Nicole Bonnie – Public Member
Nicole Bonnie is a renowned organizational consultant with a Master of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education and Leadership from Western University. Alongside her doctoral studies, Nicole’s consulting brand specializes in organizational excellence and transformative change within the public sector. With a distinguished career, Nicole has held senior leadership positions within child welfare, including her historic appointment as the first Black CEO of the Ontario Children’s Aid Societies in 2019, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s child welfare sector. Her commitment to effecting positive change is evident in her advocacy for prevention strategies through addressing service disparities affecting marginalized identities. Nicole is dedicated to equity integration across various facets of public sector work, including leadership, the mental health sector, education, governance, service excellence, and research/data. An advocate for marginalized communities, Nicole consistently works to center their voices in all her endeavors. Her significant contributions have had an extraordinary impact on the lives of children, youth, and families within systems across Canada, making her a force for positive transformation.
Carina Chan – Public Member
Carina Chan is a Partner and Family Law Lawyer at Burrison Hudani Doris LLP. Carina graduated from the University of Toronto with dual Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work degrees. In addition to her family law practice, Carina also represents children in court proceedings through the Office of the Children’s Lawyer and provides family mediation services. Carina is currently a Board Member for West Toronto Community Legal Services and the Vice-Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Child and Youth Law section. She previously served on the MCCSS Ontario Youth Justice Task Force and was a Board Member for the Red Door Family Shelter. Carina has held various advisory roles for stakeholders in the child welfare system and assisted with the development of tuition-free post-secondary education opportunities and privacy legislation for young people from care.
Chisanga Chekwe – Public Member
Chisanga Chekwe brings a wealth of governance, development, business and legal expertise to College Council. Chisanga has served as Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Women’s Issues, Seniors’ Affairs, and International Trade in Ontario; Chair and CEO of the Social Benefits Tribunal; Executive Director at Oxfam; and adjudication officer and United Nations observer support officer monitoring elections in South Africa; Supervisor of the post-war election in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also spent six years with the Ontario Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, serving as a board member and Chair of the Board. Chisanga studied law at the University of Birmingham in England, before he received a master of laws degree from the University of London. He then read philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Oxford, resulting in BA and MA degrees.
Geneviève Côté – Elected Social Worker
Geneviève Côté holds a BAH with a major in Psychology from Queen’s University (1996) and received her master’s of social work degree from the University of Ottawa (1998). She is also a graduate of the LL.M. in health law from Osgoode Hall, York University (2024). Geneviève has worked in community (London, UK) and hospital (Ottawa, ON) health care for nearly 30 years. She has taught at La Cité collégiale, Dalhousie, Carleton and the University of Ottawa. She enjoyed over 20 years at The Ottawa Hospital in psychosocial oncology, professional practice, patient relations, patient engagement and clinical risk management. Currently, she is the Director of Patient Care Services for the Integrated Schizophrenia and Recovery Program of the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
Charlene Crews – Elected Social Service Worker
Charlene Crews is a seasoned mental health clinician with over 30 years of experience working with marginalized populations. Her career spans multiple sectors, including child and adult mental health and addictions, hospital and community health care, corrections, forensics, homelessness, and social housing. Since 2017, Charlene has served as an elected board member at the College. In addition to her clinical work, Charlene is a social housing adjudicator and Psychiatric Patient Advocate with the Ministry of Health. She is also a Mental Health First Aid Trainer and holds licenses as a Paralegal, Private Investigator, and Regulatory Investigator. Her extensive credentials include certificates in advanced adjudication, regulatory investigations, interpersonal mediation, family therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and health service management. Charlene is currently pursuing a master’s degree in health administration at Toronto Metropolitan University, underscoring her commitment to advancing her expertise in health law, privacy, and ethics. She actively participates in community advocacy boards, leveraging her skills and experience to make a meaningful impact and demonstrating her ongoing dedication to her fields of interest.
John Fleming – Public Member
John has served in the management ranks of local and provincial governments as well as not‐for‐profits, achieving senior leadership positions in several organizations, including service as a municipal CAO, Deputy Minister in Ontario and as CEO of a national health charity. After completing his full‐time career, he continued his leadership work by achieving the Chartered Director designation and opening his ‘occasional’ consulting practice. Since 2008, John has focused his work on governance teaching and advice, executive mentoring and coaching, and group facilitation, especially emphasizing his ability to help boards and teams work effectively to identify and achieve common goals. John has recently completed a 12-year term as the Integrity Commissioner for the Town of Caledon and is a Past Chair of the Board of Governors of Sheridan College; has and continues to serve on numerous other boards and committees, and is a past Chair of the Board of Directors of Halton Healthcare Services and of Ovarian Cancer Canada. He is also a past Director of OMERS Sponsors Corporation. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Greater Hamilton Health Network’s Board of Directors. John served two terms as Council Chair for the College and currently sits on a number of statutory and non-statutory committees, including the Executive Committee.
