OUR TEAM
Rita Makubuya
Executive DirectorOUR AMAZING TEAM
Deborah Arsenault
Counsellor MDiv, RP
Mike Piersanti
Counsellor MA, MTS, ICADC
Gina Gallo
Counsellor, BSc
Fabio Frigolè
SSW, RSSW, Pastoral Ministry
Lori Punton
Fund Development Coordinator
Joanne Vink
Office Administrator | Front Desk
Melissa Pelletier
Event planner Myrica de Haan
Communications & Donor Relations Coordinator
Felicia Plouffe
Counsellor, BA, Psy Naomi Reimer
Counsellor, OAMHPBOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ken Klassen, Board Chair
Professor of Operations Management, Goodman School of Business at Brock University, Ken has served on the Niagara Life Centre board for 3 years (2 as chairman). A keen detail person, he has been instrumental in fine tuning both our financials and reporting.
Jacob Hoek, Vice-Chair
Jake has served on the Niagara Life Centre board for just over a year and acts as the vice-chairman. He was introduced to the NLC board while attending Brock University as a student of Ken Klassen (current chairman). While balancing his career and young family, Jake has arranged a benefit Easter concert at his church in Vineland in support of NLC. Also he has gathered support for and participated in the annual NLC Walkathon with his wife and 4 children.
Jim Ruggi, Co-Treasurer
Jim is an accountant, has served on the Niagara Life Centre board for over 5 years and has been treasurer for most of that time. Jim loves to roll up his sleeves and participate in fundraising activities. He is amazing at encouraging community participation and was a diehard rider in Ride for Refuge, which raised a lot of support for the ministry.
Chris Dayaram, Co-Treasurer
Chris has been serving on the board for the past year. He brings financial skills that are well appreciated on the Niagara Life Centre Board. He currently serves as co-treasurer. He is intent on getting support for the ministry by creating awareness as he invites new people to participate in NLC events.
Karen Vandyk, Secretary
Karen is a retired social worker and has served on the board for just over a year. Karen is the board secretary. She has actively supported the work of Niagara Life Centre for many years and she has referred many clients to NLC. Karen continues to promote the mission of NLC in her church community and in the Niagara Region.
Perry Wong
Perry is a retired mechanical engineering and supply chain management professional, having both worked and lived in Canada and the United States. Perry joined the Niagara Life Centre board in 2019. He introduced and led last year’s Coin Campaign fundraiser at his church in Niagara Falls. Perry has a passion for supporting the local community, and has used the annual fundraising banquet as a way of introducing people to what NLC is all about.