Board Members

Meet Our Volunteer Board of Directors

Chad A. Sutherland, Chair
Director of Operations Centre for Human Performance & Health Department of Kinesiology, University of Windsor

Read Bio

  • Chad joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and is currently the Chair. 
  • Chad along with his wife and two children live Lakeshore.
  • Chad is a faculty member in Kinesiology at the University of Windsor and is currently the Director of Operations & Sport Performance at the Centre for Human Performance & Health.  
  • He first became 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.  
  • The APEX Research Group – Community Living Essex County partnership for Inclusive Exercise Programming has now been running for over 15 years!  
  • 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 many national and international conferences and has numerous publications in academic journals related to his work with Community Living Essex County.
  • Chad has participated on many committees at Community Living Essex County including the OASIS 2018 organizing committee, First Choice Employment, and the Local Poverty Reduction Fund Steering Committee.
  • He is an enthusiastic advocate and volunteer.

Michelle Mastellotto, 1st Vice Chair
Parent/Retired Business Professional

Read Bio

  • 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

Read Bio

  • Sharon joined the Board of Directors in June 2022 and joined the Executive Committee in June 2025.  She is currently the 2nd Vice Chair. 
  • 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 the agency’s joint SEAC representative with CL Windsor for the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.  
  • She is also a member of the agency’s Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging committee. 
  • Sharon is a lifelong learner with a wealth of experience and expertise.  

Paige Sowerby, Treasurer 
BAcc, CPA, CA, University of Windsor, Director, Financial Reporting

Read Bio

  • Paige was elected to the Board of Directors in June, 2026 and serves as Treasurer.
  • She is a resident of Essex.
  • Paige is a CPA, CA (Chartered Accountant) in good standing. 
  • She has over 15 years’ experience in financial accounting, audit and financial reporting practices and has been employed at the University of Windsor since 2020.  Paige is currently the Director, Financial Reporting following five years in the position of Manager, Restricted Funds.  
  • Prior to her time at the University of Windsor, Paige was an Audit Manager at Davis Martindale LLP, London.  
  • Paige’s professional experience includes proven communication and leadership skills along with comprehensive understanding of the accounting handbook, processes and systems.  She also has exceptional skills for risk mitigation and risk response strategies. 
  • On a personal level Paige has been inspired by her brother-in-law who runs a youth organization that includes an independent living program.   
  • She is also an advocate and family member with two cousins who have an intellectual disability.  

Robert Tomek, Past Chair
Lawyer

Read Bio

  • 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 have always been important parts of his life. 

Diane Bourbeau, Director
Parent/Retired Educator

Read Bio

  • Diane joined the Board of Directors in 1999 and was a long-standing member of the Executive Committee.
  • Diane has been in the position of Director since 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. 

Ron Giofu, Director
Journalist

Read Bio

  • 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 

Read Bio

  • Ian is a current Director, currently in his third term on the Board.  
  • 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 longtime volunteer.   
  • For several years he was a volunteer Director at the Board of Wesview Non-Profit Seniors Housing Corporation in Amherstburg and is currently their Chairperson.   
  • He also volunteers at the River Town Times in Amherstburg. 
  • Ian is a member and Licensed Lay Worship Leader at the Tecumseh United Church. 
  • In addition, Ian is a Board member at the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club. 
  • Ian has long admired the work of Community Living Essex County and the great impact of the agency’s work.  He is looking forward to continuing to make a meaningful contribution to the continued success of the agency as a Board member.  

Ray Renaud, Director
Self-Advocate

Read Bio

  • Ray previously served two terms on the Board of Directors from 2017 to 2021.  Ray was re-elected in 2022, is a Director.   
  • He was born and raised in Tecumseh and currently lives in Essex with his wife, Beth. 
  • Ray joined the self advocate group – New Day, Leaders of Today – in 2009 and continues to work to enhance others’ lives and ensure peoples’ voices are heard.  Ray has been a member of New Day’s Executive Committee for a number of years and is currently their Vice President.   
  • He 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.   
  • Ray is an active volunteer at the Knights of Columbus in Essex.   
  • In addition he is an Administrator for the Facebook page Hometown Proud Essex Group Where You Belong. 

Brianne Taggart, Director
Self-Advocate, Self Employed

Read Bio

  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Giving back to the community and advocating for people who have an intellectual disability are very meaningful to Brianne. 

Corey Dalgleish, Secretary to the Board