Our Team
SKIP To:
OBC’s Staff Team
Outward Bound Canada is a charity that equips youth for the future through experiential outdoor adventures. Our passionate, nationwide team believes deeply in the transformative power of nature-based, experiential learning for young people.
We invite you to explore the impact of our work and our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
Our Team
We invite you to explore the impact of our work and our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
Jane Isbister
(She/Her)
Co-Executive Director (Interim)
Jane has spent her life providing opportunities for youth, teens, and families to participate in high-impact, social recreational activities and meaningful outdoor education programs. The motivating thread that connects all of her work in the field is the change that occurs for a kid and their family when a young person begins to believe that they are capable of participating and solving problems where they have previously encountered barriers.
In 2010, Jane completed an MBA program, motivated by a desire to provide access to quality outdoor education programs to as many people as possible. Her move to OBC, a national charity, is part of the same vision to provide continuous access to outdoor education programs for as many young people as possible throughout their youth, teenage, and young adult lives.
Jane loves to learn what makes other people tick. She tries to find regular time for stand-up paddling, biking, writing and her own kids, and how to inspire her son with many disabilities to take on challenges and get outside himself.
Josephine Baran
(She/Her)
Co-Executive Director (Interim)
Josephine is currently the Co-Executive Director of Outward Bound Canada, which strives to create access and training opportunities for groups traditionally underrepresented in the outdoor industry. She fell in love with Canada’s natural spaces when she moved here as a teenager and is a firm believer that we are the best version of ourselves when we are outdoors. She has worked in both the corporate and non-profit spaces developing new and innovative programs.
Josephine is happiest when she is running the trails with her dogs, paddling at her cabin in Northern Ontario or snowboarding in the Rockies.
Obaidullah Rashed
(He/Him)
IT Manager
Obaidullah is an IT professional with more than 15 years of experience, specializing in comput networks and content-oriented network engineering. He holds a BSc in Computer Science, a Masters in Informatics and a PhD in Information Centric Networking.
He joined OBC in September 2017 and is responsible for managing the IT infrastructure and improving the reliability and performance of the systems. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, hiking and fishing.
Alia Bickson
(She/They)
Senior Manager, People & Culture
For over a decade, Alia has been dedicated to fostering inclusive and transformative outdoor experiences for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and aspirations. As Senior Manager, People and Culture at Outward Bound Canada, they focus on creating an inclusive environment and implementing supportive care practices while overseeing the hiring, training, and retention of OBC staff. Their role is to ensure our team has the skills, support, and resources necessary to cultivate a positive and cohesive organizational culture.
The outdoors is Alia’s sanctuary and source of inspiration. They love mountain biking, rock climbing, paddle boarding, and have recently taken up trail running. Alia has just completed their first 27km trail race on the Sunshine Coast Trail – an experience that was both challenging and incredibly rewarding!
Kelly Currie
(She/Her)
Individual Giving Manager
With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kelly began her career working with youth in care, where she witnessed the profound impact of nature on young people learning to trust, heal, and grow. Her favorite moments were spent around winter campfires and summer lakes, watching youth shed their defenses and embrace the freedom of the outdoors.
Originally from Cape Breton, Kelly grew up surrounded by natural beauty. Paddling, hiking, and kayaking continue to be her sources of balance and inspiration. Today, she brings that same passion to her role as Individual Giving Manager, where she champions the belief that every young person deserves access to epic adventure and transformative outdoor experiences.
Raidah Syeda
(She/Her)
Development Project Coordinator
Raidah is a dedicated Project Coordinator with a strong passion for education and youth development, especially by non-traditional means. Her diverse skillset in project management, grants & foundations, data analysis, and digital marketing has enabled her to successfully drive impactful initiatives in the nonprofit sector. With a keen eye for detail and a proven ability to connect with people, Raidah is committed to supporting the organization’s mission of empowering youth through adventure.Outside of work, Raidah enjoys her daily hikes up and down the Scarborough Bluffs, attending the occasional Pottery class and experimenting in the kitchen (while not always edible, often results in some delicious concoctions).
