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Appointee Biographies

Social Benefits Tribunal (Tribunals Ontario)

STACEY FERGUSON

Stacey Ferguson is currently the Associate Chair for the Social Benefits Tribunal. She has been in this role in 2020. She previously was the Administrator for the City of Cornwall, and a former Supervisor and Assistant Property Manager for the Region of Durham. Her community involvement includes serving as a Big Sister for Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

CATHERINE HOLTZ

Catherine Holtz is a lawyer with a family law practice in Muskoka. She obtained a Juris Doctor from Western University as well as a Bachelor of Arts honours degree from the University of Guelph. Catherine has extensive experience with social justice issues and a background in community services. She previously led the Youth Homeless Task Force for the Orillia Youth Opportunities Committee and authored a research paper on the local youth homelessness issues.

SARA MINTZ

Sara Mintz is the Alternate Executive Chair of Tribunals Ontario, and the Associate Chair of the Licence Appeal Tribunal, Child and Family Services Review Board, and Custody Review Board. Ms. Mintz joined Tribunals Ontario as a part-time member of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and CFSRB/CRB in 2019. She was appointed the Associate Chair of the CICB and successfully led the Board’s wind-down. Prior to joining Tribunals Ontario on a full-time basis, Ms. Mintz was a sought after matrimonial lawyer, providing her strategic insights and skilled advocacy to clients for nearly two decades. A graduate of the concurrent business and law program at the Richard Ivey School of Business and the Faculty of Law at Western University, Ms. Mintz has written and presented on a variety of issues at professional seminars. She is an active volunteer with charitable organizations. In her spare time, Ms. Mintz enjoys playing and watching sports, and has a fondness for animals.

STEPHANIE ZWICKER SLAVENS

Until her appointment to Associate Chair of the Animal Care Review Board and Fire Safety Commission in 2022, Stephanie Zwicker Slavens was a Vice Chair with the Social Benefits Tribunal of Ontario. Prior to Tribunals Ontario, Stephanie practiced as a lawyer for almost 20 years representing both seriously injured parties and institutional clients. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2000 with an LLB, and previously earned her Honours BES at York University in 1997. Over the past 20 years, Stephanie has appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, License Appeal Tribunal, Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Social Security Tribunal and the Ontario Small Claims Court.

YUGITA LOOKNAUTH

Yugita Looknauth held several positions in youth justice, adult justice, inpatient mental health and treatment foster care prior to joining Tribunals Ontario. She was also a Professor at Centennial College in the School of Community and Health Studies. Ms. Looknauth holds a Master of Social Work degree and is a PhD candidate at Wilfred Laurier University.

CAROLINE FLETCHER-DAGENAIS

Caroline Fletcher-Dagenais is the Associate Chair of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, and Vice-Chair of the Ontario Parole Board. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Criminology, University of Ottawa 1989. She has served on the front lines of criminal justice in Ontario as a Parole Probation Officer. She is a former member of the Ontario Parole Board, and the Parole Board of Canada. She has adjudicated in the justice system for over 15 years. She has supervised offenders in the community and following release from jail. She has engaged with and supported those within vulnerable populations. She brings a significant understanding of victims who have been harmed by crime. Caroline’s long career in justice has resulted in regular intersection with the police. She has a clear grasp of the vital role professional and well-trained police officers play in society. She has provided training on conditional release and has been a mentor to many who work in the justice field.

JED DECORY

Jed DeCory is an organizational development consultant and educator and has served as a part time member of the Tribunal for two years. He brings a wide range of experience and diverse perspectives to the table. He started his career in social work working with youth in Toronto. DeCory later earned a Journalism Degree which led to a career as a writer, reporter, television producer and filmmaker. Building on this experience, he became a Director at the Banff Centre for the Arts then Academic Chair of Seneca College’s School of Communication Arts. DeCory received his master’s degree in human systems Intervention from Concordia University in 2007 and then launched a successful management consulting practice.

