Board of Directors

LeeAnne Maille is the Director of Operations at Yes Employment Services in North Bay. She brings to the First Work Board 20 years’ experience in the field where she has worked in both front-line and management roles. She brings a solid understanding of the complexities surrounding the issue of youth employment, as well as experience addressing these issues by taking on leadership, advocacy and collaborative roles when needed. LeeAnne’s experience includes both Ministry- and community-led committees and initiatives including the EOIS External Reference Group, the local Homelessness and Housing Partnership, the Crown Ward Education Championship Table, the OYAP steering community for the local French catholic school board and the local Newcomer Network. LeeAnne looks forward to continuing to contribute to improvements in the area of youth employment as a member of the First Work Board of Directors.

Brenda Roxburgh is the Executive Director of VCCS Employment Services since 2017 and a community career counselling advocate with 29 years experience delivering services to the Central Ontario community. Born and raised in Peterborough, Brenda is a graduate of Fleming College's Career and Work Counselling program and Carleton University (BA Sociology / Poli Sci) and has been engaged in all aspects of community employment and capacity building in all phases of her career. She is a program advisor to the Conestoga Career Counselling Program, on the Executive of Literacy Ontario Central South, an active partnership builder with United Way City of Kawartha Lakes and always up for a good discussion of how to build something better for the community they serve.

When not working, Brenda is active in her Peterborough community, has a number of guest preaching engagements regionally, and enjoys time and travels with her family and friends, particularly when it involves outdoor time spent with her spunky dachshund friend Neville or trying to psychoanalyze her two zany black cats (a lost cause).

Laryssa has been with the John Howard Society of Niagara for 16 years in a variety of capacities. Her primary role has been in the employment services division, Job Gym, as part of the management team, with a staff of over 30 individuals in both Welland and Fort Erie, and 8 provincially funded programs.

Previously, Laryssa worked as a group facilitator and employment counsellor ‎ assisting and coaching clients with diverse backgrounds. Her expertise lies primarily in youth employment issues and pre-employment training using cognitive behavior techniques.

Laryssa acts in an advisory capacity for First Work, the Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres. In addition, Laryssa is an active member in cross Regional committees and groups including Executive member of YES Niagara, Executive member Welland Neighbourhood Projects, former Employment Service management advisor with Literacy and Basic Skills; Literacy Service Providers and Common Frontline Group, Erie Service Providers, and Youth Engagement Community of Practice. Laryssa’s strengths includes a hands-on leadership approach, mentoring and coaching, and responding to labour market demands using creativity and ability to be a forward thinker. Laryssa’s focus at the moment is performing statistical analysis of all employment service reports and evaluating the effectiveness of current practices and behaviours.

Laryssa has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Management Certificate and Human Services. She has a passion for studying social behaviour, especially in the not-for-profit sector.

Adam Pinder is a dynamic leader passionate about empowering individuals and fostering community growth in small centers and Northern Ontario. With a diverse background in education, construction, and the not-for-profit sector, Adam brings valuable knowledge and understanding to his role.

Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Adam's educational background shapes his approach to leadership. He recognizes the transformative power of education and utilizes this insight to design innovative programs that support newcomers' settlement and integration and job seekers reaching their employment goals.

With experience in the construction industry, starting as a summer student and progressing to Project Manager, Adam developed a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and effective project management skills. This experience lends him a unique perspective on bridging different industries.

As the Executive Director of the Sault Community Career Centre, Adam leverages his skills in communication and leadership. He builds partnerships with government agencies, community leaders, and organizations to address newcomers' needs and aspirations effectively.

Adam is committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to create equitable opportunities for all. His comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in small centers and Northern Ontario enables him to develop tailored approaches that address their specific needs.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Adam remains dedicated to community impact. By engaging with community leaders and advocating for inclusive policies and initiatives, he works towards creating a more equitable society.

Adam’s diverse background enriches his leadership in empowering individuals and fostering community growth in small centers and Northern Ontario. Through innovative program design, effective communication, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Adam continues to make a lasting impact on the regions he serves.

Sue Watts is the Executive Director of the Employment + Education Centre, a charitable, not-for-profit, multi-service organization. Sue has over 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector and prides herself on building and growing community collaborations for the purpose of meeting the needs of and positively impacting her communities.

Sue is the recipient of National, Provincial and Local awards for her work in this sector. Sue is an Executive Member of the ONESTEP Board of Directors (provincial) and an Executive Member of Credit Counselling Canada Board of Directors (national). Locally, she is an active member of a number of boards and committees including; City of Brockville Economic Development Advisory Committee, Victim Services of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Poverty Reduction Alliance, EKIOC Transportation Committee, RNJ Youth Services, Leeds and Grenville Immigration Partnership Council and Employment /Settlement Committee.

Adam Pinder is a dynamic leader passionate about empowering individuals and fostering community growth in small centers and Northern Ontario. With a diverse background in education, construction, and the not-for-profit sector, Adam brings valuable knowledge and understanding to his role.

Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Adam's educational background shapes his approach to leadership. He recognizes the transformative power of education and utilizes this insight to design innovative programs that support newcomers' settlement and integration and job seekers reaching their employment goals.

