Making opportunity since 1937.
Larry Whatmore has been Director of Finance since 1993. He also has 11 years of private sector experience in commercial banking and as a financial manager. Larry is an active community member. His volunteer activities over the past 25 years include service as a board member of several community organizations and advocacy groups, a provincial association, a community loan fund, and a service club. Larry holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University where he also serves as an adjunct faculty member teaching accounting and finance courses in the Nonprofit Management and Leadership program. Larry obtained his CMA accounting designation in 1989. [back to top]
Mehran Mehrdadi has a passion for Information Technology and its roll in enterprise. He has over 20 years of experience in the IT/IS sector including eight years as a managing director of a private company providing IT services to universities, government agencies, and large companies. His professional accomplishments include enterprise architect, MRP and ERP implementations, IT infrastructure, Portals, and VoIP. Mehran joined WoodGreen in 2001 and since has led and collaborated with stakeholders and external partners to ensure that the selection and implementation of innovative technology solutions fit WoodGreen’s strategic direction. Mehran holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool, UK and an honours BA in Computer Engineering. He is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and has multiple certifications in the areas of leadership, project management and business analysis. [back to top]
Elaine Levy became the Director of Child Care Services in August 1982 when WoodGreen operated two child care sites. Under Elaine’s leadership, the unit has expanded to eight sites in response to community need, and through successful partnerships with key stakeholders. Elaine led WoodGreen’s role in developing and operating the Bruce/WoodGreen Early Learning Centre, a Toronto First Duty site, that integrates kindergarten, child care and parenting support into one comprehensive program. The program contributed significantly to Dr. Charles Pascal’s (Special Advisor on Education) 2009 report to the Premier, by providing the model for early years learning. Elaine is an active leader in the field of child care. Some of her current and past community involvements include:
Elaine holds a M.Ed., in Early Childhood Education from McGill University and completed her B.Ed., and Early Childhood Services certification at the University of Alberta. Elaine also holds an Honours Certificate in Voluntary Sector Management from York University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Early Learning at OISE at the University of Toronto. [back to top]
Angela Cooke is a committed and passionate social housing professional with a long track record working for social housing providers in the UK. She brings extensive experience to WoodGreen including property, facilities and building management. Angela has a Bachelor of Arts in Housing Studies from Leeds Metropolitan University and Post Graduate Business Performance and Leadership Program in Social Housing from Bradford University School of Management.
Angela has also in the past worked with Bradford University as a practice educator for MA & BA social work students.
Angela has skills and expertise in housing and tenancy management, facilities management, repairs and maintenance, anti-social behaviour, resident/tenant engagement, stock transfer, choice based lettings, homelessness action planning, revitalising neighbourhoods, and customer service excellence.
Angela hopes to make a difference to homes, communities and lives of local residents. [back to top]
Seonag Macrae has over 30 years experience in the health care industry as a nurse, an educator, and a senior administrator. Most of this experience was gained working at large Academic Health Sciences Centers where she developed skills in the areas of operations management, clinical services planning, quality monitoring and improvement, and fiscal accountability. Seonag has lived and worked in Beijing where she was part of a team recruited to open a western standard hospital in China. She holds a BSN from the University of British Columbia, a MS (Nursing) from University of Portland and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, Richard Ivey School of Business.
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Aasif Khakoo is a seasoned healthcare professional with 15 years management experience in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations spanning the healthcare spectrum. He has worked in hospital, long term care and community sectors in various leadership capacities including finance and operations planning, corporate strategy, health information, policy development, advocacy and government relations. He has a proven track record for solution-oriented and integrated approach to issue resolution. In addition, he holds a resolute belief in a collaborative approach to program & service delivery and joint fiscal accountability. Aasif has also served on multiple community Boards both in leadership and membership capacity. He has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from University of Toronto and Masters in Health Administration from University of Ottawa. He is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE). [back to top]
Aviva Attas has been the Director of Human Resources since November 1998. She is also responsible for the Volunteer Services department. Aviva joined to the non-profit sector and WoodGreen after a career in human resources for 20 years in the private sector, with HR experiences in both the financial services and high technology industries. Prior to joining WoodGreen Aviva headed the human resources department at a major insurance company.
Pauline Hockenstein had a distinguished career as a college psychology professor for Vanier College and Concordia University before realizing her passion for social services. Pauline has a breadth of knowledge in delivering a variety of programs including those to help youth, individuals looking for work, new Canadians and the homeless.
sipho kwaku joined WoodGreen in 2002 as Director of Homelessness & Housing Help and Mental Health & Developmental Services. In 2004, Sipho was appointed, Director of Employment and Immigrant Services. In 2008, with the growth of the Immigrant Services unit, a separate Director of Immigrant and Settlement Services was appointed. Developed by Sipho, WoodGreen’s Rights of Passage program has gained international praise for its success in engaging disadvantaged youth as active community members. Sipho has a passion for community development and volunteers with a number of local organizations. He is also active in international development projects; key among them is his work in Ghana, West Africa through Yensomu Youth and Community Development. Sipho was born in Trinidad and educated and trained in the United States and Canada in Community Economic Development, holds a M.Sc. in Community Economic Development, and an B.Sc. in science. [back to top]
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