CONTACT Staff & Board
CONTACT Staff & Board
Board of Directors
Jennifer Lloyd
Chair
Jennifer Lloyd is an anti-violence public educator and program facilitator who is passionate about human rights and social justice, community development, civic engagement, and social policy. She is the co-sounder and coordinator of the Bradford Women’s+ Group, a community organization that aims to create a space for woment+ to invest in themselves through personal development, empowerment, leadership, and building community. Jennifer has worked in a number of different roles within the public and non-profit sectors. She looks forward to contributing her knowledge and experience in community and social services to support CONTACT in continuing to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to our community’s needs.
Katherine Pressnail
Vice-Chair
Katherine Pressnail is a Chartered Professional Accountant and works at KPMG LLP as a Senior Manager in their auditing practice, she brings her financial acumen to our Board. She also has a passion for Data & Analytics, having recently obtained her masters in that field and she looks forward to working with Emily and her team to highlight the impact CONTACT is having in our communities in new and innovative ways.
In addition to being CONTACT’s Treasurer, Katherine is the Co-Chair for a Toronto based organization whose mission is to create economic opportunities by removing barriers to entrepreneurship through financing, education and mentorship.
Katherine is excited to contribute her knowledge and experience with charitable organizations to support CONTACT in its vision for healthy communities where everyone has access to supports and opportunities to thrive.
Jonathan Scott
Treasurer
Jonathon was elected Town Councillor for Bradford West Gwillimbury, Ward 2 in a December 2020 byelection and was reelected in October 2022 with over 79% of the vote.
Jonathan serves as chair of the Green Initiatives Advisory Committee, vice-chair of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and on the Strategic Projects Committee. He is also the vice-chair of Conservation Ontario, the umbrella organization representing all thirty-six conservation authorities across the province and was a member of the Ontario Greenbelt Council.
Jonathan is Vice-President at Key Gordon Inc, a Toronto-based advertising firm. He is also an experienced consultant for advocacy, business development, government relations and communications. He was previously director of communications for the Ontario government caucus and owned his own small business. He is a regular panelist on CTV News Channel, CBC News and Sirius XM Radio, and his writings on politics, marketing, education, religion and current affairs have appeared in Monocle, Salon, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, The Toronto Star, iPolitics, The Huffington Post, The Federalist Trust, The Presbyterian Record, Education Canada, Education Today, Bradford Today and Loonie Politics.
Jonathan is an honours graduate of Bradford District High School and the University of Toronto, earned his law degree with honours at Cardiff School of Law and Politics, and a certificate in Canadian law at Queen’s University.”
Marc Biss
Director
Marc Biss is Regional Sales Manager at NXP Semiconductor with 20+ years of experience dedicated to Consumer and Automotive Electronic Innovation, Automotive Safety and Green Technology. Marc is also Ward 5 Councillor at the Town of New Tecumseth. His responsibilities include sitting as a Committee Member for the Museum on Boyne and as Treasurer for Alliston & Area Physician Recruitment Committee. Marc has also volunteered as a Property Standards & Canine Committee Member, New Tecumseth Organizational Excellence Committee Member, Municipal Director Alliston & District Chamber of Commerce, Vice-Chair Alliston Memorial Arena Committee, Chair Veteran Street Naming Committee, and Founder of the Boyne River Clean Up.
Before entering corporate and political life, Marc was a Commissioned Naval Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. He participated in six multi-national military exercises throughout the world including surveillance operations in support of UN Peacekeepers in Haiti. In 1994, he was appointed as Official Liaison Officer between the Royal Navy and the XV Commonwealth Games for the official visit of HMS LANCASTER to Victoria, BC.
Mark Snaper
Director
Mark Snaper is a Jack-of-all-Trades. He is the owner of Eye Candy Ads, an advertising agency specializing is cost effective advertising for Small Business. He also has a Private Mortgage company and owns property with several small businesses as tenants. His background in business/marketing has helped further his career in many facets of his work life. He spent many years of his life living in places like South East Asia, Europe and educated the Middle East. He is the VP of Marketing for the Bradford Board of Trade, as well as a Director. He lives life to its fullest and is always open for a chat to give advice or take some.
