Board of Directors 2003/2004

Diane Bjorn is married and the mother of two young boys. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a specialization in Psychology. Diane is currently volunteering at Balsam St. School while pursuing employment opportunities in the field of mental health or working with the disabled. Diane’s interests consist of spending quality time with family, volunteering, reading, gardening, and internet research.

Donald Casnig has been a CLTB Board member for nine years and has represented CLTB on the Lake Superior Area Council. He is a member of the local Self Advocates Council, and the Self Advocates Council of Community Living Ontario, for which he attends meetings in Toronto. Donald's major interest for many years has been promotion of the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. He has recently been hired as a Project Assistant for a new local project, "Inclusion: Honouring Everyone's Rights Equally".

Debbie Chabot has an older sister with an intellectual disability who lives with her immediate family. She has an older brother with similar disabilities who lives with their other sister. She has been an CLTB Board member for two years, and is employed with Lakehead Public Schools as an Educational Assistant.

Nancy Clapp - 1^st Vice-President has been a member of the CLTB Board of Directors for the past eight years and the President of the Association for two years 2002/03 and 2003/04. Nancy is Manager of the Personal Assistance Program with HAGI’s Independent Living Services. Nancy has experience of other committees and boards and is a past staff member of CLTB.

Gerry Gagnon was appointed to the Board in January 2002. He has a background in psychology and took some classes at LU. Gerry likes to help people in many ways and wants to make sure all people are treated equally. Gerry has a history of voluntarism. He has a strong interest in music and loves to make people happy through his music. He is currently the Chair of the Self Advocate Council.

Sharon Hagstrom was appointed to the Board in January 2002. She is a long-time resident of Thunder Bay and is married with two children. Sharon has been working towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Lakehead University on a part time basis, and works full time as an Insurance Broker. She is an active Board member of the Insurance Institute of Canada, and the Thunder Bay and District Insurance Brokers Association.

Jeanne Killens has a science background and is employed at Dynea Canada as a Quality Control Technician. In the past, she has volunteered with the Allocation Panel for the United Way, as chair of a mixed curling league, and in many activities in which her children were involved. With Jeanne's three daughters now grown and on their own, she has time to volunteer again.

David Morellato - President has been a Board member of CLTB for a year, and is currently a member and Treasurer of the Lake Superior Area Council. He is a graduate of Lakehead University with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, employed by the federal government as a project engineer. He and his wife Marguerite have a son who is diagnosed with autism.

Shirley Ozbolt has been on the Board for five years. She is presently involved with committees within the School Board, and is an executive for OECTA Teacher Federation. Her qualifications include being a Special Education Specialist.

Rick Piccinin - 2^nd Vice-President is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay and is married with three children. He is the manager/owner of Violet Property Management. Rick has over 25 years' experience working with Boards of Directors and many years' experience in the voluntary sector.

Donna Porto has had many years of experience working with the people supported by CLTB. She is retired from the Ministry of Community, Family & Children's Services. Donna is married with two grown children and four grandchildren.

Debbie Shmanka was the guardian for a cousin who was intellectually challenged. She is married with one son, and is actively involved with her son’s school in the areas of volunteering and fundraising. She has been an CLTB Board member for three years.

Trudy Tuchenhagen has been on the CLTB Board for four years. She was a teacher of Special Education for 25 years. Trudy is a trustee with the Lakehead District School Board, and a former board member with the Multi-Cultural Association.

Pauline Vranesich has been a member of the CLTB Board for six years. She spent 28½ years working in the field of mental health. Pauline has Board experience at the local, district and provincial level; she is a Past President of Thunder Bay Council on Positive Aging. She has a history of voluntarism.

Melanie Zigman is married and the mother of two boys. She has lived in Thunder Bay all her life and is presently employed with the Ministry of the Attorney General. Melanie is a participant in the Leadership Thunder Bay Program, a member of the Westfort Toastmasters Club, and presently serving a third term as Secretary/Treasurer of the Club. She also volunteers in many activities in which her children are involved.

Ken J. Pickard - Secretary/Treasurer