Founders and Board Members

Message from the Chair of the Board

After a year of prominence and energy to celebrate our tenth anniversary, the Precious Minds Board of Directors regards 2010 as the year to look forward, establishing how this organization will continue to provide care, support and hope for families in our Region. In transition between Executive Directors, we are exploring our original vision to provide support to families, evaluating genuine needs in our area, and working to determine how Precious Minds will partner with families in our community, to encourage and empower them while they navigate through their unique situations.

Sharon Simmonds (co-founder and chair of the Board) is stepping in as the Interim Executive Director of Precious Minds while we continue to accept applications and seek the right person to lead this organization. To the Board, we welcome Rita Van Halteren-Stamis as a new director and we are also pleased to have Charlotte Truter join the Precious Minds staff in a Marketing and Communications role.

Precious Minds is dependent on many partnerships within our community for us to come around families in meaningful ways. We are continuously grateful for the support we receive through various individuals and groups in our Region and beyond. Thank you for your continued interest and investment in Precious Minds. Your involvement is making a heartfelt difference for families with children who have barriers to learning.

-Sharon Simmonds
Chair of the Board

Founders (1999)

Our founders were entrusted with the initial idea and vision of Precious Minds. All four women have remained involved in the development of this organization and continue to serve as directors with the Board. Elisabeth Graham provided leadership as the Executive Director until June 2009 and Sharon Simmonds is currently fulfilling that role as the Board seeks our next ED.

The Board of Directors

logo Back (left to right): Stephanie Weddell, Rita Van Halteren-Stammis, Bonnie Noble, Elisabeth Graham
Front (left to right) Jodie Winnitoy, Sharon Simmonds, Julie Fotheringham

Entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that Precious Minds stays true to its purpose, vision and values with integrity, creativity and long-term sustainability. Involved in on-going evaluation and adjustment to keep the organization healthy, functional and impacting. Directors of the Board are volunteers.

Julie Fotheringham
Julie brings practical and organizational skills as well as knowledge and experience in business and marketing. Julie is a great addition to our team...a perfect fit with the culture of Precious Minds. Julie joined the board in February 2008.

Elisabeth Graham
Elisabeth is one of the founders of Precious Minds and brings a wealth of personal experience and expertise in the field of special needs. Elisabeth served as the Executive Director of Precious Minds until 2009 and has been involved in several community initiatives related to special education and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Elisabeth continues to provide invaluable insight and input as a member of the Board.

Bonnie Noble
Bonnie is passionate about children reaching their full potential. She is an Administrator (Vice Principal) with the Durham District School Board and a trained Special Education Resource Teacher. Her expertise and resourcefulness are invaluable contributions to the Precious Minds team. Bonnie has been on the Board since our inception.

Sharon Simmonds
Sharon provides vision and leadership to the Precious Minds team. She works with not-for-profit organizations as a Leadership and Change Management Consultant. Sharon has been on the Board since our inception and is currently providing leadership as the Executive Director of Precious Minds.

Rita Van Halteren-Stammis
Joining the Board in December 2009, Rita provides expertise as a family counselor and as a mom of a child with special needs. In our desire to provide excellent support to families, Rita's perspective and insights greatly enhance our Board discussions and decision-making.

Stephanie Weddel
With a background in Early Intervention, Steph is one of the founders of Precious Minds and has been involved since the beginning to determine how we can provide support to families. Steph deeply values each person as special and unique and has a heart for all children to be loved, appreciated and celebrated.

Jodie Winnitoy
Jodie is an Occupational Therapist with the York Board of Education. Her expertise, practical experience, giftedness with children, and enthusiasm bring energy and passion to the team. Jodie joined the Board in September 2007.