LISE HENRIE

Lise Henrie obtained her Law Degree from the University of Ottawa and has been a member of the Law Society of Ontario since 1991. Prior to joining the Social Benefits Tribunal, she was with the Courts Administration Service, most recently as Deputy Chief Administrator - Judicial and Registry Services responsible for the delivery of registry and judicial services to four federal courts, and for the provision of legal advice to the Chief Administrator. Me Henrie was the Executive Director and General Counsel for the Federal Court from 2015 to 2020, supporting the Court in implementing a five-year strategic plan, and in pivoting to remote hearings in the early days of the pandemic. Me Henrie worked for over 25 years at Justice Canada, primarily in family law, where she led a team of lawyers and collaborated with provinces and territories in an area of shared jurisdiction.

JOSEPHINE RACIOPPO

Josephine Racioppo has worked as an Adjudicator since 2013. She has worked with social assistance legislation since 2000, including appearing as a representative in matters before the Social Benefits Tribunal prior to appointment. She previously worked in non-profit and public service, and human resource management in the private sector. She is a member of SOAR, CCAT, CIAJ and a licensed member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. She holds an LLM in General Law with Osgoode, and certificates in Labor Relations from Queens IRC, Human Rights from Osgoode PD, as well as Mediation. She continues to volunteer with community-based organizations and programs.

CYNTHIA KUNKEL

Cyndi Kunkel has more than fifteen years experience working in the social justice sector with the last five as a full-time adjudicator for the Social benefits Tribunal. She is a member of the Canadian Institute for Administration of Justice and Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators and a licenced member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Previously, she worked for the public education and non-profit healthcare sectors in communications and fundraising. She is a dedicated community member who has served as an event volunteer and as an executive member in board administration with non-profit and minor sports organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and a post graduate certificate in Public Relations from Humber College.

JONATHAN NG

Jonathan Ng, BS, JD, has been adjudicating since 2017. He previously practiced civil and administrative litigation in Toronto. He has certificates in adjudication and advanced adjudication from the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators. His community service includes early childhood and post secondary education volunteering.

NAZARETH MAYNES

Nazareth Maynes is a lawyer who worked within the legal aid clinic system in Toronto for several years. Prior to that, she was a sole practitioner who represented clients in immigration and refugee law matters. Ms. Maynes has a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from York University. She is on the Board of Directors of Women’s Health in Women’s Hands, a community health centre providing healthcare to racialized women from the African, Black, Caribbean, Latin American and South Asian communities in Toronto and surrounding municipalities.

DENISE DIETRICH

Denise Dietrich is a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario and holds disability management certifications with the national Institute of Disability Management and Research. She has extensive experience as an administrative tribunal decision maker federally with the Veterans Review and Appeal Board and provincially with botht he College of Nurses of Ontario and the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. Her education includes a master’s degree in health studies from Athabasca University as well as many courses, certificates and diploma level studies in health and administrative law related areas.

ADRIENNE CURRAN

Adrienne Curran is a lawyer with experience in the areas of family law and civil litigation. She has appeared as counsel before various administrative tribunals and courts in Ontario. Ms. Curran holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, a Master of Arts from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, and the County of Carleton Law Association.

DAHRON MARTIN

Dahron Martin is a licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario. He was formerly employed with the City of Toronto for 10 years where he worked in the Court Services Division and the Legal Services Division. He was a provincial offences prosecutor and screening officer in the City’s Administrative Penalty System. Dahron has a B.A. Hons in Political Science from York University Glendon College. He also obtained a Certificate of Bilingualism French/English from Glendon College, including studying for a year at Université Lumière Lyon 2 in Lyon, France. Moreover, Dahron received a paralegal certificate from George Brown College.

SAMANTHA KESER

Samantha Keser is a lawyer with experience in family law and civil litigation. Prior to her appointment to the Social Benefits Tribunal, she held various managerial positions with Legal Aid Ontario. She was called to the bar in 2002, and holds a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University.

JENNIFER PILZECKER

Jennifer Pilzecker is a public affairs and communications professional who takes a special interest in people and helping her community. When not working, she devotes countless hours each week as a dedicated volunteer who serves on the 4-H Niagara Board of Directors, as a 4-H Youth Leader, and as Chair of the Notre Dame College Parent’s Council. She serves the public as Chair of the Town of Pelham Community Beautification Committee and as past Vice Chair, Public of the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists. She is a former 3-time national champion, 8-time national medalist track cyclist and a proud cancer survivor. She led the McMaster Hamilton Terry Fox Run as a survivor in 2005. From a young age, Jennifer has been involved with organizations as a volunteer to better her community and continues to take an interest in policy and good governance to strengthen organizations she serves.

