Appointee Biographies

MICHAEL JACQUES

Michael Jacques is a front-end clerk for Sobeys. His community involvement includes formerly serving as a Board member for Community Living Welland/Pelham and Community Living Ontario.

KERRIE ST JEAN

Kerrie St Jean is a Manager Operations, International Affairs for The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Her community involvement includes serving as a Trustee for the Rainbow District School Board.

SUE WILSON

Sue Wilson, of Vankleek Hill, is the owner of Wilson Farms 1980 and is a former Accounts Payable, Payroll and Reporting Constructor for Bell Canada. Sue’s community involvement includes serving as a Catholic Trustee for the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.

JUDITH BROWN

Judith Brown, of Toronto, was a Principal and Teacher with various educational organizations. Judith’s community involvement has included serving as a Sunday School Teacher.

CHARLENE VANDERGRIENDT

Charlene spent many years of her professional career in marketing communications in the public and private sector. She developed a passion for accessibility and inclusion over the years and is driven to make a difference. Her dedication to support accessibility was ignited after her son, Paul, was tragically injured leaving him with no movement in his arms and legs. When Rick Hansen met personally with Paul, it was moving and pivotal. Charlene realized it was the Rick Hansen Foundation where she should direct her energies. She connected with the Foundation as a donor and supporter ever since that day and more recently as a part-time employee. Charlene works with the Rick Hansen Foundation Schools Program team as a Projects and Partnerships Specialist. The work focuses on giving educators the resources they need to create inclusive and accessible classrooms. It’s critical that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs also include Accessibility for those with disabilities.

AMY FEE

Amy Fee, of Kitchener, is a Vice-Principal and a Special Education Teacher with Beechwood Brainery Inc. She is a former Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Kitchener South – Hespeler. Amy’s community involvement includes serving as Chair, Catholic Parent Involvement Committee of St. Mary’s High School and as a member, Catholic Parent Involvement Committee of St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School.

KATHERYNE HOFFSCHMIDT

An OCT certified teacher working with the York Region District School Board. In my role as a high school French teacher, I am currently working with students enrolled in both the Core and International Baccalaureate French Programmes.

LORIE LAROCHE

Lorie is a bilingual social worker and Educational Development and Digital Learning Specialist in Ottawa. She has a diverse background in mental health, research, trauma intervention, psychotherapy, workshop facilitation, and teaching at the university level. She is a seasoned professional and expert in a variety of multidisciplinary academic and social work settings, including disability, mental health (child, youth, and adult), hospital, crisis intervention, and child welfare. As a recognized professional in her field, she excels at assessing needs and in synthesizing and communicating key information in an engaging manner.