Debbie Opoku-Mulder

Registered Psychotherapist

Debbie Opoku-Mulder holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. She is a registered psychotherapist, speaker and a mental health advocate. Debbie is passionate about equipping individuals and groups with the tools and resources needed to educate and motive themselves as well as advocate on their own behalf. Her work is guided from an anti-oppressive, healing focused, trauma informed and anti-Black racism lens.
As a therapist for 14 years, Debbie works to erase the stigma associated with mental health and giving people the tools they need to share their story and recognize that they are not alone on this journey. Debbie is proficient in providing trainings and her talks are informed by her direct experience with stigma and the mental health care system. She hosts a weekly talk show on mental health and brings her diverse and unique perspective to every audience.

Kaela Affrunti

Indigenous Bail Supervisor

Barrie Native Friendship Centre

Indigenous Kwe. Courageous Woman. Passionate Advocate striving to make a difference in the world for women.

Kaela was born and raised in Barrie, Ontario. She is a 29 years young Métis woman who graduated in 2019 from Georgian College with Honors, from the Indigenous Community & Social Development Program. Kaela has had her own personal experiences of domestic abuse. Through her journey of healing and self-discovery this has lead her to her true passion. From Survivor to Thriver Kaela is passionate about helping women in her community. Her goal is to work towards making change.

Kaela Affrunti

Indigenous Bail Supervisor

Barrie Native Friendship Centre

Indigenous Kwe. Courageous Woman. Passionate Advocate striving to make a difference in the world for women.

Kaela was born and raised in Barrie, Ontario. She is a 29 years young Métis woman who graduated in 2019 from Georgian College with Honors, from the Indigenous Community & Social Development Program. Kaela has had her own personal experiences of domestic abuse. Through her journey of healing and self-discovery this has lead her to her true passion. From Survivor to Thriver Kaela is passionate about helping women in her community. Her goal is to work towards making change.

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux

Vice Provost for Indigenous Initiatives 

Lakehead University

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux served as Vice Provost for Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University for three years. Effective September 2016 she was appointed as the 1st Indigenous Chair for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada for Lakehead University and she continues to develop pathways forward to reconciliation across Canada. Cynthia is responsible for the development and implementation of the President’s Council for the Truth and Reconciliation and the eight modules that have been designed to engage the staff, faculty and administration of the Lakehead community.
Cynthia was the inaugural Nexen Chair for Indigenous Leadership at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and remains a faculty member in the Indigenous Learning program. She is a board member for the Teach for Canada non-profit which addresses the needs of Indigenous schools in Northern Ontario. Cynthia was inducted as a “Honourary Witness” by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2014, and is the Chair of the Governing Circle for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.
She is a member and resident of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Ontario and has dedicated her life to building bridges of understanding between peoples. She sees endless merit in bringing people from diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds together to engage in practical dialogue and applied research initiatives. She is deeply committed to public education and active youth engagement from all cultures and backgrounds.
Cynthia co-founded a youth project out of the University of Toronto, the University of Saskatchewan and Lakehead University. Information on the Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) can be found at: www.canadianroots.ca

Ann-Marie Kungl

Ann-Marie is the Barrie Ward 3 City Councillor and brings to the role over 18 years of health system experience that spans provincial, regional, not-for-profit and academic settings. She is a Certified Health Executive, holds a Masters of Public Health and is trained in health law and dispute resolution. She is President of Kungl Consulting and volunteers her time with community health agencies and nature conservation authorities. She is well known as a Demetia Champion who proudly serves as Board Chair of the Alzheimer’s Society of Simcoe County and is on the Board of Health in Simcoe Muskoka.

She is passionate about building strong communities and opportunities to improve access to services through effective policy change and meaningful resident engagement. She was a key informant in the development of the City of Barrie’s Age Friendly Community Plan, and is a member at various tables addressing affordable housing, homelessness, human services, food insecurity, seniors and efforts to reduce barriers for women looking to get involved in politics. She is a supporter of the Huronia Symphony Orchestra, a long-time Barrie Women’s Volleyball player and a champion of Barrie Urban Gardening initiatives.