KELSEY HENDERSON

Kelsey Henderson obtained an Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology from Durham College. She has worked in the mining industry at a laboratory for a multinational company. Following this, Kelsey obtained an Honors Diploma from Durham College’s Paralegal program and is now licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Kelsey has experience working in the community legal clinic system providing legal services to clients in various areas of clinic law. Kelsey is also active in her community and has volunteered her time with a local charity providing meals to those living with low income.

TUGBA KARADEMIR

Tugba Karademir is an Associate Litigation lawyer for Russell, Christie LLP, a self-employed Coach/Consultant, and a former Olympian (Figure Skating) for International Olympic Committee—2006 Torino Winter Games and 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. Her community involvement includes serving as member of Board of Directors and member of Governance Committee for the Greenhaven Shelter for Women.

ERIC BROWN

Eric Brown has been a full-time member with the Social Benefits Tribunal since 2020. Mr. Brown has 13 years of experience in the social services field including 10 within the Ontario Works organization in a variety of roles. Eric holds an Honors degree in Law and Society from York University and is currently an active member in the Waterloo community.

KATHRYN GRIEVES

Kathryn Grieves is a lawyer and has been a full-time adjudicator with Tribunals Ontario since 2018. Prior to her appointment she worked as a litigator in private practice and as in-house legal counsel. Ms. Grieves holds a Bachelor of Management degree from Concordia University of Edmonton, and a Juris Doctor from Queen's University. She is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Canadian Bar Association.

GEORGES LARIVIERE

Georges Larivière has over 30 years' experience working with health care and social service agencies. His work experience has included the delivery of children and youth programs, parole services, employment counselling, income support, and services to seniors. Most recently, he was employed as Area Director with Veterans Affairs Canada where he oversaw the delivery of services to veterans and their dependents. Mr. Larivière's community involvement has included volunteering with the United Way. He holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Algonquin College.

SALLY ASHTON

Sally Ashton is a lawyer who worked for the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, working first with the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, and then for many years seconded to resource ministries with a practice focussed on Indigenous rights and issues. She has also worked as senior counsel to the Law Society of Ontario on strategic issues including access to justice, diversity and equity, and government relations. She is active in her community having been a crisis responder for victim services, Pride volunteer, and currently sits on the Board of Directors of her local hospital.

JOELLE MALETTE

Joelle Malette is the founder of Malette ADR | RED, a bilingual, advanced dispute resolution practice based in Timmins and serving all of Ontario. Her areas of mediation include personal injury, breach of contract, institutional sexual assault liability claims, medical malpractice, employment law, and more. As well, she provides workplace conflict consultation and investigations, mediation-arbitration, and negotiation training. Before founding her practice in 2021, Joelle practiced at Wallbridge Wallbridge for 16 years. Over her career, she has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal and several administrative tribunals. Joelle is an adjudicator for the Transport Appeal Tribunal of Canada, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Social Benefits Tribunal. She is an adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa’s law school. Joelle was awarded a Bachelor of Arts and LL.B. by the University of Ottawa and is currently completing a Masters in Dispute Resolution at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.

JULIA BRYAN

Julia Bryan spent the first 10 years of her career in the public sector, working for the Ontario Legislative Assembly and provincial organizations such as Fleming College and Ross Memorial Hospital. From 2007-2020, she was the General Manager of DeNure Tours, where she oversaw a staff of 20 and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of this $15 million business. With a recognized combination of public and private sector experience, Julia was appointed to the Ontario Parole Board in 2020, and makes decisions that directly affect public safety. She has recently been cross-appointed to the Social Benefits Tribunal where she will continue to demonstrate her dedication to the principles of administrative law in Ontario.

RANIL MENDIS

Ranil Mendis is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has served on boards of government agencies delivering social services for children, youth, health care and social housing. He currently serves on the board of the Toronto Grace Health Centre. A recipient of the Order of the Diocese of Toronto (ODT) as a community builder, Ranil worked with GTHA school boards and led a team of volunteers to introduce CIMA Schools Cricket Program. He championed the launch of the Ontario Schools Cricket Association (OSCA), to introduce cricket in physical education classes, positively impacting the lives of young people.

