Leadership & Board

Lorris Herenda

Lorris Herenda is the Chief Executive Officer of Yellow Brick House. She joined Yellow Brick House in 2004 and has doubled the agency scope in delivery of shelter services, community counselling and supportive services. Lorris is the co-chair of the York Region Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee and Treasurer of the board of Ontario Association Interval and Transitional Housing (OAITH). She is the 2013 recipient of the Attorney General Victim Services Award of Distinction. In 2012 and 2008, she won the Province of Ontario award “Leading Women, Building Communities” for her exceptional community leadership to improve the lives of women and girls in Ontario. In 2021, she has been nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award in 2021.

Lorris Herenda

Chief Executive Officer

Management Team

Laura Bowes

Laura Bowes joined Yellow Brick House as the Business Manager in 2015. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant with more than twenty years of experience in the charitable sector, serving on Boards of Directors, Finance Committees and Governance Committees. Laura manages a broad range of responsibilities including management of financial processes including budgeting, reporting, analyses, and payroll; operational efficiency; assessment and mitigation risks; compliance with statutory requirements and reporting; and policy development and compliance. She is passionate about working collaboratively with teams and organizations dedicated to making a difference in the world.

Laura Bowes

Business Manager

Ana Fremont

Ana Fremont is the Director of Services at Yellow Brick House, where she provides strategic leadership across shelter services, outreach counselling, public education, housing support, and violence prevention initiatives. With more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit and community development sectors across Canada and the United States, Ana has led innovative programs supporting women, newcomers, low-income families, and survivors of gender-based violence. Her experience includes developing cross-sector partnerships and leading multi-year initiatives with community organizations and provincial and federal governments focused on expanding economic opportunity, systems change, program evaluation, and evidence-based approaches that improve access and outcomes for vulnerable populations. Ana holds a Master of International Affairs and Economic Development from Columbia University.

Ana Fremont

Director of Services

Christine Ruchlewicz

Christine Ruchlewicz is a seasoned management professional who joined Yellow Brick House as the Manager, Direct Services in 2021. As a dedicated advocate, Christine has devoted her career to improving the lives of marginalized communities. She has led transformative initiatives that have enhanced service delivery and expanded access to resources for vulnerable populations. Christine believes in empowering others to reach their full potential and is deeply passionate about creating a more equitable inclusive society. With her leadership she continues to inspire positive change and make lasting impact in the lives of those she serves. She believes in the power of collaboration and strives to build stronger partnerships to create lasting change.

Christine Ruchlewicz

Direct Services, Manager

Gaya Sockalingam

Dedicated to providing support and services to families, women and children; Gaya Sockalingam has joined Yellow Brick House as Manager of Direct Services. With over fifteen years of experience in managing community programs that offer support in early learning and infant mental health, life skills development, housing stabilization, education, employment and community engagement initiatives; she provides leadership and direction to the Shelters, Quality Accreditation roles, and a successful Volunteer Program. Committed to strategic planning, community engagement and optimal service delivery; Gaya oversees a trauma-informed system of service delivery for the survivors of domestic violence through counseling support, and programming. Driven by her passion and experience, she will continue to promote and participate in initiatives that support the creation of connected, safe and strong communities.

Gaya Sockalingam

Direct Services, Manager

Pamela Deveaux

Boasting over two decades of experience in the non-profit sector, Pamela Deveaux is a seasoned professional deeply dedicated to community service. Serving as the Manager of Fund Development at Yellow Brick House, she strategically employs her skills to raise awareness for women and children escaping domestic violence. Pamela actively cultivates partnerships with both corporations and individuals, effectively securing vital funds that significantly bolster the ongoing fight against domestic violence and abuse. Her passion is centered on assisting survivors in rebuilding their lives while simultaneously empowering others to break the silence surrounding domestic violence. Her unwavering commitment is further evident in her dedicated efforts to enlighten communities about healthy relationships and support families as they navigate rebuilding their lives.

Pamela Deveaux

Fund Development, Manager

Anastasia Protocky

Anastasia Protocky joined Yellow Brick House as HR Manager after a long career in the automotive industry. With extensive experience in managing a full spectrum of human resources programs including enhancing human capital through coaching, development, health and safety, succession planning, talent acquisition, labour relations, and continuous improvement to ensure the health and robustness of short- and long-term organizational performance. With a people first approach, and new appreciation of the non-profit sector, particularly in anti-oppressive and trauma informed frameworks, Anastasia’s focus will be to enhance and systematically improve the HR functions to help support our overall strategic plan with a particular focus on development of individual, team and leadership excellence.

