Board of Directors - Thunder Bay Counselling

Alexandra Mauro

Secretary/Treasurer

Alexandra serves as the Director of Wellbeing and Inclusion Services at the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales, a French-language regional school board based in Thunder Bay. She oversees a comprehensive wellbeing portfolio encompassing social work, speech language pathology, autism services, mental health, safe schools and equity, diversity and inclusion. As a dedicated Francophone, she prioritizes enhancing provision of high-quality French-language health care services.

Sarah Nelson

Board Director

Sarah Nelson is an Ojibwe Anishinaabe ikwe from Animikii Wikwedong, Thunder Bay. As a citizen of Couchiching First Nation [with family roots in Obishikokaang First Nation, Ireland and England] she has always been drawn to cross cultural work and Indigenous rights movements.

With a decade of experience in the non-profit and public sectors, she identifies strongly as a community connector, organizer and writer.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Learning from Lakehead University and is skilled at developing and implementing strategic plans, programs, research and evaluation of projects and organizations. She is trained in decolonial research frameworks and methodologies, Art of Hosting, and Path & Maps: Person Centred Approaches to Community Planning.

Sarah is Co-Founder of the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund with the Laidlaw Foundation which provides grants for Indigenous youth-led cultural and language revitalization projects.

Rose Potestio

Retired Director of Family Services, Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay

Rose has worked in various capacities in the field of child welfare for over 30 years. She recently retired from her position as Director of Family Services at the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay. Rose is born and raised in Thunder Bay and has a strong commitment to community and district. She has previous Board experience and a strong belief in volunteer work.

Patrick Jones

Manager – Family Healing and Wellness Centre, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Patrick has worked in various areas of social services for over 15 years. Currently working as a Family Healing & Wellness Centre Manager with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. Patrick brings knowledge and advocacy from communities such as; 2SLGBTQ, addictions, substance misuse, and mental health. His approach to working with communities comes with a lens of pride, lived, and professional experiences.

Lawni LaBelle-Paynter

Manager of Interprofessional Care Team – NorWest Community Health Centres

Lawni has over 20 years of experience in the health care sector. She brings extensive knowledge in the areas of mental health and addictions, primary care, acute care, chronic care, long term care, palliative care and home and community care support services. Lawni possesses skills in the area of home care management, counselling therapy, chronic disease management, community development, case management, program development, implementation, evaluation and risk management.

Ardelle Sagutcheway

Student and Writer

Originally from Eabametoong First Nation, Ardelle currently resides in Thunder Bay with her two kids. She is a student and a writer. She is also an advocate on Indigenous issues and use poetry as a means to speak on different issues. Ardelle joined the Board of Directors of Thunder Bay Counselling because 15 years ago, she was a client. Thunder Bay Counselling does great work in the community and she wants to help out.

Aimee Jaun

Associate Vice Provost, Lakehead University

Aimee Jaun is the Associate Vice-Provost, Students at Lakehead University. She comes to the Board with diverse experiences that include post-secondary education, mental health and addiction, public health, management consulting, training and development, and organization development.

Greyson Evans

Direct Funding Coordinator, Wesway

Greyson is a Direct Funding Coordinator at Wesway, in this role he works directly with families from all over Northern Ontario. As a proud trans man, Greyson is passionate about creating a healthcare model that is accessible to all, and ensures that nobody slips through the cracks.

Laura Meisner

Manager of Healthy Child Development, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay

As a social worker with experience in the mental health & development sector, Laura believes in the importance of supporting the health and well-being of our community. She is the Manager of Healthy Child Development at Children’s Centre Thunder Bay & brings many years of Board leadership experience. Laura is pleased to join the Board of Directors at Thunder Bay Counselling to positively contribute to our community.

Mohit Dudeja

Contract Lecturer, Lakehead University

With extensive experience in research, education, and mental health, Mohit specializes in queer affirmative counseling. Their expertise and dedication in creating inclusive environments have made them a trailblazer in their field, empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves.

Kari Wesley

Kari has over 20 years of experience in Financial Planning and Financial Services. She is a Professional Executive Coach specializing in Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. Kari is passionate about work/life balance and volunteers as a National Well-Being Ambassador with TD.