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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Carion Fenn Foundation Board of Directors meet regularly to oversee the policies and practices to promote integrity, transparency, accountability and is responsible for the Governance of our Registered Charity. Our Executive Team is responsible for the Day-to-Day operations of our organization with the leadership of the President & CEO. Our Board Committee Durham Black Network advocate for Equity and Equality through increased awareness and implementing programs addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism.
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER®
Carion Fenn
Founder & Executive Director
AJAX, ON CANADA
Carion Fenn is a TV show host at Rogers TV Durham hosting Health 180 with Carion Fenn. She is the Founder & Executive Director of the Carion Fenn Foundation and an award-winning healthcare advocate. Carion is a Board of Trustee, Current Chair & Past-Vice Chair of the Board Quality Committee and Committee Board Chair of The Ajax Pickering Hospital Community Panel for Lakeridge Health, governing the 5 hospitals, Pinewood Centre for addictions, Long Term-Care and Durham Mental Health Services in Durham Region.
Carion is the recipient of the Rogers TV Resiliency Award 2021 for her resiliency, dedication, and hard work displayed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Carion is the first black woman to run for Mayor of the Town of Ajax and a past Vice Chair and Accessibility Advisor to Council on the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Town of Ajax. She is a member of the Ajax Legion and has earned several recognitions for her community service including being a former volunteer for Big Brother Big Sisters of Canada.
She is a winner for CIBWE’s Canada 100 Black Women to Watch 2020 and has been selected for the following: Women of Influence, “Meet A Role Model” 2020; 2020 Black History Month Panel speaker identified as someone who personifying black excellence; the Denise House 35 Courageous Woman Award; one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women by the honourable Jean Augustine & her Co-authors; the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (10 YRS) from the Ontario Provincial Government; Adult Ajax Civic Award (the Town’s Highest Honour); Education and Accessibility Community Award from the Town of Ajax; Spinal Cord Injury Ontario and University Health Network Patti Dawson Award and Advocacy Award from Abilities Awards.
Tanis Henry, MN, RN
HEALTH DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER
DURHAM BLACK NETWORK, CHAIR
REGISTERED NURSE
BOWMANVILLE, ON CANADA
Tanis Henry is a Clinical Practice Leader, and a experienced Registered Nurse, skilled in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine. Tanis is passionate about the development of health policy initiatives , and facilitating nursing education for nurses at every stage of their career. Tanis values education and appreciates its impact on nursing practice, and its influence on patient care outcomes. Tanis is experienced in identifying, planning, implementing and evaluating educational strategies that influence nursing practice and facilitate the change required to meet the patient healthcare needs. Tanis has received a Master's degree in Nursing with a focus on Health Policy & Leadership in Education through Ryerson University, and is a proud inductee of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Tanis moved to Durham Region 11 years ago, and is passionate in serving the community.
Angini Mohammed, MSW, RSW
Mental Health Director, BOARD MEMBER
Psychotherapist & Social Worker
Pickering, ON CANADA
Angini Mohammed MSW RSW, is a Psychotherapist & Social Worker. She is the founder & owner of Safe Harbor Support, a private psychotherapy practice. Angini is a highly skilled and experienced therapist, she specializes in working with anxiety, stress management & trauma in her private practice. In addition, Angini works with Probation & Parole, counselling individuals who are in the criminal justice system and helping them to navigate their way through difficult circumstances. Her empathetic & non-judgmental approach creates a safe space for her clients to heal & move forward with their lives. When she’s not working, Angini loves to spend her time sailing. She finds sailing to be a calming & therapeutic way to unwind and recharge her batteries. She often draws on the lessons learned from sailing, such as the importance of staying in the moment and adapting to changing circumstances, to inform her work as a therapist. It is her dream to create a therapeutic sailing community program. Angini’s dedication to helping others, combined with her expertise and love of sailing make her a unique and inspiring individual. Her clients are fortunate to have her as their therapist and her contributions to mental health are greatly appreciated.
Garry Cuthbert
HOMELESSNESS DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER
Oshawa, ON CANADA
Garry Cuthbert has an education in clerical work at Durham College, he later went to Albuquerque where he took a computer graphics program. Upon returning from Albuquerque in 2004, Garry experienced homelessness, spending 12 nights in Memorial Park in Oshawa.
Garry is a Pastor at the Amplify Life Church in Whitby. Paster Garry is a street, Evangelist. Through his passion and dedication to the homeless community in 2008, where he has taken non-perishable food items and refurbished good clean clothing to individuals who are homeless. Pastor Garry has teamed up with other stakeholders in the community to give back to the homeless in our communities Including working with Circle of Love Ministry. Garry has a long history of helping the homeless community in the Town of Ajax and has been connected in Oshawa for several years with an organization known as the Backdoor Mission. The Backdoor Mission is through the United Church of Canada, and they provide brunch, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas dinners for the homeless. Garry is a person with a disability who brings a fresh eye, new ideas, a passion for helping others, dedication, and hard work to the Carion Fenn Foundation board of directors.
