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 2023 Cindy Bruce-Barrett (CHAIR) Philip Longaphie (VICE-CHAIR) Jeremy Mullin (TREASURER) Chitra Gnanasabesan (SECRETARY) Bryon Cohen Ryan Ehrenworth Melissa Coulson Julie Kish 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. (vacant)- Senior Manager of Youth Justice Services Vivian Manyara, Manager of Shelter Services Vivian graduated from University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, with a Specialist in Sociology. After graduating from University of Toronto, Vivian went on to study at Centennial College, graduating with a diploma in Community and Justice Services. Vivian has over 20 years of experience working with both youth and adults who are, or have been, involved in the Criminal Justice System. Vivian worked in both Open Detention and Open Custody facilities for youth, as well as in a Community Residential Facility for those on Day Parole before securing a job working in the Direct Accountability and Diversion Office at Old City Hall. During her time working in the Courts, Vivian further developed a passion for supporting those who are experiencing homelessness, and thus, made the transition to working in the shelter system in 2020. She is excited to be on the Kennedy House team and brings her passion of working with youth to the Kennedy House Shelter Team, and Toronto as a whole. Rosalinde Douma, Senior Manager of Residential Clinical Services 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, Senior Accountant 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.
