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Board of Directors and Leadership Team

Our Board of Directors

Our board is made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in our community. Each member brings their unique expertise and personal commitment to help build a connected community where all people thrive. 

Brooke Barker

she/her

Board Member

“I feel truly honoured to have the opportunity to be part of Camino, as I deeply connect with the mission, vision, and values. I wholeheartedly believe in the important work happening here to support individuals in enhancing their mental health and overall wellbeing.”

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Hi, I’m Brooke Barker, and I’m a Service Coordinator at CMHA Waterloo Wellington. My journey in this field has been fulfilling, with over 700 volunteer hours at Ray of Hope and previous roles at Homewood Health and Threshold Homes and Supports. I also teach at Conestoga College, where I share my passion by educating others. My extensive training in Equity and Indigenous Cultural Safety helps me better understand our community's needs, and I’m excited to bring this understanding to our Board.

Maria De Boer

she/her

Board Member

“I am honoured to be on a Board that is grounded in its values, where Camino’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is evident in everything we do.”

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I’m Maria De Boer, and I bring over 35 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including my role as the Executive Director of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. My deep commitment to inclusion and the power of community relationships drives my work. With a master’s degree in social work, I am passionate about advocating for comprehensive support systems that genuinely benefit everyone in our community. I believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where all individuals can thrive.

Jeff Desbiens

he/him

Board Member

“Camino’s commitment to both delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients and fostering talent within the organization is truly impressive. It demonstrates that we’re not only focused on supporting those at risk in our community, but also building an engaging workplace.”

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I’m Jeff Desbiens, and I’ve been part of the Board since 2019. I bring my experience in Human Resources, Operations, and Lean Management. I previously served as Board Chair, and I’m dedicated to supporting Camino as we continue to provide impactful mental health programs and services. I believe in our mission and am excited to contribute my strategic insights to help us continue to grow and make a positive difference in our community.

Colleen Heinrichs

she/her

Treasurer

"It's important to me to reduce stigmas around depression, anxiety and mental health issues and normalize open conversations about coping.  I believe by increasing the dialogue on mental health, this lets people know they are not alone and there are options."

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I’m Colleen Heinrichs, a CPA with over 20 years of experience in audit, financial reporting, and consulting, primarily within the insurance sector. I am passionate about good governance, strong management practices and the development of organizational policies and procedures. Serving on the Board allows me to contribute my expertise and ensure we manage our resources effectively. My goal is to help strengthen our organization so we can better support and uplift our community.  

Cheryl Hotchkiss

she/her

Board Member

"Camino's role in helping people find their way to the wellbeing supports that they might need during personal challenges ensures that those searching, with Camino's support will find a way to health."

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Hi, I’m Cheryl Hotchkiss, and I am the Vice-President – Advancement and Strategy at International Justice Mission Canada. With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, I bring knowledge and expertise in strategy setting, people and culture, operations, and fundraising to the Board. My motivation for being part of the Camino community comes from my personal and professional experience seeing how support for mental well-being has a transformational impact on a person’s ability to be who they want to be for themselves and others.

Benton Leong

he/him

Vice Chair

I’m Benton Leong, a dedicated community volunteer and tech entrepreneur with a passion for making a difference. I actively engage in local initiatives like Tiny Home Takeout and various neighbourhood associations, as I believe collaboration is key to fostering strong communities. As the Vice Chair of the Board, I strive to leverage my leadership experience and innovative thinking to advance our mission at Camino. Together, we can promote wellbeing and drive positive change in our community.

Mathuri Mayakrishnan

she/her

Board Member

“I am inspired by the vital work Camino does to uplift the community I grew up in. It’s an honour to support a team dedicated to creating meaningful change.”

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Hello! I’m Mathuri Mayakrishnan, and I bring a strong background in marketing, customer experience, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusive practices to the Board. I’m dedicated to supporting Camino in strengthening its role as a vital community pillar—one that not only leads but actively uplifts, empowers, and collaborates with the people we serve, our partners, and supporters to drive meaningful change.

Lori Payne

she/her

Board Member

“I was drawn as a volunteer by Camino’s focus and commitment to collaborate with others to ensure individuals, families and communities can readily access supports and services that are most needed by them, in a way that centres around them.  I love volunteering with Camino – it’s a very meaningful experience!"

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I’m Lori Payne, and I have had the privilege of serving on the Board since 2018, including my role as Past Chair. With a strong background in accounting, organizational development, and change management, I’m dedicated to using my skills to help advance Camino’s work. I have held global roles in strategy facilitation, business integration, and culture change. As an active community volunteer, I truly believe in the power of collaboration to create meaningful change. I’m passionate about working together with others to enhance our impact and partner to create a supportive environment for everyone in our community.

Dorothee Retterath

she/her

Board Member

"I believe that supporting the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and their families makes for a stronger and safer community where all people thrive."

