Ottawa, ON

Prior to joining CPJ, Simon spent several years coordinating the outreach ministry and social justice efforts of an Anglican church in downtown Toronto. Through that experience, he gained a valuable first-hand glimpse of the reality of poverty in Canada.

Simon is excited to join the CPJ team and eager to combine his "on the ground" experience with his educational background to help effect meaningful change in Canadian public policy. He holds a MTS from Tyndale Seminary in Toronto and a BA in Political Science from University of Waterloo.

Simon's background is steeped in various Christian traditions: Baptist, Mennonite Brethren, and Anglican. He is passionate about helping people discover how their faith informs and inspires both compassion and justice.

Simon, his wife Ashley, two year-old daughter Sophie, and their dog Maddy, have recently moved to Ottawa from Toronto.

Michael is a York University graduate in IT, born and raised in Kielce, Poland. Before he moved to Ottawa, he spent 9 years living in Toronto. He has experience in desktop publishing and computer/network technical support. Prior to joining CPJ, Michael worked as an editor and proofreader in a few Polish-Canadian newspapers as well as a computer support specialist. He also published several issues of an ethnic newspaper "razem.ca".

He enjoys traveling, prefers summer over the winter, and is a passionate soccer fan.

Michael is a member of St. Hyacinth Parish - Roman Catholic Church.

Patricia Graça is passionate about public justice and is very happy to join Citizens for Public Justice to contribute her best efforts and skills during an 8 month maternity leave contract.

Patricia is an internationally trained lawyer from Brazil with a Master of Laws degree from Cornell University (United States). She conducted extensive research on the topic of gender discrimination in the labour market while pursuing her Master of Laws degree.

She has extensive experience in public justice framing of socio-economic policy debates, and a strong sensitivity to gender analysis developed through volunteer work with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, providing non-judgmental and compassionate support to criminalized and at-risk women, men and youth. Patricia also has experience working with women in abusive relationships as a Public Defender Intern at the Federal District Court in Brasilia, Brazil, and as a Community Co-Mediator at the Catholic Immigration Centre in Ottawa.

She is a Halifax Initiative volunteer, engaged in the translation and collection of data, policies and lawsuits from Brazil to generate a report intended to garner the attention of media and decision-makers regarding the environmental, developmental and human rights impacts of a Canadian-owned gold mine situated in Brazil.

Melodi hails from Victoria, British Columbia. Her interest in social justice has its roots in a longstanding concern for disadvantaged minority groups, particularly where ethnic dynamics play a significant role.

Out of her interest in culture and diversity, Melodi completed a BA in International Studies at Trinity Western University with a focus on global policy. She spent her final semester in Ottawa – an experience that broadened her understanding of public policy and social justice issues here in Canada.

To balance her in-class education, Melodi has spent time volunteering abroad in Switzerland, Morocco and Uganda. At home, Melodi has kept herself grounded by working with children through the local evangelical church community. She has directed multiple programs for inner-city kids in the Victoria and Vancouver regions, giving her exposure to the plight of some of Canada’s most vulnerable citizens.

Aware of great needs in Canada and inspired by God’s heart for the poor and oppressed, Melodi is excited to seek public justice in a new capacity at CPJ.

Melodi loves theatre, cooking, and going for long walks pretty much anywhere – an interest that will serve her well as she embarks on life as a pedestrian in Ottawa.

Katherine is very pleased to join the wonderful team at CPJ and to contribute her passion and talents to their work advancing public justice in Canada. She has worked in community development and research over the past 20 years and continues to be inspired by the people and organizations working across the country to realize a more just and caring world for us all.

Katherine’s on-going research focuses on issues of social and economic inclusion as they affect children, families and communities. She has served as the Head of Research at the Vanier Institute of the Family and the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD), planning and managing the research agenda and public education activities for these organizations.

Her recent publications include Families Count: Profiling Canada’s Families IV (2010), Community Vitality (2009), a concept paper for the Canadian Index of Well-being, and Poverty Reduction Policies and Programs (2009), an edited collection of 14 reports in the CCSD’s Social Development Report Series.

