Our Leadership
Laurel Mitchell, RSW
Chair
Mathieu Lafrenière, B.A, J.D
Vice-Chair
Derrick Vandel, CPA
Treasurer
Sherrisse Augustyn
Sherrisse is a Chartered Professional Accountant, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2008. Prior to that she achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Winnipeg in 2005.
She is a Partner at a national public accounting, tax and business consulting firm.
Her past activities include: Account Executive for United Way Professions Division from 2018 to 2019 and Co-Chair for her firm’s annual United Way campaign from 2013 to 2018.
Nick Brzak
Health Sciences student at the University of Manitoba. Graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 2020 as Student Body President. Has received awards for academic standing and volunteerism. Nick is currently employed as a supervisor in the Volunteer Services Department at St. Amant, works as a tutor, and coaches volleyball.
Laurie Cerqueti
Laurie is a Registered Nurse, holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Winnipeg, Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Science in Administration Degree from Central Michigan University. She has spent the last 29 years working in a variety of roles in the healthcare system and is currently the Chief Executive Officer at a Long Term Care Facility in Winnipeg.
Ajay Chopra
Ajay Chopra is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg. Ajay is a local business owner and developer, who previously worked as an advisor to a federal cabinet minister and to the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and as a government and public relations consultant.
Michelle Everton
Michelle has been employed by St. Amant since 2015 and currently holds the position of Senior Manager of Corporate Services.
She holds Masters degrees in Business Administration (from Royal Roads University in 2023) and Public Health (from the University of British Columbia in 2012).
Denis Freynet
Denis has had a decade-long CPA career and is currently the Chief Operating and Finance Officer with Actionmarguerite.
Denis is accountable for the annual operating budget, financial statements, management of capital projects and plans, strategic planning, personnel management, and serves as a liaison with the WRHA and the Réseau Compassion Network. Among a multitude of accomplishments, perhaps his greatest achievement was guiding Actionmarguerite, a group of three personal care homes, through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from Sara Riel, Denis has served on multiple boards including an organization that support the impoverished, another that supports immigrants and refugees, and also currently serves on the board of Manitoba’s 2nd largest hospital.
David Kolton, Ph.D., C.Psych
Dr. Kolton is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist who obtained his doctorate from Simon Fraser University. He is a partner at FPS Psychological Health Services, which is a private practice that offers a wide range of psychological assessment, treatment and consultation services.
Gisèle Morier, BSc Pharm, MD, FRCPC (Psych)
Psychiatrist, Associate professor at the University of Manitoba Department Rady Faculty of Medicine /Psychiatry, affiliated with the Health Sciences Center Department of Psychiatry and Centre de Santé Access center.
Ashley Watsko
Ashley Watsko holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba and has dedicated the majority of her career to healthcare. She’s currently the Manager of Resources Coordination and Staff Wellness with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Manitoba. Ashley identifies as queer and she lives with her partner and 4 dogs on a small homestead just outside the city perimeter. She has lived experience personally overcoming addiction and strongly believes in advocating for and providing services, to help heal our 2SLGBTQ+ community and those suffering in addiction and mental illness.
Over 40,000 calls supporting Manitobans through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Struggling? Need to talk?
204-942-9276