Nicole N. Hanson, MES (Pl.)
DIRECTOR AT LARGE, BOARD MEMBER
URBAN PLANNER
MISSISSAUGA, ON CANADA
Nicole specializes in land use planning and environmental regulatory compliance for long-range planning process. Nicole holds a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and is well versed in meeting provincial and municipal regulations of environmental compliance. Nicole specializes in land use planning and environmental regulatory compliance for long-range planning process. Nicole holds a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and is well versed in meeting provincial and municipal regulations of environmental compliance. Nicole retains extensive knowledge of provincial legislation for planning and development systems and processes; Provincial Policy Statement, Ontario Planning Act, Ontario Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, The Big Move (Metrolinx), Metrolinx Five Year Strategy 2015-2020, Indian Lands Act, Ontario Heritage Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act and the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Nicole N. Hanson has been a long-standing advocate of building healthy communities as an urban planner and visionary. As a recent cancer survivor who was misdiagnosed for a number of years, Nicole understands the importance of building capacity and awareness on issues of chronic illnesses in the public interest.
Ken Anderson
SUPPORT DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC CANADA
Ken Anderson was born, raised and lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and much of that time has been spent living with disability. Ken survived a spinal cord injury occurring as a result of a motor vehicle accident when he was just a teenager. Ken having suffered a devastating life setback chose to value the gift of life and drive forward productively and energetically. Ken participated in rehabilitation at the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. Ken has also continued to pursue athletics, participating in an array of wheelchair athletic venues. Most notably Ken was part of the Sports Hall of Fame inducted Vancouver Cable Cars Wheelchair basketball team. Ken has also worked for the British Columbia Paraplegic Association. After High School Ken attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology BCIT as well as Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Having been a person living with disability since his teenage years, Ken has seen the need for advocacy in support of the rights and freedoms of the disabled, and has for much of his life, both worked and volunteered in support of his peers.
Alex Blair
SENIORS DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER
RETIRED SOCIAL WORKER
AJAX, ON CANADA
Alex Blair is a retired crisis counselor for the City of Toronto who also worked in Durham Region with organizations such as Durham Mental Health Services. A resident of Town of Ajax with over 40 years of experience working as a social worker. He has a bachelors degree in social work and takes great pride in being able to make a difference in the lives of others. A husband, father and grandfather. Alex is enjoying retirement years as a senior.
Sparky T. Johnson
Honourary Board Member (Non-Voting)
RETIRED COUNSELLOR
CLARINGTON, ON CANADA
Sparky was a 1st Nations Ojibway “PEACEFUL” Warrior Woman (Kwe) who was out going, loving, caring, compassionate, empathetic, open minded and giving. Whose journey & walk of life even since having had Stroke in 2012 total left side paralysis. A calling, mission and life to serve assist protect guide & support “AWOL” All walks of life without prejudice. Also, a college graduate as a Counsellor/Therapist/Life, Skills Facilitator/CPI/Other with the objective goal: Also, volunteered with CCAC/other, pastoral care & spiritual (non- denominational) & sat on various community BOD’s. In 2022, Sparky was murdered. Our board of directors voted to keep her spirit with us by adding her name to our senior's program and making her a non-voting honourary Member. Sparky is ddep missed. RIP Sparks.
Tejus Tuppal
BOARD SECRETARY, BOARD MEMBER
UNIVERSITY STUDENT
WHITBY, ON CANADA
Sai Tuppal is a manager in the healthcare industry. He has worked in that position for the last few years, growing a passion for healthcare and advocacy. After joining the foundation’s team, he has learned a great deal about rare diseases and mental health as it pertains to the community. He hopes to continue having an impact in the community.
MICHAEL OPOKU
Youth Director, BOARD MEMBER
Community Leader & Businessman
Oshawa, ON Canada
Michael Opoku is a community leader, mentor and activist with over 20 years of experience in the community. He is passionate about motivating, inspiring and encouraging people to stay on track and follow their dreams. Michael is a business owner and is very versatile in dealing with the public, parents, children, youth and families. Michael also has a legal background and has been able to support community members. Through his programs and services, Michael equips individuals with tools that can help their community move from the pain of the past towards a resilient future.
BILLIE-JANE BOLTON-ROJO
Co-founder & Member, Durham Black Network
Founder, PCAL Financial
Ajax, ON Canada
When most people consider legacy, they envision money or property left to someone. But at PCAL Financial Group, we believe legacy transcends this simple definition. Legacy is the footprint you leave that enables those following you trod an even more impactful path. Our vision at PCAL Financial Group is to partner with families and organizations in creating a footprint so expansive that generations after the next can experience life beyond our expectations. It may be in equipping our children to pursue any academic pursuit, gifting or dream, without concern of financial obstacle; or changing the world with our business idea or community service, all while amassing and preserving wealth to transfer to our loved ones.