Urvil James Villaruel
(He/Him)
Marketing Manager
Urvil is what he likes to call a “full-stack” marketer; able to take on all marketing-related tasks from ideation to completion. He started out marketing his own garage bands, then built his own companies and eventually moved on to helping other companies flourish as a consultant.
Eventually, UrviI decided to focus on the non-profit sector so he could use his passion for marketing for causes that he truly believes in. Working for Outward Bound Canada (OBC) provides him with the perfect mix of creativity, strategy, and execution; allowing him to use his skills for a cause that he believes makes a difference.
A single lit candle can light an infinite number of other candles, but the trick is learning how to light your own fire first — and for him, OBC is a vibrant candle that he is helping to light in the hopes of it lighting other candles along the way.
Thais Freitas
(She/Her)
Communications Manager
A communications professional with more than 15 years of experience in communications strategy, content marketing and public relations, Thais is a passionate storyteller who loves to use her curiosity and creativity to connect Outward Bound Canada with its incredible community of alumni, supporters and donors.
Outside of OBC, Thais volunteers her time to advocate for a more inclusive education system for neurodiverse children. This passion stems from her experience as a mother of a son on the autism spectrum – and is also one of the reasons why she’s so committed to making outdoor education accessible to all youth in Canada.
When she’s not on the hunt for inspiring OBC stories, you can find Thais exploring the outdoors with her kids, learning something new in random classes, or working on permaculture projects to make her community more sustainable. She also puts her creativity into writing on her personal site and making weird-looking needle-felting toys and cross-stitch portraits.
Jason Burnett
(He/Him)
Digital Marketing Specialist
Jason is a skilled digital marketer with a passion for the outdoors. He leads Outward Bound Canada’s social media strategy with high-quality social content and copy, manages paid digital campaigns across Meta, collaborates with both internal teams and external brand partners, and provides graphic design support across the organization. He excels at creating compelling content that captures the unique, life-changing experience of Outward Bound.
Jason is a retired, 3x Olympian in the sport of trampoline and continues to be involved in the sport as a clinician and judge. Outside of the trampoline gym, he enjoys hiking with his dog and volunteering with conservation organizations working to protect our environment.
Laura Hood
(She/Her)
Senior Admissions Manager, Eastern Canada
Laura grew up spending her summers tripping in the Ontario wilderness and has more than 40 years of experience working and volunteering with youth in the outdoors. She began her journey with Outward Bound 20 years ago, and this is her 11th season as part of the Admissions team. Laura is an advocate for creating safe spaces for neurodiverse and gender queer folk and is passionate about breaking down barriers to participation, so that anyone may have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of nature-based learning.
When she’s not working, Laura can be found exploring the forests and waterways across Canada, talking to birds and trees, dancing in the rain, and delighting in the beauty of this amazing planet.
Marni Brown
(She/Her)
Admissions Manager, Western Canada
Marni is a passionate outdoor educator who strives to inspire future generations to develop and challenge themselves, gain independence and take care of the planet through outdoor pursuits and quality experiential learning. After getting her BS in Molecular Environmental Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, she went on to work in outdoor education in Colorado, California, and New Zealand before moving to Vancouver Island. After completing her MBA in 2023, she joined the OBC team. When she’s not directly supporting instructors and participants, she loves working behind the scenes creating and improving systems (mostly through her love of spreadsheets).
In her free time, she can be found climbing walls of rocks, hiking up mountains, skiing down slopes, tossing a frisbee, or paddling on the ocean (often with her dog and husband). In addition to working and exploring, she is also the director of communications for the Nanaimo Ultimate Association.
Fiona Hough
(She/Her)
Director of Grant Programs
Fiona grew up getting lost (and finding herself again) in the woods near an off-grid family cabin. Fiona’s outdoor career has spanned many provinces and territories, including Quebec, Ontario and BC. Her passion for paddling oceans and rivers, combined with her background in mental health supports and social-emotional leadership, have fueled her 30+ year career.