With experience in the construction industry, starting as a summer student and progressing to Project Manager, Adam developed a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and effective project management skills. This experience lends him a unique perspective on bridging different industries.

As the Executive Director of the Sault Community Career Centre, Adam leverages his skills in communication and leadership. He builds partnerships with government agencies, community leaders, and organizations to address newcomers' needs and aspirations effectively.

Adam is committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to create equitable opportunities for all. His comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in small centers and Northern Ontario enables him to develop tailored approaches that address their specific needs.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Adam remains dedicated to community impact. By engaging with community leaders and advocating for inclusive policies and initiatives, he works towards creating a more equitable society.

Adam’s diverse background enriches his leadership in empowering individuals and fostering community growth in small centers and Northern Ontario. Through innovative program design, effective communication, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Adam continues to make a lasting impact on the regions he serves.

Heather McLean, BA (she/her), is a values-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, currently serving as the Director of Programs and Services at Skills for Change. She leads innovative settlement services and employment programs for newcomers to Canada, emphasizing holistic, client-centered approaches and leveraging emerging technologies to support disadvantaged groups. With a strong background in program management, business operations, education, and social services, Heather has held executive positions at Hamilton Jewish Family Services, Brock University Students' Union, and The Mississauga Food Bank, consistently demonstrating her ability to lead teams and build strong stakeholder relationships. Nominated for the RBC Women of Influence award in 2023, Heather's work has positively impacted low-income and racialized communities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). She holds a BA from Brock University, a Non-Profit Leadership Certification from Goodman School of Business, and is a Certified Change Management Practitioner. In addition to her professional commitments, Heather volunteers as a committee member on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee for the City of Thorold. She is also a proud mother of an awesome 15-year-old son

Kim Patel has been in the employment field for close to two decades, supporting job seekers in a variety of programs in many roles including Resource Counsellor, Job Developer and Coordinator. Kim strives to empower her team to provide exceptional support to the Employment & Training Centre’s participants. This support includes finding employment opportunities that fall within the decent work realm.

Tracy has been with Goodwill Amity for over 18 years and has worked in front line, management and for the past 5 years in a senior management role. As Vice President, Employment Services, Tracy has been able to grow programming by aligning community need and moving Goodwill toward skills training to fill gaps and better prepare some job seekers for skilled work. Tracy has worked through the Employment Ontario transformation in two separate catchments since the transition began in 2019. Tracy has a passion for client service and assisting people finding work and continually seeks ways to do both.

She has completed the 80/20 Executive Development course, earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and holds a B.Sc. in Business Management as well as an Executive Management Certificate. She has also taken part in the Goodwill Industries International Senior Leadership Program.

Suzanne holds the position of Executive Director at CERF Niagara (Centre d’emploi et de ressources francophone), the only Francophone employment center in the Niagara Region. For the past 7 years she has supported youth with career counselling, including the French community, to achieve their employment goals. Suzanne enjoys facilitating a variety of youth workshops within the two French schoolboards as well as Brock University. Suzanne is also a Board member with the Club Richelieu Niagara Falls since 2009 where she was Secretary, Director, and President. She enjoyed leading the Club’s annual Wine and Cheese Auction Fundraisers, amongst other fundraisers, with all proceeds going back into the community to support families, children and youth. As a parent of young adults herself, Suzanne can relate to some of the challenges youth might face while on their journey to employment. She will draw from her knowledge and experiences in continuing to support the youth as a member of the board with First Work.

Tracy Houston is an accomplished senior management professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in the employment services sector. Currently serving as Senior Manager of Programs & Services at WoodGreen Community Services she previously worked with JobStart, who integrated with WoodGreen in 2021 and has worked in various frontline and leadership roles in the employment sector. Tracy is known for her expertise in program management, capacity building, and organizational development. She has successfully, managed and delivered a variety of employment and social service programs, collaborating with key stakeholders including funders, government agencies, employers, and community partners.

Throughout her career, Tracy has been instrumental in overseeing large-scale service delivery programs funded by Employment Ontario, Service Canada, United Way, the Ontario Disability Support Program, and various private foundations. With a deep understanding of labor market challenges and the barriers faced by diverse client groups, she has helped clients achieve long-term employment success while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Tracy’s background in employment service program management includes hands-on experience with program design, financial oversight, grant writing, and strategic planning. She has led significant operational changes through initiatives such as the Employment Services Transformation and the implementation of Operational Excellence strategies within WoodGreen's Employment Team. She is particularly skilled in managing and mentoring teams, driving performance, and ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory guidelines.

In addition to her management expertise, Tracy is an effective communicator and skilled problem-solver with a passion for building strong, diverse teams. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Women's Studies from Bishops University and has furthered her education through specialized training in management, leadership, and non-profit fundraising. She is also certified in several areas, including Employment Ontario Program Management, Crisis Intervention, and LGBTQ2+ and Indigenous Awareness.

As a new member of First Work’s Board of Directors, Tracy offers a wealth of experience in program management, strategic planning, organizational change, and community engagement. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and a results-driven approach that ensures organizational success while meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.