Meet our CEO: Dr. Claudine Cousins
A scholar, practitioner and community changemaker, Dr. Claudine Cousins is the Chief Executive Officer of Empower Simcoe with over twenty-five years of leadership experience with various Ministries within the Ontario Public Service and the not-for-profit and profit sectors, including banking and financial services. As a sessional instructor at Georgian College since 2012, Dr. Cousins considers learning and development to be critical to organizational success. She has held leadership roles at Christian Horizons, including Executive Director Central District and Director, Ontario Operations where she left a legacy of valuing and engaging employees. Dr. Cousins brings outstanding knowledge and expertise from an operations and human resources leadership lens within unionized and non-unionized organizations with a drive and passion for the achievement of business outcomes.
As a strategic and big-picture thinker, Dr. Cousins’ extensive academic training, acquired through a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management – Human Resources from Ryerson University, a Masters of Arts Degree in Leadership from Central Michigan University, Post Graduate Certificate in Public Relations, a PhD. in Health Care Administration and a broad array of executive leadership certifications, has propelled her to continue to advocate for those who are marginalized and struggle to be included.
Claudine is also a member of Lakehead University’s Board of Governors, a Rotarian, champion for the Sandbox’s HR CNNX Peer Group, and volunteers on the Human Resource Professionals Association’s Regulatory Committee. In her role of advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, Claudine participates on a number of committees, councils and task groups, and is a very sought after speaker and panelist. Dr. Cousins was the recipient of the 2020 Woman of the Year Visionary Award at the Barrie Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards. In 2022, she was the recipient of the RBC Women of Influence Social Change Award: Regional Impact. In 2023, Dr. Cousins was also honoured to be named the recipient of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce Leadership in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.
Gerald Nganjue
Director of Clinical and Strategic Initiatives
Gerald Nganjue is a transformational leader with 22 years of experience in developmental services. Gerald Joined Empower Simcoe in 2022 as the Director of Clinical and Strategic Initiatives, overseeing the specialized accommodation programs and quality and innovations department. Gerald’s passion and dedication to transforming services have led to designing and implementing innovative treatment housing programs to support complex individuals with dual diagnoses transitioning from the hospital and the correctional facilities to the community.
Gerald has combined his education and passion for leveraging technology and data-driven solutions to bring a strategic approach to streamline internal systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency across the organization.
John Jiang
Finance and Operations Director
John has been with Empower Simcoe since 2017, overseeing the agency’s finance, information technology, property, and procurement departments. His role involves thorough analysis of financial data and effective communication of these analyses to stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making. He is committed to providing meaningful context and detailed insights to end users of this data, aiming to enhance the overall value delivered to both the agency and the broader community. In his leadership capacity, John fosters a culture of creativity and accountability within his team, emphasizing open dialogue and collective goal-setting. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto, followed by an articling period with PricewaterhouseCoopers, leading to his attainment of a Chartered Accountant designation.
Kim Stephens
People and Culture Director
Kim brings over 22 years of experience to the developmental services sector and 9 years leading People and Culture at Empower Simcoe. Kim is a results-oriented leader who leads with curiosity, developing strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. With a passion for relationships and people, Kim believes in fostering positive workplace culture where employees can thrive, engage with their work and feel supported.
Kim has earned a Developmental Services Worker Diploma from Georgian College, and her management career also includes over 16 years as a Franchisee owner/operator, leading a successful restaurant team and maintaining strong customer service relationships.
Luke Lynn
Supports and Services Director
Luke has a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a specialization in coaching. He started his career in rehabilitation of adolescents with criminal offenses and has since spent 19 years working with adults with dual diagnosis in varying capacities.
Luke is committed to fostering growth, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with diverse needs and abilities. With a collaborative approach and visionary mindset, he focuses on creating innovative programs that maximize the potential of every individual we serve. Luke brings a wealth of diverse experience that allows him to lead a team towards creating a positive impact and shaping a community where everyone can thrive.
Meet Our Board of Directors
At Empower Simcoe, our dedicated Board of Directors is the cornerstone of our mission to support and empower individuals with diverse abilities. Comprised of passionate volunteers from various backgrounds, our Board members bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and commitment to guiding our organization. Their leadership ensures that we continue to provide exceptional services and foster an inclusive community. Get to know the individuals who are driving positive change and helping us achieve our vision of a society where everyone is valued and empowered.
Valerie is a sales rep for a food company based out of Toronto. She also hosts a television cooking show in Orillia called Sunshine City Chefs. As well as being a valued volunteer with Empower Simcoe, Valerie also belongs to The Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia. Valerie is a Severn Bridge resident who enjoys cooking, cross-country skiing and traveling the world.
Roma resides in Wyevale on 47 acres and has an Independent Dental Hygiene practice in Midland. She is active at the Executive level at her Provincial Regulatory College and has traveled to the Dominican Republic and Northern Ontario on humanitarian missions. In her spare time, she performs and teaches the Argentine Tango.
Deborah Wall-Armstrong has been practicing law in the Barrie area since 1977 and is a Past President of the Barrie Real Estate Lawyers’ Association. Deborah is a former long-term care facility operator and is an Honorary member of the Ontario Long Term Association. Deborah is a mother and grandmother who enjoys playing golf and singing in her church choir.
Tim brings over 30 years of financial expertise as a CPA with an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University. Currently, he is Director of Finance and IT at Ombudsman Ontario. Tim has extensive Board experience having served as Treasurer for the United Way of Greater Simcoe County and the Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York. He is currently Treasurer of ShelterBox Canada.
Allison believes that Inclusion is Beautiful and has made her life mission to promote and advocate for inclusion, receiving numerous awards for her contributions, advocacy and leadership.
Allison is member of Empower Simcoe’s Believe in Yourself committee. She also co-teaches the Rights Training and Abuse course.
Allison attended Sault College and received a Special Diploma in the Child and Youth Worker program.
Following a thirty-year career as a senior Human Resources executive in manufacturing, Brian began working with various not for profit agencies including Independent Living Services. Brian has volunteered at OASIS (Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs) and held several executive positions on that board including a term as President. Brian is pleased to rejoin the board of Empower Simcoe.
Craig is a Certified Financial Planner located in central Simcoe County where he has practiced for over 20 years. Craig has previously served on the board of Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, on several boards and committees in the Financial Services sector and is a Fellow of the Financial Planning Standards Council.
Danisha holds an MBA in Finance and Investment and has a decade’s experience in Banking and Wealth Management Industries. She is a passionate change agent and is the current Chair of Empower Simcoe’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council. Danisha enjoys serving at her church and is kept on her toes by her husband and two adorable sons.
Jacob is a special education teacher with over nine years of experience in education. His passion first and foremost is providing every student with equal access to education in a fun, engaging and meaningful way. He enjoys spending his spare time playing hockey, baseball, volleyball, riding his motorcycle and laughing with his wife and family.
Miriam is an Assistant Crown Attorney with the Barrie Crown Attorney’s office. She received her Bachelors of Arts (Honours) from the University of Windsor where she also obtained a Juris Doctor. Miriam was called to the Ontario Bar in 2011. She is passionate about advocating for those with intellectual disabilities. She lives in Simcoe County with her husband and two daughters.