Fiona has been with OBC on and off since 1995, including many years as a field instructor and course director, and regional program director in BC and Ontario. She joined the Training Academy team in 2022 because she knows first-hand the importance of creating space for people who are underrepresented in the outdoor sector. There is incredible power in that; it creates a pathway in the imagination that might otherwise have been invisible.
In her spare time, Fiona enjoys hanging out with her dogs, writing, and playing on the rivers and oceans of her home province of BC.
Jake Talyor
(He/They)
Senior Manager, Curriculum & Research
Jake has been involved in outdoor education and recreation in a professional capacity since 2006. This has involved working with different Outward Bound schools, organizations, and educational institutions across several different countries. During this time, Jake’s work has included: leading expeditions, training staff, program management, and curriculum development. This work has ranged from working with young children to retired adults in the mountains, rivers, and oceans.
Jake originally hails from the southeast part of the United States and he has immigrated to Canada with family from Hong Kong. He believes that time spent outside in outdoor and natural environments, whether to explore, reflect, or exercise, are an essential part of life.
Jake is excited to be part of a responsive organization that seeks to provide individuals and groups quality and value-forming experiences.
Jessie Lio
(She/Her)
Grant Operations and Administration Manager
With a diverse professional background in finance and operations across corporate, small business, and non-profit sectors, Jessie brings a balance of analytical, data-driven skills and a people-centred approach to her role as Grant Operations & Administration Manager at Outward Bound Canada.
Having experienced OBC’s programs as a participant, she knows first-hand the transformative impact of outdoor education and the role nature plays in supporting well-being and resilient communities. She is passionate about creating welcoming outdoor spaces for youth from equity-deserving communities and people with diverse abilities so that everyone can feel a sense of belonging and connection with nature.
Outside of work, Jessie enjoys rock climbing, cooking, playing music, exploring trails with her dog, and volunteering with nature-based education programs in her community.
Pete Smolders
(He/Him)
Head of Western Canada
Pete joined Outward Bound Canada in 2016 and has worked in the outdoor sector for more than 25 years. He brings his sense of humour and passion for Canada’s wild places to everything he does at OBC. Working closely with the regional program teams at our Canmore, Vancouver and Vancouver Island locations, Pete provides opportunities for young people across Canada to experience our meaningful and impactful expeditions that are a true catalyst for change.
In his spare time, you’ll find Pete enjoying the mountains, rivers and ocean around Vancouver Island, where he calls home.
Chantal Solomon
(She/Her)
Youth Career Catalyst Facilitator, British Columbia
“My ancestors came from Africa, Europe & Eastern North America. Somehow, I was lucky enough to grow up on Vancouver Island. I’ve spent my education & career dedicated to Art, Herbal Medicine and supporting people. I am passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, personal development and creating with future generations in mind.
In my free time, I enjoy travelling, biking, paddling, gardening and going to art shows & concerts. My main mediums of Art are print making, painting & storytelling. I have worked on many inspiring creative projects and love helping ideas take form.
I wanted to be apart of this project because a similar program helped me turn my life around when I was 16. After growing up in & out of foster care and choosing to be a foster parent myself. I saw first hand how youth employment programs can help support & transform life paths. In 2023, I was a participant in Outward Bound Canada’s Training Academy and fell in love with their mission to get youth into wilderness! I felt this project would be great opportunity to learn & share with a like-minded community.”
PJ Richards
(He/Him)
Youth Career Catalyst Facilitator, British Columbia
“I have always felt most alive and connected amidst the outdoors. From my early days as a young weekend warrior, embracing every opportunity to explore nature, to finding my purpose in sharing its transformative power with others, the wilderness has been my playground, my classroom and my workplace for a lot of my life.
My career has been an exciting and varied journey, with experiences ranging from working in the outdoors guiding multi-day backcountry trips on land and at sea, working on sailboats, consulting as a wilderness and wildlife safety expert for TV, film and remote camps, to working in woodworking, pottery, marketing, web development, and graphic design. I also hold an Adventure Guide & Management Diploma from Thompson Rivers University, a woodworking certificate from Mohawk College, and a graphic art and design diploma from Mohawk College. I share this because my diverse skill set has allowed me to explore a range of industries and gain valuable insights into the many pathways available to others as they navigate their own career journeys.
