Our Board Members
What we do
The One Kids Place Board of Directors is comprised of community-minded volunteers committed to representing the interests of the organization throughout the designated service areas and supporting the amazing work done by the organization.
The Board focuses its energies on setting corporate strategies and policies that chart the long-term direction of the organization. Corporate governance includes making and implementing decisions that continue to advance the organization’s principles, mission, vision and values and provide strategic leadership. The Board’s oversight furthermore includes program effectiveness, quality, financial and enterprise risk as well overseeing the work of the Executive Director.
The Board’s membership includes representation from the geographic catchment area including the Districts of Nipissing, Muskoka and Parry Sound as well as inclusion of its linguistic and cultural diversity.
Meet Our Board
Steven Deacon
Chair
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District of Nipissing
As the principal owner of Deacon Wealth Management, a corporation that works with clients to provide investment and financial advice. When Steven’s oldest son, William, was diagnosed with Autism- the family began to receive services at One Kids Place. With personal experience on what a difference the staff at One Kids Place make in the lives of the children and youth, Steven wanted to lend support to OKP in any way possible. Not only has Steven become a valuable member of the Board at OKP, the Deacon family sponsors the OKP Summer Autism Program- so kids like William can spend their summer vacation experiencing life lessons beyond the classroom, the value of playtime and building confidence through social skills under the guidance of OKP staff.
Jake Lacourse
Vice Chair
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District of Nipissing
Governance – Executive Committee
Finance – Audit Committee
Development Advisory Panel
1st Term of Office 2020 – 2023
Jake is a partner at Kennedy Insurance Brokers Inc. responsible for Group Benefits and Life Insurance division. Along with his wife Michelle, and his two children, Abbey and Jakob, Jake is a strong proponent of supporting our community in any way necessary. He is currently the Vice Chair/Past Chair of Tourism North Bay, Chair of the East Ferris Economic Development Committee, Honorary Colonel of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Operational Training Squadron at 22 Wing North Bay, and Advisor with the North Bay and Area Community Foundation. Jake is the past President of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Canadore College Alumni Association, and has volunteered hundreds of hours to his community.
“One of my children has benefited from the amazing services at OKP and I want to ensure that we continue to deliver throughout the communities that we serve.” It was this sentiment that brought Jake to his current role on the One Kids Place Board of Directors. In his spare time, Jake enjoys spending time with his extended family, hunting, foraging and being in the outdoors.
Chantal Voyer
2nd Vice Chair
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District of Nipissing
Chantal is a Director at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, with a career spanning over 25 years in the healthcare industry. She has a reputation of driving quality standards and ensuring access to care for her community.
It was her personal experiences as a parent that led her to recognize the transformative power of providing the right services and support to those, specifically children, in need. Her journey of raising a profoundly deaf child inspired her to join One Kids Place, an organization close to her heart, that focuses on making a difference in the lives of children and youth with special needs. Witnessing firsthand the impact of receiving timely and appropriate assistance during her son’s developmental years, Chantal is dedicated to championing the cause of enhancing access to quality healthcare and services for all.
Chantal is a devoted mother of two grown adults. She considers herself a perpetual student in life with mindset of continuous learning, growth, and curiosity.
LeeAnne Maille
Secretary-Treasurer
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District of Nipissing
LeeAnne is the Certified Association Executive and CEO of Yes Employment Services in North Bay and has been with the organization for 27 years.
In her many years at Yes Employment Services LeeAnne has worked with youth who have had successful outcomes from early intervention services and therapy at One Kids Place. LeeAnne is an advocate for the children and youth in our community and has a strong belief in the mission of One Kids Place.
LeeAnne is a member of the National Settlement and Integration Service Delivery Committee for Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada, the Vice-Chair the First Work Board of Directors (a provincial umbrella organization for Employment Service Providers), the chair of the Northern Employment Partners Collaborative, the Past Director of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce Board, and Past Chair of the North Bay Local Immigration Partnership just to list a few. Her dedication to our community is unwavering.
Married for over 25 years, LeeAnne has three children and one beautiful grandson. She enjoys tennis and is learning to enjoy golf.
Charles Cooper
Director
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District of Muskoka
Finance – Audit Committee
1st Term of Office 2020 – 2023
Charles is a veteran of the Information and Communications Technology industry with over 25 years of experience nurturing startup organizations in policy based networks, encryption technology and cloud sourced applications. His proficiency spans many disciplines including corporate governance, product management, engineering, sales, marketing and business development. Outside the office, Charles is an active volunteer within the community participating on many advisory and governance boards for agencies such as the Peel Senior Link, Ontario Track 3, Dwight Food Bank, Communitech and Trafalgar Seniors Homes.
