Meet Our Volunteer Board of Directors
Chad Sutherland, Chair
Director of Operations Centre for Human Performance & Health Department of Kinesiology, University of Windsor
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- Chad joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and after years on the Executive Committee is currently the Chair
- Chad along with his wife and two children live Lakeshore.
- He initially connected with Community Living Essex County through a health and exercise research project entitled “A Balanced Approach”. This led to the development of the Adapted Physical Exercise (APEX) research group, at the University, which then implemented the “Fit Together Program”.
- The APEX Research Group has a multitude of research projects on-going related to health and wellness, community inclusion, and employment and income security.
- Chad has presented at numerous national and international conferences related to the work with Community Living Essex County.
- Chad has also participated on many committees at Community Living Essex County.
- He is an enthusiastic advocate and volunteer.
Michelle Mastellotto, 1st Vice Chair
Parent/Retired Business Professional
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- Michelle is currently on the Executive Committee of the Board in the position of 1st Vice Chair.
- Michelle has a degree in Mathematics and Engineering from Queen’s University and is now retired after over 27 years at Green Shield Canada as a Systems Engineer with a specialty in IT security, privacy and governance.
- Michelle is a resident of Tecumseh where she and her husband raised three children. Their oldest son has an intellectual disability with a dual diagnosis and has been receiving supports and services from Community Living Essex County since May 2009.
- Michelle is an active fundraiser and volunteer and has supported many organizations, including Community Living Essex County.
- She was on the Board of Directors at the Windsor Essex Down Syndrome Association for over 20 years. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of a local bird observatory and is a past Board member for a local cycling organization.
Sharon O-Hagan-Wong, 2nd Vice Chair
Retired Educator, WECDSB
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- Sharon joined the Board of Directors in June 2022 and joined the Executive Committee in June 2025.
- She is a resident of Windsor and proud parent of three adult children.
- Sharon has a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Masters of Education from the University of Windsor as well as a Supervisory Officer Qualifications.
- During Sharon’s 29 year career with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board she held positions of teacher, Vice-Principal, Principal, Supervising Principal and Superintendent.
- Sharon also secured Specialist Qualifications in Special Education and early in her career served as President of our local Chapter of Autism Social Ontario.
- Her responsibilities have included Student Achievement, Safe Schools, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Portfolio, English as a Second Language Portfolio. Sharon also represented the School Board on many community committees aligned with those initiatives as well as the Jumpstart Student Nutrition Committee.
- Sharon is a life long learner with a wealth of experience and expertise.
Gillian Heisz, Treasurer
Vice President, Finance and Operations, University of Windsor
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- Gillian joined the Board of Directors in June 2019 and as Treasurer sits on the Executive Committee.
- She is a resident of Amherstburg.
- Gillian is a CPA, CA and holds an HBA from the Ivey Business School (Western University).
- Gillian has over 14 years of experience in financial accounting, audit and financial reporting practices and has been employed at the University of Windsor since 2015. Gillian is the Vice-president Finance and Operations where she is responsible for institutional budgeting and planning, financial report, campus safety, risk, capital projects, maintenance and facilities.
- Previous to her time at the University of Windsor, Gillian was a Manager in the Audit and Assurance practice of EY LLP where she provided assurance and financial consulting services to dozens of no-for-profit organizations in Ontario.
- Her professional experience includes proven communication and leadership skills along with exceptional insights into the financial challenges and risk management encountered by not-for-profit organizations. .
- Gillian is a life long learner, very active in her community and is a frequent volunteer.
Robert Tomek, Past Chair
Lawyer
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- Robert joined the Board in 2013 and has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2015, serving as Chair from June 2018 – June 2021. He is currently the Past Chair
- Born and raised in Kingsville, Robert remains a resident there.
- At the University of Windsor he obtained his Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Law degrees. He was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2002 and is practicing with McTague Law Firm. His emphasis is on Estate Administration, Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney.
- Robert’s community involvement and volunteerism has always been an important part of his life.
Diane Bourbeau, Director
Parent/Retired Educator
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- Diane joined the Board of Directors in 1999 and was a long standing member of the Executive Committee, including serving as Chair.
- Diane returned to the Board in the position of Director in 2018.