Woyengi (Gigi) Goary – Elected Social Worker
Dr. Woyengi (Gigi) Goary is a registered social worker with over 25 years of professional experience. She has a PhD in social work from the University of Toronto. Prior to this, Dr. Goary received a master’s degree in social
work from York University. Her trauma-informed social work practice includes working with individuals and families in the areas of health and mental health, child welfare, and corrections. Dr. Goary has expertise in investigation, evaluation and assessment, and diversity, equity, and inclusion from an anti-racism perspective with a focus on anti-Black racism and intersectionality. She is also a sessional graduate professor of social work at the University of Windsor and provides leadership as a board director and union president. Her social work education and practice are grounded in addressing trauma, as well as the elimination of systemic, individual, and institutional oppression.
Sanjay Govindaraj – Elected Social Worker
Sanjay Govindaraj holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (1994) and a Master’s in Applied Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo (2004). With over 30 years of experience, he has led initiatives addressing poverty, food security, housing, child trafficking, intimate partner violence, Indigenous reconciliation, accessibility, and strategic planning. Currently, on a two-year secondment from the City of Waterloo, he serves as the Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression at the City of London. In addition to his full-time role, Sanjay provides part-time counseling services at Aligned Health in Waterloo, with a focus on supporting equity-denied groups. He is recognized as an Associate Practicum Professor (part-time) by Wilfrid Laurier University for his commitment to supervising MSW students. Sanjay has also served on various not-for-profit boards and actively mentors new immigrants and refugees. First elected to the Council in 2018, Sanjay has held various positions on College committees and is currently the Chair of the Council.
Sana Imran – Elected Social Worker
Sana Imran obtained her MSW at the University of Toronto and has completed certifications in multiple therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, SFBT, EFT, as well as in management and leadership. Sana has a wide range of experience, providing therapeutic support as a frontline clinician in several mental health agencies and hospitals in Toronto, analyzing and developing policy and programming at provincial advocacy-based organizations, and working in leadership in the health and educational sectors in large postsecondary institutions. She is currently an Associate Director with Toronto Public Health, responsible for clinical services, while maintaining a part-time role as the clinical team lead for Leena, a BIPOC focused mental health platform providing services across Canada.
Bianca Lenarduzzi – Elected Social Service Worker
Bianca Lenarduzzi, RSSW, specializes in gerontology and is currently completing her third year of the bachelor of social work program part-time at the University of Windsor. She has been actively involved in student leadership throughout her studies, serving with the Canadian Federation of Students and the Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS), where she was recently appointed as the Students with Disabilities Constituency Commissioner as an OPUS representative. She has also served as a student representative on several faculty subcommittees and with the Association of Social Work Students. Guided by Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief that “Greatness is determined by service,” Bianca is committed to using her skills and experiences to serve the profession.
Carrie McEachran – Public Member
Carrie McEachran is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce. She previously served as the Executive Director of Sarnia- Lambton Rebound and also held leadership positions at Community Living Sarnia and Pathways Health Centre for Children. Mrs. McEachran carries a master’s degree in leadership from Royal Roads University, a developmental services worker diploma from Loyalist College and a non-profit management certificate from Western University. Her community involvement includes Rotary Club of Sarnia since 2006, where she served a term as President. She currently serves as on the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity (PCEO) as a council member, a board member for the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership and served previous terms on boards for North Lambton Community Health Centre, Sarnia-Lambton Physician Recruitment Taskforce, Sarnia-Lambton Social Services Network and PAVRO (Professional Association of Volunteer Leaders- Ontario). She is also an active member of the Arlanxeo Community Advisory Committee.
Lori Monroe – Elected Social Service Worker
Lori Monroe is a registered social service worker who brings over 22 years of experience in mental health, rehabilitation and developmental services. She has provided therapy and transitional support for individuals recovering from brain injuries, trauma and developmental disabilities, with a focus on maximizing independence and reducing challenging behaviors. Lori develops tailored treatment plans that incorporate psychodynamic psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practice and harm reduction. She empowers clients to achieve their highest level by addressing their social, emotional, intellectual and psychological needs. Lori integrates inclusive language and gender-affirming practices into her work, fostering an environment of respect and trust. She is committed to cultivating strong relationships with clients and professionals, providing holistic, client-centered therapy. Outside of her professional life, Lori is an outdoor enthusiast, animal lover, avid reader and engaged in environmental and social justice issues.
Suzanne Oliver – Elected Social Service Worker
Suzanne Oliver has over 30 years of experience in social services and community outreach including 20 years specifically in child protection, currently based in Stirling, Ontario. She holds a two-year diploma in social service work from Loyalist College. As the Wraparound Support at Loyalist College, Suzanne recruits and develops internship opportunities for participants while ensuring barriers are removed. As a Professor, Suzanne teaches various subjects, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Suzanne’s extensive experience in child protection includes her roles as a Family Support Worker at Hastings Children’s Aid Society and as an Intake Screener. She has been instrumental in implementing in-home support for families, assessing needs and promoting positive change for children and their caregivers. Suzanne emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development. She remains an active advocate for community resources and a supporter of student well-being. She is dedicated to promoting programs that facilitate positive change in her community, whether through outreach initiatives or individualized support. Her longstanding commitment to education and community service showcases her deep understanding of social service dynamics and her passion for empowering others.
