Our executive team works together to oversee the YW’s strategic plan, organizational administration, and direct program areas in housing and homelessness, youth programs, employment and entrepreneurship training, childcare and early learning.
Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer Breaton, RN, MHSc is a recognized leader who has worked in health care and social services for over 20 years. She is passionate about women’s and children’s health and well being.
Jennifer is a collaborative systems leader who believes communities are stronger when they work together.
Director of People & Culture
Lisa is a wife and mother of 3. She was born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo and is a proud volunteer within the community. Having worked in the legal world for 15 years Lisa made the switch to Human Resources 6 years ago. She is a board member with the Pregnancy Centre and in her spare time enjoys attending sporting events, music and the joy of baking.
Director of Children’s Services
Keri is the Director of Children’s Services at the YW, a position she has held since 2009.
She has spent her career as an Early Childhood Educator in the non-profit sector, working for YW Children’s Services since 1991 in a variety of roles and at various locations.
She works in partnership with many organizations on behalf of the YW, including the Waterloo Region District School Board and Conestoga College.
She is a member of the Child Care Network of Waterloo Region and the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region. She is also a participant in the Region’s Early Learning and Child Care Forums.
Director of Community Engagement & Programs
Christine came to her role as Director of Development in 2019.
She is a life-long resident of Kitchener with post-secondary education in Journalism and Marketing. She has 26 years of experience in communications and public relations, through her position at Waterloo Region Record.
Christine is a member of Kitchener City Council and has served on many volunteer committees and boards in the Waterloo Region, including Safe and Healthy Advisory Committee, Affordable Housing Strategy Committee, Greater KW Chamber of Commerce Board, Centre in The Square Board, Food4Kids Waterloo Wellington Board, 20,000 Homes Canada Campaign, Junior Achievement, and Big Brothers and Sisters.
Director of Housing Services
Sheneka came to the YW in 2019 and has worked in several YW programs including career services, and the Lincoln Road and Block Line Road housing programs.
Chief Financial Officer
Roxanne comes to us from community care where, for 14 years, she has led a team across finance, HR, IT, risk and quality improvement. She is a CPA and brings to us a wealth of experience.
The YW is led by an all-women Board of Directors. These strong leaders ensure that women’s voices are heard in the community and that our services reflect the needs of women today. Board members are annually-elected, assuming responsibility for organizational governance, providing strategic and operational oversight of the organization.
We were pleased to welcome nine new board members at our Annual General Meeting April 28, 2026. This page will be updated shortly.
Director
Dr. Roya Abdmoulaie is a palliative care physician with experience working across a variety of health care settings, including shelters and programs serving unhoused individuals. Her practice is grounded in a trauma-informed approach and incorporates an equity lens. Prior to entering medicine, Roya pursued education focused on gender equity. She brings an understanding of legal, ethical, and risk management considerations. Her lived experience has shaped her commitment to social justice, equity, and community leadership, aligning with the mission and purpose of YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo.
Director
Taylor is a junior lawyer primarily focused on real estate law, with additional experience in corporate and estate matters.
Taylor is committed to advancing gender equity and is motivated to contribute meaningfully through community leadership.
Vice President
Steph (she/her/hers) is a People & Culture expert with 15 years of experience encompassing all areas of Human Resources.
She has dedicated her career to designing business-aligned strategies and impactful, outcome-focused programs. Steph has honed her leadership skills serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, owning and stewarding large enterprise portfolios, and leading people and organizations through times of change, crisis and transformation.
She is a Certified Human Resources Leader and Certified Canadian Inclusion Practitioner.
Steph is passionate about creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces and communities, where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Director
Courtney has experience in project management, operations, and real estate. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in urban planning, with a focus on housing and homelessness. Courtney brings experience working on complex projects, along with an interest in housing issues and how they impact communities.
Director
Marilyn has worked across healthcare, public, and municipal sectors, with a focus on human-centred design and urban planning. Her experience includes strategic planning, research, public engagement, and change management. She is familiar with how municipalities and non-profit organizations operate and brings experience in policy-related work. Marilyn has a background in community involvement and is interested in contributing to the mission of YWCA Kitchener Waterloo through her role on the Board.
