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| History | Board of Directors | Staff |
Wigwamen Incorporated:
General Manager: Angus D. Palmer
Financial Controller: Anita Christie
Accounting Clerk: Stacey Pazhyltseva
Office Manager/Collections Officer: Lynne
Vallis
Maintenance Manager: Ron Timoon
Maintenance Assistant: Peter Neegan
Maintenance Assistant: Shea LeBlond
Tenant Relations Officer: Jodi Hetherington
Terrace Manager: Lisa Kristensen
Terrace Superintendents: Norm
Mitchell & Frances Folz
20 Sewells Road Manager: Milroy Hoosein
20 Sewells Road Superintendent: Terry Marcus
Aboriginal Housing Support Centre Counsellor: Warren Canney
Special Initiatives Officer: Carla Cruickshank
Event and Media Coordinator: Danielle Powell
Administrative Assistant: Lystra McCollin
Administrative Assistant: Alla Ponomarenko
Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp.:
General Manager: Angus D. Palmer
Tenant Relations/Rental Administration Officer: Lori
Ball
Maintenance Manager: Ron Timoon
Administrative Assistant: Elizabeth Else
RRAP Administration: Tammy Juszczynski-Banks
See also: Staff Archives
General / Financial Management:
Angus D. Palmer
General Manager of Wigwamen Incorporated since January 1998, Angus D. Palmer
has spent the past 2 decades driving the development of 24 different housing
projects, totaling over 800 units throughout Ontario, and assisting in
the management of non-profit housing projects. Five of those years were spent as the owner of Morningstar Consulting Inc. which specialized in the development of non-profit and co-operative housing projects. During that time, the firm grew to be amongst the largest and most successful in Northern and Central Ontario with projects approved for development in communities such as North Bay, Owen Sound, Sudbury, Timmins, Midland, Mattawa, Parry Sound, and Cache Bay.
A graduate of the University of Toronto's Political Science Department, Angus has continued his education in recent years by completing all four courses run by the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario required to become a Registered Condominium Manager.
Angus has also played an active role in his community, having served for three years on the Board of Directors of the Sudbury District Local Housing Authority; having been Secretary of two non-profit housing corporations; and having been on a number of United Way Committees. Currently he serves on the Board of Directors of Agincourt Community Services Association.
An avid long-distance runner, Angus harbours an ambition to, at least once in his life, run a marathon. He's optimistic that if he continues to practice, he'll be able to do it in under 8 hours.
Anita Christie
A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Anita is a Certified Management Accountant. She has held senior positions in accounting for over 20 years and previously worked for more than 10 years in a commercial property management company. In her current role, she oversees the financial and accounting aspects of Wigwamen Incorporated and its clients. She is a valuable resource to our site staff in dealing with issues of accounting, bookkeeping, budgeting, investments and answering any financial questions. Anita enjoys listening to classical music and has been a pianist for a few decades.
Office Manager / Collections Officer/Accounts Receivable:
Lynne Vallis
Lynne Vallis is Wigwamen's Office Manager and Collections
Officer. She is responsible for all matters related to
the collection of arrears for the family housing tenants in
Toronto and the RNH portfolio, as well as overseeing
the daily activities of the Toronto office. Further to
this, Lynne is responsible for receiving tenant repair requests,
and for preparing maintenance contract and tender opening documents for Toronto and the Owen Sound portfolio.
Before coming to work at Wigwamen in 1997, Lynne was employed by Fenn Beattie Masterson, a chartered accountant firm. When not at work, Lynne enjoys reading and spending time with her grand-daughter.
Maintenance:
Ron Timoon
As Maintenance Manager for Wigwamen Incorporated, Ron Timoon
is responsible for: supervising maintenance staff; ensuring
that a comprehensive preventative maintenance program is in
place; co-ordinating the inspection of properties and
inspecting repair work; co-ordinating the preparation of
specifications for turnovers and major renovations; home
inspections and the tendering process; and preparing and
monitoring the maintenance and replacement reserve budgets.
Although he has been with Wigwamen since 1985, Ron's work background is diverse and extensive. Having taught construction and renovation methods, he also has experience in drafting and blueprint reading, as well as having been an insurance adjuster and an automotive technician.
Raised in Toronto, Ron now resides up north in Stroud, near Barrie. He is the lead singer in a band called Switchbak, and would like to someday own a woodworking shop.
Peter Neegan
Peter Neegan joined Wigwamen in 2005. As a Maintenance
Assistant,
Peter completes maintenance work orders as assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor, and responds to service calls. As with the other maintenance staff, he is also responsible for being available for emergency repair work on a rotational 24-hour, on-call basis.