MBUSO NKOSI

Mbuso Nkosi is a senior family lawyer in Toronto. He is also legal counsel to the Student Union at OCAD University where he advises students on numerous legal issues including housing, employment and immigration. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His volunteer work has included mediator with Operation Springboard's Adult Justice Committee, volunteer summer law student with the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO) and volunteer lawyer with Flemingdon Community Legal Services (now Don Valley Community Legal Services).

SANTINA MOCCIO

Santina Moccio serves a member (part-time) for the Animal Care Review Board, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, and the Fire Safety Commission. She formerly served as a member (full-time) for the Landlord and Tenant Board, and a former member (part-time) for the Ontario Parole Board. Her community involvement includes serving as a member for the Select Committee on Mental Health Issues, Hamilton Police Service, and as Board Member, Acting Chair, Vice- Chair for the Hamilton Conservation Authority

LISA DEL VECCHIO

Lisa Del Vecchio was most recently employed as a Review and Resolution Officer within the Administrative Fees Program for Metrolinx. From 2015 to 2019, she was an Adjudicator at the Landlord and Tenant Board. Prior to this appointment, she was employed for over 15 years by a paralegal firm where she represented clients before the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal, the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Small Claims Court and the Provincial Offences Court. Lisa is a member of the Law Society of Ontario as a licensed paralegal since 2008, a former member of the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators and has held a designation as a Provincial Offences Officer.

TERRY BROUILLET

Terry Brouillet’s professional career spans more than 35-years in the social services sector. He has held a variety of management positions in several agencies for Community Living and was a District Manager with the Canadian National Institute of the Blind from 1989 to 2005. Mr. Brouillet was an executive member of the Board of Deafblind Ontario Services from 2009 until 2016. He obtained a college diploma in Special Education and holds a Teacher of Adults Certificate from St. Lawrence College. He has been an adjudicator since 2013.

SARAH MILTON

Sara Milton is a Registered Occupational Therapist with extensive experience in adjudication and the application of laws. She serves as a Director on the Board of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. In addition to her post-graduate Occupational Therapy education, she has a doctoral degree in Allied Health Clinical Education. Served as an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy at Manipal University.

MELINA LAVERTY

Melina Laverty works at a regulatory college, where she regularly attends committee hearings and assists with decision administration. Melina Laverty was an adjudicator at the Toronto Licensing Tribunal for six years. Prior to this, she worked at the Ministry of the Environment and a Bay Street law firm. Before studying law, Melina worked for eight years in international conservation with New York's American Museum of Natural History. She has served on the Board of Directors for Frankland and Pat Schultz Daycare Centre. Melina holds a J.D. from the University of Toronto, an M.Sc. from Stony Brook University, and a B.Sc. from McGill University. She has completed SOAR's Certificate in Adjudication for Administrative Agencies, Boards & Tribunals.

STEPHANIE BALL

Stephanie Ball is a lifelong resident of Durham Region. She practiced law in the region both in private practice and as Executive Director/lawyer of the local legal Clinic. Stephanie transitioned into teaching at Durham College, and after teaching for several years, took on administrative roles of progressive responsibility, ending her career in June of 2022 as Executive Dean of the School of Justice and Emergency Services and of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. She has volunteered extensively in the community with many organizations, including the Oshawa YWCA, the Whitby and Oshawa Hospital Foundations, Big Sisters Foundation, and the Public Legal Education Committee. Stephanie has also been an adjudicator in the past, with the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.

KERI SELKIRK

Keri Selkirk serves as a member (part-time) for the Council of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario and is a Senior Consultant (Independent Contractor) for the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness. She is a former Executive Director of Thames Valley Family Health Team. Her community involvement includes serving as a Board Director for Arch Disability Law.