As a BC Youth Career Catalyst Facilitator, I am honored to guide and mentor participants from all backgrounds, wherever their career paths lead them. My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can explore career options, develop transferable skills, and build essential qualities like resilience, adaptability, and leadership for success in any field. I am passionate about breaking down barriers and supporting each participant’s unique path toward a fulfilling career and life.”
Brandon Boltz
(He/Him)
Youth Career Catalyst Facilitator, Alberta
“With more than 15 years of outdoor leadership experience, I have spent my career leading groups through varied terrain and creating formative experiences for youth and adults through hiking, paddling and climbing.
Through my work at outdoor centres and as a trip leader, I have technical experience leading remote expeditions as far as the Northwest Territories and managing the logistics of hundreds of overnight camping trips. I love sharing knowledge of the outdoors and working with people to help them find their new favourite outdoor activity.
When not leading groups, you can find me climbing, hiking, biking, paddling, going on a walk, or doing any of the above with his wife and dog. Disc golfing, listening to music and tending to houseplants are other favourite pastimes of his.”
Kat Wood
(She/Her)
Youth Career Catalyst Facilitator, Alberta
“I began working for Outward Bound Canada in 2013. Whether I’m working or exploring just for fun, I love connecting with the land and being in nature with a community of people who are all learning (and playing!) outside together. I feel so lucky to have met so many fabulous friends and teachers in this way.
Guiding wilderness based trips is one of my passions. I find time in nature to be so rejuvenating. When I’m outdoors, I feel the most alive and most connected to myself. Many of the memories I treasure are simple – lying on my back eating berries in the sunshine, silently watching a deer wander through the forest, laughing till I cried while sitting around a campfire in the evening. I hope that through my work with OBC, more folks can enjoy rewarding experiences in wild spaces, and develop a sense of belonging and joy in the process.
I am a registered Social Worker in Alberta, and also completed the Adventure Guide Diploma through Thompson Rivers University. Most of my career has involved working for multiple different organizations in any given year (including wilderness therapy programs, which I find especially meaningful). Piecing together different types of work within the outdoor sector has created opportunities for me to travel, explore, and (best of all) go rock climbing! I believe that there are many pathways to having meaningful and beautiful life experiences, and that ideally our work can support this.”
Scott Dressel
(He/Him)
Program Manager, Ontario Wilderness
Scott is a seasoned outdoor and experiential educator passionate about helping people find comfort in the uncomfortable. Joining OBC was a dream come true for Scott as it aligns closely with his core values and principles. With nearly a decade of experience, he has eagerly embraced his role as Program Manager of the Ontario Wilderness Base. Scott is dedicated to supporting, mentoring and coaching the (current and) next generation(s) of outdoor educators. His leadership style, characterized by empathy, adaptability, and effective team dynamics, ensures a positive and transformative experience for all involved.
Outside of work, Scott enjoys playing music, paddling, traveling and spending time with family and friends. If you see Scott doing any of these things, his “fur baby” Willow is always by his side!
Sean Hume
(He/Him)
Principal and Regional Manager
Sean Hume, an educator for more than 30 years, has a degree in education with a focus on outdoor and experiential education. His journey into nature’s embrace started as a Cub Scout, igniting a lifelong passion. As a former teacher and principal, Sean has integrated outdoor learning into his curriculum because he believes in its transformative power. In addition to Outward Bound, he dedicates time to Scouts Canada, fostering young minds in wilderness exploration professionally and as a volunteer. Committed to holistic education that shapes young learners through hands-on experiences in the great outdoors, he strongly believes that nature is the ultimate classroom for growth and discovery.
Sean also enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, photography, going to the movies and canoeing with his dog.
Drew Moore
(He/Him)
Instructor Lead & Course Manager
Drew Moore has played and enjoyed the outdoors his entire life, and for the past 17 years he has made it a part of his professional career. With an education in Outdoor Recreation Parks and Tourism, he has spent much of his time working in various capacities at summer camps, outdoor education centres in Ontario and on whitewater canoe trips in Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec.
