Patty has been working with CMHA for almost 29 years and became the CEO in September 30, 2019.  Patty held the position of Director of Operations for over 16 years previously. She holds a Masters in Leadership from the University of Guelph and is currently working on her Certified Health Executive designation through the Canadian College of Health Leaders. MacDonald has chaired and is currently serving as past chair of the local NEON Lights Chapter of the college. The local chapter serves health leaders in in the Northeast.

Patty values working partnerships and networks, and embraces change and the opportunities it presents. She has volunteered with the United Way providing Leadership Development training and other special initiatives. Patty is currently volunteering for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Canada (PSR Canada) on the Certification Committee. She participates on several provincial and regional committees in our community and is well respected for her knowledge and leadership skills.

Kevin Cooper is the Manager of Clinical Services with the Sudbury Community Service Centre and is a graduate of Laurentian University and Registered Social Worker.  Kevin has over 30 years of experience working in the developmental services field.  Prior to his current role, Kevin spent 16 years as a frontline social worker and 11 years as the Dual Diagnosis Justice Program Coordinator.

Kevin currently sits on the North Regional Clinical Leads Committee with the North Community Networks of Specialized Care and is also the Sudbury –Manitoulin District Chair of the Human Services and Justice Coordination Committee.  As Chair, Kevin is actively involved with both the North Region and Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordination Tables.

As a board member, Kevin is interested in the overlap between his role as Manager of Clinical Services with the Sudbury Community Service Centre, and clinical services offered through Child & Community Resources.  Kevin looks forward to learning more about the operational aspects of the organization, and about the children’s service sector in general, in the hopes of developing stronger networks with adult clinical service partners.

Megan has 25 years of experience in the public sector.  She has been working at Compass/Boussole/Akii-Izhinoogan as their Director of People and Corporate Services since 2017. Prior to that, Megan spent 14 years at Public Health Sudbury & Districts and she worked in the education and long-term care sectors early on in her career.  She has undergraduate degrees in Applied Health Sciences and Education from the University of Waterloo and Nipissing University respectfully, and a Master’s degree in Health Promotion from the University of Alberta.

She has extensive experience in leadership and management, human resources, workplace culture, and engagement and relationship building. She is passionate about all things leadership, loves to learn and grow her skill set, and is currently pursuing her coaching certification.  Megan is married and has three sons, enjoys being active outdoors, and reading a great book.

My name is Meredith Coulas.  I am an educator and single mom in Sudbury. I have lived here for the past 17 years.  I am currently in the role of 1st VP for the Rainbow Teacher Local supporting and representing elementary teachers with the Rainbow District School Board.  Prior to this role, I was a classroom teacher for 20 years, throughout Sudbury and a short stint in Saskatchewan. I was most often in the primary division, however I have taught most grades during my career.  As a mom of a now 7 year old, I was an avid visitor of the Early On centers throughout the city.  Being a single mom of a baby that came to me through adoption I did not have time to prepare for motherhood.  I attended many centers to connect with other new moms and give my son the social interaction he would not have got at home. I saw the benefits for our family and also for other families I got to know.   As an educator, I know the importance of the early years.  I am excited to be part of the Board of CCR during this interesting new phase in a post pandemic time.  When I am not working, it’s not uncommon to find me participating in community events, teaching my son to cook or being outside. 

Dhwani Bhatia is a seasoned Human Resource Professional with extensive experience in organizational change management and human resource development. Currently serving as the Organizational Change Manager at Spark Employment Services in Sudbury, Ontario, Dhwani has been instrumental in driving transformative initiatives and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Dhwani holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Organization Management and Human Resources Management from Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology, as well as a Business Management Diploma from the London School of Economics. She also holds a bachelor’s in psychology with business psychology as her major. She is currently pursuing her Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) certification and is actively involved in professional associations such as the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) and the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Dhwani’s expertise encompasses a wide range of HR functions, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, conflict resolution, workforce planning, succession planning and leadership development. Her analytical skills and proficiency in HR technology and data analysis systems like HRIS have enabled her to drive efficiencies and improve organizational performance.

Passionate about community service and advocacy, Dhwani is eager to bring her skills and experience to the Board of Child and Community Resources. She is committed to supporting the organization’s mission to enhance the lives of children and families in Sudbury through innovative and effective programs and services.

Jennifer Bailey holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, Rhetoric & Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo, ECE diploma work from St. Lawrence College and has completed postgraduate courses in Educational Studies with a focus on Transformative Learning for Social Change at Athabasca University. Jennifer holds certificates in Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) from the Center for Trauma Informed Practices, Mental Health First Aid, and is a certified trainer in Kids Have Stress Too! through the Psychology Foundation of Canada.

Jennifer has over three decades of experience in the field of Early Learning and Care. She has held various position in direct support, consultation, and leadership. Currently, she serves as a Professor and Program Coordinator in the Early Childhood Education Programs (ECEP, ECAD and ECGC) at Cambrian College.

Jennifer is passionate and dedicated to her work in education and care. At the core of her personal values is a strong desire to empower individuals to pursue their goals & build skills in introspection to thrive. Jennifer’s current interest rests in leading discussions in culturally relevant, anti-bias practice. It is her hope that her dedication to her work with children and families from diverse backgrounds will inspire learners of all ages to see the ability within themselves so that they reach their full potential.

Kourtney Laino is a program accountant with Health Sciences North (HSN), where she has worked for 7.5 years. She began her career at HSN as a junior accountant, progressed to a financial analyst role, and currently serves as a program accountant. In her position, Kourtney supports a variety of programs, including Neo Kids & Family, Community Care Rehabilitation & Nephrology, Critical Care and Cardiology, the Cardiac Outpatient Centre, Facilities Management, Marketed Parking & Rent, the Shirley & Jim Fielding North East Cancer Centre, Nursing Administration, People Relations & Safety, Communications & Community Engagement, People Safety & Development, and the President and Chief Development Officer.

Kourtney has also had the privilege of working with the Laboratory and Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) program, as well as the Emergency and Nursing Professional Practice Program. Before joining HSN, she worked in the mining industry as a controller before transitioning to healthcare. She holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University and is currently pursuing her CPA, with plans to write her CFE soon and complete her MBA thereafter.

In her spare time, Kourtney enjoys spending time with her young family, including her husband and their three boys, aged 6, 4, and 2. She understands the importance of programs like Child & Community Resources (CCR) for young children and mothers seeking early playgroup experiences. Kourtney is a goal-oriented individual with a passion for her work and for people. She believes in the power of fostering relationships within the community and delivering a wide range of programs and support to young families and children. As a prospective board member, Kourtney looks forward to the opportunity to further cultivate relationships in this new role, enhancing her abilities and understanding within the CCR community through the programs she has had the honor and privilege of supporting.

Sherry is the Executive Director of CCR, having worked with the organization since its inception in 1992. She enjoys working with the skilled CCR team to respond to the ever-changing needs of children and families. Sherry is proud to highlight CCRs values, resilience, and innovative spirit. She is committed to thinking beyond CCR and works to engage the broader system in ensuring families have access to the services they need when they need them. Sherry values collaboration and consistently demonstrates the benefits of combining efforts to ensure services are responsive to the cultural, linguistic, and geographical needs of Northern families.

Sherry has a master’s degree in leadership and over 30 years of experience in the children’s services sector.