About
Our Vision
A North Durham where no person experiences housing instability.
Our Mission
To provide a spectrum of housing supports for those who are at risk or in crisis within the communities of North Durham.
Our Values
North House was created in June of 2004, when people saw a need in their community. They were starting to see that their neighbours and friends were struggling to make ends meet. Some were under-housed, others couldn’t pay their bills and some had nowhere to live. Together, as a community, it was decided to create a resource that could help with some of those problems. And that, was the genesis of North House.
Now that they had the idea, and the people willing to help, they needed a physical space to work. It was then that St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Beaverton donated the use of their office space to conduct meetings and give the formal structure the organization needed.
One full-time staff person was hired through the help of a grant, to work with the community and start to build the reputation of the organization.
North House was fortunate to receive funds from the government to purchase a house, which would be used for transitional housing for people in the community. The house had four apartments and a small room in the rear which was used as the office.
Today, 20 years later, we still deliver on the very idea of helping those in our community who need it. We connect them to resources and help them through the most trying times in their lives.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Ron Houston
Chair
(he/him)
Ron brings a proven track record for leading teams to co-create next generation capabilities and execute strategic IT initiatives to deliver business value. Ron has held numerous management positions in the Information Technology area with a primary focus on people leadership, team building and leading software development for loyalty solutions. Ron lives in nearby Sunderland, with his wife Kerri-Anne, children Courtney and Aidan as well as three cats and a dog.
Dave Kushner
BSc, CPA, CGA
Secretary/Treasurer
(he/him)
Dave is a Certified Professional Accountant with extensive experience in financial management, bookkeeping/accounting, personal and corporate income tax preparation, risk management, compliance, and internal auditing. Currently Dave runs a full-time business specializing in tax preparation, accounting and bookkeeping services, and small business administration.
Mitchell Flagg
Director
(he/him)
Mitchell Flagg is a lawyer with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General. From 2003-2018, he worked as a prosecutor in Durham Region. Since 2018, he has worked at the Serious Fraud Office dealing with cases of complex wrongdoing. He is a problem solver who cares deeply about serving the community and supporting people who are vulnerable – for many reasons – to losing their housing.
Brankica Jakovlevski
Director
(she/her)
Brankica is a resident of Uxbridge since September 2020. She currently serves as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant at a cross-border law firm in Toronto. At the same time, she is working towards the completion of her Juris Doctor degree from the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Brankica obtained her graduate degree (Immigration and Settlement Studies) in 2015, and she is engaged in the program’s alumni association as a member of the Events and Project Management Committee.
In addition to her many years of legal work experience, Brankica brings forward prior board experience, as she spent five (5) years serving as the Secretary on a Condominium Board in Ajax, Ontario (2015-2020). Brankica is fluent in the English and Macedonian languages.
Brankica enjoys taking part in (and attending) local events, and is eager to support housing initiatives through North House for northern Durham communities.
Michelle Lee
Director
(she/her)
Michelle is a CPA, CA whose professional career included working with not-for-profit organizations and registered charities to navigate their operational, financial, and governance needs. Since moving to Uxbridge, she has become increasingly engaged in the town’s community initiatives and has dedicated her time to understanding and addressing the needs of its residents. Michelle is deeply committed to making her community a more equitable, accessible, and sustainable place for all.
Meet Our Team
Mona Emond
CAE, CMS
Executive Director
(she/her)
Mona currently holds a Certified Association Executive designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives and a Certified Marketing Specialist designation from the Canadian Marketing Association. Mona has held senior leadership positions in the profit, not-for-profit and association sectors for over 25+ years. She uses her 25+ years of driving change to make a difference in the world around her. She does that through a transparent leadership approach that empowers her team to deliver results, which transform lives.
Jessica Barbuto
RSW
Manager, Housing Services
(she/her)
Jessica is a registered social worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is a graduate of York University’s critical social work honours program that primarily focused on anti-oppressive practice, equality and social justice. Previously, Jessica pursued a position working with at-risk young pregnant women that come from diverse social backgrounds. Jessica is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her clients, and giving them the voice they deserve. Jessica is excited to continue making a meaningful contribution within the community.
