Our Leadership
Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
David Brand, CPA, CMA, CIA, CISA (retired)
President
David Brand, CPA, CMA, CIA, CISA (retired) has been an Instructor with Red River College since August 2019 following a 35 year career in industry, including 10 years in public practice, 15 years in retail, and 8 years in the transportation sector.
Volunteering in various capacities has been a great passion of David’s since his childhood. He has always expressed to others the importance of giving oneself to important causes and organizations. Being on the Board of New Directions (off and on) since 2004 has been a great experience and David says he has, without doubt, personally benefited from his relationship to this organization.
Aveeve McLaughlin
Vice-President
Aveeve McLaughlin is a social worker in private practice specializing in trauma work. Aveeve graduated with a Masters of Social Work from the University of Manitoba in 2012 and over the past 15+ years Aveeve has worked for many community social service agencies in both frontline and therapeutic roles. This includes working for the T.E.R.F program at New Directions supporting sexually exploited youth.
Aveeve has a special interest in women’s rights and reproductive mental health. Aveeve is committed to the community in which she lives and has volunteer experience with Klinic, United Way and the Manitoba College of Social Workers and is looking forward to continuing to contribute to New Directions as a board member.
Jim Court, FCPA, FCMA, TEP
Treasurer, Executive Secretary
Jim Court, FCPA, FCMA, TEP, was the principal partner of Court, Filopoulos & Associates CMA Ltd. since obtaining his designation in 1985. In 2015 he merged the practice with F H Black and is remaining with the new firm as an associate.
Jim has over 40 years of experience in public practice and in 2007 he was named a Fellow of the Society of Management Accountants of Canada and in 2012 was admitted to the Society of Trust and Estate practitioners.
Jim has been an active volunteer with Folklorama for 25 years and served as the Organization’s president and continues to volunteer with the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba as a member of the Complaints Investigation Committee.
In 2016, Jim joined the board of directors of New Directions and the Finance Committee. In 2020, he joined the Executive Treasurer, and more recently as Board Secretary in 2022.
Dr. Harsha Kamatham
Secretary
Dr. Kamatham is an Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba. He received a B.Tech. (Mechanical Engineering) from the REC Calicut India, an M.B.A. (Marketing) from the IIT Madras India, and a Ph.D. (Management Science) from the University of Texas at Dallas. Before joining academia, Harsha worked for over 9 years in the industry as an sales and marketing analyst for large corporations in India and the United States.
Dr. Kamatham works on interesting marketing problems using econometric methods. He studies consumption choices and the role played by variety-seeking and satiation. He is also interested in studying donations in online environment. His most recent work was published at Journal of Business Research.
Board of Directors
Dr. Jake Bergen
Dr. Jake Bergen (they/them) holds a B.Ed. and M.P.A. from the University of Regina and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Ottawa. They work in teacher education at the University of Winnipeg and facilitate research with community organizations at the intersections of social studies, anti-oppressive pedagogy, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity, and mental health. Jake also serves on the board of directors for Trans Sask, a research and advocacy organization for Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people. Jake is looking forward to building and serving their community in Winnipeg.
Wendy Bloomfield
Wendy retired in 2014 from the Department of Family Services, after having worked 17 years in Adult Services and the Agency Accountability and Support Unit. Wendy has been an elected school trustee since 1983 and has been the Chair of Seine River School Division since 1990.
Working as a community volunteer has always been an important part of Wendy’s life and she is currently the Chair of the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba and on the Board of St. Norbert Arts Centre. After retirement, Wendy also served for three years as a member/chair of the Vulnerable Persons Hearing Panel.
Wendy is thankful for the opportunity of being part of the New Directions Board and organization.
Lorraine Desmarais
Lorraine graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and attended the University of Winnipeg to further enhance her knowledge and skills in Human Resources and Management. Lorraine has held a variety of roles in the social services field and identifies education and training as her favourite area. The personal and professional development of others continue to inspire and motivate her. Lorraine is currently contracted by Assiniboine Community College to deliver the Post-Secondary Preparation Program and Restorative Justice Certificate Program to Indigenous students.
