Our Board
The Board's Role
The board of directors ensures that AJOI's activities allow at all times to achieve the organization's mission and objectives, while respecting its values. It determines, in collaboration with the general management, the strategic orientations. Each member has a sincere interest in the work of the organization, is able to perform its duties and achieve the objectives of the organization, represents the diversity of the members of the organization and the community it serves and represents the different sectors of activity of the organization.
President
Martine Haines
Martine has been a board member of AJOI since 2020 and of Ricochet (Hébergement/Homes) since 2023. With a bachelor's degree in industrial relations and an MBA, she brings expertise in HR and governance. With over 15 years' experience in the healthcare network, including 10 years in mental health, she understands beneficiaries issues. As a consultant with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, Martine helps companies achieve their objectives. A mother of two boys, she is involved in CAs to support the community and ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.
Vice-President
Howard Nadler
Howard Nadler, B.SC., MSW, now retired, devotes his time to supporting community organizations. He is the President of the Board of International Social Service Canada and a member of the Board of Directors in Geneva. A co-founder and long-time board member of AJOI and Ricochet (Hébergement/Homes), he also sits on the boards of the Table de quartier sud de l'Ouest-de-l'Île de Montréal and Maison Elizabeth House. Howard is also a member of the Comité régional pour l'accès aux services de santé et sociaux en anglais à Montréal and the Board of Directors of REISA.
Secretary
Véronique Babin
After 22 years in the construction field, architecture and design, Véronique has been a real estate broker on the West Island of Montreal since 2015. She has been very involved with various non-profit organizations for many years, and is passionate about helping others. Véronique was a candidate for Realtors Care 2023, a program that recognizes the volunteer involvement of Canadian real estate brokers who have distinguished themselves with charitable organizations in their community.
Treasurer
Jag Nara Simha Devara
A retired IT professional, Jag has worked for the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and other high-tech companies. He enjoys volunteering and being part of the community.
Administrator
Ann Francis
With two law degrees from McGill University, Ann is a former lawyer. After a successful legal career with a large multinational corporation, she is now a Chartered Financial Advisor with a private wealth management firm. Ann was also a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in Lac-Saint-Louis in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. She has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is very involved in her church as a youth leader.
Administrator
Virginie Tourte
Virginie is Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager at Morgan Schaffer Ltd, with over 20 years' experience in supply chain management and engineering. With several degrees, including one in plastics processing and a master's in strategic purchasing management, she specializes in project management, strategic planning and continuous improvement. Currently training in governance, she hopes to put her skills to work on the boards of AJOI and Ricochet (Hébergement/Homes) to contribute to the well-being and development of vulnerable people in her community.
Administrator
Nell Owusu
Nell is passionate about relationships and improving the quality of life for others. She holds a bachelor's degree in women's studies and human rights, a diploma in special education, and certification in mental health. Trained in suicide prevention, she is able to assess crisis situations and offer immediate help. She currently works as a pivotal intervener for people with special needs and as a psychosocial intervener for victims of criminal offences. She describes herself as compassionate, resourceful and loving.
Administrator
Athéna Quesnel-Revelakis
Athena, AJOI Outreach Street Worker since 2021 and Team Leader, stands out for her kindness and ability to reach out to young people and marginalized people. As Administrator and Employee Representative on the Board, she ensures transparency of direction while bringing her outreach street work experience to the table. A member of AJOI's social committee, Athena is also passionate about nature and animals. Of Greek origin, with her blue hair and dynamic personality, she brings calm and a smile to those around her.