Meet Our Dedicated Team
Compassionate professionals committed to supporting your journey with expertise and understanding.
Executive Director
Neil M. Leslie
Executive Director
Neil has 35 years of fundraising experience working for local, provincial, National and International causes. He has always worked with social causes with the view to making the world a better place. He has led the fundraising for organizations such as Christie Lake Kids, CNIB Eastern Ontario, Scouts Canada Foundation and most recently Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation. Neil was awarded the Outstanding Fundraising Executive award by his peers in 2004 for his outcomes achieved both in Montreal and Ottawa. He believes in ethical donor-centered fundraising and ensuring the greatest impact for the donors on the clients his organization serves.
Counsellors
Karen White-Jones
Director of Counselling and Clinical Consultant | MSW, RSW
With over 30 years of experience in addictions and mental health, Karen provides clinical guidance through consultation and supervision.
“I believe that we all have the ability to recover, regain control of our lives, and live free from the negative patterns that have held us back from achieving our full potential.”
Leanne McEwen
RSW
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou
Heather Tarnai-Feeley
MSW, RSW
“I hope to show you how to bring lasting balance into your life.”
David Oluwajuyigbe
RP
My primary dedication lies in helping individuals pinpoint solutions to life’s challenges.
Dorothy Ogbumah
RP (Qualifying)
“Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.” – Maya Angelou
Valérie Lacroix
RP (Qualifying)
your story is not too much. your sadness is not too loud. here, even your silence is sacred.
Educational Workshop Facilitators
Wally Clare
Educational Workshop Facilitator | B. TH.
Wally Clare has facilitated workshops at Serenity Renewal for more than 35 years. Wally has mentored many new facilitators and continues to offer his wealth of knowledge to our clients and to our staff.
Catherine Pepper
Educational Workshop Facilitator | CJS, BA Psychology (In Progress)
Catherine holds a strong knowledge of addiction and the depth of despair it can bring to the individual and their loved ones. She strives to support clients on their path of healing.
Liz VandenBygaart
Educational Workshop Facilitator
“When you know more, you grow more. I am honoured to bear witness to the growth of others.”
Maimoona Batool
Educational Workshop Facilitator | RN, BScN, MACP, RP (Qualifying)
“I have over a decade of healthcare experience and focuses on healing and empowerment, enriching lives and fostering transformation.”
Sofie Charron
Educational Workshop Facilitator | RP
“My aim is to help people develop tools to navigate their challenges so that they’re free to create and savour the life they want. It’s an honour and a privilege every day to witness what people can achieve.”
Gwendolyn Preston
Educational Workshop Facilitator | RP (Qualifying)
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” – Carl Rogers
Sarah Eastman
Educational Workshop Facilitator
Nothing ever really goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. — Pema Chodron
Child and Family Program Coordinator
Crystal Lord
Child and Family Program Coordinator
“To work with children is to believe in the future, to believe in hope and possibility.” — Unknown
Staff
Michelle Tasker
Manager of Client Services
“I commit to listening with a compassionate, nonjudgmental heart when you reach out for help.”
Jill Egan
Director of Donor Relations and Counsellor Liaison
“It is my privilege to connect with our incredible donors as they play a vital role in our ability to help those in need of our services.”
Hussein El Hajj Hassan
Communication, Data, Volunteer Coordinator
“I believe in the power of words to inspire change and the art of communication to build bridges that foster understanding and growth.”