Twitter: @annmariekungl
City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KunglCares
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annmarie.kungl
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-kungl-baker-mph-che-adr-professional-7a5b5823/
Instagram: annmariekungl

Lisa Harripersad

RSW, MSW

Simcoe County District School Board

Lisa Harripersad is a Registered social worker with over 20 years experience working with individuals, couples and families. After completing a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work, Lisa worked at an Ontario Children’s Aid Society with children in need of protection. Lisa then spent five years working in the UK with the Oxfordshire County Council supporting adults and children affected by adoption, followed by a further seven years in France in private practice working with expatriates and their families.

Since returning to Canada, Lisa has been working in the mental health field through a child and family services mental health agency as well as the public school board providing support to children and parents, as well school staff, who are impacted by issues surrounding anxiety, depression, trauma and attachment. Her work in a specialized classroom for children who are affected by developmental trauma allows her to work closely with mothers who have experienced intimate partner violence, poverty and other power imbalance issues. In private practice as a therapist, Lisa supports emergency service providers and first responders with post traumatic stress and various other mental health challenges.

Lisa has been a strong advocate for the clients she has worked with over the years, be them adults or children. She believes that all individuals are the experts in their own life and her approach is non-judgmental, trauma-informed and strengths-based.

Shelly Skinner

Founder

Uplift Black North

Shelly Skinner (She/Her) is an activist, educator, change-maker and community builder. With her lived experience of, poverty, racism, domestic and sexual violence and homophobia, she carries a story of inspirational perseverance, resiliency and dedication to the betterment of her community. In recent years, she has established herself as a sought-after leader whose influence resonates in the communities of Barrie and the Greater Simcoe County Region and beyond.

Shelly is a dedicated community connector and has lent her skills and expertise to support countless organizations, including Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie, Barrie Pride, Redwood Park Communities, the Ethnic Mosaic Alliance, the MacLaren Art Centre and the Women’s Advisory Committee of WCS Barrie.

In 2020, amid a global pandemic, Shelly founded UPlift Black (http://upliftblack.org) the first social service agency dedicated to increasing the visibility and socio-economic development of the black community in Simcoe/Muskoka. She is also the Co-Founder and Director of Making Change (http://makingchangesc.com) an educational organization focused on sparking conversation around equity, diversity and inclusion.

Shelly is a powerful and inspirational speaker who has lent her voice to many organizations, including The City of Barrie, Georgian College, Ontario Trillium Foundation, EGALE, and countless other community agencies.

Shelly has been recognized by her community for her leadership and in 2020, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce named her “Woman of the Year- Heart and Soul” during the Women in Business Awards and was recognized as one of Barrie’s “8 Notable Women Who Have Made an Impact in Our Community,” by Barrie 360 in 2019.

Overall, Shelly brings passion, leadership and drive to everything she does, and she is an inspiration to people of various backgrounds to become the leaders their communities sorely needs.

Meghan Edwards

Coordinator

Simcoe County Violence Against Women Coordinating Committees

Meghan Edwards works as the Coordinator for Simcoe County Violence Against Women Coordinating Committees. She sees her role on the Women’s Advisory Council as a way to plug into a diverse and determined group of women who will bring change to their homes, workplaces and community. She brings her experience as a Coordinator advocating for change and observing broader, macro trends facing agencies that work with women experiencing violence. Meghan has worked in women’s shelters in Manitoba and Ontario, in addition to her role as coordinator and wants to end all forms of violence against all women, creating a safer society for everyone.

Tami Tarini

Director of Service Excellence and Innovation

Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and Area

Tami Tarini is the Director of Service Excellence and Innovation at Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and Area, which supports people with disabilities and seniors in the community. Tami oversees and leads the Accessibility Resource Centre, quality improvement initiatives and community collaborations.

Tami has 30 years of progressive experience in community healthcare. She possesses a unique blend of knowledge & experience including administration of community support services and development. Her skills include leadership, teambuilding, strategic/operational planning and project management.

Her education in Interdisciplinary Studies in Non-profit and Voluntary Sector Management at Ryerson University and the Developmental Service Worker program from Fanshawe College has provided a great foundation for a career in community support services & healthcare. She brings a passion & dedication for equality, inclusion and awareness for disability issues and the advancement & wellbeing of all women.