Before coming to Wigwamen, Peter worked as a second operator
at Algonquin Power Nagagami.
Peter is Cree and hails from the Constance Lake First Nation near Hearst, Ontario. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his young son, watching C.S.I. and playing X-Box.
Shea LeBlond
Shea LeBlond has been with Wigwamen since 2009. He is the Maintenance Assistant and Landscaper for the Company. Shea completes maintenance work orders as assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor, and responds to service calls.
Before coming to Wigwamen, Shea ran his own landscaping business and has also worked as a press feeder.
Born and raised in Toronto, Shea enjoys playing hockey and spending time with his sons.
Tenant Relations:
Jodi Hetherington
As the Tenant Relations Officer for Wigwamen's 210 family housing units, Jodi Hetherington has extensive experience in tenant counselling, selection of new tenants, income verification, rent adjustments, and lease administration. As well as the on-the-job learning that such a position has demanded, Jodi has continued to advance her tenant relations skills, having for instance taken a course for frontline workers run by Community Information Services. Jodi has been with Wigwamen since 1989.
Jodi was born and raised in North York, and continues to live in the city. Her hobbies include sightseeing, bicycle riding and gardening. For the past two years, she has been the driving force behind "Flower Power," the annual garden contest for Wigwamen's Toronto tenants.
Wigwamen Terrace:
Lisa Kristensen
Lisa Kristensen is the Property Manager at the Wigwamen Terrace. Although she only recently began working at the Terrace, Lisa was previously the Property Manager at The New Frontier's Aboriginal Residential Corporations's Project Amik.
With twenty years of experience working for the Board of Directors of a wide variety of non-profit organizations on several continents, Lisa is well-suited for this position. As the former manager of her own successful small business, she developed strong administrative and organizational skills that also serve her well as the Property Manager at the Terrace. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where she studied feminist theory, psychology and literature.
Norm Mitchell & Frances Folz
Norm ("Neute") Mitchell and Frances Folz have been the Resident Superintendents at Wigwamen Terrace since March 1999. Together they are responsible for the maintenance work on site and in the units, and for the general cleaning of all public areas in the building. Frances looks after most of the daily cleaning and janitorial maintenance tasks at the Terrace. In time off, she enjoys cooking and maintains an avid interest in computers. For his part, Neute takes on the inspection and upkeep of the building's equipment. While taking responsibility for all work orders and turnovers at the Terrace, Neute also works half-time doing turnovers in Wigwamen's family housing portfolio. His previous job experience ranges from the operation of large machinery and appliance repair, to arboreal work.
20
Sewells Road:
Milroy Hoosein
Milroy Hoosein joined the Wigwamen Incorporated team in
2003 as the
Manager of Wigwamen Terrace, but moved over to manage the
company's new, 92-unit affordable housing project at 20
Sewells Road during the summer of 2005. In his new
position, his duties include: general tenant relations; new
tenant selection; arrears; administration of maintenance and
repair work; office administration; and the coordination of
activities and events for the tenants.
Milroy is a Registered Condominium Manager (RCM) and is an accredited member of the Institute of Housing Management. He came to Wigwamen with 7 years experience in property management, including condominium management, and extensive knowledge of both the Tenant Protection Act and the Condominium Act. Prior to becoming a condominium manager, he worked as a building manager for a 320-unit high-rise apartment building where his duties included the rent-up of apartments and ensuring that all building systems met the required standards.
In his spare time, Milroy enjoys reading, swimming and playing table tennis.
Terry Marcus
Terry Marcus and Donna Wheeler are the Resident
Superintendents at Wigwamen's new 92-unit apartment complex
at 20 Sewells Road. Together they are responsible for
the maintenance work on the site and in the units, and for
the general cleaning of all public areas in the building.
While Donna attends to the daily cleaning and janitorial
maintenance tasks, Terry is responsible for all work orders
and unit turnovers, as well as maintenance inspections and
upkeep of the building's equipment. Terry has been
with Wigwamen since 1996 and prior to his promotion to 20
Sewells Road, he was the Maintenance Assistant for the
Family Housing Portfolio. In their time away from work, Terry
and Donna enjoy summer days at their cottage in the Kawarthas.
Aboriginal Housing Support Centre: Warren Canney Warren developed his counselling skills over the 18 years
that he lived in the B.C. Interior. Among other
things, he created a sexual abuse support group program for
abused children and youth, as well as co-authored a
comprehensive training manual commissioned by the Mental
Health Services of B.C. for sexual abuse program
practitioners. He went on to be the District Special
Counsellor for a school district for almost 10 years.
