Meet our President and CEO: Dr. Claudine Cousins
A scholar, practitioner and community changemaker, Dr. Claudine Cousins is the President and CEO of Empower Simcoe with over twenty-five years of leadership experience with various Ministries within the Ontario Public Service and the not-for-profit and profit sectors, including banking and financial services. As a sessional instructor at Georgian College since 2012, Dr. Cousins considers learning and development to be critical to organizational success. She has held leadership roles at Christian Horizons, including Executive Director Central District and Director, Ontario Operations where she left a legacy of valuing and engaging employees. Dr. Cousins brings outstanding knowledge and expertise from an operations and human resources leadership lens within unionized and non-unionized organizations with a drive and passion for the achievement of business outcomes.
As a strategic and big-picture thinker, Dr. Cousins’ extensive academic training, acquired through a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management – Human Resources from Ryerson University, a Masters of Arts Degree in Leadership from Central Michigan University, Post Graduate Certificate in Public Relations, a PhD. in Health Care Administration and a broad array of executive leadership certifications, has propelled her to continue to advocate for those who are marginalized and struggle to be included.
Claudine is also a member of Lakehead University’s Board of Governors, a Rotarian, champion for the Sandbox’s HR CNNX Peer Group, and volunteers on the Human Resource Professionals Association’s Regulatory Committee. In her role of advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, Claudine participates on a number of committees, councils and task groups, and is a very sought after speaker and panelist. Dr. Cousins was the recipient of the 2020 Woman of the Year Visionary Award at the Barrie Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards. In 2022, she was the recipient of the RBC Women of Influence Social Change Award: Regional Impact. In 2023, Dr. Cousins was also honoured to be named the recipient of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce Leadership in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.
Gerald Nganjue – Chief Transformation Officer
Gerald Nganjue is a transformational leader with 22 years of experience in developmental services. Gerald Joined Empower Simcoe in 2022 as the Director of Clinical and Strategic Initiatives, overseeing the specialized accommodation programs and quality and innovations department. Gerald’s passion and dedication to transforming services have led to designing and implementing innovative treatment housing programs to support complex individuals with dual diagnoses transitioning from the hospital and the correctional facilities to the community.
Gerald has combined his education and passion for leveraging technology and data-driven solutions to bring a strategic approach to streamline internal systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency across the organization.
Luke Lynn – Chief Operating Officer
Luke has a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a specialization in coaching. He started his career in rehabilitation of adolescents with criminal offenses and has since spent 19 years working with adults with dual diagnosis in varying capacities.
Luke is committed to fostering growth, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with diverse needs and abilities. With a collaborative approach and visionary mindset, he focuses on creating innovative programs that maximize the potential of every individual we serve. Luke brings a wealth of diverse experience that allows him to lead a team towards creating a positive impact and shaping a community where everyone can thrive.
Kim Stephens – Chief People and Culture Officer
Kim brings over 22 years of experience to the developmental services sector and 9 years leading People and Culture at Empower Simcoe. Kim is a results-oriented leader who leads with curiosity, developing strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. With a passion for relationships and people, Kim believes in fostering positive workplace culture where employees can thrive, engage with their work and feel supported.
Kim has earned a Developmental Services Worker Diploma from Georgian College, and her management career also includes over 16 years as a Franchisee owner/operator, leading a successful restaurant team and maintaining strong customer service relationships.
Glen McAllister – Chief Financial and Technology Officer
Glen McAllister, B.Sc., CPA, CMA, serves as Chief Financial and Technology Officer at Empower Simcoe, where he leads the organization’s finance and information technology functions in support of long-term sustainability, service excellence, and innovation. Working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, senior leaders, funders, and community partners, Glen provides strategic financial insight, oversees budgeting and forecasting, strengthens internal controls and compliance, and guides technology planning to support secure, efficient, and future-ready operations. With previous executive financial leadership experience in the utility sector, Glen brings a strong background in governance, regulatory compliance, board reporting, risk management, and collaborative leadership to Empower Simcoe’s mission of empowering people to lead meaningful and inclusive lives.
Meet Our Board of Directors
At Empower Simcoe, our dedicated Board of Directors is the cornerstone of our mission to support and empower individuals with diverse abilities. Comprised of passionate volunteers from various backgrounds, our Board members bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and commitment to guiding our organization. Their leadership ensures that we continue to provide exceptional services and foster an inclusive community. Get to know the individuals who are driving positive change and helping us achieve our vision of a society where everyone is valued and empowered.
Valerie is a sales rep for a food company based out of Toronto. She also hosts a television cooking show in Orillia called Sunshine City Chefs. As well as being a valued volunteer with Empower Simcoe, Valerie also belongs to The Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia. Valerie is a Severn Bridge resident who enjoys cooking, cross-country skiing and traveling the world.
A scholar, practitioner and community changemaker, Dr. Claudine Cousins is the Chief Executive Officer of Empower Simcoe with over twenty-five years of leadership experience with various Ministries within the Ontario Public Service and the not-for-profit and profit sectors, including banking and financial services.
Tim brings over 30 years of financial expertise as a CPA with an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University. Currently, he is Director of Finance and IT at Ombudsman Ontario. Tim has extensive Board experience having served as Treasurer for the United Way of Greater Simcoe County and the Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York. He is currently Treasurer of ShelterBox Canada.
Roma resides in Wyevale on 47 acres and has an Independent Dental Hygiene practice in Midland. She is active at the Executive level at her Provincial Regulatory College and has traveled to the Dominican Republic and Northern Ontario on humanitarian missions. In her spare time, she performs and teaches the Argentine Tango.
Allison believes that Inclusion is Beautiful and has made her life mission to promote and advocate for inclusion, receiving numerous awards for her contributions, advocacy and leadership.
Allison is member of Empower Simcoe’s Believe in Yourself committee. She also co-teaches the Rights Training and Abuse course.
Allison attended Sault College and received a Special Diploma in the Child and Youth Worker program.
Craig is a Certified Financial Planner located in central Simcoe County where he has practiced for over 20 years. Craig has previously served on the board of Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, on several boards and committees in the Financial Services sector and is a Fellow of the Financial Planning Standards Council.
Miriam is an Assistant Crown Attorney with the Barrie Crown Attorney’s office. She received her Bachelors of Arts (Honours) from the University of Windsor where she also obtained a Juris Doctor. Miriam was called to the Ontario Bar in 2011. She is passionate about advocating for those with intellectual disabilities. She lives in Simcoe County with her husband and two daughters.
Danisha holds an MBA in Finance and Investment and has a decade’s experience in Banking and Wealth Management Industries. She is a passionate change agent and is the current Chair of Empower Simcoe’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council. Danisha enjoys serving at her church and is kept on her toes by her husband and two adorable sons.
Ash holds an MBA and a degree in Computer Science. With over 16 years of experience as a digital marketing leader in North America, he specializes in marketing automation and the use of AI in digital transformation. Ash is a passionate advocate for equal opportunity and is dedicated to making meaningful contributions to the community.
Lilliette Davidson brings over 15 years of leadership across healthcare, retail, and life sciences. As Director at Medcan, she drives excellence in member experience and operations. With a passion for transformation, wellness, and community, she also serves as a certified yoga instructor and active volunteer. Lilliette holds an MBA and a Six Sigma Green Belt.
Melissa Conte is a senior associate practising residential and commercial real estate, mortgages and financing, business and corporate law, and wills and estates. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor in 2014 and was called to the bar in 2015. She practised at Alousis Law Professional Corporation before joining Barriston in 2026.