Kellie Leeder

Women’s Health Coordinator

Gilbert Centre for Social and Support Services

Kellie has been working with the Gilbert Centre since 2017 advocating for clients and engaging clients with support and social interactions with peers. She works within the organization to raise awareness and advocacy for 2SLGBTQ, HIV/AIDS and HEPC. Kellie is passionate in sharing knowledge and supports activities delivered by the Gilbert Centre.

Natalie Harris

Ward Six Councillor

City of Barrie

Natalie Harris is the City of Barrie’s Ward Six Councillor, who found her way into the world of politics after having played a role in the royal assent of Ontario’s PTSD Bill (Bill 163), and Canada’s PTSD Bill (Bill C-211). She is a retired Advanced Care Paramedic, for which she received the Ontario Paramedic Association’s Exemplary Service Award in 2018, and possess a Bachelor in Health Sciences from Victoria University, for which she received the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2010. Along with being an educator with organizations such as Georgian College and the Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine, she is an avid writer and has written several books including, “Save-My-Life School: A first responder’s mental health journey”, (with the foreword written by six-time Canadian Olympian, Clara Hughes), and is a blogger for the Huffington Post. In 2017, she founded the peer support group, Wing’s of Change, which offers meetings across Canada, and is the co-founder and President of the not-for-profit, BrainStorm Revolution. She is the creator of Addition Get-Well Cards, and has spoken at countless events nationally about her own battles with addiction and PTSD. She is a proud Bell Let’s Talk Ambassador, recipient of the John Graves Simcoe Medal of Honour, was named one of Barrie’s Leading Women, and has also received the Tema Conter Memorial Resiliency Award in 2017. She was presented with the One Woman – Fearless Woman Award in 2018, but her proudest accomplishment is of being a mom to Caroline and Adam, and a ‘grammy’ to Beckham.

Joanne Bullock

Executive Board Member

Business and Professional Women of Barrie

Joanne Bullock trained as an artist and received her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from the University of Guelph in 1996. She worked in the creative arts for several years in Gallery Administration, as a Curator of Media Arts as well as a Director and Producer of several Cree television documentaries. She has continued to make custom and one of a kind gold and silver jewellery throughout her life and completed her Goldsmith Certificate from Georgian College in 2013.

Joanne has also enjoyed a 20-year career as an office manager for a family dental business in Barrie. She helped launch the business in 2001 when she and her family relocated to Barrie from Moose Factory. Her focus remains on team building and supporting excellence in patient care.

Since 2016, Joanne has been a member and an Executive board member of the Business and Professional Women of Barrie. She has held the position of 1st VP (2016-18) and President (2018-2020) and will hold the chair of Immediate Past-President (2020-2022). In 2019, the Business and Professional Women of Barrie participated in a province-wide anti-Human Trafficking event which co-ordinated local politicians, media, organizations and media.

Joanne best serves her community by working on partnerships and connections with like minded individuals and organization. She has participated and supported local actions such as Pints for Politics, International Women’s Day events and attended several Anti-Human Sex Trafficking events. She is determined to support and create change towards gender equality locally, regionally and globally.

Colleen Moreau

Colleen is an Anishinaabe women from Drummand Island and Georgian Bay, who resides within Simcoe County. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Work Indigenous Studies degree, she is trained in the Strengths Bases Approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Safe Talk, Rainbows (facilitator, and co-facilitator) and Sharing Circles. She also has experience facilitating and co-facilitating coping cats/girls talk groups.

Colleen has a strong work ethic advocate for families in crisis. Stopping violence against women and children is something she holds close to her heart, as she too is a survivor of domestic violence. This includes spreading awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), advocating for Indigenous rights, and keeping nibi (water) and Mother Earth clean for our next Seven Generations. Having a permanent disability, she is a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities, whether it be visible or invisible.

Throughout Colleen’s professional career she works through an anti-oppressive, anti-racist and culturally sensitive lens, she understands that each person is different and deals with stressors differently. Therefore, each situation can not be addressed in the same manner. She works with families differently based on their level of needs, abilities, and culture. Each person is unique in their own way and deserves to be treated with respect. She promotes cultural teachings in Sharing Circles using an Eagle Feather. When a circle is created, everyone is an equal and at the same level, which creates safety and unity. Circles promote communication and trust within oneself and amongst others. All relationships require communication and trust, without those, the relationship can not prosper in a positive way.