He also worked under contract for a number of agencies,
including the Elizabeth Fry Society where he was a Child,
Youth and Family Counsellor and a Men's Group
Co-Facilitator. During this time in B.C., Warren worked on 10 of the 17
Shuswap First Nations, and took language courses to better
speak Secwepemctsin. The families of the Canoe
Creek/Dog Creek Indian Band in particular are very dear to
his heart, after having spent so much time in their remote
community. Warren has two adopted children, both of whom are
Aboriginal - Corrin is Metis and David is Cree. Corrin
and David now have children of their own, and continue to
live in the west. Warren moved back east in 1999 when
one of his parents took ill. Although born and raised
in Toronto, and now technically "back home," Warren very
much misses his family and friends in the west.
Re-connecting with the Aboriginal community through his work
at Wigwamen helps him to bridge both his worlds, and being
at the Aboriginal Housing Support Centre feels like a
natural transition to him. Putucw! (Good-bye)
Weytk! (Traditional greeting in the Secwepemc
language). Warren Canney is the Counsellor at the
Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. He graduated from
Seneca College in 1976 with an Honours Diploma in Applied
Communications. After working at CBC Television for 5
years, he headed out west to British Columbia where he
purchased a parcel of land and built his own house
overlooking beautiful Shuswap Lake.
Special Initiatives:
Carla Cruickshank
Carla is the Special Projects Officer at Wigwamen and has been working for the company since April 2008. She organizes such programs as the "Book of the Month Club" and the "New Mother Club".
Before coming to work at Wigwamen, Carla did her placement at Sewells Road through the Social Service Worker Program at Centennial College. Her placement eventually became a full-time position at Wigwamen.
Carla was born in North York and in her spare time enjoys listening to music and spending time with family.
Danielle Powell
Danielle Powell is the Event and Media Coordinator at Wigwamen. She has been working with Wigwamen (off and on) for over 5 years but returned in October 2009 to start a new position. In the past, Danielle has worked as the administrative assistant and picnic organizer at Wigwamen’s head office. Danielle’s main projects include the monthly tenant newsletter and the Wigwamen website.
Danielle was born and raised in Toronto and in her free time enjoys spending time with her young daughter, family and friends. In 2008, Danielle graduated from York University with a Bachelor or Arts and a Bachelor of Education.
Clerical:
Alla Ponomarenko
Alla Ponomarenko has been with Wigwamen since March 2002.
Her responsibilities as Administrative Assistant include
letter writing, filing, and various research projects.
She is also Wigwamen's official photographer!
Alla graduated from Donetsk's Building Engineering Academy in Ukraine with an Honours Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering. In 1999, she successfully completed a Property Management Career Preparation Course, gaining a thorough knowledge of the Tenant Protection Act. Alla continues to update her education, having most recently taken computer and other courses at the Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre.
Born and raised in Ukraine, Alla immigrated to Canada with her family in 1999. She has been an avid traveller since her adolescence, and very much enjoys site-seeing. Creating a warm and comfortable home for her family in Canada is a priority for Alla.
Lystra McCollin Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp. General Management: A
graduate of the University of Toronto's Political Science
Department, Angus has continued his education in recent
years by
completing
all four courses run by the Association of Condominium
Managers of Ontario required to become a
Registered Condominium Manager.
Angus has
also played an active role in his community, having served
for three years on the Board of Directors of the Sudbury
District Local Housing Authority; having been Secretary of
two non-profit housing corporations; and having been on a
number of United Way Committees. Currently he serves on the
Board of Directors of Agincourt Community Services
Association. An avid long-distance runner, Angus harbours an ambition to, at least once in his life, run a marathon. He's optimistic that if he continues to practice, he'll be able to do it in under 8 hours. Tenant Relations
and Rental Administration: As the RNH Administration, Lori is responsible for new tenant selection, coordinating the move-in and move-outs of tenants, as well as counselling tenants in budgeting and arrears.