Mandi Olson – Elected Social Service Worker
Mandi Olson is a registered social service worker located in northwestern Ontario. She has been a helper in the social work field for over 15 years and her passion includes creating grassroots and macro-level system changes that are rooted in Indigenous best practices. She is familiar with both not-for-profit and privatized wellness services and organizations. Mandi is the co-owner of a successful business, Binesiwag Center for Wellness, which focuses on providing a variety of wellness services across the lifespan including mental health, addictions, direct support to 2SLGBTQIAP+ folx, women and girls, as well as capacity building. Outside of her professional career, Mandi enjoys being on the land and with her family. She enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and travelling.
Marinna Read – Elected Social Worker
Marinna Read is a Fort William First Nation community member and resides in Thunder Bay. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Manitoba and an honours bachelor of social work and master of social work degrees from Lakehead University. She has spent over 20 years practising in youth and adult mental health, Indigenous child welfare, program and community development and most recently implementing Indigenous health care in a hospital setting. She has committed her professional career to assisting those on their wellness journey in a respectful and kind way ensuring culturally safe care through an Indigenous lens. Her personal life includes plenty of family time and enjoying the great outdoors in beautiful northwestern Ontario. Marinna empowers individuals to use their inner strengths and culture to move forward and celebrate themselves while creating change in their lives.
Candice Snake – Elected Social Worker
Candice Snake’s home community is Munsee-Delaware Nation. Her education started with her ancestors Rosie Deleary, her grandmother Stella Mae Burch, her mother Irene Snake, as well as her father Larry Burch. Their influence shapes the work that she does in realizing the need for critical reflection in educating service providers and helping families care for children. They ignite the fire in her to continue this vital decolonizing work to ensure Indigenous families are empowered as caregivers. Candice received her MSW from Laurier University in 2020. Her multi-disciplinary work experience over the past 26 years provided a skill set for leadership, policy development, best practice and accountability. She worked with a team to develop HEART & SPIRIT training, a program which is utilized in Ontario child wellbeing agencies to train foster parents and is currently experiencing interest nationally and internationally. She is excited for this new appointment and looks forward to the work.
Elayne Tanner – Elected Social Worker
Dr. Elayne Tanner is a Registered Social Worker with over 30 years of experience. Elayne holds Bachelor of Arts (BA) psychology and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degrees from York University; and Master of Social Work (MSW), Graduate Diploma in Social Administration (Dip. Soc. Adm.) and Doctorate (PhD) degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has additional certifications including, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnosis (CHT) and is a trained Family Mediator. Elayne has been the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards and has been published on topics including anti-oppressive practice, global mental health, social work ethics, and hypnosis. She is a reviewer for both Canadian and American professional journals and continues to be a sessional graduate professor for the University of Windsor. Elayne is a private practitioner of counselling and psychotherapy with diverse areas of expertise that include childhood trauma, sexual abuse, relationship counselling, parenting and divorce. Elayne has been a regular presenter of the Court based Mandatory Information Program, a program consultant for John Howard Society and an active community volunteer, earning her the 2008 United Way of Milton Volunteer of the Year Award.
Madimba Tshibuabua – Elected Social Service Worker
Madimba Tshibuabua is a registered social service worker with more than 20 years of experience. He is also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
Madimba is an award-winning community leader, passionate about education and non-profit sectors. His dedication to serve was acknowledged by King Juan Carlos I of Spain, the Governor General of Canada, and the cities of Toronto and Oshawa. He has delivered several scientific conferences across the world on how to address issues of poverty among marginalized populations. Madimba holds a master’s degree in International Affairs, a diploma in Diplomatic Studies, and a certificate in Social Service Management. Madimba is fluent in French, English and Spanish, He is an online business mentor, a basketball coach, and a counselor.
Alex Yuan – Public Member
Alex Yuan founded a successful medical software development company in 1982. He has served on numerous non-profit boards, including as Vice-Chair of Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care in 1995 and as the founder of the S’port for Kids charitable foundation in 1997. Alex has been appointed to key positions such as the Ontario Job and Investment Board and the Ontario Medical Association’s Ontario Medical Student Bursary Fund Committee. He also served as a Team Richmond Hill Business Ambassador. Alex has received several honours and awards, including the Outstanding Business Achievement award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the ACCE, recognition from the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards, the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Toronto Police Services John Herra Award, among others. Presently, Alex serves as member at the Toronto Police Services Chinese Community Consultative Committee and board chair at the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority.