Our staff

John Choi

(he/him)

Executive Director ext. 230

John’s background experience in the mental health field began over 25 years ago, starting at the Child Development Institute, and then offering treatment to children, youth and families in Peel Region. Recently, John has served as the Director of Program Operations at nearby Stella’s Place Assessment and Treatment Centre. In his various roles, John has guided the development of high functioning, multi-disciplinary teams. He has also supported revenue generating efforts from grant application writing to participation in stewardship activities and acting as a key spokesperson for his organization. Financials, budgets and fiscal accountability have also been an important aspect of his role in the NFP world. John has contributed to innovation in delivering key services to clients and is no stranger to working in challenging and “lean” environments. Connecting with people and building relationships is always at the centre of John’s commitment.

Julia Shierlaw

(she/her)

Operations Manager and Bookkeeper ext. 300

jshierlaw@sheenasplace.org

Julia has a wide range of experience in office management, bookkeeping and payroll in the private sector. She is also trained as a Social Service Worker and has provided volunteer work at the Toronto Distress Centre, the YMCA Beatrice House and The Aids Network. Julia is very grateful to be a part of our team and is looking forward to continuing to grow with Sheena’s Place.

Aglaia Tudor

(she/her)

Registrar and Program Administrator ext. 220

agurevich@sheenasplace.org

Aglaia has an extensive background in Administration, Client Relations and Business Operations. Her undergraduate studies began at the Schulich School of Business at York University and continued at the University of Toronto where she received her BSc (Honours) specializing in Buddhist Psychology and Mental Health. She is currently completing her MA in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Aglaia has a strong background in visual arts and dance, graduating from the Claude Watson Arts program. She has volunteered with the Toronto Distress Centre and has completed training as a Yoga Instructor. Aglaia is excited to bring together her professional skills and personal dedication to the Mental Health community to best support everyone at Sheena’s Place.

Steven Bowa

(he/him)

Registrar and Program Administrator ext. 100

sbowa@sheenasplace.org

Steve has a background in Management, Photography and Videography. Before working at Sheena’s Place, Steve’s interest in the mental health field began when he studied at University of Ottawa where he received his BA in Psychology. Steve has always wanted to find a way to merge his passion for mental health care and advocacy with his artistic and administrative abilities. He is very excited to learn and grow as a part of the Sheena’s Place team while supporting the needs of the mental health community.

Kaitlyn Axelrod

(she/her)

Manager of Community Outreach & Education ext. 330

kaxelrod@sheenasplace.org

Kaitlyn entered the field of eating disorders through her research at the Douglas Mental Health Institute in Montreal in 2013, while studying at McGill University. Since then, Kaitlyn has worked and volunteered for a variety of Toronto-based mental health organizations supporting youth and adults with eating disorders and other mental health challenges. Kaitlyn is a registered social worker and received her MSW at the University of Toronto, where she specialized in mental health and health. At Sheena’s Place, Kaitlyn facilitates groups and coordinates and delivers outreach presentations in the community. Through her work, she aims to destigmatize eating disorders and increase accessibility of support.

JP McMillan

(he/him)

Director of Development ext. 250

jpmcmillan@sheenasplace.org

JP spent the first 14 years of his career in the financial sector; ultimately working his way up to Director of Relationship Management with RBC Global Services. In this role, he was responsible for the bank’s relationship with a number of top tier clients, including The Hospital for Sick Children. It was here that the SickKids Foundation asked him to volunteer and then ultimately jump industries all-together to develop their individual giving program. In his 12 years at SickKids, JP developed multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns, and worked with Canada’s leading philanthropists and companies to achieve their charitable goals. JP is now excited to bring this experience and passion to Sheena’s Place.

Minna Frederick

(she/her)

Program Manager ext. 340

mfrederick@sheenasplace.org

Minna started leading group spaces as a young adult, focused mostly on the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Since then, Minna completed her Masters of Social Work at York University, and as worked in a wide range of community health and mental health organizations. Most recently, Minna was a manager at LGBT Youth Line, where she supported young people through peer support and anti-oppressive/anti-racism centered model. At Sheena’s, Minna supports our large facilitator team and manages our programs, as well as facilitates groups. Minna loves working on small teams and in community settings, and is excited to be a part of Sheena’s Place.

Laurene Lau

(she/they)

Development Coordinator ext. 270

llau@sheenasplace.org

Laurene has volunteered and interned at numerous 2SLGBTQ+ and youth non-profit organizations in Montreal and Hong Kong prior to joining Sheena’s Place. Through a volunteer opportunity with CAEO Quebec, Laurene ventured into the world of non-profit development by taking part in strategic planning and grant writing. Laurene’s passion for advocacy is inspired by her studies at McGill University, where she majored in Political Science with a double minor in Cultural Studies and Sociology. Laurene ensures that her work at Sheena’s Place reflects her commitment to anti-oppression. When Laurene is not working, she is probably attending film screenings, practicing latte art, or snuggling with her cats Ella and Miles.