Appointee Biographies

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

STACEY FERGUSON

Stacey Ferguson, of Peterborough, is a former Administrator for the City of Cornwall and a former Supervisor for the Region of Durham. Stacey’s community involvement has included serving as a volunteer for the Canadian Blood Services and a tutor for the Tri County Literacy Council.

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.

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.

ELIZABETH KIRBY

Elizabeth Kirby is a lawyer who practiced family law in Simcoe-Muskoka following her call to the Bar in Ontario in 2014. In her family law practice, Elizabeth was empaneled as a lawyer with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, through which she advocated on behalf of children in family law matters. Elizabeth is a dual citizen of Canada and Australia, and she obtained her law degree from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia.

JAMIE MIN

Jamie Min, of Peterborough, is former Lawyer with Naimark Law Firm, Zarek Taylor Grossman Hanrahan LLP, and Sokoloff Lawyers.

PIRATHEECA VIMALARAJAH

Piratheeca Vimalarajah is a lawyer who worked within the Ontario legal clinic system for several years. Ms. Vimalarajah has a Masters in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.

EVANGELIA (LISA) KOSTAKIS

Evangelia (Lisa) Kostakis is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a Social Worker degree and a graduate of York University with a degree in Psychology. She has over 35 years of experience within the non-for-profit sector working and having led various organizations throughout the City of Toronto. Lisa serves as a Board Member of the Toronto Police Service Board since 2020 and is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board.

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 Ontario 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

LORRAINE E TAKACS

Lorraine Takacs was called the Ontario bar in 1996. In 2018 she completed a master’s degree at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. She spent most of her career as a litigator appearing before a number of administrative tribunals along with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal. She was certified as a specialist in Civil Litigation. She teaches at Humber Institute of Technology in the paralegal program. She also held several positions providing assistance to those involved in the criminal justice system, workplace accidents and labour and employment matters.

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.

CHRISTOPHER SCOTCHMER

Christopher Scotchmer is a lawyer in Toronto, whose practice has tended towards coverage and insurance policy and endorsement product design. He has practices both in private practice and in-house at federally regulated financial institutions. He holds a BA and LLM from the University of Toronto, and a MA and JD from Western Ontario, as well as privacy and insurance designations (CIPP/C and FCIP).

SALLY ASHTON

Sally Ashton worked for many years for the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, first as counsel 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, information and privacy, and provincial prosecutions. 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 has always been active in her communities including as a member of the Board of Directors her local hospital and library, a crisis responder for Victim Services, and a surveyor of flora and fauna with local conservancy organizations.

MARY JOE (MARIA JOSE) FREIRE

Mary Joe Freire has extensive Ontario Public Service (OPS) experience and holds a BA from Wilfrid Laurier University and an MPA from Queens University. Her diverse experience in the ministries of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Education, and Children and Community Services has enriched her knowledge of the challenges faced by, and the opportunities available to the people served by those ministries. While in the OPS, she was appointed to Regional Director in the Northern and Western Regions of Ontario from 2013 to 2018. She currently serves as Director on the Board for the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. She spends time as an Essential Caregiver at a Long-Term Care Home.

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.

JENNIFER HARNUM

Jennifer Harnum, of Ottawa, is a counsel and former manager for the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. She is also a former Investigator for the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Her community involvement has included serving as a scouter at Scouts Canada.

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.