Council Members
Séanin Steele is the Digital Services Librarian for Elgin County Library. She coordinates the eResources for the library as well as connecting all 10 library branches with the wider community. She represents ECL on a number of community groups and is always looking for ways to help community members connect with the services they need. She is passionate about making sure everyone knows all of the great free things the library has to offer. She is committed to helping newcomers make connections within the community whether through STELIP, the library or other community-led organizations.
Dakota Smith
St. Thomas Public Library
Petrusia Hontar
Elgin Oxford Middlesex Workforce Planning and Development Board
Petrusia Hontar is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board one of 26 organizations covering the province of Ontario that form Workforce Planning Ontario. Her organization currently leads local research for the EmployerOne Survey, emerging green sectors, and apprenticeship and is responsible for the coordination of the annual Oxford Invitational Youth Robotics Challenge.
Petrusia is currently a Board Member for the Central Community Health Centre, has served on the executive for the Elgin Business Women’s Network, served as a board member for the St. Thomas Environmental Stewardship Committee, the Horton Market Board and established the St. Thomas community garden.
She holds a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering from Western University, and an M.Sc. in Economic History: Demography, and an M.Sc. Society, Science, and Technology from Lund University in Sweden.
Petrusia strives to maintain strong ties to her Ukrainian culture, and is an active member of the Ukrainian Youth Association Mississauga Branch as well as restarting the London Branch.
Anna Bergen
Mennonite Community Services
Anna Bergen is the Executive Director of Mennonite Community Services in Aylmer. She loves serving her community, especially newcomers. Having been a newcomer herself, she empathizes with newcomers who seek out the services of MCS and the positive impact this has on families. Her first language was Low German, followed by High German during her elementary years along with an introduction to Spanish, and finally learning English in high school. These experiences have helped shape her views and passion for helping other Low German speaking Mennonites who continue to arrive in Elgin County looking for new opportunities just like her family did.
In her spare time Anna loves to slow down and listen to her soul by taking long walks or hikes. Her longest walk was 50 km in a weekend.
Élisabeth Brito
Service Canada
Jodi Annett-Kish
Employment Service Elgin
Jodi is the Executive Director of the Elgin St Thomas Youth Employment Counselling Centre. Jodi’s career has included helping all types of people find employment and training opportunities. Jodi is passionate about helping people achieve goals which includes newcomers arriving in Canada. She is a part of several forums that collaborate to build community capacity.
John Griffiths
Fanshawe College
John is the Manager of Career and Employment Services at Fanshawe College St Thomas Elgin and has been working throughout his career to assist people of all kinds (newcomer or otherwise) to prosper. He is dedicated to community building and his work includes active participation in a number of community forums.
John is committed to helping St Thomas Elgin grow as an open and welcoming community by building services that newcomers need to succeed in their new home.
Umair Ahmad
YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services
Umair is the Manager of YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services. He has an educational background in Human Resources Management and extensive experience in the settlement sector. He is passionate about supporting the growth and success of newcomers to Canada and their families.
Jennifer Grigg
Elgin Business Resource Centre
Jennifer Grigg is the Community Engagement & Business Advisor for the Elgin Business Resource Centre. EBRC helps local businesses reach their full potential, whether they are a new or existing business. EBRC offers business counselling, business planning, business loans, and networking opportunities in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Prior to Jennifer’s advisor role, she was the Digital Main Street Service Squad lead for EBRC. Jennifer has a strong background in sales and marketing and is passionate about working with businesses at EBRC, whether a concept, start-up, or existing business.
Michael Tamasi
Thames Valley District School
Michael is the System Principal with responsibilities for ESL and ELD programming with the Thames Valley District School Board. As an educational assistant, teacher, and school administrator, he has supported students at all levels of the education system.
The Thames Valley School Board is committed to ensuring equitable learning environments in all of our schools. We strive to create spaces wherein all students, staff, families and community members feel welcome and accepted. Together, our focus is on developing an inclusive system culture which is grounded in respect and reflected in our policies and codes of conduct, in addition to our curriculum.
Catalina Friesen
Central Community Health Centre
Catalina is a PSW working at the Central Community Health Centre on the East Elgin Outreach program. She mainly serves the Low German speaking Mennonites on a mobile unit she drives out to Aylmer every Thursday. There is a Nurse Practitioner that works on the mobile unit with her that rosters and extends free health care to any and all folks of the Mennonite culture. They are offered service free of charge with and without a health card. If they are requiring blood work or ultrasounds, CCHC pays for those services for them.