Colleen’s understanding of the dynamics of communication, active listening, case management, field work, conflict resolution and problem solving skills has enhanced her experience working with Women in Crisis, at Risk Youth, Indigenous families, and individuals struggling with mental health and addiction related issues.

Colleen is a naturally gifted artist who works with traditional crafting methods, where she utilizes those within her daily life, by working with hides and pelts, and growing and making traditional medicines. She raised her boys without television, in its place she also taught them to work with their hands by crafting cultural items.

During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic Colleen is working from home, as well, volunteering her time making and distributing free face masks, hospital caps and hospital gowns for Indigenous communities, front line workers, family and friends.

Cheryl Dillon

Accessibility & Diversity Advisor

City of Barrie, Human Resources Department

Cheryl is originally from British Columbia and spent a lot of time living and working in Western Canada with non-profit organizations assisting persons recovering from brain injury as well as former offenders, to find and maintain employment. Upon completing a Master’s in Education focusing on Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies through the University of Calgary, she subsequently worked with the Alberta Provincial Government in their Seniors and Disability Supports Division as a Program Advisor, in addition to assignments as a Policy Analyst, Labour Market Specialist and Disability Research Consultant.

While in Alberta she met and married her husband, an Ontarian, and relocated to Barrie in April 2010 to be closer to his family. She has been working with the City of Barrie since August 2010 as the City’s Accessibility Coordinator, and recently took on the role of Accessibility & Diversity Advisor in order to help advance the City’s Age-Friendly Community Panning and diversity and inclusion goals.

Cheryl was previously a member of the Board of Directors for Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and Area; and Volunteered at Season’s Centre for Grieving Children. She currently participates as a volunteer advisor for the Georgian College Program Advisory Committee (PAC) for the Community Integration Through Co-operative Education (CICE) Program and sits on the MacLaren Art Centre’s Community Engagement Committee.

Cheryl is passionate about equity and inclusion and hopes to learn from and share ideas with everyone involved in the Women’s Advocacy Committee, to help create safer spaces for all individuals to thrive.

Charlene Scime

Principal

Simcoe County District School Board

Charlene Scime is a dedicated educator of over 25 years and steadfast supporter of women and girls. As a high school Principal in Simcoe County, Charlene seeks out opportunities to teach students about gender equality and women’s rights, including celebrating the achievements of women on International Women’s Day, encouraging students to take the pledge to end violence against women through the White Ribbon Campaign, and educating girls about consent. She also works with students in a mentorship capacity to ensure they have access to resources and opportunities to succeed. In addition to her work as an educator, Charlene is a community advocate. She was a founding member of 100+ Women Who Care (South Georgian Triangle), a women-led initiative that has raised over $167K to further the work of local charities, and currently serves as Vice Chair of Community Connection 211 (Central East), a Collingwood-based organization that connects residents to critical community, social, health and government services.

Ashley Snowball

Co-Founder

Born Legacy

Ashley Snowball was a victim of abuse and domestic violence, and through her journey of reclaiming her power, self-expression and taking back her voice she came to believe all women deserve to access their full potential and true essence. She is Co-creator of Born Legacy where they guide women who have been impacted by traumatic experiences to heal from the past in order to stand confidently in who they are and live the life they desire.

Ashley shares her life experiences and inspiration through spoken word art, to reach a wide range of audience with her versatile technique she uses different speaking platforms to do so.

She has recently taken action to become a volunteer for ‘Fight For Freedom’, an anti-trafficking organization supporting individuals who have been impacted by exploitation, in order to build trust and relations with some of the most vulnerable women and build upon the intention of the organization.

Isabelle Desfossés

Le Centre Colibri, Centre des femmes francophones du Comté de Simcoe

I was born in Montréal, shortly after Christmas, on Dec 27 1972. I went to an all girl private high school ran by Italian nuns, Collège Ste-Marcelline. I then graduated from Bois-de-Boulogne College in Health Sciences, initially with the ultimate goal to become a veterinarian, due to my love and passion for animals.

Plans did not quite work out and I ended up at Ottawa University studying Nursing. As a student I had joined the Navy Reserve with the Canadian Armed Forces where I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Business. Thru this adventure I travelled and lived in British-Columbia and Nova Scotia.