In her capacity as Rental Administration Officer, she is
responsible for performing annual income and hardship
reviews for the tenants, and maintains a 300-plus unit data
base and the administrative files for Wigwamen's entire RNH
portfolio. Lori's experience in the field of housing began in 1985 when she was first employed by CMHC in the RNH Program. In her position at CMHC, she gained experience in the delivery of RRAP, Total Quality Management (team member training), and
underwriting mortgage insurance. Today, she continues to advance her knowledge in tenant relations issues, having completed a certified interpersonal mediation training course run by St. Stephen's House and more recently, an introductory course in psychology from Sir Sandford Fleming College. Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Lori loves the city. She is an avid reader and gardener, and enjoys cooking, camping, and spending time with her husband and three children. Maintenance: Although he has been with Wigwamen since 1985, Ron's work background is diverse and extensive. Having taught construction and renovation methods, he also has experience in drafting and blueprint making, as well as having been an insurance adjuster and an automotive technician. Raised in Toronto, Ron now resides up north in Stroud, near Barrie. He is the lead singer in a band called Switchbak, and would like to someday own a woodworking shop. Clerical: Elizabeth Else RRAP Administration: Tammy is the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) assistant for Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corporation in Peterborough. She has been working for Wigwamen since March 2008. Before coming to Wigwamen, Tammy graduated from Sir Sanford Fleming as a law clerk and worked for the Toronto District School Board in Strategic Planning and Policy. Tammy was born in Peterborough and is a proud member of Curve Lake First Nation. In her free time, Tammy enjoys fishing, swimming, camping and spending time with family and friends. Below are staff profiles from the past – individuals
who worked at Wigwamen Incorporated or Wigwamen Non-Profit
Residential Corp. for one year or longer. They appear
as they were written when they were staff of Wigwamen.
Wigwamen Incorporated: Sarah Jayne Kendall (1999 - 2009) Having originally joined Wigwamen Incorporated in 1999 on a co-op placement,
Sarah Jayne was subsequently hired as Administrative Assistant. Her
extensive background in customer relations and geriatric services are an asset
to her today as Terrace Manager. Sarah Jayne is a member of the Alderville First Nation and is Turtle Clan.
When not working, she spends all her time with her young son, and is a proud
"hockey/soccer mom." Wayne Vincent (1996 - 2007) An avid downhill skier, Wayne always takes his vacation time in the winter months so that he can enjoy the slopes and spectacular mountain views. Adene Kuchera Although
she claims to have virtually no spare time, Adene still
manages to squeeze into her schedule lots of travel, bicycle
rides and the occasional game of Scrabble. Melanie Brown (2001 – 2005) Melanie graduated from Montreal's McGill University in 2001 with an Honours degree in Religious Studies and International Development Studies. During her 4 years of university, she was actively involved at McGill and in the Montreal community doing extensive volunteer work, including visiting isolated seniors and providing childcare for single mothers attending Montreal universities. In May 2002, she received a certificate in volunteer management from her studies at Humber College. She hopes to continue to work in the non-profit sector. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys reading, travel and spending time with her cat Sabrina.
Debby Dennis (1996 – 2002) With Wigwamen since 1996, Debby's work and educational background have made her well-suited to her present position. She is knowledgeable of a number of computer spreadsheet and word programs, as well as accounting software programs. In 1999 she completed an Administrative Assistant course run by Skilpath Seminars. Through previous employment, Debby has acquired extensive experience in accounts payable and receivable, payroll, shipping and receiving, and inventory control. Debby travels to work everyday from her home in Stroud. She enjoys gardening, camping, clothing and costume design, and for many years was an active member of the Innisfil hockey and figure skating fundraising committees. Mel Dokis (1993 – 2001) Prior to his employment with Wigwamen, Mel's work experience was in the area of manufacturing. He was a Senior Purchasing Agent for such companies as Canadian Admiral Corporation, Rubbermaid Canada Inc., and Landcaster Colony Inc. Mel has made his home in Toronto for a number of years, although he is originally from Northern Ontario. During the summer months, he enjoys boating and fishing at his cottage on the French River.
