Board of Directors

Kevin Hodge

Kevin is a fourth-generation cash crop farmer in Burford. He served one term on Brant County Council and has been a volunteer firefighter in the Burford area for 22 years. In 2014, Kevin and his wife Deb became the proud and loving adoptive parents of a sibling group of 4 children.

Kim Ann Laush

Kim Ann Laush is the Associate Dean, Community Studies at Mohawk College and has also been the Interim Associate Dean in Social Services/Justice Studies and Health studies. Prior to these roles, she was a Coordinator/Professor in the Child and Youth Care program, Educational Support Program and Child and Youth Worker Apprenticeship Program. Kim Ann is a life-long learner who achieved degrees from Nipissing (MEd), York (BEd) and Waterloo (BA, Social Development Studies) Universities and is currently a student at Western in the Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Higher Education Program. Kim Ann is also a graduate of Mohawk College from the Child and Youth Worker program who has several years’ experience working with children, youth and families in a children’s mental health centre and in closed custody with youth. Kim Ann has worked as a supply teacher with school boards in the Grand Erie District School Board and Waterloo Region District School Board.

Rhonda Morley

Rhonda is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has senior management experience in both for profit and not-for-profit sectors. A graduate of Mohawk College and Athabasca University, she has continued her learning in not-for-profit governance best practices. Having previously held positions such as Chief Financial Officer, Privacy Officer, and Treasurer, Rhonda has served on Boards of Directors in both the Canadian Dairy Industry and Ontario Healthcare Sectors before joining us in the child welfare sector.

Lori Henderson

Lori Henderson holds a B.A. and B.Ed. from Queen’s University and an M.Ed. from Brock University. She has worked in partnership with children and families for 32 years as an educator and Principal in the Brant area. Through that experience, Mrs. Henderson recognizes the truth to the adage that “it takes a community to raise a child” and has supported a variety of child and youth organizations including serving as President of Brant Food for Thought and Vice President of T.I.C.K. Inc. which provides healthy lifestyle and drug resistance education to all grade six students in Brantford. She has recently joined the Board of Child and Family Services of Grand Erie to continue to use her expertise in innovation and facilitating change, problem solving, building relationships, strategic planning and task management to help maintain and strengthen the positive safeguards and supports for children, young people and families provided by the agency.

Jessica Hill

Jessica is a true product of Brantford, where she was born and raised. With a background deeply rooted in sales and administration, Jess has honed her skills in relationship building and fostering connections. Her unwavering passion for helping people shines through as she takes on challenges and guides others through difficult situations. After purchasing her own home and experiencing the intricate process of real estate firsthand, Jess found herself captivated by the world of property transactions. 

Her journey began by immersing herself in the administrative side of real estate, determined to learn every facet of the industry behind the scenes. With time, dedication, and a growing love for the profession, Jess took her commitment to the next level by pursuing formal education and becoming a licensed real estate agent. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jess finds joy and fulfillment in her role as a spouse to her husband, Ryan, and in her role as a parent in a blended family to their 3 busy children. Whether cheering on the kids at hockey games, baseball games, gymnastics meets, or sharing creative moments in craft studios, family time remains a cornerstone of her life. Community engagement is another aspect that defines Jess’s character. With a heart dedicated to making a positive impact, she actively volunteers and supports local initiatives. From her roots in Brant County to her extensive network of family and friends, Jess exemplifies the spirit of connection and generosity.

Susan Holyome

Susan is a very active Board Member and a longstanding foster parent of 36 years. She has raised a number of children from toddlerhood to adulthood as well as helping others move on to adoption. She is extremely committed to the children and a strong advocate for them. For this reason alone, she makes an excellent Board member since she always brings discussions back to the needs of the children themselves. Recently one of the young people in her care was honoured with an award for dedication and commitment to his church. He recently graduated grade 12 as a honour student who also won an athletic award. Susan is a past treasurer of the Foster Parents Association of Brant. Her work is not limited to this important area of her life. In the community, she has also volunteered for the Heart and Stroke Association, the Cancer Society, and the Red Cross over the years.