In his spare time, Drew can be found paddling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and enjoying fun outdoor adventures with his family.
Thunder Shanti
(They/Them)
Grant Work Placement Manager
Thunder is driven by a profound love for the outdoors and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Their background encompasses over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector in community development, leadership, program coordination, and operations management, with a focus on serving diverse client populations and addressing complex social issues. Prior to working in the non-profit sector, Thunder started their career in the outdoor sector, mainly working with children and youth in outdoor education, recreation, and at summer camps. They are excited to return to this field; an ideal convergence between passion, profession, mission, and vocation.
When not working, you will likely find Thunder either curled up with a good book, outside exploring the beautiful province of Nova Scotia that they now call home, or volunteering in their community addressing issues related to gender inequity.
Milton Hill
(He/Him)
Youth Career Catalyst Facilitator, Ontario
“Hi, my name is Milton Hill and I’m an Outdoor Educator/Instructor who has been with Outward Bound Canada for two and a half years. I have been working professionally since 2019 after graduating from Fleming College’s Outdoor Adventure & Outdoor Education Program. I enrolled in the program at 52 years of age after nature pushed my reset button during a canoe trip to Algonquin Park in July 2017. I knew I had to go back to being outside and connected with nature as my work.
As an instructor/outdoor educator, my primary task is to be an ambassador of the outdoors and to introduce people to the natural world that we all are a part of. Aside from helping students learn how to enjoy their outdoor experiences, I also draw from and share from my life experience of the past 60 years.
I am inspired & guided in my work by many different nature based & humane philosophies, both ancient and modern. On this Indigenous land, I am moved by ‘Akinomooshin’ learning by interacting with the land and language, as the basis of outdoor education in Ontario is Indigenous Knowledge & Ingenuity. I do my best to give credit where credit is due.
I also enjoy crafting things from wood, wool, canvas, leather, skins to make some of my own winter clothes, boots, mittens, and shelters. I also enjoy following the cycle of the seasons and the way the animals move in harmony with it. Each thing in its season.
I am originally from Bermuda, have two children, two grandchildren, and have had to learn to adapt to the climate & ecosystem of Canada over the past 20+ years. I enjoy nerding out on human and social systems and dynamics, geo politics and strategy amongst a host of other things. Most of all, I am a life long learner and a perpetual student of humanity’s journey through space & time.”
Samantha Beam
(She/Her)
Youth Career Catalyst Facilitator, Ontario
“I am a firm believer in the power of programs and opportunities for youth, having seen the impact on my own life. I was fortunate to be selected as a Rotary Youth Exchange student out of high school, which had a significant impact on the trajectory of my life, instilling a passion for travel, languages and cultures of the world. Years later I would join Canada World Youth and participate in a cross-cultural exchange, volunteering in Ghana and Fredericton. These experiences inspired me to support the next generation of youth in their journey. I worked as a Project Leader with Katimavik’s National Experience and also with Outward Bound Canada’s Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals, and now I’m excited to be a part of the Youth Career Catalyst Program! I look forward to meeting amazing youth and learning together.
My employment and life journey hasn’t been typical, and I’m proud of every step. I am a wanderer, with experience moving around and living in 4 provinces. Professionally, I’ve held roles in the airline, financial, service and tourism industries. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to be flexible as our goals, desires and identity shifts throughout our lifetime. Nothing brings me more joy than connecting with people, learning from and about them, and sharing my knowledge so that together we can work to find something exciting to pursue next!”
OBC’s Seasonal Team
The Heart of Our Adventure: Our dedicated team of staff bring every expedition to life, supporting, guiding, and inspiring participants along the way.
Explorers of the Rockies, our team leads participants through awe-inspiring peaks and trails, fostering resilience and connection in the heart of the mountains.