The Central Community Health Centre is a place for community members to access a team of healthcare professionals. The organization strives to empower clients and communities to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
Paul Jenkins
St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce
Paul Jenkins is the CEO of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce. He is the former Executive Director of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, Treasurer of the Central Community Health Centre, and active in charitable and community building causes throughout our community.
He currently hosts a show on Rogers TV that highlights small local businesses, and previously hosted “We Are St. Thomas/Elgin,” a program that celebrated new Canadians.
Paul has a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability from the University of Toronto; a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications & Public Relations from Centennial College; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Canadian Studies & American History from McGill University.
Paul lives with his wife, Sandra, and dog, Joanne, in Port Stanley.
Shelley Harris
YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin
Shelley is the Director of Education and Settlement at the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin with the responsibility of overseeing Adult Education, Settlement Services, English Language Classes, the St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership (STELIP), Skills Connect Employment Project. She was the 2013 provincial winner of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award and supports client-centred programming.
She began her career in Northern Ontario working with Aboriginal learners and has worked with individuals living in poverty, women’s groups, newcomers, and multiple barriered learners.
The YWCA has a long and solid history of leadership in community building and Shelley embeds this spirit throughout her programming.
Shelley is the mother of three beautiful daughters and a grandmother. She enjoys watching them discover their gifts, talents, and individual paths.
Samantha Wakefield
St. Thomas Police Service
Samantha is the Corporate Communications Coordinator for the St. Thomas Police Service representing the verbal, visual and digital voice of the Executive Office. Samantha issues thousands of messages every year in print, on social media, TV and radio. Daily communications consist of media releases and social engagement however, it’s not unusual to see Samantha maintaining close ties to the Community Engagement Unit attending events in the city or at the scene of a major incident to liaise with the media and ensure citizens receive accurate information in a timely manner. In addition to her job, Samantha sits on the Chief of Police – Community Inclusion Council, is the Crime Stoppers Coordinator for Elgin St. Thomas and is in the 1st year of her 2nd term as a Director of the Board for the Elgin Business Resource Centre.
Teresa Sulowski
St. Thomas Social Services – Children’s Services
Teresa Sulowski is the Supervisor of Children’s Services for the City of St. Thomas-Elgin with the responsibility of planning and managing licensed child care services and early years programming. She represents St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services on the STELIP Council. Teresa has worked in various areas of Early Learning Programs including 20 years at the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, 9 years with the London District Catholic School Board, and most recently with the City of St. Thomas-Elgin. In addition to working full time, she works part-time teaching in the Early Childhood Education diploma program at Fanshawe and Conestoga Colleges. Teresa holds a B.A. in Adult Education from Brock University, and a M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Athabasca University.
Zena Chaudhry
St. Thomas Islamic Centre
Zena Chaudhry is the CEO and Founder of Sakeenah Canada and Sakeenah US. After obtaining her Master of Laws degree in International Human Rights Law, Zena delved into the social service sector to address a vast need, close to home. With a passion and commitment to addressing community needs, she has transformed Sakeenah into a beacon of hope, championing initiatives that empower individuals and foster inclusivity.
She currently sits on the Development Committee at St. Thomas Islamic Centre, which she hopes to see as a pillar in the St. Thomas community.
Carolyn Krahn
Elgin County Economic Development
Carolyn Krahn is the Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives for the County of Elgin. She leads a team focused on supporting local entrepreneurs and promoting community growth. Carolyn, a lifelong resident of Elgin County, strongly believes in taking a comprehensive approach to economic development and building sustainable communities. Outside of work, she enjoys sewing and designing clothing, constantly learning and creating with her hands.
Devin Munro
Will Immploy (Will Employment Solutions)
Devin is the Senior Manager of Employer Services and Strategic Partnerships at WILL Employment Solutions – a nonprofit, charitable organization that supports newcomers seeking employment in Ontario; and helps employers source the skilled workers they need.
Devin oversees the activities of WILL Immploy, an employer-focused project of WILL Employment Solutions that provides recruitment services, mentorship programming and employer education/training services to successfully hire, onboard and retain immigrant talent. WILL Immploy is also an Immigrant Employment Council (IEC), serving all of Southwestern Ontario, that is part of a National Network of Immigrant Employment Councils (IECC) that assist employers in effectively integrating immigrant talent into the Canadian labour market. Devin also guides the activities of WILL Access – a project that helps immigrant job seekers continue their career in Canada in regulated professions.
