Board of Directors
Kevin Kelly, CPA, CA
2016 – Chair
Full Bio
Kevin has been an Easter Seals Board Member since 2016 and currently serves as the Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Bruce Power, responsible for Corporate Finance and Reporting, Treasury, Insurance and Pension Asset Management.
Kevin brings more than 26 years of experience in the areas of strategic and operational planning, financial reporting and cost management, treasury, taxation, pension, and insurance. In 2016, he was part of the Bruce Power Team who successfully negotiated a long-term commercial framework with the Province of Ontario enabling the life extension of the facility up to 2064.
Kevin joined Bruce Power as the Head of Finance when the company was formed in 2001 after working with British Energy when that entity acquired 80% of Bruce Power. In 2005, he was appointed as Vice-President Finance and supported the 2005 Bruce Power Refurbishment Agreement negotiation team and the related restructuring of Bruce Power.
Prior to his role at Bruce Power, Kevin worked at BDO’s Toronto Office where he was responsible for managing various operational and financial client groups that consisted of both owner-managed businesses and public companies.
Kevin is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives. He is a CPA and received his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation from the ICAO in 1997 and holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University.
John Herhalt, FCA/FCPA
Past Chair (Ex-officio)
Full Bio
John was a partner with KPMG LLP and has over 42 years of experience, leading many projects within the public sector and power and utilities sector, and advising clients extensively in areas of strategic and business planning, governance, organizational restructuring, risk management, performance management, alternate service delivery, and process improvement.
John’s experience includes projects with municipalities, universities and colleges, hospitals, school boards, public and private utilities, provincial and federal government ministries, crown corporations and agencies, and regulatory authorities.
John has a B.A. (Economics) and B. Comm. from the University of Windsor, a Chartered Accountancy designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of CPAs in Ontario.
Michael Carli
Vice Chair
Full Bio
Michael Carli was conferred the degree of Juris Doctor from the Faculty of Law, University of Western Ontario in 1987 and has been practicing law in the Province of Ontario since his call to the Bar in 1989. He is currently a partner at the national law firm Miller Thomson LLP specializing in corporate, commercial and real estate law, with expertise in mortgage recoveries and trademark prosecutions.
Mr. Carli has been a loyal supporter of Easter Seals Ontario since 1983, when he participated in the Bobby Orr Skate-a-thon for Easter Seals. He is a past Chair of Villanova College and serves as pro bono counsel to other charitable organizations including We Care, an integral supporter of Easter Seals summer camps.
Mr. Carli is a member of various professional organizations including the Law Society of Ontario, the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents, and the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada.
Azam Ishmael
2022
Full Bio
In a career that has spanned the country, leading private, public and not for profit offices, Azam has been responsible for establishing and managing organizational best practices, including board governance, strategic direction, fundraising, risk and reputation management. Azam is currently the National Director for the Liberal Party of Canada and served as the 2021 National Campaign Director for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
He has led a number of different organizations and has a proven track record of results with positive revenue and donor growth, stakeholder management and team building. These roles required Azam to navigate strategically in complex, multi-stakeholder environments in heavily regulated and scrutinized industries. Sound judgement, tact, collegiality, integrity & interpersonal skills have been crucial in both leading these organizations and having them succeed.
Further to leading organizations, he has served as a Senior Policy Analyst to the Government of Nova Scotia in its Executive Council Office (Office of Planning and Priorities), Senior Advisor to the Minister of Education and Minister of Rural Affairs for the Government of Ontario. He also served as President of Data Sciences Inc. working with a group of leading experts in the fields of data analytics, digital marketing, and engagement campaigns in support of a variety of Canadian non-profits, political parties, and major companies.
Born in Chateauguay, QC, but now residing in Ottawa, On Azam is fluently bilingual in both French and English, has a reputation as a passionate and articulate communicator, and has been invited to speak at events across Canada for his expertise in advocacy and mobilization.
Brenda Agnew
2021
Full Bio
Brenda lives in Burlington with her husband Graham and their two teen boys, Chase who is 16, and Maclain, 14, and who lives with Cerebral Palsy. Brenda has a BA in Sociology from The University of Western Ontario and a post-graduate diploma in Human Resource Management from Seneca College.
In 2010 Brenda became involved with THREE TO BE, a charity that was established to support families raising a child with a neurological condition. She served for several years on their board of directors while also running their parent support program.