- Ben Selby – Rocky Mountain Program Manager
- Judith Robertson – Course Director
- Aidan Messenger – Lead Instructor
- Jody Radtke – Course Director
- Nicki Mosley – Course Director
- Kyle Bennett – Lead Instructor
- Fox Sevigny – Instructor
- Vanessa Jenkins – Instructor
- Caden Thompson – Assistant Instructor
- Alanna Basa – Instructor
- Alex Wray – Lead Instructor
- Lisa Hagemann – Lead Instructor
- Owen Wedholm – Lead Instructor
- Amy Peters – Lead Instructor
- Nat Speranza – Lead Instructor
On BC Island, our team leads participants through lush forests and coastal waters, including sea kayaking adventures, building skills, confidence, and meaningful connections with nature.
- Alan Kelly – BC Island Program Manager
- Savannah Zumach – BC Island Course Director
- Chris Graham – BC Wilderness Food Coordinator
- Shawn Kangro – Lead Instructor
- Shaylin Warren – Instructor
- Malcolm McQueen – Lead Instructor
- Erin Van Gaans – Instructor
- Leslee Brown- Instructor
- Leya Anderson – Lead Instructor
- Mikayla Pladson – Lead Instructor
- Jaime Ho – Instructor
- Adelia Rodger – Lead Instructor
- Tom Suddaby – Instructor
- Silke Hockemeyer – Course Director
- Anne Wustmann – Instructor
- Emma Janes – Instructor
- Mira Blakely – Instructor
- Matthew Baldwin – Lead Instructor
- Gareth Wasylynko – Instructor
- Rumi Kodama – Course Director
- Ben Rogers – Lead Instructor
- Rebecca Melville – Instructor
- Morgan Roskelley – Instructor
- Jamie Frith – Instructor
- Michael Herman – Lead Instructor
Guides of Ontario’s northern wilds, our staff lead transformative journeys through remote forests, lakes, and rivers.
- Sunita Dave – Forest Pathways Outreach Coordinator
- Zoe Novosad – Admissions Coordinator
- Emily Boyes – Senior Manager National Risk & Safety
- Hannah Enns – Lead Instructor
- Kaeden Seburn – Lead Instructor
- Annik Shamlian – Lead Instructor
- Karine Boucher – Lead Instructor
- Sebastian Bauermeister – Lead Instructor
- Lev Corenblum – Instructor
- Rachel Schoen – Instructor
- Adam Shenker – Instructor
- Peter Greenland – Instructor
- Mattea Mahut – Lead Instructor & Course Director
- Jesse Stibbe – Instructor
- Andrew Moores – Instructor
- Camille Arsenault Hetu – Lead Instructor
- Maia Day – Instructor
- Felix Durand – Lead Instructor
- Erin McKee – Instructor
- Rick Whittaker – Assistant Food Coordinator
Connecting youth with nature right in their backyard, our urban wild team blends exploration, learning, and adventure in city settings.
- Ben Gunn – Casual Instructor
- Caroline Fermo – Casual Instructor
- Martha Stanley – Casual Instructor
- Owen Fisher – Casual Instructor
- Sammy Janecek – Casual Instructor
- Laura Ferreira – Casual Instructor
- Ryan Larsen – Casual Instructor
- Nate Hume – Casual Instructor
- Katie Weisbrodt – Casual Instructor
- Franklyn Tait – Casual Instructor
- Henry Tait – Casual Instructor
- Darla Reslan – Casual Instructor
- Leslie Solomonian – Casual Instructor
- Tomas Novinc – Casual Instructor
- Andrew Casey – Casual Instructor
Our Board of Directors
Chris Benedetti
Vice Chair, Board of Directors & Chair, Government Relations Committee
Managing Partner, Sussex Strategy Group
Chris Benedetti
Vice Chair, Board of Directors & Chair, Government Relations Committee
Managing Partner, Sussex Strategy Group
Chris Benedetti is a Managing Partner with Sussex Strategy Group. With experience in both federal and provincial governments, Mr. Benedetti provides an in-depth insight and expertise into various policy development and political processes and has an extensive background in strategic communications, advisory services, and public affairs.
For over 25 years he has helped clients to better understand policy and political imperatives and has worked with governments at all levels to support results-based decision-making. He is an expert in energy-related matters, infrastructure, trade and the environment, as well as in public administration and political affairs. He has also spoken at numerous conferences and has been published in several leading journals.
