Meet our Board of Directors – 2025-2026
Ziyad Sidawi ~ Board Chair, Member of the Board Executive Committee and Member of the Finance and Personnel Committee
Ziyad is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate of Concordia University’s John Molson School. Ziyad is a 2016 CPA graduate, has held various accounting roles with State Street Canada and X20 Media prior to joining Part Time CFO Services. Ziyad is now the Director of Finance with Part Time CFO Services and brings a passion for results. Currently, he is working with multiple clients including The Canadian Canoe Museum where he assisted with the new capital campaign.
A Bachelor of Commerce graduate of Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business in 2013, Ziyad relocated to Ontario in 2014.
Kristy Hook ~ Board Vice-Chair and Chair of Board Executive Committee
Kristy’s association with Five Counties Children’s Centre began in 2005 when her eldest daughter was born with a cleft palate. FCCC provided assistance in the early days with infant feeding and later with extensive speech therapy. The early part of Kristy’s career was as a financial planner with TD Canada Trust. Later, as a practicing midwife, Kristy was a founding partner of Community Care Midwives. With the start of her family, Kristy chose to leave her midwifery practice due to the extensive on-call hours related to the profession and joined LUnity Design Studio in the capacity of Principal.
Kristy has participated in a wide range of community volunteer opportunities, earning a Port Hope Civic Award in 2013. Professionally, Kristy sat for several years on the Executive Committee of the Association of Ontario Midwives, both as Treasurer and Vice President. She spent two years as a Community Member and one year as a Director of the Board for Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, finishing her term there in June 2017.
Charlene Press ~ Secretary, Member of the Board Executive Committee and Member of the Finance and Personnel Committee
Charlene is a retired senior executive from Nestlé with international experience working across multiple functions, including: HR, sales, marketing and finance. She was the Senior Vice President of HR for Nestlé in Canada, then led a Global HR project, People Analytics and Organization Design, based in Switzerland. Charlene joined the Five Counties Board in 2023 and also serves on the board of directors and sings in the Peterborough Singers Choir. She enjoys supporting organizations which align with her passions and interests. Five Counties is no exception, as she knows from experience with her eldest grandchild the importance of these organizations in helping children with special needs and developmental challenges.
Hugh Parker ~ Board Treasurer, Member of the Board Executive Committee, and Chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee
Hugh is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Trinity College), Yale University and Western University. Eventually, he settled in Port Hope to practice law. He practiced general law until joining the staff of the Northumberland Children’s Aid Society as in-house Legal Counsel. Hugh retired in 2007 and has significant experience as a volunteer on the Board of Directors for numerous organizations including: Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Northumberland Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Port Hope and District Hospital, and Community Living West Northumberland.
Julie Selby ~ Director, Member of the Board Executive Committee, and Chair of the Programs and Services Advisory Committee
Julie Selby is a Superintendent of Learning with the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board. She identifies as a white settler committed to her journey toward Truth and Reconciliation, privileged to work and learn on the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg. An innovative instructional leader and relationship builder, Julie has enjoyed many opportunities to collaborate with members of several board committees to foster a culture of excellence. Julie holds a Master’s of International Education: School Leadership, a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts, specialists in Special Education and Reading and is currently studying at Osgoode Hall to obtain her Education Law certification. Julie is the proud and devoted mother of two sons – Jakob and Andrew, who are the light of her life. She is an outdoor enthusiast who may often be found on the trails surrounding her home, and is also an avid gardener and cook. Julie serves as Lector at her parish of Immaculate Conception, and is a passionate advocate for those most vulnerable in our community through her support of One Roof, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Food for Kids and Porch Pirates.
Julie’s previous connection to Five Counties Children’s Centre was as a school administrator, where she worked in partnership with staff to serve students and families to ensure optimal growth and development. Julie is excited to continue her partnership with Five Counties by contributing her expertise in service as a member of the Board.
Sacha Lai-Svirk ~ Director, Member of the Board Executive Committee, and Chair of Communications and Government Relations Committee
Sacha joined the Five Counties Children’s Centre Board in 2022 and is Chair of the Communications and Government Relations Committee and Strategic Planning Committee. Sacha is Partner and VP of People & Technology at Outpost379, one of the country’s most accomplished and respected health and wellness advertising agency. Sacha draws from more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and digital advertising. As an agency partner and member of the senior leadership team, Sacha is a key contributor in helping shape agency strategy, talent integration and organizational culture. In addition to serving Five Counties, Sacha also serves on the board of directors for Peterborough’s Downtown Business Improvement Area, acting Chair for the DBIA Marketing Committee, Fleming College’s Program Advisory Committee and often volunteers for the Peterborough Humane Society fostering kittens. Born in Jamaica, Sacha has also called Indiana and Kitchener-Waterloo home. In the summer you will find her paddle boarding along the beautiful shores of Chemong Lake.