EMMA BOWER
Member, Durham Black Network
University Student & Advocate
Ajax, ON Canada
Emma is a university student taking History and French. As well as an advocate. She organized the march in support of Black Lives Matter in June 2020. Bringing the diverse community of Ajax and Durham Region together to show support for George Floyd, Brianna Traylor and others who were impacted by Anti-Black Racism. Her community involvement also include organizing a Christmas fundraiser in 2017 to give gifts to the Refuge, the local homeless youth shelter in Oshawa. The entire student body of Denis O'Connor Catholic high school brought in hygiene products, gift cards, winter gear, and school supplies for our fellow youth who were struggling and vulnerable. Emma organized a fundraiser for the Indigenous reserve in Attawapiskat Ontario, including money for school supplies as well as other necessary things ie: hygiene and other things teens would want. She also organized mental health workshops and assemblies all throughout high school. She led a program that introduced socially anxious grade 8's into high school early to help them acclimate by pairing them with outgoing seniors. A board member of anti-bullying committee that organized events to bring students from all schools together. Student ambassador that represented the students of Dennis O'Connor at the Durham Catholic District School Board.
Genelle Pollydore
Member, Durham Black Network
Community Leader
Durham, ON Canada
Genelle Pollydore is a passionate and ambitious Health Equity Specialist and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant. She has the pleasure of living and serving in Durham Region. Genelle supports the facilitation of culturally relevant programs that enhance health in the community. Contributing to programs that strengthen and empower communities is where her passion lies. She has a comprehensive understanding of how systems of oppression are perpetuated throughout the health and social service system. Genelle is devoted to advancing inclusive care and promoting health equity. Genelle is the Founder of Swen Equity, a social enterprise, with a mission to improve health outcomes and rectify health disparities in marginalized communities through innovative strategies that enhance inclusion in health organizations.
NICOLE PERRYMAN
Member, Durham Black Network
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Durham, Canada
Nicole Perryman, is a Registered Social Worker, Play Therapist and Psychotherapist practicing in Durham Region. Nicole started her career supporting children, youth, and families in child welfare, social services and has worked within children's mental health, parental contact and parenting time assessments, youth involved in the criminal justice system, trauma centers, and education. Nicole is the CEO and co-founder of "Ifarada [eye -fa-ra-da] Centre for Excellence and Kujenga [cue-jenga]" Family Wellness organizations that provide culturally-informed and trauma-focused approaches for children, youth, adults, and families. She is an occasional professor, and field supervisor for students in social work, child and youth, and counseling psychology. She is also a principal equity consultant supporting organizations across Canada and Internationally on their equity journeys.
Erica Mittag
Member, Durham Black Network
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Officer
Municipality of Clarington
Clarington, ON Canada
Erica Mittag is the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Officer with the Municipality of Clarington. She values listening and learning and is skilled in developing partnerships, special event management, staff training and policy / program development. Erica is a strong community collaborator who builds meaningful relationships and promotes belonging and inclusion in the workplace and community. Erica moved to the Durham Region from Ottawa in 2001 and is now settled here with her husband, their three children, and their dog Nina.nally on their equity journeys.
Circle of Love Ministry
Corporate Member, Durham Black Network
Whitby, ON Canada
Circle of Love is a registered charitable organization since 2012 that exists to benefit the community by providing life management counseling, food, and basic supplies to people of low income, referrals, and other support services to youth single mothers and persons in need. For over 15 years, Circle of Love has provided support for immigrants and citizens from diverse backgrounds ethnicity, cultures, and circumstances. The outreach focuses on individuals in the Durham Region (Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, and Oshawa) as well as indigent persons in downtown Toronto.
PINDAB LTD
Corporate Member, Durham Black Network
Toronto, ON Canada
PINDAB was created to encourage people to save every penny to make a dollar. PINDAB is a community company that provides events and programs to the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Our objective is to motivate, inspire, and encourage people to save their money and follow their dreams.
Tessa Sebro
Member, Durham Black Network
Tessa Sebro, Yoga & Pilates Specialist
Tessa Sebro is a certified Yoga and Pilates Specialist and a designated Human Resources Professional, who has used mind-body exercise to overcome serious back injuries after a major car accident, to shorten her recovery time following abdominal surgeries, including the c-section birth of her daughter, and to maintain her overall physical, mental, and spiritual health. As a busy mother and wellness enthusiast, Tessa uses her personal experiences to relate to her students and provides a variety of modifications during classes to ensure a safe and welcoming practice for all levels of ability. Serenity Seven Yoga and Pilates was developed out of her passion for helping others to achieve their wellness goals. Group classes, individual sessions and wellness education are available within Durham Region and East Toronto. For more information, consult the website: serenityseven.com.
Durham black network Merchandise
Check our store for Durham Black Network Merchandises to help support our programs for the Black Community.