Janet Esquimaux (1996 – 2002) Before coming to Wigwamen in 1996, Janet worked for the City of Toronto Housing Department in the Home Share Program. Previous to that, she received a diploma in health sciences with an emphasis in geriatrics from Cambrien College in Sudbury, as well as a certificate in Microcomputers from George Brown College. She is very active in the Aboriginal community of Toronto, having spent a number of years with the Aboriginal Head Start Program, a cultural program for pre-schoolers. Now that her twin daughters are 5-years-old and in school, Janet is directing her energy into being a member of the Consultative Committee for the Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit of the Toronto Police Services. Most recently however, she completed the "Management of Maintenance Systems" from the Institute of Property Management. It is fair to say that Janet brings valuable skills to her position at Wigwamen. Although she has been living in the city now for 10 years, Janet still considers Sucker Creek First Nation on Manitoulin Island to be her true home. This is where she grew up, where her family still lives, and where she visits at every chance she gets. Kristen Harder (2003 – 2004) Previous to working at Wigwamen, Kristen describes herself as having been a
full-time "Life Skills Manager" (a.k.a. stay-at-home mom/homemaker)
where her duties were many and diverse. After 7 years of this type of
work, she decided to further broaden her skills by enrolling in the
Microcomputer Clerk Trainee Program of the Native Skills Centre. Kristen is an Alberta Blackfoot from the Siksika Nation. Like many
Native youngsters, she was adopted out as a child and raised in a home where
Native culture and heritage were not taught. Today, along with her own
children, she is learning about the culture and heritage of her people. Sarah Howden (2001 – 2002) In October, she was promoted to the position of Counsellor for the Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. She is responsible for the development and operation of the Centre which is designed to assist Aboriginal families and individuals experiencing housing insecurity. She provides counselling services and referrals for the Centre's clients regarding, among other things, temporary housing options, avoiding evictions, and general advice on making ends meet. She is also responsible for coordinating a series of workshops and support groups of interest to Aboriginal tenants. Sarah recently graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and Anthropology. During her 4 years at U of T, she developed a strong interest in Aboriginal issues which led her to pursue several courses in that field of study, including an introductory course in the Ojibway language. She hopes to go on to graduate studies in socio-cultural anthropology and to continue working in the area of social services. In her spare time, Sarah indulges in one of her main vices - reading. She also likes to try her hand at writing fiction, and hopes to have something published in the near future. Rozella Johnston (2003 – 2004) Rozella comes from the Saugeen Ojibwa Territory on the
Bruce Peninsula. She was born and raised on the Cape
Croker First Nation, later moved to the City of Owen Sound,
and has lived throughout the Grey-Bruce area while raising
her three children. Rozella's background is in
community development and the development of Restorative
Justice models. She brought recognition to the social,
economic, culture and justice issues in Owen Sound which
resulted in the establishment of the M'Wikwedong Native
Resource Centre, as well as a Native Women's Group.
She has been invited to join numerous working groups to
provide a voice for Aboriginal perspective on issues that
affect the community, and continues to strive for effective
approaches that address these issues. Rozella enjoys reading, campfires and storytellers.
She also enjoys her many plants and watching a good movie
once in awhile. Paula Pelletier (2002 – 2003) Paula recently completed her studies in the Native Community and Social Development Program at Georgian College. The years that she spent at Georgian provided her with knowledge of generational factors among Native people, along with issues that affect their health, social and economic status in Canada. Through her employment with AHSC she wishes to help develop strategies that will assist the Native community move toward a healthy future. Although Paula's family is from the Serpent River First Nation, Toronto is her home as it is where she was born and raised, and continues to live. Away from her work duties, she spends her free time with her family, painting, and learning to play the guitar. Susan Steiner (1999 – 2001) As Collections Officer at Wigwamen, Susan is responsible for all matters related to the collection of arrears for all of Wigwamen's 215 family housing units in Toronto, and 587 Rural and Native Housing units. When she isn't busy chasing after tenants for unpaid rents, representing Wigwamen at the Rental Housing Tribunal in eviction cases, and combing through files to pursue collections through Small Claims Court, Susan may be found jogging in the park with her dog or relaxing with a book. Ramona Toulouse (1999 – 2001) In 2000, she was promoted to the position of Counsellor for the Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. She is responsible for the development and operation of Centre which is designed to assist Aboriginal families and individuals experiencing housing insecurity. She provides counselling services and referrals for the Centre's clients regarding, among other things, temporary housing options, avoiding evictions, and general advice on making ends meet. Ramona is also responsible for coordinating a series of workshops and support groups of interest to Aboriginal tenants. Originally from Sagamok Anishnabek in Northern Ontario, Ramona has been living in Toronto for a number of years and has been very active in the Aboriginal community. Of note, she has served on the Board of Directors for the Native Women's Resource Centre, and was the Youth Representative at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Ramona has also worked part-time as a librarian at First Nations House at the University of Toronto, and before that, as the coordinator of a youth conference for Spirit of the People, an organization to help Aboriginal ex-offenders. Besides her work at Wigwamen and her involvement in the Aboriginal community of Toronto, Ramona is kept busy raising her 4-year-old daughter Amethyst. Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp.: Jennifer Ball Jennifer
attended Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, and has worked
for non-profit agencies for the past nine years. She
moved to the Peterborough area in 2000 and enjoys reading,
hiking, photography and playing with her chocolate lab
Riley. The expertise that Roger brings to his position is the result of an extensive career in the area of housing and property management. Between 1973 and 1988, he served as a Resident Inspector, Compliance Inspector, and Plans Examiner for CMHC. During that time, he also served as a RRAP Inspector and acted as an instructor for RRAP delivery agents. In 1988, Roger moved to the Ontario New Home Warranty Program where he was a Regional Manager, Client Services Representative, and Condominium Conciliator. He was self-employed between 1993-1996, providing custom drafting and architectural design, project management, construction consulting, and inspection services. A certified canoe instructor, Roger often spends summer days out on the water. Other interests include camping and pitching horseshoes. During winter months, Roger can regularly be found tossing rocks at the Lakefield Curling Club. Debby Dennis (1996 – 2002) With Wigwamen since 1996, Debby's work and educational background have made her well-suited to her present position. She is knowledgeable of a number of computer spreadsheet and word programs, as well as accounting software programs. In 1999 she completed an Administrative Assistant course run by Skilpath Seminars. Through previous employment, Debby has acquired extensive experience in accounts payable and receivable, payroll, shipping and receiving, and inventory control. Debby travels to work everyday from her home in Stroud. She enjoys gardening, camping, clothing and costume design, and for many years was an active member of the Innisfil hockey and figure skating fundraising committees. Allan Money Allan brings valuable skills to his position at Wigwamen.
