Board of Directors - Thunder Bay Counselling

Matthew Gawelczyk

Manager, Chemtrade Logistics

Matthew Gawelczyk is an accomplished railway, logistics, and asset-management professional with more than 20 years of experience spanning rail operations, mechanical maintenance, regulatory compliance, and leadership. He currently serves as a Rail Maintenance Manager with Chemtrade Logistics, supporting the company’s North American operations and providing oversight of a large, diverse railcar fleet. In this role, Matthew leads maintenance and qualification planning, manages service-provider performance, supports regulatory and operational requirements, and applies data-driven analysis to strengthen cost forecasting, fleet reliability, and long-term asset strategy.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and is completing a Master of Business Administration specializing in Business Analytics through Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business. His professional interests include business intelligence, predictive analytics, corporate strategy, financial planning, and the practical application of emerging technologies within the transportation and chemical industries.

Based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Matthew is also committed to community leadership and nonprofit governance. He is an avid reader and book collector, an amateur radio operator, and a lifelong learner who values accountability, thoughtful leadership, continuous improvement, and meaningful community service.

Shana Morrison-Shaen

FASD Diagnostic Clinic Lead Coordinator – Norwest Community Health Centre

Shana Morrison-Shaen is a Registered Psychotherapist and the FASD Diagnostic Clinic Coordinator at NorWest Community Health Centres in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She brings more than ten years of frontline clinical and leadership experience across Indigenous health, mental health, addictions, child welfare, and diagnostic services. Shana is passionate about building culturally safe, trauma-informed systems of care that honour both Indigenous knowledge and evidence-informed practice through a Two-Eyed Seeing approach.

Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles with organizations including Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and has worked extensively with interdisciplinary teams, community partners, and Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario. Her work focuses on program development, quality improvement, diagnostic coordination, workforce education, and strengthening access to equitable health services.

Shana serves on the Board of Directors for both Thunder Bay Counselling and First Peoples Wellness Circle. She is committed to advancing collaborative, relationship-centred care and is dedicated to improving outcomes for children, families, and communities through innovation, advocacy, and culturally grounded leadership.

Bryan Pye

Director, Finance and Management Services, Childrens Centre Thunder Bay

Bryan Pye, CPA, CGA, is the Director of Finance and Management Services at Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, where he provides strategic leadership in finance, administration, and corporate services for one of Northwestern Ontario’s leading children’s mental health organizations. With more than 15 years of progressive experience in finance, operations, and organizational leadership, Bryan has held roles in Public Accounting, Private Sector, and Public Sector Finance, bringing a broad perspective to financial stewardship and organizational effectiveness.

Bryan holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA). Throughout his career, he has been passionate about strengthening governance, improving organizational processes, and helping mission-driven organizations make sound financial decisions.

Outside of his professional life, Bryan enjoys endurance sports, including mountaineering, triathlon, and cross-country skiing. He is committed to lifelong learning and community service. Bryan is married to his wife, Tara, and together they are raising their three children Charlotte (18), Jack (16), and Jesse (12) along with their dog, Willow. His family is the centre of his life and the inspiration behind his commitment to serving his community with integrity and purpose.

Aisha Seera

Program Coordinator – Mental health for Black Youth and their Families – Norwest Community Health Centre

Aisha Seera is a health and community programs professional with a background in medicine, public health, mental health, and community-based programming. She currently serves as a Project Coordinator with NorWest Community Health Centres, supporting health transformation initiatives and the development of integrated, equitable, and culturally responsive services.

With a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Aisha brings experience in clinical care, public health, health promotion, mental health and addictions, and community outreach. Her work includes supporting Black communities, newcomers, youth, and other underserved populations through culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches.

Aisha is passionate about health equity, community engagement, and partnership development, with a focus on strengthening access to person-centred healthcare and community wellness supports.

Shannon Cormier

CEO and President (Nipigon District Memorial Hospital)

Shannon Cormier is the Chief Executive Officer of Nipigon District Memorial Hospital, where she leads CARE2030—a vision for strengthening rural healthcare through integrated, person-centred care. Previously, she served as Executive Director of North of Superior Counselling Programs, leading collaborative efforts to improve access to mental health and substance use services across the District of Thunder Bay.

