Meet the Leadership Team
Get to know the passionate leaders working to create a safer future for our community.
Leslie Allen
Chief Executive Officer
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Ashley Baxter
Chief Programs & Operations Officer
Tricia Jorritsma
Director of Finance
Lori Pratt
Director of Philanthropic Strategy
Despina Avagainos
Executive Assistant
Meet Our Board
Our Board of Directors consists of ten dedicated individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to govern WIN House.​ We extend our sincere appreciation to the following members of our board:
President
Daniel Roberts
Daniel is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience advising non-profit organizations and registered charities across Canada.
His professional practice and previous board service equip him to support organizations navigating complex financial and governance challenges, adding meaningful value to the organizations he volunteers his time with.
Treasurer
Jameson Van Dijk
Jameson brings a strong commitment to community service and governance to WIN House. With a CPA designation and extensive leadership experience across multiple industries, he offers strategic and financial insight to support organizational stability and long-term growth.
A NAIT alum, Jameson also serves in advisory roles supporting accounting and data analytics education.
Director
Robyn Hanson
Robyn is honoured to serve on the WIN House Board, an organization that supported her family when she was a child and helped change the course of their lives.
A communications professional, Robyn brings a deep belief in the power of storytelling, advocacy, and connection, along with a strong commitment to compassion, inclusion, and community impact.
Director
Claudia Johnson
Claudia brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the pharmacy industry to WIN House. Currently leading Dispensaries Ltd., she has held senior roles with national pharmacy organizations, overseeing operations, growth, and strategic planning.
A strategic and agile leader, Claudia holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Alberta and serves on the Board of the Association of Compounding Pharmacists of Canada.
Director
Michelle Plaizer
Michelle is a leader and advocate for positive social change with a strong commitment to the wellbeing of women and children.
With over 20 years of experience, she brings expertise in strategic leadership, government relations, policy development, and board governance. Michelle holds an MBA specializing in Community Economic Development and Strategic Leadership and has extensive not-for-profit board experience.
Director
Jeff Walker
Jeff is the Director of Supportive Housing at Homeward Trust Edmonton, where he oversees the implementation of funded supportive and transitional housing programs.
With nearly a decade of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, Jeff brings a strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations. He holds a BA and a Bachelor of Social Work and is a Registered Social Worker.
Director
Sunil Thomas
Sunil Thomas is a dedicated professional with a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alberta and extensive experience in the Oil and Gas industry.
Committed to community service, he actively participates in charitable initiatives and volunteer projects. Sunil brings leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for making a positive impact to the
WIN House Board.
Director
Balraj Mann
Balraj Mann is a health system leader with Alberta Health Services, bringing over 25 years of experience across nursing, operations, analytics, and health system planning.
She holds advanced degrees in Nursing and Business, and is a Certified Health Services Executive. Balraj contributes her strategic leadership, commitment to equity, and community-focused perspective to the WIN House Board.
Director
Tania Shapka
Tania is a lawyer at a criminal law firm in Edmonton and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta.
She brings volunteer experience with community organizations, including Student Legal Services and the Youth Restorative Action Project, and is committed to supporting WIN House through her legal expertise and community involvement.
Director
Barb Burton
Barb is a retired Human Resources leader with extensive experience in board governance and strategic planning.
She has served on multiple non-profit boards for over 40 years, primarily in the human services sector, bringing deep expertise in organizational leadership, volunteer engagement, and community impact to her role on the WIN House Board.