Isabelle Keeley ~ Director and Member of the Programs and Services Advisory Committee
Isabelle joined the Five Counties Children’s Centre Board in 2021 and is a Member of the Program, Service and Advisory Committee. Isabelle is a graduate from Cornwall General Hospital with a Nursing Diploma. She also has management experience in the nursing arena and has an education background in clinical research as a Clinical Research Professional with 12 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, responsible for overseeing assigned clinical trials and to identify and report fraud and misconduct at all levels.
Isabelle has worked locally in Peterborough, parts of Ontario, and the United States and held a volunteer position as a Registered Nurse with Canadian International Development Association Jamaica Self-Help Development (Establishment of Outpatient Clinics in Jamaica).
Judith Anne Armstrong Binette ~ Director and Member of Programs and Services Advisory Committee
Judith is a graduate of the University of Ottawa Medicine and Family Medicine Programs. She achieved fellowship in the College of Family Medicine in 2005. Judith has served on various boards and committees, including: the St. Peter’s Secondary School Parent Teacher Council, French Immersion Committee for the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, and the Kawartha Youth Orchestra. She also served as Primary Care Lead for Peterborough City and County of the Central East Local Health Integration Network. She served as chair of The Peterborough Clinic Executive, co-chair and founder of the Primary Care Focus Group and a member of the Governance Committee for the Peterborough Ontario Health Team. Judith is a strong believer in cultural sensitivity and gender sensitivity, having taken part in Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity Training, a Blanket Ceremony and Gender Sensitivity Training.
Judith retired from her Primary Care Practice in 2020 and has since worked with Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Peterborough Public Health for Covid-19 vaccination. She enjoys helping out with her seven grandchildren. She was drawn to Five Counties Children’s Centre as an Aunt of a gifted young man with special needs and the Nana of premature twins who use the services of Five Counties.
Jennifer Stover ~ Director and Member of the Finance and Personnel Committee
Jennifer Stover is the CIO, CFO, Senior Director of Corporate Services with Peterborough County. In this role, she is responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Geographic Information Systems, and Communications. Jennifer is a CPA and has a H.B.Com. As a toddler, Jennifer’s son was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Having benefitted directly from the types of services that Five Counties Children’s Centre offers, she was happy to volunteer her services. In addition to being a Director, Jennifer also sits on the Finance and Personnel Committee.
Wendy Morgan ~ Director and Member of Programs and Services Advisory Committee
Wendy has a passion for helping children and has dedicated herself to providing safer spaces for youth to develop skills of relationship building, effective communication and emotional resilience. As a member of the Five Counties’ board, Wendy contributes through her experience as a past director of the Kawartha Montessori School and St. James Players boards, her wealth of clinical experience, and as a parent of a teen with autism. With her Master’s Degree in Educational Studies, Wendy has been a professor at Fleming College for almost two decades, most recently teaching in the Child and Youth Program. Wendy also holds a second Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and works as a part-time psychotherapist with youth and adults.
Erica Richmond ~ Director and Member of Communications and Government Relations Committee
Erica joined Five Counties in 2023 as a Community Committee Member on the Communications and Government Relations Committee. After completing her year, she was invited to join the board as a Director. Erica has over 15-years field-working experience providing direct support to families, children, and youth with developmental, physical and communication needs, as well as valuable communications and fundraising experience.
Kristen Jones ~ Director and Member of the Program and Services Advisory Committee
Kristen joined Five Counties in 2023 as a Community Committee Member of the Finance and Personnel Committee and has extensive finance and corporate experience leading teams at both GE Peterborough and most recently, Kawartha Dairy. Kristen brings valuable IT, compliance and governance experience and is a wonderful addition to the Board at Five Counties.
Christina Colacicco ~ Director and Member of the Program and Services Advisory Committee
Christina holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree of Social Work from York University and is the Manager of Community Services – Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre in Cobourg. Christina has valuable experience as a progressive leader in a non-profit organization, leading the team toward impactful service delivery within regulatory frameworks and ministry targets. Christina has been successful in enhancing client services through strategic improvements and responsive program adjustments, and has experience in implementing strategic plans. Christina has also taught Social Service and Mental Health & Addiction, on a part-time basis, at both Fleming College and Durham College. Christina is a mother of a child who requires speech language therapy and understands the impact and importance of the essential services provided by organizations such as Five Counties.