He has successfully completed Parts 1-3 the Ontario Association of Property Standards Officers Certification
Program, and is also a graduate of the Institute of Property Management's
Management of Maintenance Systems, and has completed a certified interpersonal mediation training course with St. Stephen's House. He is also a Certified Management Accountant and has experience in controllership, business management and sales.
Cheryl Pollock (1999 – 2002) As well as previous work experience as an Administrative Assistant at AON Inc., a large residential and commercial landlord in Peterborough, Cheryl's educational background has made her well-suited to her position at Wigwamen. The top of her class at Sir Sandford Flemming College, she successfully completed certificate courses in Accountancy Assistanceship and Computer Operator. Moreover, she graduated with honours from the 3-year Business Administration Program. She is familiar with a number of word processing and spreadsheet programs. Cheryl lives in Peterborough with her husband and 6-year-old daughter. She loves music and dance, and has an Assistant Teacher Certificate from the Ontario Conservatory of Music in accordion.
Suzanne Shaw (2003 – 2005) Suzanne's background in office administration is
extensive. Most recently, she spent 6 years as the
Office Manager for a US-based management consulting company
in the Toronto area. Prior to that, she was employed
by the National Cancer Institute of Canada, first as an
Executive Assistant, and later as the Office Manager.
All that said however, Suzanne's work experience is not
limited to the office environment – she was a flight attendant for a total
of 8 years. Having left Peterborough as a young adult, Suzanne
recently decided to return to her roots. When she's
not working, Suzanne enjoys walking, curling, travelling and
spending time with family, not to mention checking out the
local garage sales and auctions. Susan Steiner (1999 – 2001) As Collections Officer at Wigwamen, Susan is responsible for all matters related to the collection of arrears for all of Wigwamen's 215 family housing units in Toronto, and 587 Rural and Native Housing units. When she isn't busy chasing after tenants for unpaid rents, representing Wigwamen at the Rental Housing Tribunal in eviction cases, and combing through files to pursue collections through Small Claims Court, Susan may be found jogging in the park with her dog or relaxing with a book.
Michelle Teasdale (2001 – 2003) Having worked for a year with Advanced Property Management in Peterborough, Michelle brings to her new position knowledge of non-profit housing property management. At Advanced, she was responsible for a 40-unit building and gained experience in tenant selection, move-in and move-out inspections, coordination of maintenance work, and collection of rent. She has recently graduated from Sir Sandford Fleming College with a diploma in Business Administration – Accounting and hopes to further her education by acquiring her CGA designation in the near future. Michelle also works part-time as a bookkeeper for a local business. She enjoys reading, relaxing with her beagle Rex, and playing with her new puppy Cody when she has time.
Lystra McCollin is the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant at Wigwamen's head office in Toronto. She began working for Wigwamen in May 2008.
Before coming to work at Wigwamen, Lystra worked for several years as a property manager.
Lystra was born in Trinidad and enjoys working with people.
Angus D. Palmer
General Manager of Wigwamen Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp. since January 1998, Angus
D. Palmer has spent the past 2 decades driving the development of 24 different housing projects, totaling over 800 units throughout Ontario, and assisting in the management of non-profit housing projects.
Five of those years were spent as the owner of Morningstar Consulting Inc. which specialized in the development of non-profit and co-operative housing projects. During that time, the firm grew to be amongst the largest and most successful in Northern and Central Ontario with projects approved for development in communities such as North Bay, Owen Sound, Sudbury, Timmins, Midland, Mattawa, Parry Sound, and Cache Bay.