Lorraine has lived in Winnipeg for over 33 years but still refers to Sagkeeng First Nation as home. Lorraine is a wife, mother, grandmother and blessed with the gift of friendship of many. Lorraine attributes all her achievements and joys in her life to her family, friends, students and the Elders who have shared the Anishinabe teachings. Lorraine understands it is her responsibility as a mother and grandmother to ensure her children and grandchildren are aware of their amazing culture and history of the ancestors.
Kelly Hudson
Kelly Hudson is a CPA, CMA, and Senior Manager at Richardson International Limited. With over two decades of experience in finance and technology, Kelly is passionate about harnessing the potential of data and modern technologies to benefit both profit and non-profit organizations.
When Kelly isn’t immersed in her professional role, she is a dedicated mother of two. Instilling the values of volunteerism and community engagement in her children is important to Kelly. In addition to her family commitments and professional responsibilities, Kelly serves on the board of Agape Table, an independent charity providing vital meal services to those in need. Her dedication to supporting such initiatives demonstrates her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Allie Moar
Allie Moar is a lawyer at MLT Aikins LLP, receiving her Juris Doctor from the University of Manitoba in 2021. Prior to attending law school, Allie attended St. John’s University on an athletic scholarship and obtained her Bachelor of Science in 2018. Allie is an active volunteer within her community, with a passion for the advocacy of Indigenous peoples. Allie is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the community as a board member with New Directions.
Jennifer Sokal
Jennifer Sokal is an associate lawyer at MLT Aikins LLP. She obtained her Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Manitoba in 2019 and 2016, respectively. Jenn has had numerous volunteer interests and is particularly passionate about the advocacy of women’s rights and equality. She is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community through her position with the New Directions Board.
Averill Stephenson
Averill Stephenson joined the New Directions Board in 2022 and is Co-Chair on the Respectful Workplace Committee. She has devoted her career to the not-for-profit sector with 20+ years in programming, community development, and fundraising across fitness, health, and disability sectors. With a commitment to community development Averill has a passion for bringing people together to make a difference. Averill believes in the importance of physical activity contributing to community and can often be found leading group exercise classes in her community. Averill is excited to give back to the community through the opportunity to join the New Directions Board of Directors.
Rhonda Taylor
Rhonda has worked and volunteered in the not-for-profit sector for the last 20 years. The focus of her work has been in key priority areas that include education, literacy, food security, ending violence against women, truth and reconciliation and now career development. Her work is done in relationship and genuine partnership with individuals and communities whose realities have made it challenging for them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. The lens through which Rhonda does her work is based in social justice and believes in the importance of meeting people where they are at and empowering them to become their own advocates and champions.
Currently working as the CEO for Career Trek, a Manitoba-based charitable organization, Rhonda is focused on building relationships with government, business, industry and communities to expand programming, inside and outside the province. The goal is to support youth who face racialized barriers giving them the tools, resources, and experiences they need to prepare for the future of work.
Antonio Villegas
Staff Representative
Antonio works as a Home Supervisor in our Shift Staffed Homes program.
He started working at New Directions in 2019 as a Casual at the Adult Day Services before moving to SSH in 2020. Prior to that, Antonio held positions at Epic Opportunities and St.Amant.
During his spare time, you can find him gardening or playing with his dog. He is passionate about making things happen and making sure things are getting done.
Dana Bowcott
Staff Representative
Dana Bowcott is a Community Resource Worker for Supported Independent Living. She has experience in social services at organizations like Marymound, DASCH, and New Directions, and been vocal about advocating for helping individuals with disabilities and marginalized youth. She enjoys spending time with family, cooking, gardening, and fostering adult individuals. She is dedicated to being a voice for her colleagues and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.
CEO
Dr. Jennifer Frain, C.Psych.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Jennifer Frain, C. Psych., came to New Directions in 2001 as a Clinical Psychologist serving as the Coordinator of Programs and Evaluations & Manitoba Learning Centre. She then held several other Director level positions before she was appointed as the CEO in 2006. Jennifer received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University in 1997. She is committed to New Directions providing responsive and individualized services that foster the hopes and dreams of people and their communities.