- As the parent of an adult daughter with an intellectual disability, Diane is keenly aware of the challenges and joys that accompany being a primary caregiver.
- Diane is a retired educator and continues to advocate for changes and inclusion in the education system.
- Diane has been involved in many agency and community committees and projects including: Rights Review Committee, Nominating Committee, Windsor Essex Developmental Services Reference Group, SEAC Support Group, Together One Dream Project and many more.
- Originally from Ottawa, Diane and her family have been residents of Tecumseh for many years.
Dan Gemus, Director
Founder, CEO, Dan Gemus Real Estate Team
Owner, Richmond Popcorn Co.
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- Dan Gemus rejoined the Community Living Essex County Board of Directors in 2025, having previously served in the same capacity with a strong focus on advocacy and inclusion. He brings a wealth of leadership experience as President of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce and as a current Director on the Libro Credit Union Board.
- Dan is the founder and CEO of The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, a leading brokerage serving Windsor-Essex, and owner of Richmond Popcorn Co., a growing gourmet popcorn brand with multiple retail locations. Deeply rooted in community service, Dan, his team and his family have organized and supported numerous local fundraising events over the years, contributing over $300,000 to causes across Windsor and Essex County.
- A passionate advocate for accessibility, equity, and opportunity, Dan is committed to helping individuals of all abilities thrive in inclusive environments. He resides in Amherstburg with his wife and three children.
Ron Giofu, Director
Journalist
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- Ron joined the Board of Directors in 2012
- He has held positions on the Executive Committee for much of his time on the board (2013-2021), most recently as the Past Chair. He currently is serving as a director.
- As a long time local journalist, Ron’s involvement with Community Living Essex County predates his work on the Board given his long standing media coverage of local events.
- Ron has been a member of several agencies and continues to cover many of our stories and events for the River Town Times, where he is now the Editor and Co-Publisher.
- In March 2025, Ron became a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
- Born and raised in Essex County, Ron has lived in Amherstburg since 1995.
Ian G. Phillips, Director
Retired, GECDSB
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- Ian was elected to the Board in June 2022.
- He is a resident of Amherstburg.
- Ian is a widower and proud dad to four sons.
- Prior to his retirement in 2005 Ian was the Principal of Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle for five years.
- In this role Ian had a wealth of administrative responsibilities including providing leadership, direction, liaison, coordination and developing and implementing programs.
- Ian is an active community member and long time volunteer.
- For several years he was a volunteer Director at the Board ofWesview Non Profit Seniors Housing Corporation in Amherstburg and is currently their Vice Chairperson.
- He also volunteers at the River Town Times in Amherstburg and the United Church in Tecumseh.
- Ian has long admired the work of Community Living Essex County and the great impact of the agency’s work.
Ray Renaud, Director
Self-Advocate
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- Ray served on the Board of Directors from 2017 to 2021. After a year off Ray was elected to the Board in June 2022.
- He was born and raised in Tecumseh and currently lives in Essex with his wife.
- Ray joined New Day, Leaders of Today in 2009 and continues to work to enhance others’ lives and ensure people’s voices are heard. Ray is currently New Day’s Vice President.
- Ray has represented New Day and Community Living Essex County at events and conferences and has been a voting delegate at Community Living Ontario’s Annual General Meeting. Ray was part of the group presenting “Together One Dream” and has participated on committees for social media and FOCUS Accreditation.
Brianne Taggart, Director
Self Advocate, Self Employed
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- Brianne joined the Board of Directors in June 2021.
- She is a resident of Kingsville, is self employed and owns Brianne’s Art Creations and Photography.
- Brianne is active on social media and her artwork has appeared at many art shows. She is a regular vendor and volunteer at local festivals. She is also an art teacher having hosted many paint classes prior to COVID 19.
- She is an active member of the Ruthven Apple Festival Committee and the Speaking Out Conference.
- Brianne Joined New Day, Leaders of Today in 2017 and is currently the President of this self advocacy committee. She is an excellent role model and works to enhance the lives of others and ensure peoples’ voices are heard.
- In 2024 Brianne was elected to the Council of Community Living Ontario and her involvement, learning and advocacy with the Council has been invaluable.
Karen Bolger, Secretary to the Board
