Jonathan is the Director, Business Affairs and Financial Management & Emergency Social Services at the Regional Municipality of Durham. He is a motivated, results-driven transformational leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in program administration and delivery in municipal government, accompanied by over 10 years of not-for-profit executive and Board governance experience. In addition to possessing several years of progressive experience in business administration and transformational leadership, Jonathan has a master’s degree in Public Administration from Western University with a focus on local government, along with a CPA designation. When asked what inspired him to join the Board, he said, “As a father of two young children and a community coaching volunteer, I understand the importance of ‘every child and youth living life at their full potential.’ Seeing the expansion underway with the new facility is exciting for our communities. I am thrilled to serve on the Board to make it happen.”

Catherine is a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) with Durham District School Board, where she fell in love with inclusive education early on in her career. Through various roles, including teaching adaptive swimming lessons, lifeguarding and her eventual teaching roles, inclusivity has been a lifelong focus.  She believes that the grit and resiliency that children display daily (in her work) is inspiring, “I think one of the most critical things you can do as a human being is to build relationships.  If you are fortunate enough to build a trusting relationship with a child, then you have won the lottery.” Catherine looks forward to ensuring the organizational focus remains on its exemplary service delivery, noting she’s fortunate to see its “excellence in action” as part of her job. “My goal for this year would be to ensure we are ambassadors for Grandview, and planning for the future in a way that is fiscally responsible and client-centred.” Catherine enjoys spending time with her two children, husband and dogs at their cottage.

Leisa is the Manager of Volunteer & Community Relations, Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+. She is a seasoned communications strategist. As a parent of a daughter with exceptional needs, Leisa brings a deep understanding of the challenges families face when accessing services and support. She believes that all children are deserving of the brightest future possible, adding, “I am excited to contribute my skills and expertise to Grandview Kids during such an extraordinary period of development and growth.” In her free time, Leisa enjoys cheering on her daughter and bonus kids in their many adventures, alongside her husband and labradoodle.

Robyn Jacobson is a Chartered Mediator and works as a Conflict Management Consultant, focusing on the education sector. Her background is Law, University teaching and management, and she holds the degrees of B.Com, LLB, LLM, PhD. Robyn has served on several not-for-profit boards, the most recent being Trent University, where she was honoured for her service by being named Governor Emeritus. Robyn, and her husband Bradley, were first introduced to Grandview over 10 years ago when they decided that the proceeds from the McHappy Day fundraising from their McDonald’s in Ajax would go to Grandview Kids; they love Grandview and are in awe of the amazing work done for so many children in Durham. Robyn is probably best known at Grandview as the mother/caregiver of Tulip, the Mini Therapy Horse, and now looks forward to contributing in a different way as a director.

Natalie Sims is a second-generation family business owner in the Durham Region. When asked why she has joined the Grandview Kids Board of Directors, she shares, “[I want] to give back and to keep involved in the community.” Natalie’s goals for the 2023-24 year with the Board are to “develop a strong Strategic Plan, key oversight on the New Grandview Kids and important advocacy for issues relating to fiscal challenges.”

Lindsay is the Director, External Relations and Partnerships at Ontario Tech University. She supports the university’s community and corporate relations activities. She started her career at Ontario Tech in the Office of Research Services where she supported the university research mandate. Prior to Ontario Tech, Lindsay had a variety of roles within the provincial government. A long-time resident of Durham Region, Lindsay serves on boards and committees for a number of local organizations. She is thrilled to support Grandview Kids at this exciting time in the organization’s evolution. When asked what inspired her to join the Board, she said, “[To] learn more about the organization I have been supporting as a community member for the last two years, support the organization’s research and innovation mandate and, in the process, give back to my community.

Jeremy is the Director of Finance and Technology Services/Treasurer with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. He previously worked for the Region of Durham for 15 years in progressive roles within both the finance and works departments. With nearly 25 years of financial experience in both the public and private sectors, he brings diversified financial expertise to the Grandview Kids Board of Directors.

Terry is the Vice President, Performance, Accountability and Chief Financial Officer at Kensington Health. He is an accomplished business executive with a diverse range of experience, including strategy, accounting, finance, debt issuance, infrastructure, information management, human resources management, government relations and governance. Terry joined the Board to provide support for the journey Grandview staff, clients and caregivers are on, using his expertise in large infrastructure projects to help the organization succeed in the development opportunities ahead, including its capital project. He says, “I am continually inspired by how this organization, with the support of its community, is working to build a new Centre of Excellence.”