Our Team

equality and diversity

Creating A Bright Future For Windsor Essex

At Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre, our team is committed to providing support and expert care to children, youth, and families affected by abuse. With a diverse range of backgrounds and specialties, our professionals work collaboratively to ensure that every individual receives the care they need to heal and thrive. Get to know the faces behind our mission to create a safer, brighter future for the children and youth of Windsor and Essex County.

Dr. Nila Das Ph.D, MBA

Executive Director

Nila joined the Windsor-Essex Children and Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC) as an interim leader and was later appointed as the Executive Director in March 2023. Nila holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Windsor and an MBA from the Odette School of Business.

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Catherine Reaume BSW, MSW, RSW

Program Lead

Catherine began working at the Windsor-Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre in June 2023 and holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Victoria and a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor.

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Zeinab Daher BSW

Advocate

Zeinab began working at the Windsor-Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre in March 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor. Zeinab has several years of experience working with children, youth and families.

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Caitlyn Lebert BSW

Advocate

Caitlyn started working at the Windsor Essex Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in March 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor with a minor in Psychology. Caitlyn has 5+ years’ experience working with children, youth, and families.

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Emma Munro RSW, MSW, BA

Grants and Community Relations Coordinator

Emma began working at the WECYAC as Grants and Community Relations Coordinator in July of 2024. Emma received her BA Honours in Psychology from St. Francis Xavier (StFX) University in 2022 and her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Windsor in May 2024.

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Dominique Bradford

Program Development Assistant

Dominique began working at the Windsor-Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre in July 2024 as a Program Development Assistant. She is currently a 4th year student in the Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Social Justice & Legal Studies program at St. Clair College.

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Alison Mitchell

BSW Student

Alison started as our Bachelor of Social Work placement student in September 2024 and holds her advanced diploma in Child and Youth Care (CYC) from St. Clair College. Alison has worked in the field for three years at a girls group home within Windsor and has completed three work placements through her college education.

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Teacup

Advocate

Teacup has been an Advocate at the Windsor-Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre since we opened our doors. Teacup enjoys providing comfort and smiles to children and youth who come to our Centre.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Directing Positive Change For Windsor Essex

Our Board of Directors comprises a diverse group of passionate individuals committed to guiding and supporting our organization’s mission. With a wealth of experience and expertise in various fields, they bring invaluable insights and strategic direction to ensure the effective management and growth of our initiatives. Meet the dedicated leaders driving positive change and empowering our community to thrive

Richard Derus

Director at Large & President

Rick Derus is currently the Administrator for the Windsor Police Association. In this role, Rick Derus proudly represents the over 650 professional members of the Windsor Police Service in labour and collective bargaining matters.

Kristy McBeth

Director at Large & Vice-President

Kristy is a Director of Public Health Programs at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and has worked in public health for 18 years.

Dr. Kimberly Brisebois

Key Partner & Director at Large, Secretary

Kimberly works as the Director of Intake and After Hour Services at the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. Kimberly is a certified trainer for the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.

Ryan Brown

Director at Large & Treasurer

Ryan has six years experience in financial accounting and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Deirdra Watson

Director at Large & Public Relations Chair

Deirdra is the Founder and CEO of Concept Solutions, Public Relations & Event Management. Her experiences personally and professionally assist the Centre in achieving the goals of the strategic plan.

Dr. Sharon Pyke

Director at Large & Past President

Sharon is actively involved in many community boards and has over 33 years experience working with the Public School Board. Sharon is a past President of WECYAC.

Carol Branget

Key Partner & Director at Large

Carol Branget is Executive Director at the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre. Carol has worked in child protection and generalized children’s mental health and has been at SACC for more than fourteen years.

Todd Lavigne

Key Partner & Advisor

Todd is a Staff Sergeant and has been with the Ontario Provincial Police since 1998. Todd currently oversees the OPP Belle River detachment.

Jason Woods

Key Partner & Director at Large

Jason is the current Deputy Chief for the Lasalle Police Service. Jason received the “Police Exemplary Service Medal” in 2019.

Angela D’Alessandro

Key Partner & Director at Large, Windsor Regional Hospital

Angela is Chief Legal and Privacy Officer at Windsor Regional Hospital, and an Associate Lawyer at Clarks LLP.

Richard Sieberer

Key Partner & Director at Large

Rich is a Staff Sergeant with the Windsor Police Service, and oversee the Special Victims Unit.

Jessica Koper

Director at Large

Jessica, a lawyer with Shibley Righton LLP. She believes that all community members need to support children and youth in our communities who have fallen victims to abuse or violence.

Lynda Ware

Director at Large

Lynda Ware recently retired from a 35 year career in policing support. She was the recipient of the Ontario Provincial Police 2016 Accolade Award For Valuing and Supporting People.

Sarah Mushtaq

Director at Large

Sarah Mushtaq is a recent MBA graduate from the Odette School of Business. Sarah believes that the most vulnerable in our community – our children – deserve the most equitable treatment possible.

Mary Kay Morand

Director at Large

Mary Kay is the Coordinator of Social Work Field Education Programs at the University of Windsor. She believes in community collaboration to support child victims

Dr. Shobha Karnik

Director at Large

As President and Trustee of the India Canada Association of Windsor and Essex County, Shobha has always provided full support to their children and youth programs and helped international students to integrate into our multicultural society.