Brenda has been a school board trustee with the Halton Catholic District School Board since 2018 and is also a Client Liaison with Gluckstein Lawyers. She currently serves on the following advisory committees as a parent/patient partner and continues to be available for input or collaboration with other organizations if needed.
• AACPDM (American Academy of CP and Developmental Medicine)
• CP-Net Family Advisory Committee
• CanChild Citizen Engagement Committee
• Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee
• PONDA ( Physician of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy Network
• Moderator/ Co-creator of Parent Advocacy Link Peer Support Group with over 2.5k parents of children with special needs
• Chair, HCDSB, SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee)
Deanne Buckle
2017
Full Bio
Deanne Buckle is currently a Managing Director with Corporate Finance at BMO Commercial Bank, Canada where she manages corporate relationships in diversified industries in the Greater Toronto market. Through this role, she provides her clients with highly customized financial options including commercial debt products, M&A advisory, mezzanine finance & equity, treasury & payment solutions, and deposit products and services.
She brings eighteen years of experience to this role since joining BMO in 2005 having held several positions in Commercial Banking including mid market origination, training & development, risk management, and senior sales leadership across two markets – Atlantic Canada and Toronto.
Deanne holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and a Bachelor’s Degree from Dalhousie University.
In her spare time, Deanne enjoys travelling as often as possible and golfing during our great Ontario summers.
Michael Grochmal
2021
Full Bio
Michael Grochmal is the Past President of AtlasCare & Bosco Home Services. During his time as President of AtlasCare, the company experienced steady growth while continuing to win awards for their exceptional customer service. In 2020, AtlasCare was awarded the RBC Large business of the Year award in Oakville.
Prior to becoming President, Michael looked after several areas of the business including Sales, Marketing, Operations, HR, and the Call Center. Michael has been passionate about creating a company culture built on values of Trust, Urgency and Solutions. This allows AtlasCare to deliver on their brand promise to “Always be there when you need us.”
Michael is a graduate of Bishop’s University where he obtained a B.A. (Business and English). After graduation, he started his career at Xerox in Sales and then Product Management. Michael is an active member of CEO Global Network where he has been a member for the past 12 years.
Michael has been a continuous fundraiser for the local chapter of the MS Society hosting an annual charity golf tournament that has raised over $500,000. Early in his life, Michael was a caregiver to his mother who had MS so he can empathize with the needs of families to help take care of loved ones.
Michael lives in Oakville with his wife of 19 years, Sophia, and their 3 kids Philip, 16; Christopher, 13; and Jennifer, 10.
Marc Henein
2021
Full Bio
Since 2004, Marc has been a Director, Wealth Management, Scotia Wealth Management at Scotia McLeod. Marc leads a team of investment professionals that serve clients ranging from physicians, entrepreneurs, and high net worth families.
Over the past eighteen years, Marc and his team have built one of the preeminent Financial Advisory practices in the country by offering sound, conservative long-term advice while always putting the clients’ needs first.
Marc is an alumnus of Wilfrid Laurier University and has multiple industry designations including Certified Financial Planner, Certified Investment Manager, and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute. Marc enjoys living in Georgetown and has an 11 and 13-year-old; they share passions for traveling, hiking, golf, hockey, baseball, and basketball!
Jennifer LaForge
2021
Full Bio
Jennifer La Forge is the General Manager for Rakuten.ca, Canada’s leading online Cash Back shopping website, toolbar extension, and app. With nearly 21 years of experience in the digital space in both the travel and retail industry, she now leads the overall strategy and financial health of the Rakuten Rewards Canadian business, overseeing all aspects of Marketing, Sales, Operations, Engineering, and Product.
Jennifer joined Rakuten.ca in 2012, formally known as Ebates.ca before it rebranded in 2019. Originally managing the Marketing team, she contributed to the rapid growth of the business, eventually taking on the role of Director of Operations and Product. Having worked in all aspects of the business and building an exceptional team, she then took the seat of General Manager in 2018.
As an industry leader in retail marketing and technology, she brings innovation, strategic direction, and passion to drive the business forward, with a focus on delivering an optimal user experience.
Jennifer graduated from Centennial College with a Computer Programming Diploma in 2002. She has been an active member of CEO Global for the past 3 years. Jennifer also enjoys speaking at industry events, particularly on the topics of leadership and mentorship as keys to success.
She lives in Pickering, ON with her husband, Adam, and son, Otis. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, swimming, travel and spin.
