Our Team Kennedy House’s successes are deeply rooted in the dedication and commitment shown by our incredible staff team, our resilient Board of Directors, and the many valuable relationships we have forged over the years. Donate Kennedy House Board of Directors 2021 Cindy Bruce-Barrett (Chair) Philip Longaphie (Vice-Chair) Melissa Coulson (Treasurer) Eugene Choi (Secretary) Bryon Cohen Julie Kish Jeremy Mullin Leyland Muss James Rosenthal Victor Tuba Kennedy House Senior Management Shelly Jaigobin, Executive Director Shelly started her career with Kennedy House in 2000 as the Human Resources Manager and has been Executive Director since 2007. Shelly is responsible for developing and implementing the agency’s strategic plan, overseeing the operations of the agency, and ensuring that all clients’ needs are met. Passionate about working in non-profit and social services, Shelly is a graduate from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education. She also possesses a Diploma in Human Resources Management and additional training courses from York University’s Shulich’s Executive Education Centre. Sergiu Balaj, Human Resources Manager Sergiu joined the Kennedy House team in 2021 as our Human Resources Manager. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Kennedy House, with a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation and over seven years of HR experience in the energy sector. A member of the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA), Sergiu graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Public Policy and Management, a Bachelor of Human Resources, and a Master of Human Resources Management. Louis Davis, Superintendent of Kennedy House Youth Centre In addition to a 30+ year career of working in different capacities with youth involved in youth justice, child welfare, and shelter systems, Louis has a background in elementary education, is a graduate of George Brown College’s Leaders for Success program, and is a certified trainer for PMAB, N95 and Suicide Intervention & Prevention. Louis started with Kennedy House in 1999 as a Child & Youth Worker and has continued to grow with the agency ever since. In 2014, Louis played an integral role in the opening of the Kennedy House Youth Shelter, which at the time was the only shelter of its kind in Eastern Toronto. After working as the Assistant Manager of Shelter Services for three years, Louis moved to the role of Superintendent at the Kennedy House Youth Centre, a secure custody and detention facility for young males. His responsibilities in this role include overseeing the day-to-day operations and success of the program, and ensuring that the operation of the centre adheres to both the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Megan Dealhoy, Manager of Shelter Services Megan has over 20 years of experience working with youth, 15 of those in the youth shelter sector. She graduated from Centennial College’s Child and Youth Worker program in 2004, and was the youth shelter sector’s first mental health case manager. Coming from a harm reduction background, Megan joined the Kennedy House team in late 2019, and she loves what she does. Megan’s experience in the sector includes working in advocacy roles supporting youth exiting care while navigating the youth and family justice system, and participating in City committees for funding expression of interest selection within the youth justice system. She was also an original member of the Downtown West FOCUS Toronto table, a multidisciplinary table supporting Toronto’s most at-risk individuals and families. Rosalinde Douma, Clinical Manager Rosalinde (Rosie) graduated from Trent University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology. She began her career with Kennedy House in 1986 at the Kennedy Road program as a Child & Youth Worker. Over her tenure with the agency, Rosie has worked as an Assistant Supervisor, Program Supervisor and Client & Family Service Worker. Since 2014, Rosie has been an integral part of the Kennedy House Senior Management Team, assuming the role of Clinical Manager for the agency. Rosie has established strong relationships with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Ministry of Community and Social Services, and children’s aid societies. Rosie took on a leadership role in the establishment and growth of the Developmental Services offered by Kennedy House for youth and young adults living with developmental disabilities. Rosie has dedicated her career to improving the lives of those we serve by demonstrating and promoting an individualized, therapeutic, relationship-building model of care for clients. Anika Saheli, Finance Manager Having joined the Kennedy House team in 2018, Anika is responsible for managing the agency’s financial department and overseeing all financial transactions and records. Anika graduated from the University of Toronto’s Rotman Commerce program, specializing in Accounting, and completed the Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting shortly after from the Rotman School of Management. She has successfully completed all examinations for the professional designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Anika’s past professional roles have been in accounting and taxation in not-for-profit sectors; the experience and knowledge gained in these roles have proven to be valuable assets in her current role as Kennedy House’s Finance Manager. Throughout her time at Kennedy House, Anika has continued to successfully remain within the realms of compliance while managing funding, budgeting, presenting financial reports and maintaining the agency’s overall healthy financial status.