JANICE SHEEHY

As the Commissioner of Human Services at the Region of Peel, Janice Sheehy provided strategic leadership in the program areas of housing and homelessness, early learning and childcare, social assistance, employment support, and community investment programs. Janice shared accountability with the executive leadership team for successfully achieving Council’s long-term vision. Janice has had the opportunity to work in varied senior leadership roles within the public sector. She previously held positions with a focus on health and human services in Halton Region, the City of Hamilton, and with the provincial government. Janice has a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

JANE SPEAKMAN

Jane Speakman is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Nursing) and Queen's University (Law). Prior to attending law school, Jane was employed as Public Health Nurse in downtown Toronto. She is retired. Prior to her retirement Jane had over 30 years of municipal law experience, primarily providing legal advice to Toronto Public Health and the Board of Health for the City of Toronto Health Unit. Jane is currently a member of the Alumni Affairs Committee (Trinity College, University of Toronto) and is actively involved in her local community in York Region.

CHANTAL BÉLISLE

Chantal Bélisle has been employed with the Ontario College of Teachers, Ontario’s teaching regulator, since 2008. She has held various positions over this timeframe. From 2015 to 2020, she held the position of Director, Investigations and Hearings. She is currently the Deputy Registrar and has held the position of Interim Registrar/CEO. Chantal is a member of the College and holds Principals as well as Supervisory Officer qualifications. In 2013, she completed a Master of Laws degree with York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School. She also holds an Advanced Certificated in Dispute Resolution and Mediation. She obtained her Bachelor of Education degree from l’Université Laurentienne. Prior to joining the College, Chantal was a teacher for 16 years in Simcoe County, with the French language school boards. Chantal’s other professional experience includes roster member with York University’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program.

CINDY MIRANDA

Cindy Miranda is retired with over 31 years working for the City of Toronto. She held various roles throughout her career in the social services sector including caseworker, staff training and various management positions including Manager, Organization Planning & Development for Employment and Social Services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Western Ontario, certifications in Change Management and Adult Education & Staff Training. She has also completed a Masters Certificate in Organizational Development from the Schulich School of Business.

VICTOR KEUBOU

Victor Keubou is lawyer in Toronto. He is the founder and sole practitioner at Keubou Law Professional Corporation, where he advises clients on legal issues including immigration and refugee, family law, and civil litigation, employment, and human rights. Additionally, he is fluent in French and English, holds a master’s degree in international business law and European law from the Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland. His volunteer work has included board member and president with Eco-Ambassadeurs and Yemba Ontario and volunteer law student with Flemingdon Community Legal Services (now Don Valley Community Legal Services).

MECHELE STEPHENS

Mechele Stephens worked for the City of Toronto for 32 years primarily with Employment and Social Services. She held various management positions with Client Services and Information Unit, Client Special Services Unit and Ontario Works Policy and Procedures Unit. As part of her portfolio, she sat on various committees including the Joint Ontario Works and ODSP Working Group responsible to identify and resolve service gaps between both programs.

ALISON STONEMAN

Alison Stoneman is the owner and publisher of a directory of Canadian charities used by estate planners, advisors, lawyers and donors now in its 38th year. Prior to purchasing the publication in 2017, she worked as the associate publisher for 11 years following her many years in the food service industry as an employee and manager. A 26+ year cancer survivor, Alison is also the passionate leader of the Orillia Terry Fox Run Organizing Committee that raises money for cancer research in the name of her childhood hero – Terry Fox. Alison is a patient advisory member of the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trial Network, contributing to improving the experience for patients and their families and enhance awareness, participation and access to regional cancer treatment trials. Alison has also contributed to her community over the years as a member of the Orillia Recreation Advisory Committee and a community group, Ripple of Kindness, that creates a charitable impact in Orillia and around the area.

RON KATZ

Ron Katz is an experienced adjudicator, who first joined Tribunals Ontario in 2021 as a part member of the Criminal Injury Compensation Board. In January 2022 he was appointed as a part time member of the Social Benefits Tribunal, where he remains, cross-appointed with the Animal Care Review Board and Fire Safety Commission. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family, playing and watching sports.

BRUCE DAVIES

Bruce Davies is a lawyer, called to the Bar of Ontario in 1991. From 1991 to 2000 he practiced civil litigation in private practice, with a focus on personal injury, insurance and employment law matters. Since 2000 he has worked as in-house counsel for two multinational manufacturing corporations, with a focus on employment and regulatory matters. He was educated at McMaster University (B.A., Economics - 1986) and Queen's University (J.D. - 1989). Bruce's extensive community involvement has included serving as Chair of Bluewater Health, President of the Sarnia-Lambton chapter of the Kidney Foundation of Canada and various roles in squash, tennis, and youth soccer.