Katherine continues to work as a consultant with the CCSD and other organizations. She holds degrees in political science (specialization in social policy) and environmental studies from Queen's University and York University.

Anna Thede was born and raised in Edmonton, AB. Her parents are Frank and Rosanne, and she has two younger sisters Leah and Rebecca. She attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Edmonton; and was baptized and confirmed there. Anna attended high school at WP Wagner in Edmonton, and after high school worked in many fields: restaurants, retail, market research, and the hotel business, before her call was made clear and she decided to begin the process of becoming a pastor. Anna attended the Kings University College in Edmonton from September 2005- December 2009. In January 2009 graduated from university with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a religion major. In August of 2009 Anna moved to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to attend the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. After two years of study there Anna has come home to Canada to continue her education and call process by becoming the intern at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Ottawa. As part of her internship Anna is working with Citizens for Public Justice to develop a series of Bible studies to accompany their recent publication Living Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty. What comes next is a continuation of the adventure so far. Anna is enjoying her time in Canada's Capital City and the work she is doing both for the church and for CPJ.

Born and raised in the east-end of Ottawa, Shana has always been interested in helping others and has always had a sense of social justice. After graduating from St. Matthew High School in Orleans, she entered the Bachelor of Social Work Program, with Minors in Psychology and Sociology, at Carleton University and is now in her final year of study.

Ecological justice will be a new area for Shana, who is interested in learning how environmental change affects people locally, nationally and globally. She is looking forward to increasing her exposure to policy development and learning more about NGOs and their interaction with government bodies.

In her spare time, Shana enjoys reading, travelling and spending time with friends and family. Next year, she hopes to continue with her education and pursue a Master’s of Social Work at McGill University.

Chandra combines her love of learning and a commitment to justice in her work as a policy analyst. Before joining CPJ, she worked in Canadian politics and for an NGO devoted to federalism. She also has experience volunteering on justice related issues at church, school and with community groups.

Chandra has an MA in French from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and an MA in political science from Carleton University. Her research for both degrees focused on women’s electoral representation, and Chandra is passionate about increasing women’s opportunities for electoral success, as well as their full equality in all aspects of life.

Chandra and her husband live in Ottawa, where Chandra is a member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church.

It was Rene’s face-to-face meeting with poverty in the developing world that awoke his call to action, and his inspiration and vision is expressed through: “Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Since then, and prior to joining CPJ, Rene has spent 10 years doing advocacy and fundraising for social justice, human rights, peace and the protection of the environment.

Originally from Denmark, Rene comes from a Lutheran background and has seen the positive effects of social equality and policies based on the common good in his country of birth. He knows that social development is both possible and of great benefit to society as a whole, and he is passionate about being part of creating a better future for all Canadians.

Rene holds a Market Economist diploma from Copenhagen Business College and a BA in Philosophy, with a minor in Religious Studies, from University of Copenhagen.

After marrying Valerie, Rene became a permanent resident in 2009 and went to live with her here in Canada.

Growing up in a small town outside of Kitchener-Waterloo Jenny has always had an interest in politics and social justice. Combined with her Catholic upbringing and strong respect and belief in the Catholic Social Teachings, she has often looked for areas in which her faith could come together with her belief in more progressive politics.

These interests led her to King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario where she recently completed a double major in Political Science and Social Justice and Peace Studies. Through her program, Jenny traveled to places like Ukraine and Guatemala, where her commitment to social justice issues was reinforced, and her belief that community is central to overcoming them was reaffirmed.

Jenny has learned a great deal about people with disabilities, encouraged by her experience in Ukraine and volunteer opportunities in London (ON).  This interest and the help of some excellent professors led her to a job with L’Arche Canada writing content for a website for youth with intellectual disabilities on forming lasting social connections. While Jenny will always have a passion for disability issues, she is also looking forward to a chance to widen her knowledge of social issues, particularly in the Canadian sphere.

Jenny enjoys rollerblading, reading excessively, and spending time with her friends and family.

