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
Mary Ann Harvey has volunteered as a Crisis Line Responder at the Distress Center in Ottawa and has governance experience as part of the Audit Committee of the Ottawa Woman’s Credit Union. She has held the Board position of Treasurer for several community associations over the years. Mary Ann also has several years of experience as a Finance Executive in Ottawa high tech companies. As such she is a trusted strategic advisor and a credible representative collaborating with auditors, bankers and lawyers on key issues in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources and Legal. Mary Ann’s objective is to contribute to the progression and success of a community-based organization helping those in need and she is very pleased to be involved with LGIH. She has a BA in Psychology, Master’s in Business Administration, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Secretary
Susan Drake is a senior business leader with over 30 years’ experience in all functional areas of Human Resources and is passionate about helping leaders with their people. She has partnered with executives in start-ups to well established companies to build and retain talent in organizations across Canada. Her strengths lie in recruiting, performance management, learning and development, process improvement and system implementation. Sue is committed to giving back and has an extensive history of volunteering in her community – from volunteering at hospitals, mentoring aspiring Human Resources professionals and as a member of Girl Guides of Canada. In her over 35 years with Girl Guides, Sue has been a unit leader (Sparks, Brownies & Guides) a Deputy Division Commission and certified trainer. She has a business degree from Sheridan College and a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) designation.
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.
Executive Director
Melissa Leveck has a BAH in Sociology and a B.ED from Queen’s University. She began her journey in the VAW field in 2015 as Program Manager with an organization aimed to end Domestic Violence in Alberta for 7 years, and as Executive Director for 5 years. She brings experience in grant writing and management, program development, and a passion for helping those impacted by violence.