Anastasia Protocky

Human Resources Manager

Board of Directors

Meeta Gandhi

With more than 30 years of experience in the federal and municipal sectors, Meeta has a wealth of knowledge in communications, human resources, strategic initiatives, customer service and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Currently, Meeta is the General Manager of Corporate Services for the Town of East Gwillimbury. The Department includes Communications and Customer Service, Information Technology, organization-wide initiatives such as the Environmental Strategy, Asset Management and the newly named People and Belonging (previously Human Resources) Division, which includes Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Before joining EG, Meeta was a Director with the City of Richmond Hill, and previously worked for the federal government in various roles including communications, administration, and program delivery.

In addition to her work in the municipal sector, Meeta is an associate with Redbrick Communications, a firm that provides strategic communications counsel and training to public and private sector clients.

Before moving to municipal government, Meeta worked with the federal government for 20 years including communications, administration and program delivery. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toronto, a Public Relations Certificate from Ryerson University and a Diploma in Public Administration from Western University.

Credentials aside, Meeta and her husband have a blended family of four adult children and their dog Leo. Together, they enjoy travelling, skiing, hiking and Sunday family dinners. A survivor of domestic abuse and a past recipient of YBH services, Meeta is honoured to be a member of the Yellow Brick House Board of Directors.

Meeta Gandhi

Chair

Finance and Audit Committee

Randa Ghabril

Randa Ghabril is Managing Director in Wealth Operations at Bank of Montreal.

Randa is a designated financial professional with broad senior experience in finance, external and internal audit, and Wealth operations. She spent most of her career in the financial services industry where she held progressively senior roles building expertise in risk, control, financial reporting and oversight and more recently, servicing Wealth Management clients through optimal delivery of back-office operations. Outside of work, Randa enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children. They enjoy travelling, discovering the city’s new cafes and exploring what makes cities special. Randa is passionate about leveling the playing field for those who have been disadvantaged and helping them find their path forward. The services offered by Yellow Brick House are essential to empowering and supporting victims of abuse as they go through their journey and Randa is proud to be serving as a member of the Yellow Brick House Board of Directors.

Randa Ghabril

Vice-Chair

Governance Committee

Darren Gopeesingh

Darren Gopeesingh is a Financial executive at Kyndryl Canada Ltd, the managed services spin-off from IBM, currently working on a large global project as the Finance Leader of SAP Transformation for Country Operations. Darren has extensive experience in finance and accounting over his 32 year career having worked in a large accounting firm for the first 5 years of his career and then within IBM and Kyndryl in many different progressive roles including being the CFO for Global Business Services Canada and CFO for Global Technology Services both at IBM and then CFO of Kyndryl Canada after the spin-off from IBM in 2021.

Darren has a wife and three children with the last child entering third year at University. He is an avid tennis player and fan. He also enjoys travelling and experiencing all of the different sights, cultures and food around the world.
As Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, Darren manages the financial stewardship of the organization and is honored to be a member of the Board of Directors of Yellow Brick House

Darren Gopeesingh

Treasurer

Chair of Finance and Audit Committee

KC Shendelman

KC Shendelman is a Marketing Executive with over 20 years of progressive Marketing and Innovation experience across multiple industries and organizations. She has worked in Consumer-Packaged Goods, Telecommunications, Not-For-Profit, Financial Services and Grocery Retail.

Currently, she is the VP of Marketing at Longo’s, responsible for strategy and execution for all consumer communications, including advertising, media, loyalty, community and in-store activities. KC achieved a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the Schulich School of Business. She has been a professor and guest speaker for Brand Management MBA classes at McMaster’s DeGroote Business School and is a mentor for the American Marketing Association. She also has an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

KC is married and has twins, a boy and girl, who all enjoy hiking, travelling and cooking together. She proudly serves on the Board of Directors for Yellow Brick House.