Nathan Harris
Director
Having experienced homelessness first-hand and successfully overcoming the challenges it posed, Nathan understands the transformative power of community support and the critical role charities play in changing lives.
Motivated by his personal journey, Nathan decided to get involved with CONTACT Community Services to give back and make a difference in the lives of others facing similar hardships. His first-hand experience with the positive impact of various programs during his time of need inspired him to become an advocate for the organization’s mission.
Nathan is a dynamic individual who continually seeks personal growth and self-improvement. He pursues various charitable projects focused on homelessness, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of issues. Additionally, his courage to run in local municipal elections during his youth highlights his determination to affect positive change in the community.
Nathan firmly believes in the power of education and personal development. He dedicates time to studying and enhancing his knowledge, with the goal of becoming the best version of himself. This commitment to self-improvement reflects his desire to give back to humanity and make an even greater impact through his work.
Jennie D'Assisi Dixon
Director
Jennie D’Assisi Dixon has worked in variety of educational settings during her 40 years in education. She was a classroom teacher for 18 years and worked alongside students in grades Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Ms. Dixon then moved into the role of Elementary School Principal for the next 15 years. When Ms. Dixon retired from the School Board, she taught courses in Child Development at Seneca College; and was also an Instructor at Niagara University in the Teacher Candidate program. Ms. Dixon is a passionate educator and is currently working with neurodiverse learners.
Jennie is excited about serving on the Board of Directors for CONTACT Community Services and contributing her knowledge and skills to the wonderful work that CONTACT is currently doing in South Simcoe.
Anub Simson
Director
Photo and bio to follow shortly.
Administration and Community Engagement
Administration & Community Engagement
Tina de los Santos
Executive Director
A dynamic nonprofit leader with twenty years of experience, Tina brings a wealth of expertise in strategy, program development and organizational leadership to CONTACT. Her career has spanned local and international initiatives, with a strong focus on community impact, youth engagement, and nonprofit capacity building.
Most recently, Tina served as lead consultant with LURE Communications, where she worked with nonprofits across Ontario to strengthen organizational capacity, diversify funding streams and enhance service accessibility. She has successfully led teams of more than fifty staff, built cross-sector partnerships and implemented innovative programs that address both local and systemic challenges.
Brenda Pufek
Manager of Community Engagement & Development
Brenda joined the team at CONTACT Community Services in June 2022 as the Engagement & Development Officer. For over 15 years, Brenda has worked in the non-profit sector in South Simcoe, specializing in community engagement, fundraising and event planning. As Director of Operations at The Gibson Centre and Manager of Fundraising at Matthews House Hospice, Brenda has had the opportunity to create wonderful relationships with local businesses, media and government. Thoughout her career, Brenda has created and executed many unique and effective fundraisers, bringing together community members, donors and volunteers in support of valuable local causes.
Linda Spurr
Volunteer Coordinator
Linda has lived, worked, and volunteered in Simcoe County for the past 20 years which has developed her love for the community.
Linda began her career operating a small wholesale business with family, and after moving to New Tecumseth she found opportunities to volunteer locally where she discovered her passion for event management. Linda returned to school to expand her knowledge at Georgian College where she took courses in the Event Management program.
Linda has spent the past 10 years as a dedicated professional in the non-profit sector supporting and advocating for local business and promoting the area to the Tourism Industry through community events. Her work with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Association has fostered strong connections with community groups, local media, and residents. Through her own volunteering, Linda has learned the substantial impact that volunteers make in a community and is very excited to lead the expansion of our valued volunteer team.
Housing Support Staff
Housing Support Staff
Krystal Galbraith
Manager Housing Services
Krystal holds a Diploma in Marketing/Advertising, as well as her PSW Certificate. Krystal has a unique combination of experience in both Social Services and Sales/Marketing spaning 20 years. Prior to coming to CONTACT Krystal was employed as a Housing Specialist in the Simcoe County Regional Housing First Program, as well as worked in media, sales, and operations throughout her carreer. Krystal started with CONTACT in September 2020 in the Housing Department as the Housing Specialist, which was a new position to the agency at that time.
