Board of Directors

Jyoti Sanwalka

Program Director 

I am a retired teacher with a career that spanned 30+ years in the Toronto District School Board. For the majority of these years, I worked with students with special needs. As Program Director, a key personal priority is to constantly seek avenues to provide quality programs for our diverse clients needs. Safety, participation, positivity, mutual respect for all stakeholders, diversity and growth are qualities that are stressed and incorporated into our program. I am honoured to be on a “journey” with the clients, families and staff at the Pines.

Rex Mouland

Financial Director

I am a recently retired accountant.  During my career, I was a senior accountant in mainly manufacturing public or privately owned companies.  My goal as The Pines Financial Director is to ensure fiscal responsibility, and a stable financial base to ensure ongoing viability.  This means walking the line between fiscal responsibility and ensuring we do everything we can for our clients.  My objective as a board member is to support our staff, clients and other board members to provide a safe, reliable and fun place at The Pines.

Maria Balingit

Secretary 

I have been a volunteer member of The Pines Board of Directors since 2015. Volunteering in this organization has provided me a sense of pride and identity as well as a natural sense of accomplishment that contributes to a positive view of my life and future goals. I take great pride in working alongside the incredibly talented and dedicated staff and the Board members in developing a solid support system, in fostering strong and positive working relationships and ensuring that our mission is accomplished and our vision becomes a reality.

Kenny Chan

Director

As a member of the founding group of The Pines Adult Day Centre, it is so satisfying to watch our ideas and plans come to fruition. I have been a Board Member since 1996 and my son has been attending this program since 1997. I watched our “little program” developed from 1 staff and1 client at its beginning to the success it is today. Thanks to the hard work of many dedicated volunteer Board members and staff, it is my hope that The Pines will continue to provide a safe, stimulating and meaningful program for adults with disabilities for many years to come.

Joan Seales

Director

We have been a client of The Pines for over 15 years. We sincerely appreciate the vital service provided for our adult daughter, who needs a place where she can be connected to the community, is supported and cared for effectively and efficiently. Keep up the good work.

Management

Monique Pope
Program Manager

I am a certified Personal Support Worker and I have been working at The Pines for the past 14 years. I really enjoy working with the clients and making connections with their families. I am honoured to be the Manager of such a enriching and client centred program carried out by fantastic staff. My vision for The Pines is to help lead a committed staff to grow and develop a highly regarded day program that helps each of our clients reach their full potential. I am excited to be given this opportunity at a time when there is such a strong and vital need for quality programming for adults with special needs in our community.

Philipp Schulze-Garg
Program Assistant Manager

I have been working at The Pines since October 2014 and I have a degree in Psychology from York University. I have previous experience in working with adults with special needs from spending a year in a self-sustaining village in the countryside of North Yorkshire, England. During my stay I worked and lived with adults who has special needs on a farm. Other professional work and volunteer experiences include facilitating an active games group at a daycare for preschool kids in Hamburg, Germany. As well as tutoring grade 1-6 kids at a Toronto Public Library branch in a program called Leading to Reading, this program strives to assist kids who are struggling to read or have otherwise no connection to books. One of my passions has always been working with and helping people in need, as well as making a difference in people’s lives. Through my interest in literature and sports, I will continue to create a joyful and stimulating atmosphere at The Pines with the rest of my wonderful co-workers.

Coordinators

Heidi Wood
Program Coordinator

I arrived at the Pines Adult Day Centre with a genuine passion for further enhancing the lives of the clients with diverse abilities. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge and a caring spirit. My certification in Personal Support and Sterile Supply as well as the life skills I have learned along the way has equipped me with the skills to add to those needed at the Pines.
I encourage inclusivity and an engaging environment for all of our clients and their families. At the Pines, we understand the importance of tailoring daily activities ( teaching clients social skills, assembling puzzles, basic math and  English, going on trips, Zumba etc) and ensuring that all clients are safe and can thrive and find joy in these experiences.
My approach at the Pines comes with empathy, patience and collaborating closely with staff, clients and their families and other professionals to create a supportive atmosphere.
I am known as the ‘joker of the Pines’ as it is good to lighten up situations among clients and staff at times. Clients are happy here and we look forward to welcoming them each day. I hope that my time here would be seen as a source of encouragement  and support to all who walk through the doors of our centre. I believe in each individual and try to have a positive impact on all. Cheers to The Pines Day Centre.

Jacqueline Martin

Program Coordinator

I have been working for the Pines for almost 6 years now. I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities and a Personal Support worker certificate. I am dependable, reliable, courteous, and hard working with amicable disposition and always prepared to support and care for the clients to achieve their potential with joy and satisfaction.

Zia Pope

Program Coordinator

I have my diploma in social work and nutrition management. I first heard of The Pines when I was in high school and was given the opportunity to complete my 40 community hours there. It was such a wonderful first experience working with the clients and learning from the staffs. The management team hired me as an ongoing summer student while I was in college so in total I have been with The Pines for approximately 7 years. I have developed such a strong connection with all the clients and I am happy to be apart of this team.

Joseph Leonardo
Program Coordinator

Having spent six months amidst the pines, my previous experience as a nurse in my home country has allowed me to better connect with the clients and comprehend their current situation. Working in this amazing program has been an incredible opportunity. I am incredibly grateful to my co-workers and the organization for allowing me to be a part of it. From the challenging tasks to the supportive environment, the experience has been truly enriching. The skills and knowledge I have gained here have been invaluable, and I am excited to continue growing as a professional. The people I work with have been nothing short of amazing, and their dedication and passion for their work have been truly inspiring. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this team and look forward to all the exciting things that lie ahead.