KC Shendelman

Secretary

Nancy Pavao

Nancy Pavao is a CPA, CGA, currently working as a global Franchise Finance Manager at a large research and development and manufacturing organization. She manages the overall financial stewardship including financial reporting and compliance, financial forecasts, resource optimization and business investment opportunities. Other industries she has worked at include financial services, media, and consulting. Nancy has a strong passion to empower women and providing pathways of success for both women and children.

Nancy Pavao

Chair of Governance Committee

Franca Desciscio

Franca De Sciscio is a Human Resources Professional with 25 years of experience in the automotive manufacturing industry and holds her HRPA designation. Her educational background includes a focus in Human Resources and Business Management. Franca currently manages Magna International Inc’s Employee Advocate Program. Franca’s experience includes policy development, employee relations, coaching and mentoring as well as executing corporate events.

Franca lives in Newmarket with her husband and two teenage boys. The family enjoys spending time with friends and their large extended family. They enjoy backyard bonfires, playing cards and travelling. Franca is a big Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan and hopes to celebrate at a Stanley Cup Victory Parade at some point in the future.

Franca is proud to serve as a member of the Yellow Brick House Board of Directors and looks forward to using her skills and experience to serve the families impacted by violence.

Franca De Sciscio

Governance Committee

Zdenka Pantaleo

Zdenka is a management consultant with more than 20 years of corporate experience as a senior financial executive. Previously, she worked at Adidas Canada Limited in a senior role, where she influenced and supported operational and strategic decisions to drive profitability through effective planning and execution, process improvement and alliance building.

Zdenka has been a mentor to teams as well as individuals and is passionate about coaching for success and leading with the goal of inspiring others. She was the Executive Sponsor of the local chapter of the Women’s ERG in adidas Canada Limited, which provided a forum for discussion and education around the diversity, equity and inclusion of women.

Zdenka enjoys spending time with family as well as travelling, sports, and a good book. She is married and has two grown daughters. Zdenka is proud to be a member of the Yellow Brick House Board of Directors and is honoured to share her knowledge and expertise.

Zdenka Pantaleo

Finance and Audit Committee

Anne Antolini

Anne Antolini brings a wealth of experience to the Yellow Brick House board as a retired IBM Canada executive with a distinguished 32-year career in Finance, Operations, Outsourcing, and Transition and Transformation. At IBM, she held global roles, managing large teams across multiple geographies, and excelled as a Project Delivery Executive, specializing in migrating clients’ HR outsourced services to global service delivery centers. Her expertise spans Employee Contact Centers, Employee Data Management, Payroll, Benefits Administration, Recruitment, and Application Management Services.

Currently, Anne works part-time with Laurentian Bank as a project manager, overseeing initiatives in retail banking, including credit management, collections and recovery, and mortgage and investment loan administration. She is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), adding strong financial acumen to her operational experience.

Anne’s community service includes 15 years of volunteer work with a non-profit foundation dedicated to raising funds for cancer research. Personally, Anne has been married for 39 years, has two sons, and enjoys traveling, cooking, and entertaining. Her professional background and dedication to philanthropy make her a valuable addition to the Yellow Brick House board, where she aims to support and empower survivors of domestic violence.

Anne Antolini

Finance and Audit Committee

Joanne Thanos

Joanne Thanos is a strategic leader and governance expert with over 15 years of experience driving transformative change in public and not-for-profit sectors. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Governance Transformation at the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), Joanne leads comprehensive reforms, streamlining governance structures and spearheading strategic initiatives.

With a background at the Ministry of Health (MOH), Joanne managed high-impact projects such as modernizing health equity policies and developing provincial strategies to embed equity in healthcare decision-making. She holds a Master of Health Sciences from the University of Toronto and is committed to continuous professional development.

Joanne is actively involved in community service, serving as a Board Director for the University of Toronto Alumni Association and volunteering with UHN OpenLab during COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Her expertise in governance, strategic planning, and equity make her a respected leader and valuable asset in board leadership roles.

In her spare time she is an avid supporter of women’s issues, finds joy in dance her lifelong passion, and enjoys spending time with family and friends through enjoying nature or sharing meals. Joanne is honoured to serve on the Board of Directors for Yellow Brick House, which provides shelter and support services for abused families and victims of gender-based violence in York Region.

