Our Team

Katie Inverarity joined the board in October 2018 and currently serves as Chair. Professionally, Katie is the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and is grateful for having spent her career in the arts and not-for-profits. Katie is honored to serve on the board and contribute valuable marketing and fundraising experience to support the import work of the agency and make our community stronger.

Michelle Hourihan joined the board in 2018 and currently serves as the Treasurer. Michelle is a CPA who has experience working in a variety of accounting positions and is currently working as a Recruitment Consultant in Finance & Accounting. Michelle is grateful to be a member of the board and contribute her financial knowledge to ensure the organization’s success.

Hillary Linden joined the Board in September 2021 as Legal Council. Hillary is a lawyer who helps individuals and families in the areas of estate planning and administration. Hillary joined the Board to serve and to use her legal skills to support the Board in making a positive impact in the lives of people in the community. 

Jennifer joined the board in February 2020 and serves on our Fundraising, Strategic Planning and Board Development Committees. She is also a PhD candidate with the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba.  Jennifer is a settler Canadian who is passionate about removing barriers for equity seeking populations to access services that contribute to their health and wellbeing.

Aliya Wiebe joined the board in September 2020. Aliya Initially started as a regular board member and participated in two committees: the AOP and finance committees. After one year with the board Aliya moved into the secretary role on the executive committee and continued their membership with the AOP committee. Aliya Works as a nursing instructor for the University of Manitoba and Assiniboine Community College. She also holds a position as a public health nurse. Aliya is currently finishing her masters and will be graduating as a nurse practitioner shortly. Aliya joined the board As a passionate advocate for equity within the community and as a practitioner who works with many people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. 

Neha Gajpal joined the board in September 2020 as a board member. Professionally Neha is a Registered Social Worker, working at The Peguis First Nation Child & Family Services as a Family Service Worker, and is honoured to work with families and children. Neha is grateful to serve on the board and contribute her vicarious experiences to the agency. Her educational background includes Bachelor in Social Work from the University of Manitoba, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Ph.D. from Dev Sanskriti University, India, where she incorporated the experience of yoga and holistic healing in her work.

Derrick joined the Board in 2020. He currently sits on the Marketing & Communications Committee where he has enjoyed working closely with staff to rebrand the Centre.

During the day he works as a Communications Manager with IG Wealth Management.

He decided to join the Board after completing the Leadership Winnipeg program, which inspired him to give back to the local community in different ways. The Board was a perfect fit for his skillset. He was also drawn towards the opportunity to work with a Centre that truly makes a lasting positive impact in the lives of so many deserving people.

Renée Cable (she/her) is a Métis mother of two with a background in human resource management and political science. In her day-to-day, she works with progressive organizations on campaigns to advocate for better working conditions, improved public health outcomes and social justice initiatives. Renée was pleased to join the board in October of 2021 and currently serves on the Communications Committee.

Fran Obtial joined the board in September 2021 and is currently part of the fundraising committee. Fran is an undergraduate student at the University of Winnipeg studying Neuroscience and Urban and Inner-City Studies. Social advocacy and creating tangible change for marginalized peoples is Fran’s passion, and Fran is using this passion to support the work of this agency.

Gabriela Fonseca joined the Board of Directors at The Laurel Centre in Fall 2021. Professionally Gabriela identifies as a BIPOC psychotherapist at Women’s Health Clinic and Jewish Child and Family Services. She recently opened her private practice mainly serving clients who identify as BIPOC.  Gabriela joined the Board of Directors to learn more how a non profit organization functions from an operational lens. Gabriela is passionate in serving those who are marginalized and feel they do not have a voice. In my spare time, I like to travel, read fiction and go on road trips. 

Lisa joined the board as the staff representative in 2021. She has been with Heartwood Healing Centre since 2016 as a therapist in the long-term therapy program. Previously she worked as a school psychologist and family therapist. She is passionate about trauma therapy and keeping up with best practices in the field. In her spare time, she enjoys her many pets and going to hot yoga.

Landon Gibson joined the board in July 2022. Professionally, Landon is a middle school teacher and co-founder of the Red River Toy Library, a community space that encourages waste-reduction, sharing and creative play. Landon believes in the importance of giving back to the community and feels that her role on the board allows her to share ideas and contribute to meaningful initiatives.