In 1998, I took on my first position as a Pharmaceutical Representative for Parke-Davis and managed the territory of New-Brunswick / PEI. In 2000 I took a lateral transfer to Sudbury Ontario and lived the merger to Pfizer, worked for various companies (3M / Graceway Pharma, Novartis, Novartis Animal Health, Ferring, Vanguard Pharma and recently Philips Lifeline).

I am the mother of two beautiful girls (13 and 16), one step-daughter (27), one step-son (30) and a 4 yr old grand-son. My husband, Brian Scheffel, is my rock, my strongest support, the one who has helped me overcome years of abuse.

My life experiences have brought me to volunteer for Le Centre Colibri, Centre for francophone women of Simcoe County and for l’Union Culturelle des Franco-Ontariennes (training and support circles for Caregivers). I am hoping to help better francophone women and children’s lives by claiming changes in the current Court system, by speaking up about Alienation (often used as a defense mechanism for abusers) and informing women about the laws of mobility in Canada.

I am also a member of the BSSN (Barrie Senior Services Network) and volunteer for the Cody’s House (Mental health healing and education for teenagers and youth).

Sara Tuck

Sara is a passionate leader with over 20 years of experience working in post-secondary education. Employed by Georgian College and working in various management roles including Conference and Event Services, Financial Aid, Convocation and most recently Manager, Continuing Education and Corporate Training where she is responsible for the business development, delivery and administration of a broad mix of corporate training and continuing education programs and courses across all Georgian College campuses.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in Leadership from Davenport University and is a designated Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

Sara builds positive relationships with everyone she works with, both internal and external College stakeholders. She is collaborative by nature, and is easily able to build consensus to move complicated projects with multiple stakeholders forward.
Sara believes in the power of human connection to enable change for future generations. Her people centered approach encourages collaboration, embraces innovation and supports achievement.

Sasha Parrell

Co-Founder

Born Legacy

Mother. Entrepreneur. Author. Advocate for Mindset Transformation.

Sasha spent most of her early adulthood struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, which she utilized as a coping mechanism for dealing with untreated trauma. She led a very self-destructive lifestyle where she was sexually assaulted, abused and faced near death experiences. After numerous breaking points, she indulged herself to personal and professional development, turning her life completely around.

After the birth of her daughter in 2016, Sasha became determined to ensure she became the best possible role model for her child, and to break the cycle of generational trauma that existed within her family.

Fueled by her relentless passion to influence others, she and her partner created Born Legacy, a community of empowered women with a mission to lead victims of trauma to a life of empowerment, peace and fulfillment! Sasha is committed to doing everything in her power to provide opportunities for other women to escape the painful circumstances she once was in.

Sarah Cunningham

Project Coordinator

Women’s Advocacy Council

Sarah Cunningham brings over 20 years of experience of working and advocating with and for women, children and youth. Sarah is Cree from Rama First Nation with roots from Brunswick House First Nation and belongs to the Bear Clan. Sarah has worked in various capacities across the County of Simcoe and Canada with many non for profit organizations, Artists, Board of Directors, government and educational institutions. Throughout her learning journey, many leaders and trail blazing women have mentored Sarah. Sarah is passionate in organizing, collaborating and creating events to bring communities together to improve the quality of life and knowledge to create equality for our future seven generations.

Sarah provides leadership, strategic communications through her collaboration on the creation of new research, policies, protocols, content creation, project management and development. She is a liaison between councils and community to identify overlaps and gaps to bring awareness to make change. She is responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering projects, research and events to the WAC’s initiatives.

Kelly Letourneau

Development Manager

Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie

Manager

Women’s Advocacy Council

Kelly is a self-motivated leader with a track record of developing and delivering sales results, major projects and initiatives in corporate, municipal, small business, and non-profit environments. She is responsible for fund development and stewardship; community engagement; project management and supervisory and volunteer management.

Our Crisis Line:

Local: 705-728-2544
Toll-Free: 1-800-461-1716

Program Contact Information:

Community Outreach Services

Local: 705-721-9977

Transitional Housing Support Services

Local: 705-721-9977 ext. 324

Legal Support and Advocacy

Local: 705-721-9977 ext. 322

If you are in immediate danger please call 911