Grounded in education and experience spanning community mental health, rural healthcare, systems leadership, consultation, coaching, and peace and conflict studies, Shannon believes individuals, families, and communities are at the heart of health. She believes organizations are at their best when they move beyond working in parallel and instead collaborate to advance equity, improve access, and create the conditions that help people flourish.

It is a true honour for Shannon to serve on the Thunder Bay Counselling Board of Directors. Her commitment to mental health is both deeply personal and professional, shaped by lived experience and more than 30 years of supporting individuals, families, and communities. Shannon believes that mental health is health and is passionate about strengthening compassionate, accessible care and collaborative strategic partnerships that foster hope, resilience, and healthier communities.

Courtney Renner

General Manager, Chartwell Glacier Ridge Retirement

Courtney Renner is a Registered Practical Nurse who began her healthcare career in 2006, working with the Homes for the Aged in Thunder Bay. Through her years in long-term care and retirement living, she has developed a strong foundation in resident-centered care, leadership, and advocacy for vulnerable populations.

In 2018, Courtney transitioned into retirement living leadership, joining Chartwell Glacier Ridge Retirement Residence as their Health and Wellness Manager. Her commitment to excellence, resident care, and team development led to her advancement into the role of General Manager, where she now oversees the operation of a thriving retirement residence.

With both professional and lived experience relating to mental health, Courtney is deeply passionate about supporting individuals and families facing mental health challenges. She believes in the importance of accessible, compassionate care, and is dedicated to reducing stigma while promoting wellness within the community.

As a community-minded leader, Courtney is committed to giving back through volunteerism, advocacy, and service. She values collaboration, inclusivity, and building strong community partnerships that improve the lives of others. Her combination of healthcare expertise, leadership experience, and genuine compassion allows her to bring a thoughtful and meaningful perspective to the Board of Directors.

This blend of professional knowledge and personal dedication fuels her ongoing commitment to helping create healthier, more resilient communities.

Alexandra Mauro

Secretary/Treasurer

Alexandra Mauro is the Direction de service Bien-être et inclusion at the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales. In this role, she oversees portfolios focused on school-based mental health and attendance services, autism and behaviour services, speech-language pathology, safe and accepting schools, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Alexandra has been with CSDCAB for several years, following the completion of her Master’s in Social Work. Before that, she worked at Thunder Bay Counselling in the Substance Use Health Program, where she developed a strong foundation in community-based services.

She is passionate about reducing stigma around mental health and creating compassionate, inclusive spaces for individuals and families. Over the years, Alexandra has developed strong skills in organizational leadership, change management, and navigating the complexities of staff and budget management. Her work also emphasizes data-driven decision-making, experience she brings to her role on the board.

Alexandra feels connected to TBC’s purpose because she has seen firsthand how these services can transform lives. She values the opportunity to contribute to an organization that strengthens well-being in the community.

As a bilingual leader, Alexandra brings a unique ability to advocate for equitable access to services and ensure that diverse voices are heard.

Patrick Jones

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

Patrick Jones is the Post-Treatment Services Manager at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, bringing over 15 years of experience across various areas of social services. His professional background spans substance use health, mental health services, and post-treatment supports, where he has developed strong skills in advocacy, systems-level thinking, program development, and collaborative leadership. Patrick is deeply motivated by community wellbeing and improving equitable access to mental health supports, particularly within Northern and underserved communities.

Throughout his career, Patrick has worked closely with individuals and families navigating complex systems of care, grounding his approach in both professional expertise and lived experience. He brings a strong understanding of how policy, service delivery, and community needs intersect, and values governance that is accountable, inclusive, and responsive.

Patrick is drawn to Thunder Bay Counselling’s mission because of its clear commitment to putting community first and creating welcoming, accessible spaces for all. He is proud to contribute a perspective informed by lived experience, professional practice, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, and is committed to supporting TBC’s role as a trusted, community-centered mental health professional.”

