Executive Director

Neil M. Leslie

Neil M. Leslie
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

Dr. Martin Rovers

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.”

Melinda

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

Martin Pleau

Martin Pleau | MSW, RSW 

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”. –1 Corinthians 13

Headshot Wally

Heather Tarnai-Feeley | MSW, RSW

“I hope to show you how to bring lasting balance into your life.”

David Oluwajuyigbe

David Oluwajuyigbe | RP

My primary dedication lies in helping individuals pinpoint solutions to life’s challenges.

David Oluwajuyigbe

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

Educational Workshop Facilitators

Headshot Wally

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.

Gerard Vardy

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.

Gerard Vardy

Jeff Latimer, Educational Workshop Facilitator | RSW, MSW, PhD

“I am humbled to be able share my knowledge and experience with the courageous individuals and families seeking to heal and recover from the consequences of addiction.”

Gerard Vardy

Liz Vandenbygaart, Educational Workshop Facilitator |

“When you know more, you grow more. I am honoured to bear witness to the growth of others”

Gerard Vardy

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.

Child and Family Program Coordinator

Headshot Wally

Crystal Lord

To work with children is to believe in the future, to believe in hope and possibility.” — Unknown

Staff

Headshot Wally

Michelle Tasker, Manager of Client Services 

“I commit to listening with a compassionate, nonjudgmental heart when you reach out for help.”

Headshot of Jill

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.”
Headshot Wally

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.”