Joanne Thanos

Governance Committee

Julia Vrabec

Julia Vrabec is a seasoned Human Resources Executive with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to transforming workplaces into inclusive, high-performing environments. With a strong background in the private and public sectors, including telecommunications, media, and the Ontario Public Service, Julia has championed employee engagement and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Julia has led strategic HR initiatives that improved diversity metrics and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. Her expertise in employee engagement, change management, talent development, rewards and recognition, leadership development, and labour relations has consistently enhanced organizational performance and employee satisfaction.

As a member of Yellow Brick House’s Board of Directors, Julia brings her extensive expertise in organizational development and strategic planning. Her collaborative approach and passion for creating supportive, high-performing environments make her an invaluable asset to the board. Julia’s strategic mindset and ability to align HR strategies with organizational goals will drive positive outcomes for Yellow Brick House.

Julia is a mother of three children, and a pet mother to a dog and a parrot. Julia loves spending time outdoors, where she enjoys hiking, canoeing, camping, and biking with her family. She is excited to leverage her experience and enthusiasm to support communities and drive social impact through her involvement with Yellow Brick House.

Julia Vrabec

Governance Committee

Neelam Bance

Neelam comes to Yellow Brick House with a wealth of commercial experience in the pharmaceutical, med tech and start up ecosystem in Toronto. Marketing, creating awareness and passion around health care, and helping people are what excite her every day

Currently, Neelam is the Co-founder and CEO of a med tech start up called MedGeneius, and consults for a number of organizations in the health care space. She is passionate about connecting people around common goals and supporting other entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, in their journeys.

When she’s not running a company, Neelam is involved in community initiatives in her neighborhood as VP of the Residents Association, supporting families in their adoption processes and caring for her 3 children and beloved dog named Joy.

Neelam Bance

Finance and Audit Committee

David Masse

David Masse brings over 30 years of distinguished leadership experience across media and not-for-profit governance. Known for his dedication to service and commitment to inclusive, collaborative environments, David has consistently demonstrated a low-ego approach that centers team success and mission-driven impact. His career reflects a strong dedication to empowering organizations, championing diversity, and fostering environments where every voice is valued. Now retired, David continues to engage in volunteer and advisory roles, contributing his expertise to organizations that align with his values of integrity, community, and service.

David Masse

Governance Committee

David Lee

David is a skilled and passionate lawyer at Blackburn Lawyers, a well-established and respected law firm based in Richmond Hill. With a legal practice focused primarily on estate and civil litigation, David has built a reputation for his advocacy and commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for his clients. His deep understanding of the law, combined with his strategic approach, has enabled him to represent clients across a wide range of legal matters with professionalism and dedication. He frequently appears before all levels of court, where he skillfully navigates complex legal issues while fiercely advocating for his clients’ interests. His reputation for excellence and his commitment to justice make him a trusted advisor in his areas of practice.

A Richmond Hill native, David’s ties to the community run deep. David believes that being involved in his community is just as important as his work in the courtroom. He is passionate about giving back to the place he calls home and is proud to be serving on the board of Directors for the Yellow Brick House. In his personal life, David values time spent with his family and dog, cherishing the simple joys of life. He enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors, always seeking new experiences that allow him to unwind and connect with nature.

David Lee

Governance Committee

FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Finance and Audit Committee is required to be established by Yellow Brick House Board and operates as a Standing Committee of the Board making recommendations on financial and business matters.

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

The Governance Committee, as a Board Standing Committee, serves as a resource to the Board of Directors on matters relating to the Board’s governance structure and processes, including recruitment, nominations, elections, evaluation of the Board, Board development and succession planning.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS COMMITTEE

The Community Awareness Committee of the Board of Directors operates as a standing committee of the Board actively participating in the community awareness objectives as set out by the new strategic plan with the goal of incremental sustainable funding while enhancing community awareness and engagement.

Careers

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How To Erase Tracks

Leadership & Board

Lorris Herenda

Management Team

Laura Bowes

Ana Fremont

Christine Ruchlewicz

Gaya Sockalingam

Pamela Deveaux

Anastasia Protocky

Board of Directors

Meeta Gandhi

Randa Ghabril

Darren Gopeesingh

KC Shendelman​

Nancy Pavao

Franca De Sciscio

Zdenka Pantaleo

Anne Antolini

Joanne Thanos

Julia Vrabec

Neelam Bance

David Masse

David Lee

KC Shendelman