Keri-Ellen Walcer ~ Director and Member of Communications and Government Relations Committee
Keri-Ellen is a registered kinesiologist, founder and director of MusiGo Inc, and a professional with two decades of experience creating motor development programs for children. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Sciences in Kinesiology from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, whose thesis focused on using music to motivate movement in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Keri-Ellen also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Community Health from Brock University, and a degree in Health and Wellness Management from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Currently, Keri-Ellen teaches Entrepreneurship and Small Business at Durham College and was a Sessional Professor for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Professor, Recreation and Leisure Services at Durham College. Keri-Ellen’s experience has provided her with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in child development and wellness; she also wants to contribute to Five Counties’ mission of providing life-changing treatment and support.
Tim McLaren ~ Director and Member of Finance and Personnel Committee
Tim has over 16 years of financial management and operations leadership experience, working at a top-tier consumer goods company. He is known for his expertise of navigating ERP systems, development of KPI’s, and driving strong financial results and has extensive experience with financial transactions, processes and policies.
As Controller for two Quaker Oats manufacturing sites, Tim was the strategic business partner for the Operations teams and supporting functions. He provided financial guidance and ownership for annual spending plans/budgets, decision support/analysis of financial opportunities and risks, monthly forecasting and reporting of site financials, financial lead for Collective Bargaining Agreements, and lead yearly reviews of financial controls. Tim also spent over four years as a Production Manager, leading a team of supervisors and support staff to run six production lines with direct accountability for 80 hourly associates. His team had ownership for Safety, Quality, Cost and Fulfillment.
Tim McLaren is a past board member with the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society, in which he lead for two years as Chair of the Board. Tim’s has completed the three-year Business Administration, Accounting at Fleming College, as well as the Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP) and Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), and successfully completed his CFE in 2022, through CPA Ontario.
Caroline Tapp-McDougall ~ Director and Member of Communications and Government Relations Committee
Caroline is a Canadian publisher and editor-in-chief known for her work in caregiving and eldercare. She is the publisher of Caregiver Solutions magazine, a national publication dedicated to providing support and resources for seniors, caregivers, and families. She has also authored The Complete Guide for Family Caregivers, a book offering advice on housing, finances, medical needs, and legal planning for those caring for loved ones. Additionally, she serves as the group publisher for BCS Communications Ltd., a company specializing in Canadian health and lifestyle magazines.
Caroline has made a significant impact on the caregiving community in Canada through her advocacy, publications, and initiatives. She is the Chair of Canada Cares, a not-for-profit organization she founded to recognize and support caregivers across the country. Canada Cares works to elevate the role of family and professional caregivers by fostering partnerships and increasing awareness of caregiving challenges.
Board – Community Committee Members
Dr. Peter Haastrup ~ Member of Communications and Government Relations Committee
Dr. Peter Haastrup is an experienced educator and social worker/clinician with a passion for social justice and a commitment to making a difference. He has a diverse background spanning the higher education industry, youth justice, and the non-profit sector. Throughout his career, Dr. Haastrup has demonstrated a remarkable ability to effect change as a change agent. His expertise in international community development work, mental health and addictions, counseling, empowerment, and public speaking has empowered individuals and communities to overcome challenges and thrive. Dr. Haastrup holds a Master’s of Social Work – Child and Family from the University of Toledo, Ohio, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Policy Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University. His doctoral research focuses on mental health, acculturative stress, and social networks as it impacts immigrant families, international students, and youths, reflecting his dedication to understanding and addressing issues facing marginalized communities.
Driven by a deep-seated commitment to social justice and equity, Dr. Haastrup continues to make a meaningful impact through his work, advocating for positive change and striving to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Emily Grady-Jensen ~ Member of Programs and Services Advisory Committee
Emily has a two-year college diploma in Community and Justice Services and is currently working towards completing a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal Justice. Emily has been working with Violence Against Women (VAW) since 2010, which has provided her with a unique perspective and a distinctive skillset. Emily held an administrative and project management focused position as Special Project Planner at the YWCA, later transitioning into the Executive Assistant role at the YWCA.
Emily, who has personal ties to Five Counties Children’s Centre from her childhood, brings more than seven years of experience in the VAW sector, project management and administrative support with several not-for-profit organizations. She is committed to life-long learning, opportunities for growth and excited for a new challenge. Emily is a welcome addition to the Program and Services Advisory Committee.