Mohit Dudeja

Contract Lecturer, Lakehead University

Dr. Mohit Dudeja (PhD) is a researcher, educator, and community advocate committed to advancing social justice, queer inclusion, and equitable educational practices. His work is driven by a deep belief in collective care, community empowerment, and the transformative potential of education.

Dr. Dudeja currently serves as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Education and the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies at Lakehead University. His academic and professional journey spans community organizing, queer-affirmative counselling, university teaching, and leadership roles across student services. Through these experiences, he has developed expertise in qualitative research, advocacy, program development, and trauma-informed support, skills that directly strengthen his contributions to the TBC Board.

He has been actively involved in advocacy and community-building efforts within LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities through various roles within Canada and internationally. Their research explores the internationalization of education, with a focus on social justice, queer inclusion, and transnational identities in higher education. They write from the standpoint of a queer migrant scholar and international student, committed to advancing equity in academic and community spaces.

Mohit is strongly aligned with TBC’s purpose of fostering belonging, equity, and safety for marginalized communities. He brings a transnational, queer, and community-centered perspective shaped by his lived experiences, scholarly work, and long-standing commitment to care-based leadership.

Laura Meisner

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

Laura Meisner is Director of Programs & Services at Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. She brings clinical and systems level social work experience in mental health and development, having served clients across a range of programs supporting children, youth and families.

With an educational background in psychology and social work, Laura’s work is grounded in supporting the health and well-being of our community. She has over 14 years of board governance experience, including a previous role as Board Chair for a women’s shelter to support those impacted by intimate partner violence. She also has experience and interest in project management, policy development, accreditation, risk management, strategic planning, and supporting innovative pathways to equitable access to services that meet the needs of our community.
Laura believes in the work of Thunder Bay Counselling and is proud to serve as a Board Director for the organization.

Lawni LaBelle-Paynter

Manager of Interprofessional Care Team – NorWest Community Health Centres

I am guided by a deep commitment to equity, community well-being, and culturally safe, trauma-informed care. My work is grounded in the belief that all people deserve accessible, dignified support that reflects their lived experiences.

I currently serve as Manager of Inter-Professional Care Teams at NorWest Community Health Centres, where I lead integrated primary care, outreach, and community-based health initiatives. Over more than two decades in community health and social services, I have developed expertise in systems navigation, population health planning, collaborative leadership, and building strong multi-sector partnerships.

My advocacy and community engagement include work in housing stability, harm reduction, food security, newcomer support, youth programming, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. I am passionate about meeting people where they are and supporting services that reduce barriers and foster wellness across the lifespan.
I am honoured to serve on the Thunder Bay Counselling Board because its purpose—providing accessible, person-centred mental health and social supports—aligns closely with my values. I bring a systems-integration perspective, a commitment to equity, and a grounded understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families in our region.

Rose Potestio

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

Rose Potestio is a dedicated community leader and retired child welfare professional, whose career has been rooted in the principles of inclusivity, equity, compassion, integrity, and continuous learning. Equipped with a Master of Social Work and a steadfast dedication to antioppressive practice, she’s devoted more than three decades to supporting the wellbeing of children, youth, and families. Her career spanning a broad spectrum of roles, from frontline work to senior leadership, Rose has developed a holistic understanding of the sector and its capacity for meaningful, personcentred change.

Rose’s areas of expertise include traumainformed practice, child development, and wellness within the support services sector. Known for her collaborative approach, she worked closely with Thunder Bay Counselling throughout her career, partnering across agencies to strengthen integrated supports for individuals and families. She has long believed that mental health and wellbeing are foundational to healthy communities and has consistently admired and championed TBC’s leadership in this space.

Beyond her professional work, Rose contributes significantly to community wellbeing through advocacy, board governance, and volunteering. She has previously volunteered with Shelter House, demonstrating her continued dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.

In all governance settings, Rose brings a strong commitment to ensuring diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) remain central to decisionmaking and organizational processes. Her lived experience in leadership, paired with her valuesdriven approach, allows her to bring thoughtful and forwardthinking perspectives to the board table.