Pathways and joined the team at the end of November 2004. James has worked in the social services and charitable sector for over 18 years and brings with him a passion and insight for children and youth services. James' experiences have ranged from front line staff at his local Boys and Girls Club, Youth Leadership Conference Coordinator, Child and Youth Worker for a Community Centre in downtown Toronto, to most recently, Director of Programs and Services of a multi-service agency in York Region. James has high hopes for the future development of Pathways as an organization of quality, leadership, innovation and growth.
Kim Gooder has been the Program Director of the Residential Program since 2002, has a diverse 25-year history of working in residential services. Having a background in psychology and sociology in 2002 she graduated from Sheridan College with a post-grad diploma in Human Resource Management. Kim is passionate and hououred to be part of the important work that Pathways does because we are in the business of people - the business of children, youth and families at risk.
Stephen Lollar is the Director of Fund Development. With more than 16 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, hands-on, experience with information technology and business systems analysis. He has a Masters of Public Administration from Queen's School of Public Policy and is a certified Level 1 - True Colors Trainer / Facilitator. Working closely with Pathways staff and volunteers, his focus will be developing financial strength and growth through leading-edge fundraising methodologies including major gifts, cause-related marketing and fostering corporate partnerships.
Theron Cumberbatch is the Program Director of Home Base; our Youth Drop-in Centre locaed 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
Board of Directors:
Wyn Chivers is Principal of CHIVERS AND ASSOCIATES, consultants in non-profit fundraising, organizational and community development.Wyn has eighteen years of executive leadership experience within national, regional and local non-profit health and social service organizations---as National Executive Director of Muscular Dystrophy
Wyn’s fundraising experience includes work with small “grass roots” organizations with budgets in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to large health and social service organizations in the multi-million dollar range. She has worked on annual and capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, foundation and government grants, and special events.
Capacity-building within the York Region community has been a focus. Wyn led the establishment of a new Inclusivity and Diversity Project, 211 CIVC, and Social Services Funding Task Force (now the Strong Communities Coalition) and worked with community partners to establish the York Region Human Services Planning Coalition
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
Marylou Little is a lawyer having practiced in the province of Alberta for twenty six years, primarily in the areas of civil litigation and family law. In Alberta, she served on the Boards of Aids Alberta and WIN House (Women in Need), as well as the Glenbow Museum.
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
Norm Sneyd is currently the President of Highland Transport. Norm is married with 2 grown boys and 2 granddaughters. He has been in the trucking industry for 40 years with his career starting with CP Moving Systems, which was the household moving division of CP Trucks. Norm was a long distance driver and moved into the office, holding various positions before becoming the Vice President, and General Manager. After 22 years, he transferred to
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.
Kathy Cuffe - Bio to Come
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.