Craig Mannell

Craig Mannell joined the Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk (CASHN) Board of Directors in April of 2016, serving as President for a number of years.  He is a local business owner, with his wife and daughter, boarding horses on his farm outside of Caledonia.  He also works as a manufacturing consultant.  Mr. Mannell is an active community volunteer, having held several roles at his daughter’s school.  He has servant leadership skills, is highly focused and result oriented.  Mr. Mannell served on the Joint Board Amalgamation Steering Committee as a co-Chair and is a member of the inaugural Board of Directors of Child and Family Services of Grand Erie.

Vernon Payne

Vernon has been a Brantford resident for 40 years and completed his secondary school education at Brantford Collegiate Institute. He then continued his studies at McMaster University and Ontario Teacher’s College. Following his university and college graduation, he worked with the Grand Erie District School Board as a classroom teacher and a school principal before his retirement.

Married with two adult children, Vernon has close connections to the local Caribbean community and enjoys music and sports.

Krupesh Shah

Krupesh Shah, migrated to Canada over 16 years ago, having been born, studied and married in India. With over 23 years of experience working in IT and as a business owner, he chose Brantford as a place to live, work and raise a family.  He currently works as IT Manager, North America in the Cambridge area and resides in Brantford with his wife and three children. Krupesh volunteers in various non-profit programs & events and is for community betterment.  He is a member of a Brantford Police Board, VP of a charitable & non-profit organization, and participates in and supports various community programs for children, youth and seniors.  He believes it is his moral responsibility and duty to support and give back to the community. In his free time, he likes to listen to music, play volleyball with friends and watch cricket.

Andre Stride

Andre made the decision to emigrate from the UK to Canada, arriving in 2005 with a background in engineering.  He has raised his four children in Port Dover and, along with his wife, has cared for several foster children.  A child’s illness gave him the experience of navigating a relationship with McMaster hospital and REACH.

Working as a truck driver, Andre became familiar with North America and now works in an office situation where he is involved in training, customer relations and administrative duties.

Volunteering in his church, he has participated in numerous children’s activities and brings his passion for child related matters to the CFSGE.

Sarah Willey-Thomas

Sarah Willey-Thomas joined the Child and Family Services of Grand Erie Foundation Board in November 2022. She is an experienced governance professional and servant leader, supporting governing bodies and committees in broader public sector and public company environments. Sarah completed her Bachelor of Arts and Master of International Public Policy at Wilfrid Laurier University and holds a Governance Professionals of Canada Designation (GPC.D) and Records and Information Management Certificate.   She has also served as a Board Member and Officer for other not-for-profit organizations.

Sally Johnson

Sally is currently serving as Executive Director of Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE) and CFSGE Foundation. Ms. Johnson brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the area of child welfare in Ontario.  She holds a Bachelor of Science, Mathematics from McMaster University, has completed the Executive Leadership Program at the Ivey School of Business at Western University in 2007 and is currently studying to complete her Masters of Public Administration at Western University.   Ms. Johnson served for 15 years with the (former) Ministries of Children and Youth Services and Community and Social Services, leading and developing various child welfare transformational policy changes, including as the Project Lead overseeing the amalgamation of children’s aid societies in Ontario between 2011 and 2014.  She then joined the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies as the Director of Government & Stakeholder Relations and Child Welfare Service Excellence, where she spearheaded a number of continuous improvement initiatives, including as the executive sponsor for an initiative aimed at reducing disproportionality and disparity for African Canadian families involved with the child protection system.  Ms. Johnson accepted the role of Ministry Appointed Supervisor for Brant FACS in July 2020 and then Executive Director in July 2021.   Prior to the Brant FACS amalgamation with the Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk, Sally was named Executive Director for the two agency’s and is currently serving as Executive Director of the newly amalgamated agency Child and Family Services of Grand Erie.