Chair
Katherine Parker is an Adjudicator and a seasoned former federal government Executive who brings a wealth of experience from public, private and non-profit sectors. She has held senior federal government positions including Director General of Human Resources, and Chief Audit Executive. In the private sector, she held global positions in Human Resources and change management with industry wide recognition for her achievements. Katherine has a degree in psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She is dedicated to supporting the violence against women sector as a volunteer.
Vice-Chair
Cynthia Davidson is a highly accomplished professional with nearly 30 years of experience in federal government operations, specializing in dispute resolution, labour relations, and inclusive policy development. A certified mediator and arbitrator with academic credentials in sociology, law, and human resources, she has led transformative initiatives within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, including the resolution of over 1,200 grievances and representation in more than 350 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) hearings related to Indian Residential Schools. Cynthia has extensive experience managing highly sensitive subject matters and class action litigation, particularly in cases involving systemic workplace issues. She has also championed national programs in employment equity and Indigenous affairs, advancing inclusive, barrier-free workplaces across Canada. Cynthia brings a compassionate, strategic, and equity-focused perspective to board governance, with a strong commitment to public accountability and systemic change.
Treasurer
Stephanie Whyte is currently employed as an auditor. Prior to that, she worked in the finance department of a mental health care organization for close to ten years. There she gained valuable experience in the reporting, analysis and budgeting processes of not for profit organizations as well as an appreciation for clinical work and an understanding of the importance of community support services. Stephanie is a CPA candidate who holds both a diploma and a degree in business administration with an accounting major. She is very happy to have the opportunity to use her education and her experience to support LGIH.
General Director
Debbie Brooks has a bachelor’s degree from McMaster University and certificates in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Life Skills from St. Lawrence College. She has extensive experience as a front-line worker, specifically in Vocational Counselling for adults struggling with mental illness. She has many years of experience as part of a multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting. She has experience owning and operating a business in Brockville with her husband. Debbie is pleased to have the opportunity to contribute her time and skills to the board of Directors at LGIH and to support the Executive Director.
General Director
Diana Fisher brings over 20 years of experience in journalism, public speaking and community advocacy to the LGIH Board. From her time as a staff reporter for a small town newspaper, to her spot on the news team at Bell Media, she has always tried to use her platform to raise awareness and support the efforts of important organizations like LGIH. Diana hopes to put some of her writing, editing and marketing communications skills to good use in this position at LGIH. The first step in helping victims of domestic abuse is to ensure they are aware of the various resources that are available. The first message they need to hear is that they have options, there is a way out, and there is hope for a brighter future.
General Director
JoAnne Sytsma is a dedicated community leader and visionary entrepreneur with a deep commitment to equity and service. In 1996, she and her husband successfully built and led Dedicated Shunting Services (1996–2020) which provided 24/7 logistical support to Proctor & Gamble. In 2018, she and her late husband restored a heritage building in Athens, ON to create a full-service grocery store operating 7 days per week with a staff of 16. The store supports local vendors and serves as a vital neighborhood resource and hub for connection.
JoAnne’s extensive board experience includes long-standing roles with the Brockville and Area Food Bank, Career Services of Brockville, and Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada. Recognized as the Brockville Citizen of the Year (2021), JoAnne brings decades of experience working to dismantle systemic barriers and improve outcomes for underserved communities. Her strategic mindset, entrepreneurial drive, and unwavering dedication to inclusion are focused on creating opportunity and building stronger, more equitable communities.
General Director
Heather Rowat is a dedicated entrepreneur and community member based in Prescott, Ontario. Earlier this year, she brought her passion for baking to life by opening a patisserie in Brockville. Since moving to the area in 2007, she has been actively involved in both professional and volunteer capacities, contributing to the local community in meaningful ways.
Beyond her business, Heather is a proud mother of two young boys who are deeply engaged in sports and their church youth program. She enjoys playing on local sports teams and continuously exploring new recipes to refine her craft.
Heather is excited to join the board at LGIH and looks forward to making a positive impact through her contributions.
General Director
Caroline Rigutto is a dedicated public servant who has been working for the municipal government in Community and Social Services for almost 25 years. Caroline is an experienced policy analyst, building local policy related to addressing the needs of persons living in low-income in Leeds and Grenville and increasing affordable housing options. Through her work she has also supported non-profit housing providers’ operations and governance to have successful tenancies. In her work in the community as a volunteer, Caroline is an experienced fundraiser, building a grassroots effort to bring a community walk to Brockville, and advocate, where she has advocated for access to specialty medications in Canada. Caroline has a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in sociology with a minor in political science, and as a lifelong learner is dedicated to continuing her education to build new skills that she can use to support others. Caroline is pleased to join the board at Interval House to help support women and their children that are in need.
Executive Director
Melissa Leveck has a BAH and BEd from Queen’s University. She began her career in the VAW field in 2015 working in a domestic violence shelter in Alberta for 7 years, and as Executive Director for 5 years. Melissa is committed to ensuring that survivors of violence have a safe place to heal from their trauma.