Board of Directors
Jackie Long, President & Human Resources Committee Chair, 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.
Nafisa Nazarali, Secretary, 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.
Aparna Dixit, Director, 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.
Christine Koch, Director, recently retired after working for Toronto Employment and Social Services for 32 years. Through various roles Christine has held management level positions supporting the ongoing services to the divisions’ infrastructure, risk management and human services area. Christine joined the board of Luke’s Place in June 2016.
Sheryl (Sherry) Weese, Director, retired in 2015 after 30 years with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union as an Organizer, Supervisor and Negotiator. Sheryl also has six years’ experience with two terms as President of the Board with Bethesda Women's Shelter. She is active in a seniors' organization and a number of interest groups. She is committed and keenly interested to working on issues that assist women during times of crisis in their lives. Sheryl joined the board of Luke's Place in June 2016.
Lola Chiappetta, Director is a finance professional with over ten years of experience. Respected as an ethical and strategic decision maker, she earns the trust and a seat at the table in every capacity. Lola is passionate about improving the lives of women and children in need and she is excited to be a new member of the board. Lola is a Chartered Professional Accountant/ Certified General Accountant, and also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Laurentian University, and a Bachelors of Commerce from University of Toronto.
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.
Penny Bogatinov is an accomplished marketing professional with a solid history of achievement in digital content and marketing collateral creation and project management with strong organizational and prioritization abilities.