The volunteer Board of Directors of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre is comprised of a variety of individuals from our community. We strive to have representation from family members as well as business, healthcare, and other professionals.

Current Board of Directors

Tina Bennett
Chief Executive Officer

Tina started with George Jeffrey Children’s Centre in March 2014 and prior to becoming the CEO held the positions of Client Services Manager and Director of Client Services. Prior to her time at GJCC, she worked for over 20 years in the mental health and addictions field in a variety of capacities.

Tina is proud to continue her work with George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. With a passion for working with children and their families; she is honoured to be a part of a team that supports family centered services, where children, youth and their families are valued and opportunities and services are inclusive.

Mark Beazley
President

Mark joined the board in the fall of 2022 and currently serves as the Director of Supportive Living Services with OPTIONS NORTHWEST. With a background in Social Work, he is deeply committed to the supports and services provided by George Jeffrey Children’s Centre to children in Thunder Bay and across the district. Mark is a strong advocate for maintaining the high standard of care and quality services the Centre is known for.

Contact the Board Executive Committee at BEC@georgejeffrey.com

Allen Lee
Vice-President

Allen joined the Board of Directors in 2024 and is honoured to support the work of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. A former Naval Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and current healthcare professional, he appreciates the opportunity to contribute to an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across the region.

Jon Racco
Jon Racco
Treasurer

Jon joined our Board in 2019. He is an Accountant in Thunder Bay. He joined the GJCC Board knowing that a family member accessed GJCC services in the past and to give back.

Andrew Campbell
Secretary

Andrew Campbell is proud to serve on the Board of the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, returning to an organization that supported him as a child during his cancer treatment. His personal experience as a young client gives him a deep appreciation for the life-changing impact the Centre has on children and families across Northwestern Ontario. With more than 17 years of governance experience on non-profit boards, Andrew is committed to strengthening the organization’s mission, supporting its long-term sustainability, and ensuring that every child receives the care and opportunities they deserve.

Kathy Peterson
Kathy Peterson
Honourary Member

Kathy joined our Board in 2017. She is a retired Information Technology professional. She is interested in the well-being of all children and believes that they need all services possible to help them. She values the many services that GJCC offers to families and continues to support the expansion of services.

Matthew Lindstrom
Matthew Lindstrom
Director

Matthew joined our Board in 2019. He is a General Contractor in Thunder Bay. He joined the GJCC Board to offer professional expertise in the area of building management, have an active role in the continued success of an organization that does so many good things for members of the community and to give back.

Dr. Michael Scarcello
Dr. Michael Scarcello
Director

Michael joined our Board in 2020. He is a Professor of Nursing at Confederation College and a Registered Nurse at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. He joined the GJCC Board to contribute to the strategic direction of the organization and continue to support children in Northwestern Ontario.

Dr. Christopher Mushquash
Dr. Christopher Mushquash
Director

Christopher joined our Board in 2021. He is a Psychologist in Thunder Bay and joined the GJCC Board with a desire to support high quality services and supports for people in Northwestern Ontario.

Gillian Baboolal
Director

Gillian joined our Board in 2024.  She has worked in a paediatric office for over 30 years and has built relationships with staff at the Centre to find timely access to care.  Seeing patients and families thrive and reach their potential and abilities has always brought satisfaction to her work.  Gillian’s hope with her experience she can continue to support a cornerstone of our community.

Nancy Gladun
Director

Nancy joined George Jeffrey Board of Directors in June 2024.  After retiring from the role of CAO for the Township of Red Rock in 2018, Nancy relocated to Thunder Bay in Spring 2024.

Nancy brings extensive experience in finance, governance and administration along with a strong belief that every child deserves the opportunity to be the best that they can be.

Robert Schroeder
Director

Rob joined the Board of Directors in 2024. He is a lawyer in Thunder Bay and a lifelong member of the community. He was drawn to the GJCC Board by a desire to support an organization that has a direct and lasting impact on children and families, and to play a role in helping it continue to grow and serve Northwestern Ontario.

Maggie Fredrickson
Maggie Fredrickson
Director

Maggie joined our Board in 2025.  She is an educator in Thunder Bay, with a specialization in supporting students with special education needs. She joined the GJCC Board because George Jeffrey Children’s Centre embodies a mission of exceptional care and support for children and youth with diverse needs. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that plays such an essential role in strengthening families and our community.

Shirley Salt
Shirley Salt
Director

Shirley joined our Board in 2025. She is a member of Fort William First Nation. After many years working with three levels of government, she is happily retired. Her previous work experience has been working with children and youth in various programs to continue their educational aspirations. She is pleased to bring her professional knowledge and experience to the Board. Shirely attended Lakehead University, and also holds an MBA from Queen’s University.

Kids raising hands

Service Navigation

Service Navigation  is a central point of contact for families waiting for assessment services for their children after being referred to the Centre.

Boy in Wheelchair
Kids raising hands

News from OAP

Please see link below about  Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Caregiver-Mediated services.

Sister hugging brother
Skip to content