Raised in the rural south-western municipality of Chatham-Kent, Daniela has always had an interest in social justice and helping others. Before moving to Ottawa in September of this year, Daniela was a Big Sister with the Chatham chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Daniela holds a BA with a Specialization in History from Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario and is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Carleton University.

During her placement here at CPJ, Daniela will be looking at the issue of climate change and the moral responsibility we, as Canadians and citizens of the world, have in lowering our greenhouse gas emissions.

In her spare time Daniela enjoys reading, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Inspired by the Old Testament call “to seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God,” (Micah 6:8) and driven by the belief that, working together, we can build a better world, Karri is an enthusiastic advocate for positive social change.

Karri has over fifteen years experience in the international development community and a strong background in policy analysis, network coordination, and government relations. Until recently, she co-chaired the Global Economic Justice Program Committee of KAIROS and sat on the International Affairs Committee of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. She was also the Coordinator of the Canadian Council for International Cooperation’s Americas Policy Group for several years. Karri has lived and worked in Brazil and Ecuador and travelled extensively throughout Latin America. 

As a Policy Analyst with CPJ, the focus of Karri’s work is on developing concrete proposals to address poverty in Canada. She also serves as the Coordinator of Dignity for All: The Campaign for a Poverty-Free Canada.

Karri has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (Carleton University) and an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies and Political Science (York University). She speaks French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Karri is on maternity leave until September 2012.

Darryl and his family come to us from Abbotsford, British Columbia. Darryl has spent the last 7 years working for the Mennonite Central Committee's Employment and Community Development office, managing employment based programs and social enterprises within the community. Darryl has a strong sense of accountability and believes that God has called him to provide leadership and experience to social causes that provide equality and justice to all Canadians.

Darryl has also represented Christian Reformed World Missions in BC and has provided fund development for other non-profit organizations in BC. He is in the process of completing the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.

Darryl and his wife Rochelle are both originally from Ontario, but their three children were born in British Columbia and they have adopted a daughter from the Ukraine.

Darryl enjoys outdoor activities like camping, golfing and travel.

Rebekah is a native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and so brings an East Coast perspective to CPJ’s office. She was raised in a home where political participation was strongly encouraged (if not required!), and where the role of faith in such actions was emphasized. From a young age, this foundation transpired into a passion for social justice and human rights which has shaped many of her activities and interests.

Throughout university, Rebekah pursued these interests by focusing her studies on conflict, crimes against humanity, and human rights, both at the undergraduate and the graduate levels. In 2006 she completed a BA in history from the University of New Brunswick focusing on the Holocaust and genocide studies. This past spring, she graduated from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa with an MA in International Affairs, focusing on transitional societies and the challenges for picking up the pieces in the aftermath of war or poor governance.

In between these two programs, Rebekah spent a year in Rwanda working as an intern with the faith-based NGO African Enterprise. She worked on a variety of projects, including ethnic reconciliation, community development, and education. She found the experience was invaluable in shaping her life and interests to what they are today.

Rebekah currently attends St. George’s Anglican Church in Ottawa. In her spare time she enjoys biking and walking by the Rideau Canal, reading, and relaxing with friends.

The call to do justice is described by Joe as his life’s “vocation.” So working at CPJ is, for him, a privilege. Where better to encourage the flourishing of public justice than at an organization which is totally devoted to engage Canadians to work collectively toward this end?

Joe’s extensive work experience stretches over the continent. Born in Toronto, he earned a Master’s Degree from a prairie university. In Latin America, Joe worked in refugee camps and served as a Country Director for Canadian Save the Children. At the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for over ten years, Joe developed policy and coordinated work in areas of social justice, missions, and Aboriginal peoples. He served as the founding vice-chair of KAIROS - Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, and has been active in the Canadian Council of Churches’ Commission for Justice and Peace as well as the churches’ ecumenical health care initiative. Joe has coordinated the Make Poverty History campaign, and engaged in research, public speaking and advocacy on national and international issues.

He joined the CPJ team in August 2008.