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Hi, I’m Dorothee Retterath, a retired Assistant Crown Attorney with a deep commitment to wellbeing in our community. Since joining the Board in 2018, I have had the opportunity to draw on my extensive experience, which includes working on the Family Violence Project and serving as a lead case manager for Youth Criminal Justice. I am honoured to contribute my knowledge and insights to further the Camino mission.  

Dan Robert

he/him

Board Member

“I love Camino’s no wrong door approach to accessing wellbeing and mental health supports…and there are so many doors waiting for you.”

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I’m Dan Robert and I currently serve our community as Director of Philanthropy at Waterloo Region Community Foundation. My journey includes holding leadership roles at Wilfrid Laurier University, where I raised money for student wellness programs, served on the Board of Governors, and, as a student, was elected President & CEO of the Students’ Union. With personal experience navigating the mental health system and a strong commitment to equity, I am deeply passionate about advocating for support and resources in our community and advancing Camino’s mission. 

Elaine Read

she/her

Board Chair

“I am inspired by the commitment the Camino team has put into building relationships across the community recognizing that together we can provide more seamless access, expand our reach within the Region of Waterloo and learn from each other to better support the mental health and wellbeing of our community.”

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I’m Elaine Read, and I am proud to serve as the current Board Chair. I’ve been on the Board since 2018, and with over 25 years of experience as a CPA, I bring my expertise in governance, risk management, and finance to our mission. I am passionate about our work and look forward to contributing to our ongoing efforts to make a positive and lasting impact in our community! 

Our Senior Leadership Team

Meet our team of leaders who help drive our mission forward.

Lisa Akey

she/her

Senior Leadership Team

In my role as the Director of Programs and Services at Camino, I oversee the delivery of therapy for individuals, couples, and families. With decades of experience in leadership focusing on Mental Health, Addictions, and Children’s Mental Health, I am dedicated to creating supportive environments for the people we serve. I actively participate in community tables in Waterloo Region related to mental health and addiction that supports the collaborative work and multidisciplinary approach necessary to address needs in the community.

Lesley Barraball

she/her

Senior Leadership Team

I am the Program Director for the Family Supports Department at Camino with 30 years of experience in child, youth, and family mental health. Over the past 24 years, I have led a continuum of mental health services ranging from early intervention to intensive treatment. I am passionate about finding innovative ways to support the mental health and wellbeing of the youngest people in our community, addressing the needs of their parents, and taking a whole family approach to mental health. I have a degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work. I am privileged to be involved in many local community partnerships and provincial initiatives with others who are dedicated to responding to the evolving needs of infants, children, youth and families in our community and across the province.

Dejana Bjelogrlic

she/her

Senior Leadership Team

With 25 years of experience in the field, including a decade in leadership roles, I am passionate about fostering strong partnerships and ensuring effective service delivery to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. As Director of Wayfinding, Gender-Based Violence, and Quality, I focus on creating programs and services that are data-driven, emphasize relationships and collaboration, and are designed to support individuals and communities in meaningful ways. My professional journey includes managing clinical counselling services, residential programs, and specialized initiatives for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I am a social worker, committed to creating environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to be their best self.

Debbie Engel

she/her

Senior Leadership Team

I am proud to be a daughter, mother, sister, partner, and a leader committed to upstream, community-based services that support the mental health and wellbeing of people in our Region. With over 30 years in the mental health sector, I use a community development, asset-based approach to my work. I hold degrees in Child and Youth Counselling and Adult Education and Leadership. I am actively involved in community wide initiatives such the Immigration Partnership and the Child and Youth Planning Table, Wellbeing Waterloo Region and Youth Engagement.

Shannon Nicholson

she/her

Senior Leadership Team

As the Director of Corporate Supports at Camino, I’ve been part of this amazing team for nearly eight years. I hold a BBA degree and have gained experience across various industries. My role encompasses overseeing Talent Development, IT, Finance, and Facilities. I also currently serve as the Chair of the Finance Committee for the Kitchener Public Library. I’m passionate about supporting our team so we can continue to provide high-quality services to those in need.

Sandra Villarraga

she/her

Senior Leadership Team

Originally from Colombia, I’ve been in Canada since 2008 and am deeply committed to community building. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, I’ve supported various local organizations and understand the challenges faced by the people we serve, as well as the transformative successes achieved through community support. As the Director of Philanthropy and Communications, I focus on promoting awareness and establishing vital resources through inspiring philanthropy so that Camino can assist individuals, families, and communities as they work to strengthen their wellbeing and mental health. 

Tracy Elop

she/her

Chief Executive Officer

I have the privilege of serving as the CEO of Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health.  After many years of business experience, I decided to dedicate my efforts to the not-for-profit sector in 2003. My journey has taken me through various operational and governance roles, including serving as CFO/COO at KidsAbility Centre for Child Development and as a Board Director and Chair of Grand River Hospital. As a Chartered Professional Accountant by training, I was honoured to receive recognition as an FCPA in 2016 for my contributions to the profession and our community.