Lacey de Beer
Supervisor - Supportive Rapid Rehousing Program
Lacey joined the team at CONTACT Community Services as a Housing Access Worker in May 2019. She brings to CONTACT over 10 years of social services experience. Lacey graduated with Honours from Seneca College with a diploma in Child and Youth Work in 2014. During her studies she worked at a non-profit counselling agency as an administrative frontline support, where she helped with intakes, organizing support groups and providing resources and information, with additional on-going responsibilities. After graduation Lacey started working in a residential group home setting as a Child and Youth Worker where she worked with children, youth and adults, who have varying exceptionalities with unique and complex needs. In this position Lacey supported clients in a hands-on capacity with developing life-skills, social skills, community integration, among many other tasks and responsibilities. This is where Lacey became very familiar with community support and programs available thoughout the Simcoe County area. This made her initially apply to CONTACT, as she felt her work experience and skill set were transferable to the role of Housing Access Worker. Lacey genuinely cares about the individuals she helps and strives to ensure the everyone feels welcome and supported in her role as Housing Access Worker.
Dawn Noftall
Housing Access Worker
Dawn graduated from the Social Service Worker program at Humber College in 2019 and received her Bachelors in Community Development in 2021, graduating with honours. After graduation, Dawn worked with the John Howard Society as an Intensive Case Manager, assisting individuals who are struggling with addiction and homelessness. It was there that Dawn developed a passion for affordable housing.
At CONTACT Community Services, Dawn works closely with community partners to establish more integrated client support. Using a client centred approach, Dawn is able to work closely with clients to develop an individual housing plan and identify other opportunities to connect the client with community resources. Having faced personal struggles with addiction and homelessness throughout her life, Dawn’s passion for this work enables her to find creative and effective solutions
Heather Rowley
Housing First Case Manager
Heather attended Georgian College and graduated with honors from the Community and Justice Services Program in 2013. She also completed the Addictions Treatment and Prevention undergraduate program at Georgian College in 2015. Heather’s career began as an intern at The David Busby Centre and then became employed as a Front-Line Worker at The Salvation Army Barrie Bayside Mission Centre. Heather quickly excelled in her career and began as a Case Worker working with men as well as families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Heather brings with her years of combined education and hands-on experience working with marginalized individuals and families experiencing substance use disorders, mental health concerns, and homelessness. Heather has a strong passion to help people succeed and considers each small step to success a victory.
Brandon Pombiere
Housing First Case Manager
Brandon graduated from the Social Service Worker program at Seneca College in 2015 and has since worked in various homeless shelter settings, including working over 5 years with The Salvation Army’s women’s shelter Belinda’s Place. He has worked with clients who were facing homelessness, addiction, and living with mental illness. Brandon has also spent time working in group home settings assisting youth living with fetal alcohol syndrome, or individuals on the autism spectrum. Brandon considers homelessness and the housing crisis as one of the largest issues we are facing In Canada and wants to do his part to help ease the stresses of those facing hard times.
Employment Services Staff
Employment Services Staff
Ram Mohan
Employment Services Manager
Ram joined bradford WORKS as a Job Developer in 2016 after working many years as a Human Resources professional in manufacturing, IT, Supply Chain and Retail. He also worked as a recruiter for an employment agency and as a Job Developer at Microskills. At bradford WORKS, he applies his extensive outreach, networking and advocacy skills to identify opportunities to match potential employees with job opportunities. He works closely with job seekers to get them job-ready with coaching, mentoring and training, and follows-up post employment, to help ensure job retention. In 2017, he was a key contributor to bradford WORKS earning the County of Simcoe Newcomer Recognition for best “Welcoming Work Environment”. Ram has also applied his HR skills to support Right To Play, a not-for-profit that uses play to teach kids to be guardians of their own health and active participants in their communities.