David Pollock has recently returned to Ontario from serving as the Executive Director of the Tatamagouche Centre in Nova Scotia to rejoin his wife Carolyn in Kars, Ontario where Carolyn serves as an Anglican priest. David is joining CPJ for 4 days per week to work in the position of Co-ordinator of Finance and Administration and will use a portion of his free time to work on a novel he is writing. Prior to this David was the Executive Director at BIOCAP Canada and also the Pembina Institute, an environmental organization.

David has extensive experience working in the fields of international development, social justice and the environment, and a rich background in working with not-for-profit organizations and multi-stakeholder relations. For example, as National Consultant to the Anglican Church of Canada on Peacemaking and Economic Justice, he was instrumental in forming a coalition to address the issues related to the destruction of the Northwest Atlantic Cod Fishery in the early 1990s.

He is currently serving on the Board of Sustainable Development Technology Canada and in the past  has served on a number of non-profit boards including the Canadian Council for International Cooperation, Project Ploughshares, The Churches Task Force on Corporate Social Responsibility, and The International Anglican Council on Justice and Peace.

He holds degrees from Queen’s University in Political Science (Hon B.A.) and from the University of Toronto (M.A.).

Originally from Edmonton, Karen’s interest in social justice issues was sparked in Halifax during her undergraduate education. There, she helped co-ordinate an inner-city mission trip and traveled with other university students to Honduras to work on a local water project. After completing her BA (Honours) in Political Science at Dalhousie University/University of King’s College, Karen moved to Ottawa to take part in the Parliamentary Internship Programme. Here she worked for two MPs while also participating in comparative study tours of other government systems. She then headed to Queen’s University in Kingston, where she did a Master’s in Political Studies. Her research interests lie in areas of multiculturalism, minority rights and pluralism.

Karen also lived in the community of L’Arche Toronto for one year, where she lived and worked with people with disabilities. Living at L’Arche increased her passion for social justice issues, and during this time she volunteered as a researcher for CPJ.

Living in Ottawa, she enjoys knitting, dinners with friends, curling and playing softball.

Kathryn believes in following Christ’s example to love one’s neighbor and pursue justice on earth.

At the age of four Kathryn and her family immigrated to Canada from Northern Ireland and settled in the small town of Hillsburgh, Ontario.  She came to Ottawa two years ago to begin her studies in the School of Social Work at Carleton University. She has always had a heart for the suffering and since beginning her studies she has grown passionate about pursuing social justice and ensuring the human rights of people entrapped in all forms of slavery.

This past summer Kathryn worked at the Centretown Emergency Food Centre where she gained valuable experience working with people on low income and understanding the hardships many of them face. She is currently continuing her education at Carleton University while fulfilling her third year practicum placement at CPJ on the Dignity for All campaign.

Kathryn loves lattes, chocolate and tea! She enjoys creativity, music and time spent with friends. She attends the Dominion Outreach Centre.

Adam grew up on the east coast of Canada and recently relocated to Ontario to complete his Seminary education at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. Adam is an endorsed candidate for ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Adam and his wife, Holly, currently live in Ottawa where Adam is serving as Intern at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. As part of his Intern year, he will be working with the CPJ team to develop faith based resources for the Dignity for All campaign.

Adam enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking his dog in the beautiful Ottawa parks, working on glass mosaics and everything music from  playing guitar to writing music and of course enjoying live music. He believes in the love and grace of God for all God’s people, and strives to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8). He is excited to be part of the CPJ team!

Mariel is delighted to be this year’s policy intern and is looking forward to working with the staff at CPJ on issues of public justice.

Mariel grew up in Ottawa and attended the University of Guelph, where she recently graduated with a B.A. (Honours) in International Development. During that time, she spent a semester abroad at the University of Havana, where she studied Cuban social development and urban agriculture. Her research interests during her degree included electoral participation and public health policy in the Americas.

Mariel’s passion for social justice issues was sparked when she travelled to Jamaica on a poverty-awareness trip during high school. Inspired by what she experienced there, she has since worked with a number of volunteer organizations on social justice issues, both in Canada and overseas.

She is excited to be a part of the CPJ team and is looking forward to meeting members of the CPJ community in the coming year.

In her spare time, Mariel enjoys running, reading and going for coffee with friends. She attends First United Church.