Our Staff Team

Joanna Mendez

Executive Director
joanna@jessiescentre.org

Joanna Mendez, dedicated Executive Director at Jessie's, brings over two decades of non-profit expertise. With strong ties to her Latin American heritage, her journey in advocacy and support reflects unwavering commitment, compassion, and strategic leadership. Having experienced young parenthood firsthand, Joanna's dedication is deeply personal. She understands the unique challenges young parents face, and she passionately works to break down barriers and amplify opportunities in alignment with Jessie's mission and vision. Joanna's path stands as an inspiring testament to the power of dedication, empathy, and lived experience in driving meaningful change.

Gladys Mok

Director of Programs and Operations
gladys@jessiescentre.org

Gladys Mok is a dedicated nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equity-focused programs that support individuals and families affected by poverty, homelessness, trauma, and gender-based violence. Her work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves access to safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive. Throughout her career, Gladys has led diverse teams and developed innovative, trauma-informed programs that respond to community needs and amplify participant voices. She is passionate about building inclusive and collaborative environments where staff and clients alike feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Guided by a strong commitment to social justice and systemic change, Gladys approaches leadership with empathy, integrity, and a focus on lasting impact. She strives to strengthen programs and partnerships that not only meet immediate needs but also drive long-term transformation in the communities she serves.

Our Staff Team

  • Sutha Sivarajah

    Financial Administrator
    sutha@jessiescentre.org

  • Sthefany Larissa

    Administrative Assistant

  • Katy Pedersen

    Development Associate

  • Tuhr Merchant

    Outreach-Community Education Program Coordinator

  • Alice Colbert

    Housing Access Worker

  • Alexia Schell

    Volunteer & In-Kind Donations Coordinator

  • Marlenys Barrios

    Counsellor/Case Worker (Spanish speaking)

  • Yolanda C.Jean Gilles

    Infant-Child Worker

  • Michelle Bailey-Scott

    Health Promotion Specialist

  • Marcia Munroe

    Food Program Coordinator

  • Maria Tjimos

    Counsellor/Case Worker

  • Chanté James

    Infant-Child Worker

  • Lucia Sucuqui

    Parenting Support Worker

  • Aisha Adbulkadir

    Food Program Assistant

  • Ikeena Crew-Singh

    Counsellor/Case Worker

  • Heide Magsino

    Infant-Child Worker

  • Faith Hatchett

    Director of Programs and Operations (on leave)

  • Nerusha Bailey

    Infant-Child Worker (on leave)

Join Our Team