Leadership
Board of Directors
ABOUT US
The operation of the Children’s Aid Society of Algoma is overseen by the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services (MCCSS), and its operating budget comes from the provincial government. The Children’s Aid Society of Algoma is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, which is formed by a diverse group of community members who meet on a regular basis. The Board’s primary responsibility is to provide governance for the Society and to ensure accountability to the province and to the community.
The Board consists of up to eleven (11) elected members, two (2) appointed representatives of indigenous people, and any other appointed representatives required by the Child and Family Services Act. Each member is elected for a three-year term.
WHO YOU ARE
You are a volunteer who can support the Vision, Mission, and Values of the Society, are interested in advocating for the needs of children, and are committed to assisting the Society in its efforts to provide quality services for the children and families in the Algoma district. You are over the age of 18 and can commit to a three-year term.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are committed to recruiting a Board that is representative of the population we serve. We have identified the need for Board Members who fit one or more of the following: LGBTQ2S+, newcomer, persons with lived experience, persons from a marginalized group, persons who are First Nations, Inuit, or Metis, Black Canadian, Francophone, Asian or Muslim. We are also committed to creating an accessible environment for all. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors represents all stakeholders of the Society in governing the organization to achieve excellence in all children, youth and family services offered. They work as a collective to achieve the Society’s Vision, Mission, strategic directions, and annual outcomes, while ensuring the Society operates consistent with all statutory and regulatory requirements and Board Policies. Board Members are expected to attend regular meetings and serve on committees.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our Board, please contact our office at sdelbosco@algomacas.org
Sean Sparling
President
Mr. Sparling has been a part of the Children’s Aid Board of Directors for 9 years. As a retired Deputy Chief of the SSM Police Department, he has past experience working alongside employees of CAS Algoma. He oversaw the operational element of the service provided along with Human Resources functions which makes him an asset to the governance of the society.
Mr. Sparling also has experience working with many of community partners including Women in Crisis, Alzheimer’s Society and various school committees.
Sherri Cleaves
2nd Vice President
Ms Cleaves is the Manager of Environmental Operations for PUC Services Inc. She has worked with PUC for the past 5 years in the City of Sault St. Marie and within the District of Algoma for over 23 years. Previously she was also a Director of Health Protection and Promotion with Algoma Public Health and worked across the district of Algoma in numerous programs ranging from safe food and water to healthy babies and children’s programs. She has an understanding of the needs in Algoma district and has added a different perspective in her role on the board since 2017. Ms. Cleaves is part of the Quality Performance committee and has been part of the executive committee the last few years. Ms. Cleaves is currently the second Vice Chair.
Ann Cuzzolino
Ms. Cuzzolino has been a member of the Society and a Board Member since 2013 when she was appointed to fill a vacant term on the Board of Directors. During her time with the Board, she has participated on the Board’s Quality Performance Committee, and for the past couple years has been on the Executive Committee as the Society’s Secretary. Ms. Cuzzolino is a retired Registered Dental Hygienist from Algoma Public Health.
Michelle Sayers
1st Vice President
Ms. Sayers is one of our Board appointed representatives of indigenous people. She is a Professor at Sault College and has previous Board experience as a Board Member with Phoenix Rising. She has knowledge of child welfare as she has previously worked with both the Children’s Aid Society of Algoma and Nogdawindamin.
Marc Coletti
Treasurer
Mr. Coletti is currently working as a Controller with PUC Services Inc.
He is a CPA with over 17 years of accounting and finance experience and has extensive knowledge in all areas of accounting including budgets, audits and payroll.
In the past, Mr. Colletti was also the Treasurer of Sault Major Hockey Association.
Pina Pacione
Secretary
Ms. Pacione is a Manager, Regulatory & Customer Affairs at PUC Services Inc.
Her skill sets are in Accounting, Risk Management, Process Improvement, Leadership, Treasury and Audits.
She has also previously been a board member of the Sault Ste. Marie Certified General Accounting Board
Rose Cameron
Indigenous Representative
Nadia Zanatta
Director
Ms. Zanatta is currently the Vice-Principal for Our Lady of Lourdes in SSM with the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board. She was born and raised in SSM – taught in Wawa and Blind River and began as a Vice Principal in Elliot Lake before returning to SSM.
She has a Master of Education in Educational Administration graduate from Yorkville University in June of 2024 and the recipient of the Ontario Catholic School Trustee Associations Student Alumni Award in May of 2021. She also has experience as a Board member of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie – 2013-2015.
Mike Torresan
Director
Mr. Torresan is a current Manager, Information Security/Chief Privacy Officer with PUC Services
He is an experienced cyber security and privacy professional with expertise in strategic leadership and technology. Mike seeks to assist with ensuring CAS Algoma data is protected and to provide direction on strategic initiatives and risk management. He also has past experience as a Sault Pee Wee Hockey League Board of Directors, and he is a current member of the Utilities Standards Forum of Ontario IT Advisory Board.
Matthew Nogalo
Director
Mr. Nogalo is currently the Superintendent, Slabcaster Operations at Algoma Steel.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development, he has gained a strong understanding of development by participating in several revitalization projects and initiatives, social methods and social economic studies. He is also an Executive Committee member for the Bring a Doctor Home Hockey Tournament, which focuses on raising money to bring doctors to Sault Ste. Marie.
Ed Servant
Director
As a previous employee of CAS Algoma, Mr. Servant has a vast understanding of the child welfare system, needs of children & youth as well as and understanding of Ministry requirements & employee relations.
Having retired, he wishes to continue to have some involvement in supporting children and youth within our community. He was also the Board President for Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie for 2 terms.
Veronica Ogochukwu Udensi
Ms. Udensi is a Medical Office Administrator and has several years experience working with children and youth as a graduate of social care work.
She is an advocate for children and believes it is important to approach youth matters with openness, while promoting and embracing their individual and cultural differences.
Senior Management
Tracy Willoughby
Executive Director
Krista Budau
Director of Service
Mary Jean Chartrand
Director of Service
Peter Niro
Human Resources Manager
Peter is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in the Public Sector. He has dedicated his career to practicing a contemporary approach to Human Resources/People and Culture administration.
He holds a B.A in Psychology along with a Business Diploma from Wilfrid Laurier University. In addition, he holds a Human Resources Certificate from Sault College.
Dirinda Evans
Finance Manager
Dawn Dubois
Lead Counsel