Board of Directors

The board of directors is the legal authority for Birchway Niagara.

By providing effective governance and strategic leadership, and by acting as ambassadors for and advocates of Birchway Niagara, board members ensure that our agency continues to provide safety and support to women and children fleeing abuse in our community, while also helping to light the way to a safer community for everyone.

Birchway Niagara is actively seeking to fill three board positions. Please submit your application before March 22, 2024 to be considered for one of these vacancies. Please visit our Join our Board of Directors page for further information and to apply.

Anthony Reitboeck

President

Anthony Reitboeck obtained an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Ottawa and a degree in law from the University of Calgary. He then articled and practiced at a small firm in Eastern Ontario before moving to Jones, Jamieson & Redekop in Ridgeway. He has a general practice, with a primary focus in the areas of matrimonial and child protection law.

He has served on the boards of directors of Community Living Fort Erie and of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital as well as volunteering in numerous positions in his local church. He is currently the president of the Fort Erie Bar Association and serves on the executive committee of the Welland County Law Association.

He lives with his wife and three children. His hobbies include martial arts and piano.

Jennifer Kodis

Vice-president

Jennifer Kodis is a retired healthcare leader from Hamilton Health Sciences.  From 2009 until 2021, Jennifer held Director roles that spanned the healthcare continuum, including Emergency Care, Medicine, Specialized Geriatric Services and Rehabilitation.  She has led a number of program development and quality improvement initiatives in these areas.  She values, and believes in capitalizing on, the uniqueness everyone brings to the table during such endeavours.

Jennifer has her Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University Guelph, and her Masters of Health Science in Health Administration from the University of Toronto.

Jennifer is a Certified Health Executive, and has been a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders since 2008.

Jennifer lives in Grimsby, and enjoys a family cottage near Port Colborne.  She volunteers in her local community, she likes reading, theatre and spending time with her large family.

Edwin Leung

Treasurer

Edwin Leung graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2005 and obtained his CPA, CA designation 2008. He is currently working in a local accounting firm as the senior audit manager. He has over 15 years of professional accounting experience.

He has also been a Director on two Boards of other local organizations where he held various roles as Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. He also sat on various committees, such as the executive committee and audit committee.

Edwin resides in St. Catharines and on his day off, you will find him on a golf course. He is also a big fan of Blue Jays and was able to witness a no-hitter and a one-hitter in a MLB game.

Fiona Peacefull

Secretary

An authentic and seasoned human resources leader, Fiona brings over 25 years of experience across impactful and strategic leadership roles, primarily in the areas of human resources, public health, and organizational performance. Her experience has built competencies across all areas of human resources, and influenced organizational strategy to value the employee and customer experience.

A strategic and results-oriented team player, Fiona thrives in an innovative, people-oriented environment where she can apply her strong leadership, human resources, strategic planning, and relationship building skills. Her graduate studies in organizational leadership and Certified Human Resources Leader designation, combined with her commitment to inclusion, innovation, and results, aligns with organizations that value people, collaboration, competence, and character.

Fiona has led and delivered on a multitude of complex human resources and enterprise wide projects and is proud to inspire teams to deliver innovative, measurable results across people-centred, community-minded organizations. Currently, she is proud to function as the Director, People Services for the Niagara Health System.

Chelsey Lapointe

Director

Chelsey Lapointe obtained an undergraduate degree with a major in Criminology and a minor in Psychology from St. Thomas University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa.  She then commenced her articles with a defence lawyer in Ottawa and concluded her articles with the Niagara Crown Attorney’s Office. Having relocated to the Niagara Region to article she has since made it her home.  Following her articles she has continued her career with the Crown Attorney’s Office and is now working in Haldimand County.  Her legal career has focused on criminal law wherein she has worked on various prosecutions involving domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, impaired driving and more.

She spends her spare time with her husband, kids and dog.  Her children are engaged in various activities with which she attends and assists.

Marc MacDonald

Director

Marc MacDonald is an award-winning communications professional, focusing on bringing ideas and people together to create connected communities. A graduate of Brock University’s Communications, Popular Culture, and Film program, including a minor in Professional Writing, Marc has spent the last decade working in education and municipal government and is currently the corporate communications manager at the City of Welland.

As a community builder, Marc is skilled at tailoring messages and delivering results on projects affecting a broad range of demographics and interests. As a writer, Marc’s background began in journalism and continues in his current communications role as a speechwriter, copywriter, and editor for all City of Welland communications.

Nancy Raimondo

Director

Narissa Sawh

Director

Narissa is a seasoned technology and transformation leader that is passionate about driving change, results and building successful teams. Narissa brings over two decades of technology experience from both public and private sectors.

Narissa holds several professional certifications and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Business Administration with York University in the UK. Narissa is also a published author of a children’s book “A Cup Full of Wishes” that is a winner of the Canadian Book Award. She is proud to donate all sales to international women and children’s charities that are near and dear to her heart.

Narissa resides in Niagara with her dog (Lulu). When she is not working Narissa enjoys spending time with her family, friends and travelling. She also has a great passion for wine and holds several certifications as well. Narissa describes her passion for wine as tasting a moment from the past and discovering the world one beautiful glass at a time.

Chamanjit Sidhu

Director

Seema Sidhu is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). Seema graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Social Work from York University and a Master of Social work from the University of Windsor for working professionals program.

With more than 20 years of experience working with individuals, families, children, and adolescents, in a not-for-profit environment, Seema has been able to address a multitude of issues from settlement, domestic violence, trauma and addictions to anxiety, depression, behavioural and emotional dysregulation.  Apart for being soft spoken, Seema is a strong advocator for the individuals she works with.

Seema is currently working with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Niagara, as well as operating her private practice in Niagara Falls. She is quite passionate in her line of work and practices her daily life mantras of listening with empathy, understanding and compassion and enriching, empowering those she is in contact with so that they can reach their optimal goals.

Seema lives in NOTL with her husband and three wonderful children. In her spare time, she loves to cook various cultural foods, clean and organize things, listen to music, and go for long walks.

Marlena Stadnik-Misener

Director

Marlena Stadnik-Misener obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History from Brock University. Marlena has spent the last 17 years in the Financial Services industry where she currently holds a Branch Manager position with FirstOntario Credit Union.  She is passionate about empowering individuals and making a difference in the lives and futures of those in her community. She brings with her specialized knowledge in finance, leadership and interest in change management. She also sits on the board of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Niagara.

Saroj Vasant

Director

Saroj is a UK educated Compliance Specialist in the Financial Services industry with over 2 decades of proven leadership in the development and delivery of proactive strategies to manage regulatory risk at major Canadian banks and multinational corporations.

Saroj currently works part time for Coast Capital credit union as the Ombudsperson responsible for ensuring all complaints are investigated in a fair and impartial manner. Prior to this role, she led an enterprise wide project to successfully achieve Federal credit union status for the BC based credit union making it only the second credit union in Canada to achieve this accreditation.

Saroj resides in Niagara on the Lake with her husband and dog (Daisy). In her spare time, she is actively involved as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a local animal rescue charity. Her other interests include reading and traveling and she managed to visit 50 countries before she turned 50!

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