Lori Ball
Lori Ball has been with Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp.'s Rural and Native Housing Program in Peterborough since its beginning in March 1996. Starting with 10 boxes of tenant and unit files and a hotel room as an office, Lori helped to launch what is today the very successful delivery of the Rural and Native Housing Program in the Peterborough area.
Ron Timoon
As Maintenance Inspector for the Rural and Native Housing Program in the Peterborough
and Owen Sound areas, Ron Timoon's duties include: ensuring regular maintenance work; coordinating emergency repairs; and preparing repair specifications and tendering contracts for vacant units.
Elizabeth Else is the Admistrative Assistant for Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corporation in Peterborough. She has been with Wigwamen since 2001.
Prior to coming to Wigwamen, Elizabeth worked as an Assistant Property Manager at Bentall Properties. She has also completed many relevant courses including the St. John’s Ambulance course, various Microsoft courses and a safety standards course.
In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys baking, knitting and decorating.
Sarah Jayne Kendall is the Manager of Wigwamen Terrace, a
102-unit Aboriginal seniors residence. In this
position, she is responsible for all matters related to the
administrative operations of the Terrace, including general
tenant relations, new tenant selection, arrears, and
scheduling and tracking of unit and common area repairs.
With Wigwamen Incorporated since 1996, Wayne Vincent is a Certified Management Accountant and the company's Financial Controller. His position entails a variety of bookkeeping and personnel functions including, but not limited to: monitoring and reporting on maintenance and replacement reserve expenditures; reviewing all accounts payable cheques; preparing monthly cheques for administered tenants; preparing monthly management reports and invoices for CMHC for the Rural and Native Housing Program portfolios; acting as administrator of the benefits and pension plans; and acting as a resource to the Auditor and the General Manager in the preparation of the annual budgets and audits for both Wigwamen Incorporated and Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp.
In her capacity as Wigwamen’s Special Initiatives Officer, Adene
Kuchera has performed such tasks as proposal writing,
conference organizing, developing the website, and various
outreach activities. She is currently devoting her energy
to fundraising for the new 92-unit housing project on
Sewells Road. Adene began working at Wigwamen Non-Profit
Residential Corp.'s Peterborough office in November 1998 as an Administrative
Assistant for the RNH Program, and later took on
responsibility for the administration of the RRAP Program.
In 2003, she graduated with a Master of Arts Degree from
Trent University, having completed her thesis on
issues around housing for Aboriginal people in Canadian
cities.
Melanie Brown joined Wigwamen in November 2001. As Administrative Assistant, she performs such tasks as letter writing, filing,
and front desk and telephone reception.
She also takes responsibility for accounts receivable and payable for the RNH
portfolio.
Debby Dennis is Wigwamen's Office Manager, responsible for overseeing the daily activities of the Toronto office including, among other things: researching major purchases; maintaining office equipment; ordering office supplies; arranging staff training; approving invoices; and supervising staff. Debby is also the Rental Administration and Collections Officer for the Rural and Native Housing Program, and in this capacity she is responsible for performing annual income and hardship reviews for the tenants, and for matters related to the collection of arrears. She also maintains a 600-plus unit data base and the administrative files for the RNH Program.
Mel Dokis' involvement with Wigwamen Incorporated is long-standing. For 12 years he served on the Board of Directors of the organization before taking up the position of Maintenance Coordinator in 1993. He has since taken up additional responsibilities as Maintenance Manager. In his present position, Mel's workload includes, among other things: supervising maintenance staff; ensuring that a comprehensive preventative maintenance program is in place; coordinating home inspections and the tendering process; and preparing and monitoring the maintenance and replacement reserve budgets.
As Manager of Wigwamen Terrace, a 102-unit apartment complex for Aboriginal seniors, Janet Esquimaux's duties include: general tenant relations; new tenant selection; arrears; administration of maintenance and repair work; office administration; and the coordination of activities and events for the tenants. Always energetic and willing to try new things, Janet is responsible for the development of the popular "Wigwam to Wigwam," a monthly newsletter for Wigwamen tenants.
Kristen Harder joined the Wigwamen Incorporated team in Spring 2003 on a job
placement with the Native Skills Centre. After 8 weeks, she was offered a
permanent position with Wigwamen as Administrative Assistant. In this
capacity, Kristen's responsibilities include telephone and front desk reception,
typing, dictaphone transcription, and letter writing, as well as processing the
applications for Toronto Social Housing Applications received by Wigwamen.
Sarah Howden joined Wigwamen in 2001. As an Administrative Assistant, her duties included typing, dictaphone transcription, letter writing, filing, and various other office-related tasks.