Jeffrey Man
2021
Full Bio
Jeffrey Man is a former Easter Seals Ontario client, a current volunteer, and an advocate for individuals with disabilities. While working at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Jeffrey contributed to the development of an organization-wide equity, diversity, and inclusion policy and the launch of Project SEARCH Toronto, a transition to employment program for high school students with intellectual disabilities.
Jeffrey’s experience also includes supporting people with disabilities through his previous community development and human rights work at Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, as well as his current role representing Easter Seals Ontario on the York Catholic District School Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee.
Jeffrey graduated from the Schulich School of Business at York University with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Marketing.
Sean Martin
2023
Full Bio
Sean Martin is a seasoned healthcare executive and healthcare professional who currently holds the position of Vice President, Clinical Services & Health Equity, Chief Quality Officer, at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), a 460 bed large community hospital. Prior to working at PRHC, he held several healthcare positions at SickKids.
Sean is a Registered Respiratory Therapist, holds a Masters degree in health administration, and has completed post-graduate training at the Rotman School of Management and Harvard Business School. Sean brings a wealth of knowledge with 20 years of experience in continuous quality improvement, patient/client experience, governance, equity, diversity & inclusion, and building community partnerships.
Sean credits his career path and dedication to helping others to his work at Camp Woodeden from 1993 to 2000, as a Leader in Training, Summer Camp Counsellor and Respite Camp Counsellor. After three decades, he remains connected to campers and counsellors and understands the impact and importance of supporting Easter Seals Ontario clients and families.
Sean lives in Peterborough, ON, with his wife, Melanie, and sons Owen (13) and Andrew (8).
Jess Metcalfe, CPA, CA
2021
Full Bio
Jess Metcalfe currently serves as the Senior Controller at Bruce Power, responsible for Financial Reporting and Internal Controls, Business Planning and Forecasting, and Financial Systems and Analytics.
Jess brings over 16 years of experience in the areas of strategic and operational planning, financial reporting and cost management, internal controls, and financial systems implementations.
Prior to her role at Bruce Power, Jess worked at PwC’s Waterloo Office where she was responsible for managing various review and audit engagements for operational and technology clients ranging from owner-managed businesses to public companies.
Jess is a CPA and received her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation from the ICAO in 2006 and holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Michael Tzimas, CPA, CA
2021
Full Bio
Mike Tzimas joined Napoleon in January 2020 as Vice President of Finance. He was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in January of 2021 and currently holds the title of President, overseeing all global operations of Napoleon, based out of the corporate office in Barrie, Ontario.
Prior to joining Napoleon, Mike held senior finance and manufacturing roles within the auto industry and brings over 16 years of financial leadership experience, a strong background in strategic planning, expertise in long-term sustainable growth and innovation, planning and analysis.
Mike is a graduate of McGill University, receiving his Bachelor of Commerce in 2007. He is also a CPA, having received his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 2010.
An avid sports fan who played football, hockey, and rugby throughout his high school years, Mike later become a four-year member of the McGill Varsity Football Team as he completed his Bachelor of Commerce. Mike is actively involved in his community; since 2008, as Director of Finance he has been a member of the “Skate with Daniel” organization, which has raised over $800,000 for brain tumor research for The Hospital for Sick Children.
Senior Staff
Kevin Collins, President and Chief Executive Officer
Full Bio
Kevin J. Collins is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals Ontario. A seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience in advancing organizational goals, Kevin brings deep marketing and operational experience to his leadership role, guiding and implementing effective fundraising strategies to ensure the organization’s ability to deliver essential programs and services to support children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario.
Before becoming President and CEO, Kevin managed Easter Seal Ontario’s corporate and special events, leading the development of the organization’s annual strategy for events and fundraising initiatives. Previously, he held the role of Executive Director at Friends of We Care Foundation Inc. for over 17 years, maximizing the profitability of Friends of We Care’s events and programs through effective strategic planning, development, and implementation.
With a deep passion and commitment for supporting children and youth with physical disabilities, he is actively involved in addressing issues around accessibility and inclusivity as part of the Board of Trustees at Bloorview School Authority, and as a board member of Empowered Kids Ontario.
Kevin Noel, Senior Director of Operations
Full Bio
Kevin Noel has over 15 years experience as a leader in the charitable sector in organizations with a focus on health. He was most recently the past Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer for the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Previous to this, he spent eleven years with the Responsible Gambling Council as its Chief Operating Officer, where he developed an international accreditation program and led finance, human resources, operations and strategy, as well as their community programs and social marketing initiatives. He was the Interim Executive Director with the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto and the Interim Senior Director of Finance and Corporate Services with Youthdale Treatment Centres. Originally from Newfoundland, Kevin earned his Master of Business Administration from Memorial University.
