Kimberley Gagan is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and received her Bachelor of Laws degree in 1995 from Queen’s University. She was an Assistant Crown Attorney in Thunder Bay Ontario, from 2000 to 2014. In October of 2014, she accepted the position of Founding Director of Lakehead University Community Legal Services where she created and implemented a student legal aid clinic at the Faculty of Law. As a parent of three children on the Autism Spectrum, she has developed a keen interest in supporting others with similar disabilities.

Deb has over 30 years of experience in the not for profit sector working with and advocating for children and adults with various mental health and developmental challenges. Her extensive management and labour relations experience led her to her current role as Manager with Human Resources for Laurentian University. Among other duties, she provides training, employee relations and coaching support. Her dedication to service, compassion and desire to see others achieve success, are key drivers to her focus and approach.

Deb is a bilingual professional who graduated from the ‘Enfance exceptionnelle’ program at Cambrian College and the Bachelors of Arts degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Laurentian University. She is also a certified Life and Executive Coach.

Lorraine graduated from the French commerce program at Laurentian University in 2000. She obtained her Chartered Accountant designation in 2003 (now CPA). She worked in a public accounting firm until July 2008 when she joined the City. She started in the budget department and transferred to accounting in 2011. She started at HLS Hard-Line Solutions Inc in September 2019 as their Controller.

Some of her accomplishments are the implementation of the Municipal Accommodation Tax and the issuance of the first ever annual report for the City of Greater Sudbury. She is married and has two kids (ages 5 & 8) who are both very active in hockey and soccer. They like to spend our time at home or the local parks and nature venues.

Patty has been working with CMHA for almost 29 years and became the CEO in September 30, 2019.  Patty held the position of Director of Operations for over 16 years previously. She holds a Masters in Leadership from the University of Guelph and is currently working on her Certified Health Executive designation through the Canadian College of Health Leaders. MacDonald has chaired and is currently serving as past chair of the local NEON Lights Chapter of the college. The local chapter serves health leaders in in the Northeast.

Patty values working partnerships and networks, and embraces change and the opportunities it presents. She has volunteered with the United Way providing Leadership Development training and other special initiatives. Patty is currently volunteering for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Canada (PSR Canada) on the Certification Committee. She participates on several provincial and regional committees in our community and is well respected for her knowledge and leadership skills.

Josée is a bilingual professional with over a decade of experience working in communications. Currently the Manager of Corporate Writing at Collège Boréal, Josée has extensive skills in the fields of project management, strategic planning, and public relations.

She earned a master’s degree in the Science of Communication as well as a graduate certificate in Strategic Communications Management from Purdue University. Josée is also a proud Laurentian University alumna who holds bachelor’s degrees in the Science of Language, specialized in Translation, as well as Education.

Prior to working in the communications industry, she was an elementary teacher with the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario and the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud. Josée has also worked as a freelance writer, translator, and editor for the past 20 years.

Amongst her past volunteer experiences, she was a founding member of a local French Toastmasters club (Mots du midi) and served on the Laurentian University Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.

Tracy Saarikoski is the Executive Director of Discovery Early Learning & Care and a proud member of the College of Early Childhood Educators. She has held many leadership positions at Discovery Early Learning & Care (formerly Teddy Bear Day Care) for over 25 years and has guided the changes to the pedagogy of the programs and the rebranding of the agency.

Lifelong learning continues to be a core value in her work and professional life. As a mature learner, she graduated from Cambrian College and Laurentian University. She continue to participate in professional learning opportunities both at home and abroad.

Advocating for the rights of children, families and professionals is also deeply rooted in Tracy’s practice. She works closely with the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario and participates on many committees in the City of Greater Sudbury bringing voice to the profession and celebrating children.

Kevin Cooper is the Manager of Clinical Services with the Sudbury Community Service Centre and is a graduate of Laurentian University and Registered Social Worker.  Kevin has over 30 years of experience working in the developmental services field.  Prior to his current role, Kevin spent 16 years as a frontline social worker and 11 years as the Dual Diagnosis Justice Program Coordinator.

Kevin currently sits on the North Regional Clinical Leads Committee with the North Community Networks of Specialized Care and is also the Sudbury –Manitoulin District Chair of the Human Services and Justice Coordination Committee.  As Chair, Kevin is actively involved with both the North Region and Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordination Tables.

As a board member, Kevin is interested in the overlap between his role as Manager of Clinical Services with the Sudbury Community Service Centre, and clinical services offered through Child & Community Resources.  Kevin looks forward to learning more about the operational aspects of the organization, and about the children’s service sector in general, in the hopes of developing stronger networks with adult clinical service partners.