Meet our Board
Michelle Michalak
CHAIR
Michelle Michalak has held strategic communications and public engagement leadership roles at World Vision, the global humanitarian aid, development and advocacy agency connected to the very beginning of CRWC. Michelle has also enjoyed various leadership roles at consultancies and corporate organizations. In her free time, she enjoys staying in touch with friends around the world, travelling to new places, and both learning from and mentoring youth.
Taya Cook
VICE-CHAIR
Taya Cook has been involved with Christie since 2017, when she first began as a volunteer in the Children’s After School Program and later, joined the board. Taya holds an Executive MBA and offers her experience in Real Estate Development, Management and Strategy to the board. She has a life goal to visit 100 countries and is currently over halfway to her goal. She loves the cultural diversity that is intrinsic to CRWC.
Peter Hopkins
TREASURER
Peter Hopkins works in a management role with an import automobile distributor. He fundraises for various local organizations in support of refugees and volunteers for the Toronto International Film Festival and other arts and tech non-profits. Peter holds the CFA Charter and an MBA from Queen’s (now Smith) School of Business.
Stephen Gordon
SECRETARY
Stephen Gordon works as a Portfolio Manager at Manulife Financial. He is an active member of the Refugee Committee at his downtown Toronto Anglican church. He enjoys biking and playing tennis with his two young boys. He graduated from McMaster University with a B.Comm, and is a CFA Charterholder.
Charlotte Nissenbaum
Bio to come.
Kristin Booy
Kristin Booy is passionate about work that offers creative solutions to housing issues and strives to see Toronto as a place that can offer diverse and inclusive housing for all. In her current role as Manager of Housing at the Yonge Street Mission, Kristin provides strategic oversight of housing initiatives including housing provision and housing services. She has enjoyed over a decade of management and leadership experience in non profits and holds a MSW from Laurier and a Leadership and Management Certificate from UofT. In her free time, she enjoys life with her kids and partner on the East End and is often playing tennis or knitting.
Leanne Mongiat
Bio to come.
Lemlem Woldermariam
Bio to come.
Nina Ramscar
Nina Ramscar brings 25 years of expertise in real estate development and strategy to Christie’s Board. With commercial real estate experience in the UK, Australia and Canada, Nina has concentrated her work in Toronto’s Affordable Housing and Shelter Sector for the past 5 years. Having previously volunteered at the YWCA Vancouver and served on the St. Felix Centre Board in Toronto, Nina is committed to advancing CRWC’s mission to offer a safe and welcoming environment for refugees settling in Toronto.