Steven Greenwood, Director of Philanthropy
Full Bio
Steven Greenwood is the Director of Philanthropy at Easter Seals Ontario. A seasoned fundraiser, Steven has worked and advised in all areas of the field including major gifts, events, corporate, foundations, grant applications, programs, and employee giving. With more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, Steven has raised $10’s of millions of dollars towards the missions of various important organizations, experiencing great satisfaction in knowing that the funds he has raised have had a critical impact on the ability of the organization to meet mission needs and deliver integral services and programs.
At Easter Seals, Steven initiates and leads overall fundraising strategic plans in partnership with the senior staff team and Advisory Board. A few of his previous significant achievements throughout his career include setting the national strategic direction for a national program with growth to 22 sites, establishing and delivering an organization’s first capital campaign of $2 million, seeing annual average growth of 10% for a $7+ million program, and establishing and executing a comprehensive moves management program for an organization’s top 100 donors.
Through his experiences, Steven has learned the importance of focused fundraising, marketing, and training, and the value of relationship building and community engagement. He has also gleaned an understanding of how to offer strategic planning, coaching, and development. Steven earned his executive master’s degree from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. He has also been active as a volunteer outside of work including as a coach for his son’s hockey teams, as a member of the Board of his synagogue, and as a faculty member at URJ Camp George.
Tharsy Karunakaran, Senior Manager, Human Resources
Full Bio
Tharsy joined Easter Seals Ontario in 2018 in the capacity of Senior Manager, Human Resources. As a seasoned Senior Human Resources leader, Tharsy has used her strong human resources background and a blend of experience in various positions within private and public sectors to affect positive change within the organization.
With over 15 years of experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating human resources programs and priorities, Tharsy brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying issues and opportunities, and supporting talent strategies aligned with organizational visions, missions, and goals. An experienced Senior Human Resources Manager, Tharsy has a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Tharsy earned her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Legal Studies from the University of Waterloo and her Post Graduate in Human Resources Management from Sheridian College. In her free time, Tharsy continues volunteering with various community-based organizations alongside her family.
Robyn Visheau, Senior Manager, Communications
Full Bio
Robyn (she/her) brings over a decade of non-profit sector experience in communications and marketing to her role as the Senior Manager of Communications at Easter Seals Ontario.
Robyn directs the organization’s communications activities, managing its core brand and messaging, digital presence, and media initiatives. She leads a dedicated team of communications and web professionals responsible for creating compelling content, safeguarding the organization’s reputation, managing its online platforms, and increasing engagement with its programs and initiatives through effective communications and marketing efforts.
Through their work, Robyn and her team amplify the stories and messages of Easter Seals Ontario’s clients and their families, raising awareness for the organization’s cause and deepening supporters’ connection to its mission, vision, and values.
Robyn earned her Bachelor of Arts from McGill University. She has continuously enhanced her professional knowledge and skillset by completing marketing and communications programs at the University of Toronto and OCAD University.
Teresa Lo, Senior Manager, Finance
Full Bio
Teresa was born in Hong Kong. After graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, she continued a rigorous self-study program that covers the areas of governance, corporate finance, corporate law, corporate secretarial practice and strategy. She completed the program and earned her professional designation shortly before she came to Canada in 1988. Teresa has over 25 years of experience in managing budgets, financial reporting and financial analysis process of non-profit organizations. She is passionate about children’s well-being, women’s issues and education.
Teresa is married with one daughter. She loves traveling and has travelled to many places. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading and playing sudoku puzzles.
Keith Rashid, Senior Manager, Recreation and Facilities
Full Bio
Having extensive knowledge and a vast network of contacts in the recreation and tourism industry, Keith has made it a priority to promote and advocate for fully accessible and integrated social, travel, and recreational events for people of all abilities.
With over 15 years of experience organizing and customizing accessible recreational and group vacations, along with his love for travel, Keith has worked to highlight the importance of inclusivity.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Human Rights and Equity, he has focused his time and energy on creating a variety of
programs and services for people living with varying needs and abilities. Keith firmly believes that “where there’s a will, there’s a way” and inspires those he works with to “dare to dream” and explore all “Poss Abilities” and tries to motivate others to join him in the journey of life.