Senior Directors
Darlene Daniels
Senior Director of Culture, Education, and Training Services
Darlene Daniels, Anishinew (Ojicree) Garden Hill First Nation, started working in the agency in 2001 as a Program Manager of Opikihiwawin. Then later as a Senior Director, supervising the Cultural, Education and Training services of the agency.
Prior to coming to New Directions, Darlene was the Executive Director of Anishinaabe Oway-Ishi, an Indigenous youth training program. Darlene is the Co-chairperson of the Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards.
Darlene lives a traditional lifestyle of her people. She is a Jingle Dress dancer, drummer and singer. She is an award winning bead worker, quill worker, painter and fashion designer. Darlene is a dedicated learner of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwa language).
Dr. Charmayne Dubé, OT (C)
Senior Director of Adult Services
Dr. Charmayne Dubé, OT (C), began her career as a Direct Service Worker within Adult Day Services at New Directions (then Children’s Home of Winnipeg) in 1988. Upon return from practicing Occupational Therapy in the US, she provided home based OT and mental health rehabilitation supports through Community Therapy Services in Winnipeg.
In 2001, she returned to New Directions as a Home Share Provider and had successive roles as an Occupational Therapist, Coordinator, and Program Manager before moving into a Director level position in 2009. She is passionate about improving quality of services and ultimately, quality of life for all individuals we support and is committed to working collaboratively with community stakeholders.
Sarah-Jane Marquez-Hicks, B.H.Ecol., CPA, CMA
Chief Financial Officer
Sarah-Jane is a first generation Canadian borne from working class immigrants. Sarah-Jane’s service to the community began after graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Human Ecology, majoring in Family Studies.
Soon after graduating, Sarah-Jane worked in community education with Klinic Community Health Centre and with the Norway House Cree Nation.
With the intentions of being more involved in non-profit policy and administration, SJ returned to post-secondary studies to attain her Certified Management Accountant designation. During this pursuit, SJ worked in finance officer, analyst and accounting roles within the Province of Manitoba and in the private sector. SJ earned her CMA designation in 2011.
In 2012 SJ became the Director of Finance and Administration at Nine Circles Community Health Centre and was responsible for all areas of accounting, payroll, human resources, facility operations and information technology. In the fall of 2019, SJ became the Director of Finance at Pulford Community Living Services, which also included technology systems in her portfolio.
Sarah-Jane is committed to developing efficient and simpatico collaborations between administrative and service program teams. SJ is equally committed to creating psychologically safe spaces for employees so they may bring their whole selves to their work and to encourage their creativity and innovation.
Dr. Alicia Ordóñez, C.Psych.
Senior Director of Child Home & Clinical Services
Dr. Alicia Ordóñez, C.Psych., received a double Master’s Degree in Clinical and Educational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from Ball State University in Indiana, USA. She completed her internship at the University of Manitoba’s Student Counselling Centre and Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg.
She is a registered psychologist and has worked with children, youth, individuals, and families from diverse backgrounds in a diversity of settings including rural and urban areas affected by war in her country of origin, hospitals, community centres, universities, and private practice. She joined New Directions in 2007 and is a Senior Director overseeing Child Home and Clinical service areas. She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and has intermediate knowledge of American Sign Language.
Elizabeth Schwersensky, B.Comm. (Hons.), CPHR
Senior Director of Organizational and Human Resources
Elizabeth Schwersensky, CPHR, joined New Directions in 2016 as the Director of Human Resources. This followed her experience leading the HR function at other non-profit organizations in Manitoba.
As the current Senior Director of Organizational and Human Resources, Elizabeth has seen her portfolio expand to include oversight of business resources, students and volunteers, and training and evaluation. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the Asper School of Business, a Certificate in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University, and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources.
She continues to strive toward an organizational environment that utilizes the unique skills of all of the people contributing day-to-day, while updating practices to reflect the constantly changing landscape in communities New Directions serves.