Devin has an extensive background in government relations, corporate communications, stakeholder relations and issues management. He has worked for several elected representatives at both the federal and provincial levels of government, served as a Senior Advisor to the Ontario Minister of Labour, and has worked on many projects, programs and services aimed at addressing challenges and inequities in employment, immigration, labour laws and workplace safety.
Joel Van Bynen
Fanshawe College, St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus
Mike Kerkvliet
St. Thomas Economic Development
Mike is the Manager of Business Development & Entrepreneurship for St. Thomas Economic Development. Through this role he oversees the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre, and the Horton Farmers Market. In addition to his work as an economic developer, Mike has experience in the software, agriculture, and media production industries.
It is St. Thomas EDC’s mission “To enhance the quality of life for all citizens of St. Thomas by attracting, retaining and growing our industrial business and tourism sectors while fostering entrepreneurship in our community.” This mission absolutely includes newcomers to St. Thomas, and as our business community becomes increasingly reliant on newcomers to meet local workforce needs it is more important now than ever for our community to be a welcoming place for newcomers to settle.
Emily Mason is the Business Advisor for the St Thomas and Elgin Small Business & Enterprise Centre.
Emily has been visiting St. Thomas since 2008, and she finally made the move from the United Kingdom to join her charming husband in March 2023, and they moved to St. Thomas in November 2023. Since arriving in Canada, Emily has established her career in the business & entrepreneurial community, working as a Business Consultant & Coach in London, Ontario initially before moving into her current role.
Through Emily’s role as Business Advisor, she oversees 400+ small business enquiries covering St. Thomas and Elgin per year. Additionally, the centre operates grant programs annually for young entrepreneurs and those who are starting or have started a small business in the local region. There is a portion of her role that encompasses support and engagement in the local community, whether that is being part of initiatives such as STELIP, attending local business events, or pitching in to help with events such as Oktoberfest and Light Up Talbot.
With an uptick in local immigration numbers, Emily has seen an increasing number of newcomers starting businesses. It is her hope that the centre can continue to evolve to provide enterprise services that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
Chiyemenma (Chichi) Kejeh
Newcomer Representative
Chiyemenma Kejeh (Chichi) is an enthusiastic communications professional. A serial entrepreneur with expertise spanning over a decade and a strong background in business development, engineering, management consulting, and public speaking.
New to Canada as of September 2022, Chichi joined his lovely wife Amarachi and they have chosen St. Thomas as home. He is passionate about community building and loves to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. Chichi is one of the co-initiators of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Initiative in our community.
As the Senior Business Development Consultant at Fanshawe’s Strategic Initiatives and Business Development Department, Chichi works with industry partners in the community to develop and optimize products and processes leveraging a collaborative partnership with the College.
Lakhwinder Kathuria
Indo-Can Punjabi
Cultural Association – St. Thomas
Lakhwinder Kathuria relocated to St. Thomas in 2008 from London, Ontario, as a businessman and owner of New Elgin Motel. Since then, he has been actively involved in the community, assisting newcomers to the country. In 2014, he founded the Indo Can Punjabi Cultural Association of St. Thomas, a not for profit organization, and has served as its President. He has been organizing and participating in Annual Community Events ever since. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Hindu Spiritual Centre of St. Thomas, located at 100 Redan St. , St. Thomas since 2018.
Carrie Escaf
St. Thomas Social Services – Ontario Works
Carrie has been a Caseworker with St. Thomas Elgin Social Services (Ontario Works) since 2002. Her caseload is primarily comprised of newcomers to Canada. She enjoys meeting people from all corners of the world and hearing their stories. She strives to be a welcoming face for people facing tough economic situations. Her husband was a refugee from Colombia in 2000, so she understands all the ‘unknowns’ that refugees are facing. Her education includes a diploma in Early Childhood Education and a degree in Human Ecology – Family Studies.
Michelle Carmona
Latinos in St. Thomas
Michelle is the founder of the Latinos in St. Thomas community group. She works as a Real Estate Agent and plays a key role in fostering connections and providing resources to community members. In addition to her work in Real Estate, she is a member of the Chief of Police – Community Inclusion Council. Michelle also manages online community groups, always striving to connect individuals with essential services and creating meaningful relationships. Michelle thrives on building strong, inclusive communities and enjoys connecting with people from all backgrounds and cultures. Michelle worked as a Paralegal prior to Real Estate, bringing valuable experience in advocacy and support. Whether welcoming newcomers, attending local business events, or organizing community initiatives, Michelle is dedicated to making a difference. Her commitment to empowering the Latin American community in St. Thomas drives her to support its growth and success at every opportunity.
Download the Terms of Reference for the St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership Council