Charles was drawn to volunteer on the Board of One Kids Place out of a desire to help children and youth with special needs achieve success in their community. Together with his wife and three daughters, Charles lives full time in Huntsville and cottages in Lake of Bays where they can be found relaxing by the lake.
Sabrina St. Jacques
Director
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District of Nipissing
Committee Leadership Portfolio: Community and Development Committee
1st Term of Office 2022 – 2025
In February of 2022, Sabrina joined the Board of Directors. Born and raised in North Bay.
Sabrina is a graduate of Canadore College’s Registered Practical Nurse Program in 2018. She elected to continue her academic pursuits with a certificate granting specialization in mental health nursing.
With four years of nursing experience, Sabrina then transitioned into an Aboriginal Mental Health Clinician position with the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Her role is inclusive of the provision of culturally safe care including education around aboriginal culture and history to patients across the Northeast region.
Sabrina’s interest in the organization is founded on the impact of services that One Kids Place provides to the children and youth of the Northeast region and recognizing the need to include Aboriginal culture in the provisions of such services.
Sabrina is a first time mom of a new baby boy!
Donna Breault
Director
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Donna Breault brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community service to the One Kids Place Board. After a fulfilling 28-year career in education as a teacher and administrator with the Near North District School Board, Donna has continued to dedicate her time to helping others through various volunteer roles.
Donna’s commitment to her community is reflected in her service as a past volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels and her present work as an animal rescue transport driver. She also volunteers for Special Olympics, contributing her time and energy to support this important cause. From 2018 to 2022, Donna served as a Trustee for the Near North District School Board, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to education and local governance.
Donna has been married for 31 years and is the proud mother of two grown children, both born and raised in North Bay. In her leisure time, she enjoys attending local music events, spending time gardening, working with her dogs, baking, and cherishing moments with family and friends.
Throughout her career, Donna witnessed first hand the significant impact that One Kids Place has on students and their families. She has always admired the OKP’s vision and the dedication of everyone involved with OKP to achieve the best possible outcomes for the children they support. Donna is truly honoured to be a part of such a forward-thinking team and looks forward to contributing to its continued success.
Scott Clark
Director
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Scott Clark is a dedicated leader with a long history of community involvement and a deep passion for serving others. He is the Founder and President of Clark Communications, leading with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Scott’s dedication to his community is evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations. He served as the 22 Wing Honorary Colonel and appointed to the Royal Canadian Air Force Commanders Council. He was a member of the Board of Governors at OCAD University and served as the Chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee. His leadership also extends to local initiatives, having chaired the North Bay Santa Fund for over 20 years and co-chaired the North Bay Heritage Festival. Scott is incredibly proud to have co-chaired the OKP Capital Campaign with Dr Joseph Madden.
Scott has been married to his wife Cheryl for 25 years, and together, they have two children, Benjamin (25) and Makayla (22). In his free time, Scott enjoys spending time on Lake Nipissing, whether in the warmth of summer or the chill of winter. He is also passionate about golfing and running.
Scott’s connection to One Kids Place runs deep. He was instrumental in the early efforts to establish the organization, recognizing the heavy lifting required to get it built. His return to the board is fueled by his desire to honour the legacy of his dear friend, Linda Smits, with whom he shared a 30-year friendship. Linda’s final board service was with One Kids Place, and Scott is committed to finishing the important work she started.
Roxana Vernescu
Director
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District of Muskoka
Finance-Audit Committee
1st Term of Office 2021 – 2024
Roxana is a retired educator with the Near North District School Board and currently a tenured Assistant Professor at Nipissing University. With over 20 years of cross-sector experience, including health and social services, education, and research/academia sectors, she has specialized in cognitive and behavioural sciences, clinical-developmental psychology, and applied research & evaluation.
Roxana’s background in supporting and working with children and youth with neurodevelopmental needs, also brought her to the One Kids Place Board of Directors as she has a keen interest in developing and improving intervention and supports not only to children, but to families and caregivers.
Roxana feels that the mission of OKP aligns with her strengths, systems-level approach to services, and strengths-based focus to supporting children, youth and families in reaching their full potential.
Would you like to Join – want to make a difference?
If you have a passion for your community and would like to make a difference in the lives of children & youth with special needs, consider sharing some of you time and expertise by becoming a Board member at One Kids Place.