MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTors

Sheryl worked in the special needs field as a resource teacher at Five Counties Children’s Centre before leaving to run her own business. She is a passionate advocate for people with special needs. She chaired the Peterborough FASD committee for 8 years and co-facilitated the caregiver support group.

Melanie is an Employment Specialist with Agilec, she specializes in helping individuals access Better Jobs Ontario and funding through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. With 20 years of experience in the social services field in the Peterborough area, she excels in networking and community collaboration to build lasting partnerships and connections. Deeply passionate about supporting people with disabilities in meaningful, goal-oriented ways, Mel is dedicated to practical, person-centred solutions that foster independence and purpose.

In her spare time, she enjoys time with her grown children, exploring the Kawarthas, and playing baseball. She values contributing to community initiatives like Achieve Charity that create lasting impact.

Debby Gillis is a retired police officer having worked 30 years for Durham Regional Police Service and Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service. Debby has served on boards with Peterborough Aids Resource Network (PARN) and sat on various committees such as the CAS/Police, Child and Adolescent Response Team (CART), and Domestic Violence Review Committee through the Provincial Coroners Office. 

Dan Moloney, was born and raised in Peterborough. He has worked as a financial advisor and business owner over the last 17 years. During his working years, he has also volunteered on many not-for-profit boards, including the PRHC Foundation, Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough Library, Peterborough-Kawartha Lakes CAS, the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, and many others. He has a passion for giving back to his community and teaching his children about giving back. He is supported by his wife Amy and his four children, Mack, Nina, Brynn, and Josephine.

Dr. Luigi Iannacci is a Professor in the School of Education and Professional Learning at Trent University. Dr. Iannacci has taught mainstream and special education. His research interests and publications are focused on language and literacy learning and teaching, critical multiculturalism, critical dis/ability studies, early childhood education, critical narrative research and ethics. He is the past president of LLRC (Language and Literacy Researchers of Canada). His latest book “Reconceptualizng Disability in Education” (Lexington Press) is being used at the in-service, pre-service and graduate level provincially, nationally and internationally.  

Emma brings both professional experience and a strong personal commitment to supporting people with disabilities to the Achieve Board. She has worked in disability services since 2015 and now works as a Direct Support Person and Medical Coordinator with Karis Disability Services.

She is currently on maternity leave from her role, while also continuing her education in Social Work at Trent University, with plans to pursue her Master’s degree.

Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Business Administration and Psychology from Trent University. Her experience in disability support, advocacy, crisis intervention, and person-centred care gives her a valuable perspective as Achieve continues its work to provide safe, supportive housing and meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities.

My name is Shivani, and I am joining Achieve to support their work within housing to build stronger communities that are responsive to the needs of our population. I am looking forward to contribute towards the creation of sustainable and accessible housing initiatives to amplify our impact.