Courtney Munn
Office Coordinator
(she/her)
Courtney is a graduate of Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She has previously worked in the retirement home industry with roles in customer care and business administration. Courtney has lived in north Durham all her life and is excited to apply her skills in a new way to help serve her community.
Garlice Tsang
Community Engagement and Event Coordinator
(she/her)
Garlice is passionate about helping others. She loves to spread positive energy and joy to everyone around her. She has 15 years of experience in events management, events operations and logistics and client experience. She has previously helped international corporations and not-for-profit organizations achieve their goals through planning and executing conferences, trade shows, workshops, fundraiser events, charity galas, award recognition and more. Garlice is also a motivational group fitness instructor who helps the members of her community with their wellness goals. She is looking to continue to do impactful work and is excited to utilize her outgoing personality and skills to serve the north Durham community.
Tara Wise
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
(she/her)
Tara is a multifaceted individual whose journey intertwines creativity, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to community impact. With over two decades of experience in marketing and graphic design, she has mastered the art of storytelling and visual communication, helping numerous brands craft compelling narratives and establish distinct visual identities. Moreover, Tara’s proficiency in social media management has enabled her to harness the power of digital platforms, effectively engaging audiences and driving tangible results.
Throughout her journey, Tara has witnessed the profound impact of small acts of kindness on individuals and communities alike. Believing in the collective strength of unity and support, she remains committed to championing causes that bring people together and empower them to overcome challenges.
Norma Mann
Housing Administrative Coordinator
(she/her)
Norma comes to us with over 25 years experience in the corporate world, where she provided support to her team members. She is looking forward to using the skills she has acquired over the years to help with housing issues in north Durham. As a long time resident of north Durham, Norma has seen first-hand the challenges of living in rural areas and is passionate about helping to make a difference.
Taryn Federici
RSW
Housing First Caseworker
(she/they)
Taryn is a graduate of Trent University’s Bachelor of Social Work Honours program and holds a Social Service Worker Diploma from Durham College. Throughout her professional experience, she has primarily focused on an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and client-centred approach. Taryn has experience working with individuals experiencing housing insecurity, individuals with disabilities, individuals with exceptional needs, and women fleeing violence. Taryn is dedicated to helping individuals who experience barriers to social determinants of health to have their needs met. She is passionate about helping others improve the quality of their lives and advocating for clients’ voices, choices, and best interests.
Marissa Josephs
RSW
Housing First Caseworker
(she/her)
Marissa is a graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University’s Bachelor of Social Work Honours Program and also holds a Victimology certificate from Conestoga College. Throughout Marissa’s career, she has supported individuals who have faced challenges such as housing insecurity, mental health and substance use. Marissa is dedicated to eradicating systemic barriers for individuals all while working through an anti-oppressive, client-centered, and trauma-informed lens.
Haley Singh
RSW
Mental Health & Addictions Caseworker
(she/her)
Haley is a graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University and currently holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree. She has a background in working within the foster care system as a Family Support Worker and with homeless populations as a Mental Health Counsellor. Haley works within a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive perspective, understanding that a person’s past and present experiences are important. Ultimately, Haley aims to make a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by instability and minimize any mental health and addiction barriers that they face.
Almerinda Colella
RSW
Housing Support Specialist
(she/her)
Almerinda has worked and volunteered in social services for over 10 years in the mental health, addictions, disabilities, homelessness arena. She is graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and currently holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree. In addition, Almerinda graduated from Durham College and holds Social Service Worker Diploma and Victimology graduate certificate. Almerinda practices from strengths based, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive perspective, and accessibility framework. Almerinda is passionate about helping clients navigate social services, helps clients with self-determination and advocates for clients’ voices, needs and dignity.
Natalya White
RSSW
Housing Support Specialist
(she/her)
Natalya holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Centennial College. Throughout her professional career, she has worked with individuals who have experienced mental health issues, addictions, and homelessness. She practices from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and client-centred lens when supporting her clients. Natalya’s passion is helping clients navigate systems by removing barriers that hinder individuals who find it challenging when seeking services to address their needs.