BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LISETTE GAGNÉ

Graduate with Honours from Laurentian University (BSW-French program), Lisette’s career focused on 28 years in child protection field. During this time, Lisette became an advocate and an ally to children and families. Her passion for cultural equity continued as co-lead in implementing the standards and practices, defined in the French Language Services Act.

Lisette continues her support for FLS as a private consultant, serving child protection and private organizations.

JESSE MELBYE

After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Toronto, Jesse focused on the field of restaurant business as a general manager. Jesse has dedicated 25+ yrs to restaurant management and gained not only people skills but business savvy as well. Jesse focuses on quality improvement, training/coaching staff and ensuring efficient business practices. Jesse’s success is due to the attention to relationship building, communication and customer service. Jesse excels in the people-business and continues to aim for higher goals.

DONNA SMART

Donna Smart has committed 35 years of her career to serving children, youth and families intersecting with the child welfare system. The early part of her career involved being part of an original team working with police juvenile task force and CAS with a focus to eliminate sex trafficking for under aged youth.
Donna has supported children living within a kinship arrangement or foster and group care. Currently, she is a Manger at Peel Children’s Aid Society supervising a team that oversees and supports placement of children.
Donna’s most proud accomplishment is being a mother to 3 successful children; grandmother of 8 of which 7 are boys.
She is a God-fearing woman and a strong advocate for equality and justice.
In her spare time Donna enjoys travelling to learn more about the world she lives in. She often travels back to England where she was born; to visit family.

XUAN NGUYEN VI

Volunteering has been a part of Xuan’s family and upbringing. Her grandparents were Elders in the community and they felt they had a responsibility to support and give back to those around them even in the smallest act of watching their neighbour’s little girl for two hours after school so that her mom could keep a full-time job.
Xuan grew up doing much of the same.
She sees the power in the collective and how it does take a village to raise all children so they can grow and realize their dreams.
Xuan is a Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector but her passion is working to build a community that cares about everyone who lives in it.

TRACEY SCOTT

Tracey Scott is certified with the Ontario College of Nurses as a Registered Practical Nurse. Her journey in healthcare began after spending over a decade in the exciting world of corporate travel.

She finally decided to pursue her true passion of caring for others, first as a Physical and Occupational therapist assistant and then; furthering her education in healthcare to become a Nurse.

The Healthcare field has allowed Tracey to work in multiple areas such as hospitals, long term care homes, schools and within the community.

Working with such a diverse patient population has allowed her to recognize cultural differences and build her own self-awareness.

Tracey currently works with the pediatric and youth population as a school nurse. Tracey is hoping to continue her role as a healthcare provider focusing on promoting health education to the marginalized and underserved populations.