PAUL BRENNAN

Paul Brennan is a Toronto-based lawyer with over two decades of experience in professional regulation, investigations and decision writing at a health regulatory college and the Law Society of Ontario. He volunteered for several years as a youth soccer coach in two York Region communities. Paul holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen's University.

JULIE ANNE GILL

Julie Anne Gill is a trained arbitrator and mediation-arbitrator, a Qualified Mediator, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, an Advanced Certified Elder Mediator, a certified specialist in both Family Mediation and Family Separation Finances. Julie is the owner of Families First Mediation. Julie volunteers with Durham Elder Abuse Network, Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario and various other community organizations in the Durham Region.

TOM ALLEN

Tom Allen recently retired from the London Police Service after more than 33 years of service, including 12 years as a member of the senior management team. During Tom's career, he held a variety of positions, gaining considerable experience in strategic planning, business plan development, enterprise risk management, master planning, organizational audits as well as policy and procedure development. In addition, Tom has considerable expertise collaborating with multiple Ontario Ministries, creating efficient and effective service delivery models, conducting legislative reviews, and redefining areas of responsibility. An active member in the London community for many years, Tom has served as a community member and Elected Director for the London Health Science Centre Board of Directors for 7 years, appointed to the Finance and Audit Committee, the Governance and Transition Committee, the Children's Health Foundation Board of Directors, as well as the Vice Chair of the Lawson Health Research Institute Board of Directors. Tom has also served as President/Chair of the Board of Directors for the Merrymount Children’s Centre and on the Games Organizing Committee as Assistant Director of Sports for the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. Tom is a passionate advocate for community mobilization and the need for transformational reform within health care and social services. A graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy (FBINA), with a program emphasis on counter-terrorism, critical incident command and corporate communications, Tom holds a cross-disciplinary Bachelor of Arts from Western University with a major in business management and policing, and is also a Level III Certified Municipal Manager with an affiliated Police Executive Designation from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

ASHLEY PITCHER

Ashley Pitcher is a graduate of Queen's Law and was called to the bar in 2018. During law school she was recognized for her academic achievement in Aboriginal Law and participation in diversity and inclusion initiatives. She brings to the Tribunal her experience in administrative law and commitment to access to justice.

GILA HELLER

Gila Heller is a former Legal Counsel for Sony of Canada Ltd., and a former Corporate Counsel for Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co. Gila’s community involvement includes serving as a volunteer for Bernard Betel Centre Meals on Wheels Program.

LAURA RINKE-VANDERWOUDE

Laura Rinke-Vanderwoude is a governance professional with a legal background that works and lives in Ontario, Canada. In addition, she is heavily involved with the promotion of professionalism within dance and works to promote good governance practices in the arts.

SEAN WEIR

Sean Weir was CEO of Canada’s largest national law firm from 2000 to July 1, 2018. In his legal practice, Mr. Weir advised financial institutions, corporations and major pension funds. Active in his community, Mr. Weir served as an elected Councillor of the Town of Oakville, a director of the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and a Director and Chair of Oakville Hydro. Mr. Weir was named a “Diversity Champion” by Women of Influence Magazine, received the Lexpert Zenith Managing Partner Award for Corporate Social Responsibility and was listed in the Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada.

SARA MINTZ

Sara Mintz is the Alternate Executive Chair of Tribunals Ontario, and the Associate Chair of the Licence Appeal Tribunal, Child and Family Services Review Board, and Custody Review Board. Ms. Mintz joined Tribunals Ontario as a part-time member of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and CFSRB/CRB in 2019. She was appointed the Associate Chair of the CICB and successfully led the Board’s wind-down. Prior to joining Tribunals Ontario on a full-time basis, Ms. Mintz was a sought after matrimonial lawyer, providing her strategic insights and skilled advocacy to clients for nearly two decades. A graduate of the concurrent business and law program at the Richard Ivey School of Business and the Faculty of Law at Western University, Ms. Mintz has written and presented on a variety of issues at professional seminars. She is an active volunteer with charitable organizations. In her spare time, Ms. Mintz enjoys playing and watching sports, and has a fondness for animals.