Leadership 2022-2023
Natalie Barber
Chair
The Women's Centre board and staff appreciate being able to count on community stakeholders who have been so supportive of the women and families that need our love and guidance.
Born and raised in Collingwood, my son and I moved to Owen Sound in 2017 to be closer to my fiancé and his two sons. I am a big sports fan, and I especially enjoy playing golf and baseball.
I've been in the financial industry for nearly 20 years where I've had the opportunity to be involved in many great community projects. I'm currently a Director with the Chamber of Commerce and the role allows me to meet even more people and support many local initiatives.
I'm looking forward to my upcoming term as Chair of The Women's Centre where I'll be working with staff, volunteers, and donors in continuing to provide support and guidance to women and their children who need our services.
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Alissa Angel
Vice Chair & Interim Treasurer
I left a relationship once, and thankfully, I had family that welcomed me and gave me a temporary space to stay. Some women aren't so lucky, so creating awareness of the shelter's services may help a woman who is struggling leave an abusive relationship. TWC gives women time to get their lives together and look toward the future.
I volunteer on the board because it's important to have a safer place for women and children, and I want to make sure The Women's Centre is supported by our community.
In 2020, I cleaned-up the shelter gardens and hosted a birthday fundraiser to purchase trees, so the women and children could enjoy the outdoor space. I've been helping with yard work since, and recently, my son started helping as well. I also support TWC's financial literacy program by working with clients to identify and meet financial goals.
When I'm not volunteering, I'm spending time with my son and fiancé, playing with plants in my own garden, walking my dogs, and working with my clients. Having a resource and safe space for women and children to go is important.
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Heather Sheldrick
Executive Director/Secretary
Before joining The Women’s Centre as Executive Director in 2018, I accumulated 25 years of leadership experience.
I believe my previous experience has helped the team and I shape TWC into the organization it is today and am incredibly grateful for the hard work of everyone involved that has led to the Organization’s growth over the years.
After learning that nearly 60% of abused women with pet's delay leaving out of concern for their animals, I converted our shelter to a pet-friendly facility. I also oversaw the Adopt-a-Room campaign that allowed us to update all eight bedrooms and most common areas in the shelter. Since my start, the team has grown to include a cook, clinical counsellor, and several anti-human trafficking staff in the newly launched Anti-Human Trafficking Youth program.
I am motivated to cultivate a passionate and energetic team to continue to help serve women in the community.
Outside of work I love to cook, garden, run marathons, and dabble in karaoke. Currently, my family is raising our fifteenth guide dog puppy for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Kate Vanderwielen
Director
I recently started volunteering with The Women’s Centre on its Board of Directors. I look forward to supporting women and children in our by working with other members to set the strategic direction and help develop and approve policies.
I learned of the organization after a client organized a fundraising event where each of her 50 guests included a hand-written note with a gift card for women and kids staying in the shelter. It was wonderful for this large group of women to come together and support The Women’s Centre.
Outside of my board work, I'm busy with my three children and husband. I'm a Real Estate Broker and love working with buyers and sellers. I'm active in the community and volunteer delivering Meals on Wheels, at my children's school, and with the Optimist Club. I love hanging out in nature and drinking lots of tea!
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Erica Weppler
Director
As a parent to two young girls who are heading into high school and college in the near future, I want to be involved with a woman-centred organization.
When I'm not working as a Parent Support Worker with the Grey Bruce Health Unit, I'm spending time with my husband and two daughters. We enjoy hiking, running, camping, and caring for our two hedgehogs.
I volunteered for a sexual assault crisis hotline during high school and it motivated me to attend college to complete my Social Service Worker diploma. I later completed a co-op placement with the Interval House of Hamilton so I'm looking forward to bringing my understanding of gender-based violence to The Women's Centre board of directors.
We've been helping women and children flee abuse and violence for nearly forty years. I'm proud to be involved with such a well-respected community agency.
Krystal Stukas
Fund Development and Communications Manager
I always knew I would find myself in a position where I am able to produce meaningful work. Formally, my background is in Communications, and I believe that relationship building, and storytelling is integral for navigating the world today, in any industry. My previous roles have been at Public Relations agencies, and in marketing and communications roles at various corporations and non-profit organizations. Before jumping into the working world, I studied Sociology at the University of Guelph and Public Relations at Humber College.
I am a recent Owen Sound transplant who is excited about building a life in a quaint town full of friendly people, surrounded by water and nature. When I’m not focusing on fundraising for TWC or communicating with our incredibly generous community members, you can find me attempting DIY home renovations, paddle boarding on Georgian Bay, hiking with my two dogs or relaxing with friends on a patio.
Mary Thompson
Second Stage Residential Housing, Program Manager
My dream has always been to help support women and children, which is why joining the team at The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce has been a natural next step for me. I have spent years in corporate workplaces, running provincial law firms and being CEO of a large real estate brokerage. It has taught me how crucial it is to have the right people in your corner. I've often found myself in positions where others have come to me for support, and I always make sure I am providing that support by being calm, encouraging and uplifting. Giving back to the community I was raised in is something I am happy and feel grateful to do.
I previously volunteered for organizations such as, Children’s Aid and Mary’s Place. I’ve even had the incredible privilege to visit Rwanda to volunteer with iTeams Canada, an organization focused on supporting women and children living with AIDS/HIV, and survivors of the genocide. These organizations help shift the entire future of the women and children’s lives who live there and are deeply integral in our communities.
When I am not Managing TWC’s Second Stage transitional housing program, you will find me hiking the Bruce Trail with my partner, exercising, grabbing a latte from the local coffee shop, or spending the night laughing with friends and family.
Joyce Ann Johnston
Violence Against Women (VAW) Shelter, Program Manager
I have worked for The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce for over 20 years in a variety of positions including, Chief Union Steward.
Day-to-day, I hold the role of Violence Against Women Shelter Team Lead. We have an amazing team of women who work incredibly well together to support the women and children in Grey Bruce. I am extremely proud to lead this amazing team as we work together to promote community awareness to end violence against women and children.
When I am not working, I am spending time with my incredibly supportive husband, my two wonderful children and my four amazing grandchildren. As an animal lover, I also have an extended “fur” family that includes two dogs, one cat, a bunch of chickens and a fish pond. I love spending time outside in the summer, enjoying the sun, and curled up by the fireplace in the winter.
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Lindsay Brown
Anti-Human Trafficking Program for Youth (AHT), Program Manager
I have always had a passion for working with youth and am committed to helping those I work with using a collaborative approach. I have experience in supporting children and youth of all ages and abilities in community-based, residential, and educational settings.
I use a strength-based approach and support children and youth with mental health, relationships, and behavioural issues using evidence-based interventions. Creating and maintaining a safe and inviting space where young people can develop and grow is what I strive for.
When I am not managing AHT, I am spending time with my wonderful husband and children, having a blast with friends, or camping!