Board of Directors
Aparna Dixit, President, has been working in the social services field for 7 years and in the volunteer sector for 10 years. Aparna is passionate about social justice and is seeking ways to contribute to her community while expanding her knowledge base. Aparna joined the board of Luke’s Place in June 2016.
Jackie Long, Past President, is an HR Executive with over 20 years’ experience in various industries. Jackie is keenly aware of the need for volunteer leaders throughout the community to support the critical work of organizations like Luke’s Place. Her work in the not for profit sector is focused on governance, board excellence, change management, and operational effectiveness. Jackie joined the board of Luke’s Place in June 2010.
Frances (Frankie) Wood, Vice-President, was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1998 after obtaining a law degree at the University of Edinburgh and a further LLB at the University of New Brunswick. She has practiced family law since 2000 and has been in partnership with Jennifer Gold since 2008. By entering into partnership, Frances Wood and Jennifer Gold, sought to create an alternative to the traditional law firm and thereby achieve work-life balance and a diverse workplace.
Katie Gerber, Secretary, is a family law lawyer dedicated to the work of supporting children and families through challenging times. Katie is a firm believer in giving back to her community and currently also services as a Director on Children’s Treatment Network’s Board of Directors.
Jill D'Souza, Treasurer, is a Toronto-Based CPA, CMA. She is a seasoned financial professional with a passion for financial planning and analysis. She also holds a Bachelor of Administrative Studies with Honours in Accounting from York University.
Shane Martinez, Director, is a Toronto-based lawyer who earned his LLB at the University of New Brunswick. He has been practicing criminal defence and human rights law since 2011. Shane's work includes the repatriation of Canadians imprisoned abroad, utilizing Ontario's Human Rights Code as a novel tool to propel change within provincial jails, and advocating on behalf of migrant farm workers.
Nafisa Nazarali, Director, is a lawyer with Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers. She was called to the bar in 2010 and practices exclusively in the area of family law. Nafisa is committed to issues of social justice. Nafisa joined the board of Luke’s Place in March 2015.
Kimberley Gavan, Director, is a long-time advocate in the inclusion movement. Currently, Kim serves as the Executive Director of the Brockville and District Association for Community Involvement. She also has an extensive history and involvement with both Community Living Ontario and Inclusion Canada who are the Provincial and National bodies of Community Living, a federation of 300 local and 13 Provincial/Territorial Associations working on behalf of approximately 1 million Canadians with a developmental disability and their families. Kim largely spends her free time commuting back and fourth each weekend to the GTA, where she enjoys her family and love of sailing.
Kimberly Saunders, Director, is a public servant with 28 years of experience in research, library sciences, program evaluation, internal audit, training and corporate affairs, including five as a Chief Audit Executive and Head of Evaluation. Kimberley has considerable volunteer experience on community boards and with professional associations, as well as recruiting and mentoring women in the federal government.