Having recently joined the Wigwamen team, Rozella Johnston
has taken on the responsibility for the continued
development and operation of the Aboriginal Housing Support
Centre. The Centre has been designed to assist
Aboriginal families and individuals experiencing housing
difficulties. Rozella provides counselling services
and referrals for the Centre's clients such as temporary
housing options, avoiding evictions, and general advice on
making ends meet. She is also responsible for
coordinating a series of workshops and support groups of
interest to Aboriginal tenants.
Paula Pelletier is responsible for the development and operation of the
Aboriginal Housing Support Centre which is designed to assist Aboriginal families and individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
She provides counselling services and referrals for the Centre's clients, as well as performing such duties as coordinating workshops and support groups of interest to Aboriginal tenants.
Susan Steiner came to Wigwamen with a strong background in collections, having been employed as a Collections Officer for firms such as Cantel Cellular, Bell Mobility, and most recently, Bayshore Leasing. She was also a licensed Private Investigator from 1980 to 1995. A graduate of Seneca College's Law Enforcement Program, where she made the Dean's Honour List, she was also a Teaching Master at the college in the area of security in business and industry.
Joining Wigwamen Incorporated in 1999, Ramona Toulouse was first an Administrative Assistant where her diverse duties included telephone and front desk reception, typing, dictaphone transcription and letter writing, as well as processing the applications for Toronto Social Housing Connections received by Wigwamen.
Responsible for the administration of the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program at Wigwamen's Peterborough office, Mary Beth Menzies' duties include:
initial determination of client eligibility; co-ordinating the client portfolios of the RRAP Inspectors; outreach and advertising; and budget monitoring.
Jennifer
Ball is the new Administrative Assistant for the Rural and
Native Housing Program at Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential
Corp.'s Peterborough office. As such, her duties include,
but are not limited to: telephone reception; receiving
tenant repair requests; issuing purchase orders; processing
invoices; and preparing maintenance contracts and tender
opening documents.
Roger Adams (1996 – 2001)
Roger Adams was hired in 1996 as Wigwamen's senior Maintenance Inspector. As such, he is responsible for ensuring regular maintenance work and for coordinating emergency repairs for the Rural and Native Housing Program tenants in the Peterborough area, as well as preparing repair specifications and tendering contracts for vacant units.
In her capacity as Rental Administration and Collections Officer for the Rural and Native Housing Program, Debby Dennis is responsible for the annual income and hardship reviews for all tenants, and for matters related to the collection of arrears. She also maintains a 600-plus unit data base and the administrative files. These and other tasks necessitate a sound knowledge of the rules, regulations and calculations of various government and social service agencies. Also Wigwamen's Office Manager, Debby oversees the daily activities of the Toronto office which includes: researching major purchases; maintaining office equipment; arranging staff training; approving invoices; and supervising staff.
Allan Money has been employed with Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp. since 1996 as the Maintenance Inspector and Housing Client Relations Officer for the Grey/Bruce portfolio of the Rural and Native Housing Program. As Maintenance Inspector, Allan takes responsibility for the coordination of renovations for the vacant units, as well as for the day-to-day maintenance work and regular cyclical maintenance needs of units. As Client Relations Officer, he is responsible for, among other things, new tenant selection and tenant counselling in the area of budgeting and arrears.
Cheryl Pollock is the Administrative Assistant for the Rural and Native Housing Program and has been at Wigwamen's Peterborough office since September 1999. Her duties are many, including: processing invoices; issuing purchase orders; preparing maintenance contract and tender opening documents; typing and dictaphone transcription; as well as general reception duties.
Suzanne Shaw is the new Administrative Assistant for the Rural and Native
Housing Program at Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential
Corp.'s Peterborough office. As such, her duties include, but are not limited to:
telephone reception; receiving tenant repair requests; issuing
purchase orders; processing invoices; and preparing maintenance contracts and tender opening
documents.
Susan Steiner came to Wigwamen with a strong background in collections, having been employed as a Collections Officer for firms such as Cantel Cellular, Bell Mobility, and most recently, Bayshore Leasing. She was also a licensed Private Investigator from 1980 to 1995. A graduate of Seneca College's Law Enforcement Program, where she made the Dean's Honour List, she was also a Teaching Master at the college in the area of security in business and industry.
Michelle Teasdale joined Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp. in December 2001. As Administrative Assistant for the Rural and Native Housing Program, her duties include: front desk and telephone reception; preparing maintenance contracts and tender opening documents; receiving tenant repair requests; issuing purchase orders; processing invoices; typing; and letter writing.
Wigwamen Incorporated
25 Imperial St., Suite 310, Toronto, M5P 1B9
Tel:(416) 481-4451 FAX: (416) 481-5002
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