Secretary
Tanya is a committed lifelong learner. She has worked at local technology companies for the past 17 years, with leadership roles in program/project management and operations. She graduated from McGill University with a BA in Political Science and History, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Tanya has lived in Waterloo Region for 20 years. She is dedicated to community-building and has enjoyed using the skills she’s gained in the corporate world in a volunteer capacity. Most recently, she has devoted her volunteer time to local election campaigns, serving in a variety of community-engagement based roles.
Tanya lives in Waterloo with her partner, children and pets.
President and Chair
Karen’s professional roots lie in primary education, where she developed a passion for creating the space for others to flourish. Her proven talents are geared to create a successful learning organization: developing effective stakeholder engagement strategies, workshop design and facilitation, strategic planning, and guiding organizations through complex change initiatives.
Karen is a graduate of the University of Waterloo (B.Sc.), Western (B.Ed.) and Royal Roads University (M.A. Leadership). Prior to joining Habitat Canada as SVP/Chief Strategy Officer, Karen was the CEO of Habitat Waterloo Region (2018-2020), served as a City of Waterloo Councillor (2006-14), and was a professor in Conestoga College’s Business School.
Karen believes that we all have a role in creating a better Waterloo Region for women and girls – a community that is safe and provides opportunities for all to develop strength, stability, and independence.
Director
Brenda has a background in community leadership, public service, and governance. She has held roles including Mayor and has worked in areas such as government relations, economic development, and policy. Brenda brings an understanding of government at both the local and federal levels, along with extensive experience serving on boards as a Director and Chair. She contributes knowledge of governance, fundraising, and advocacy, and is interested in supporting initiatives that benefit women and girls.
Director
Gina’s professional roots lie in equity, accessibility, and organizational change, where she has built a career helping institutions and communities create more inclusive, responsive, and accountable systems. She brings strong experience in community engagement, workshop design and facilitation, strategic planning, and guiding organizations through complex change initiatives.
Gina is a Partner with Bright Thread, where she supports municipalities, public-sector organizations, and non-profits with strengthening governance, strategy, engagement, and implementation. She has extensive municipal and post-secondary experience supporting equity and anti-racism planning, compliance with human rights legislation, community consultation, and systems-level change.
Gina believes that stronger communities are built when people most affected by decisions have a meaningful role in shaping them. She is committed to helping organizations move from good intentions to practical strategies, better decisions, and more inclusive outcomes.
Treasurer
Ingrid is a Partner with Grant Thornton LLP where she enjoys engaging with clients and colleagues. She specializes in audit and advisory services for mid-market manufacturing, distribution, services and financial services clients.
She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2004 from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Ingrid has a history of working with homelessness organizations and supporting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. At home, she enjoys spending her time outdoors with family, pets and nature.
Vice President
Linda is an engaged community member committed to ongoing learning and meaningful contribution in retirement. She is actively involved in volunteer work that supports initiatives strengthening and uplifting others—particularly women and local organizations. A retired NFP CEO, Linda remains deeply focused on community, connection, and impact.
Director
Linda is an equity, diversity, and inclusion practitioner with experience in policy development, communications, and systems-level change. She has worked in the public sector and has experience engaging with equity-deserving communities. Her work has included contributing to policy related to domestic violence and human trafficking. Linda also leads a small non-profit supporting BIPOC youth in entrepreneurship. She brings a trauma-informed approach and an understanding of the work of YWCA KW.
Director
Nicole is a social worker and therapist with experience working with youth and women in community and clinical settings. Her work includes involvement in the shelter system, street outreach, and mental health and addictions services. She has worked across community organizations, healthcare, and private practice. Nicole brings an understanding of the challenges clients face, as well as the network of community partners involved in service delivery. She contributes a perspective informed by frontline experience.
Director
Jodi is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation and a certified Executive Coach through Royal Roads University. She is also a certified Grief Educator through David Kessler. As a strategic HR leader with 25+ years of experience, Jodi has led organizational culture transformations and brings personal insight from navigating significant career shifts and life transitions.
Jodi views leadership coaching as a process of guiding leaders through change by creating a safe, non-judgmental space. Through active listening and thoughtful inquiry, she supports clients in uncovering the insights and solutions they already possess within themselves.Administrative Office
153 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2
Phone: (519) 576-8856
Email: general@ywkw.ca
Charitable Number: 118987643RR0001