Tiffany Tyrrell-Shand
Job Developer
Tiffany Tyrrell-Shand has a passion for people. In her current role as Job Developer in the Employment Services department at CONTACT Community Services, Tiffany works with multiple employers throughout the community to connect them to the right candidates to keep their business thriving. Tiffany has been with CONTACT since 2021, drawing from her 8 years of experience working in the loan industry. Beginning in the pandemic, Tiffany embraces challenge as opportunity, making it her mission to be in the community connecting with business owners and job seekers and providing resources that are often unknown, but necessary for both parties to succeed. Her extensive background in customer service and experience in various industries, such as retail and television, has instilled a passion for working with people from diverse backgrounds. Tiffany takes great pride in helping others and strives to do everything she can to make a positive difference.
Heather Cleare
Employment Specialist
Heather Cleare has an extensive background in career & employment counselling, and enjoys utilizing her experience & training to best assist individuals in meeting specific career, educational, training, and employment goals. Before joining CONTACT, Heather worked for the Simcoe County District School Board at The Career Centre as a Career Counsellor (14 years), and previously ran a computer based adult upgrading program for WSIB clients at the Barrie Adult Learning Centre. Heather has also previously worked as a Housing Worker and Case Manager for The Barrie & District Association for People with Special Needs – Habitat 90 program, (now Simcoe Community Services). Heather is passionate about assisting individuals to achieve positive outcomes, and enjoys learning Spanish as a second language.
Stephanie Sauve
Employment Specialist
Stephanie achieved her bachelor’s degree in psychology from York University in 2021, with plans to pursue her master’s in counselling psychology.
CONTACT’s focus on community involvement aligns perfectly with Stephanie’s, which can be reflected in her volunteer work with both the Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
While working at the David Busby Centre, Stephanie gained extensive experience with diverse populations including, individuals in crisis situations, those struggling with substance abuse or mental health concerns, and precariously housed, homeless or at-risk homeless individuals.
Stephanie brings an ambitious spirit fuelled by a determination for client advocacy. She loves to make even a small difference in helping individuals feel supported and empowered.
Laura Labastida
Employment Specialist
Laura was born in Mexico City and came to Canada in 2008.
Laura has a degree in Marketing and worked for companies such as Nestle, Banner Pharmacaps, and Quaker State as a Manager Brand in Mexico.
In Canada, she graduated as a Montessori Teacher and worked 5 years as a Head Teacher of JK/SK.
Laura joined CONTACT as a Resource & Information Specialist on September 2022. She has years of experience in administrative work and interaction with people.
Laura joined CONTACT because she loves working with people from different backgrounds and likes to help people in different ways.
The Clothes Line Stores
The Clothes Line Stores
Jackie Curd
Store Manager, The Clothes Line
Jackie has been working with CONTACT’s, The Clothes Line as the Store Manager since 1995. Beginning her career working on an assembly line at Oetiker, Jackie was promoted to supervisor of shipping and receiving. After living in Calgary for 9 months, Jackie returned to Alliston where she attended The Alliston Learning Centre graduating with an Academic Achievement Award. While studying at the Learning Centre, Jackie had the opportunity to take a co-op placement at the Clothes Line, where she has been ever since. Jackie’s positive attitude and strong work ethic has made The Clothes Line a successful social enterprise bringing in valuable revenue to support CONTACT’s many programs.
Carey Paulusma
Assistant Store Manager
Carey has extensive experience in sales and customer service and has been able to successfully apply her skill set to The Clothes Line. Initially working as a volunteer begining in 2015, Carey was brought onto staff in 2017. Carey also works as an independent home agent for Travel Professionals International helping consumers with all aspects of their travel. Carey graduated from Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Psychology, and Seneca College with a diploma for Travel and Tourism: Eco-Adventure and Niche Markets. Carey is an active member in our community donating to a variety of causes close to her heart and volunteering with CONTACT whenever a helping hand is needed.