While managing the interests of several high-profile public and private sector clients, Mr. Benedetti serves as an elected Board Director of the Ontario Energy Association, the Association of Power Producers of Ontario, the Empire Club of Canada, and Outward Bound Canada. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Red Jar Capital. He also previously served as Chair of the Recycling Council of Ontario, Director of the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy, President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada, Board Director of the Toronto ZooShare Biogas Cooperative, and Senior Advisor to the Canada-Europe Roundtable for Business. He has also been a member of the Energy Policy Council of the C.D. Howe Institute.
In March 2025, Mr. Benedetti received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his exceptional contribution to Canada in the fields of environmental stewardship and youth education. He was also selected in 2024 as the Hedley Palmer award winner from the Association of Power Producers of Ontario. The Hedley Palmer Award recognizes individuals who have contributed exceptional contributions to Ontario’s power generation industry.
Prior to joining Sussex, Mr. Benedetti was Vice President and Government Relations Practice Leader for a global public affairs and communications company. He has held several positions in the federal government with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and as a political advisor within the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada.
Mr. Benedetti holds a BA in law and a BA (High Hons.) in political science from Carleton University, and an MA in political science (International Relations) from McMaster University and the University of Bath, England. Active in his local community, Mr. Benedetti has served as President of Horizons for Youth, a United Way agency and one of Toronto’s largest youth shelters, and is a former Director for Common Ground Co-Operative, providing business training opportunities for individuals with development disabilities.
Che Latchford
Director
Director of Program Implementation and Impact, Florida Network of Youth and Family Services
Che Latchford
Director
Director of Program Implementation and Impact, Florida Network of Youth and Family Services
Che Latchford is a seasoned leader committed to youth empowerment, justice, and community development, with over 20 years of experience in clinical, governance, and leadership roles spanning project management, community programming, and systems-level strategy. He serves as Director of Implementation and Impact at the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, overseeing statewide delivery of evidence-based SNAP programs across more than 20 sites and leading policy and practice enhancements. As Chair of the Board for Developing Young Leaders Of Tomorrow Today (DYLOTT), he supports education-to-employment outcomes for Black youth through culturally grounded programs in diplomacy, tech entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership. Che also serves on the board of ATTCH Niagara, a trauma-focused nonprofit based in St. Catharines, Ontario, and contributes to Niagara College’s Child and Youth Care Program Advisory Committee, helping shape future practitioners. Additionally, he is a member of the Niagara Ontario Health Team (NOHT) Health Equity Working Group, which promotes equitable access to healthcare across the region. As Co-founder of BridgeBuilders Canada, Che aligns public and private innovation with sustainable community development, driven by a vision where preventive, timely services meet basic community needs when and where they matter most.
Sandy Skotnicki
Director
Dermatologist, Bay Dermatology Centre
Dr. Sandy Skotnicki is a board-certified dermatologist and experienced corporate director with over 25 years in clinical practice, education, research, and industry consultation. She is a recognized leader in allergic and environmental dermatology, with a focus on contact dermatitis and occupational skin disease. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Dermatology, she also holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
Dr. Skotnicki serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and as a consulting dermatologist at St. Michael’s Hospital, where she is part of the Occupational Disease Specialty Program. Her academic and hospital roles are complemented by her work as a medical expert for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and the Workers Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal.
She is an advocate for science-based skincare and public education. Her bestselling book, Beyond Soap, has been translated into multiple languages and was the first of its kind written by a Canadian dermatologist. She is a frequent media contributor and the host of an award-winning podcast. Her leadership and innovation have extended to mentoring early-stage health-tech ventures and guiding cosmetic product development in Canada and internationally.
Dr. Skotnicki’s experience spans clinical excellence, regulatory insight, academic teaching, and public health advocacy. Her ability to bridge disciplines makes her a valuable contributor to strategic discussions around professional standards, education, and skin health policy. She brings to the RCPSC a thoughtful, integrative perspective rooted in patient care, board governance, and evidence-based medicine.
