About Us - haltonwomensplace.com
Flat Preloader Icon

NEED HELP NOW? CALL OUR 24-HOUR CRISIS LINES AT 905-332-7892 | 905-878-8555 | OR CHAT ONLINE

About Us

Serving the Halton Region community (Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills & Oakville) in Ontario, Canada.

Serving the Halton Region community (Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills & Oakville) in Ontario, Canada.

Halton Women’s Place is an organization providing shelter and crisis services for physically, emotionally, financially and sexually abused women and their dependent children and is dedicated to ending violence against women and their children.

Vision

A future where women and children are safe, supported and free from violence and abuse.

Mission

Halton Women’s Place is a gateway to safety, support and advocacy for women and children who have experienced violence and abuse as they rebuild their lives.

Values

HOPE
We honour the resilience and dignity of our clients, fostering compassionate environments that support healing and independence.

CHOICE
We recognize and respect a woman’s right to self-determination, and we support and empower her decision-making.

COLLABORATION
We work in partnership with survivors and our community to build a supportive network and drive collective impact.

EXCELLENCE
We commit to continuous learning and innovation, delivering high quality, forward-thinking programs that meet the evolving needs of survivors and their families.

Halton Women’s Place is an organization providing shelter and crisis services for physically, emotionally, financially and sexually abused women and their dependent children and is dedicated to ending violence against women and their children.

Vision

A future where women and children are safe, supported and free from violence and abuse.

Mission

Halton Women’s Place is a gateway to safety, support and advocacy for women and children who have experienced violence and abuse as they rebuild their lives.

Values

HOPE
We honour the resilience and dignity of our clients, fostering compassionate environments that support healing and independence.

CHOICE
We recognize and respect a woman’s right to self-determination, and we support and empower her decision-making.

COLLABORATION
We work in partnership with survivors and our community to build a supportive network and drive collective impact.

EXCELLENCE
We commit to continuous learning and innovation, delivering high quality, forward-thinking programs that meet the evolving needs of survivors and their families.

Our History

Our History

In 1977, after the completion of a feasibility study it was  indicated there was a need for a shelter in the Region. In November 1978, HWP became incorporated as a voluntary charitable organization.

Halton Women’s Place opened its doors in Milton in October 1980. In the first two years of operation more than 500 women and children were accommodated and more than 700 crisis calls were received.

In 1989, as a result of a bequest from the estate of Margery Ilene MacDowell, a committee was formed to take a look at the shelter needs in Halton. Another feasibility study was done and the result was to build a second shelter in the Southern part of the Region. In January 1994, a second shelter – located in Burlington – was opened.

From the day it opened it has been running at near capacity and now responding to more than 2500 crisis calls a year.

The need to replace the original shelter in Milton and expand the new shelter in Burlington became evident.

On February 20, 2002, government officials, members of the business community and the public gathered for the announcement of the groundbreaking at Halton Women’s Place in Milton.

This new facility will service North Halton and is the sister facility to the one in Burlington serving South Halton.

In April 2002 the capital projects of the new Milton shelter and the expansion of the Burlington shelter began. Construction was completed and the new 20-bed Milton shelter was opened to serve abused women and their dependent children in January 2003. The expansion on the Burlington shelter was also completed and opened in December 2002.

Major funding came from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation and our community partners, Mattamy Homes Ltd., The Aggregate Group of Halton, Rotary Clubs of Halton and The Ontario Trillium Foundation.

In 1977, after the completion of a feasibility study it was  indicated there was a need for a shelter in the Region. In November 1978, HWP became incorporated as a voluntary charitable organization.

Halton Women’s Place opened its doors in Milton in October 1980. In the first two years of operation more than 500 women and children were accommodated and more than 700 crisis calls were received.

In 1989, as a result of a bequest from the estate of Margery Ilene MacDowell, a committee was formed to take a look at the shelter needs in Halton. Another feasibility study was done and the result was to build a second shelter in the Southern part of the Region. In January 1994, a second shelter – located in Burlington – was opened.

From the day it opened it has been running at near capacity and now responding to more than 2500 crisis calls a year.

The need to replace the original shelter in Milton and expand the new shelter in Burlington became evident.

On February 20, 2002, government officials, members of the business community and the public gathered for the announcement of the groundbreaking at Halton Women’s Place in Milton.

This new facility will service North Halton and is the sister facility to the one in Burlington serving South Halton.

In April 2002 the capital projects of the new Milton shelter and the expansion of the Burlington shelter began. Construction was completed and the new 20-bed Milton shelter was opened to serve abused women and their dependent children in January 2003. The expansion on the Burlington shelter was also completed and opened in December 2002.

Major funding came from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation and our community partners, Mattamy Homes Ltd., The Aggregate Group of Halton, Rotary Clubs of Halton and The Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

Responsibility of Halton Women’s Place Truth and Reconciliation

Halton Region stands on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat; now home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

As settlers, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet here and we thank all the generations of people who have taken care of the land and for those who continue today.

As the only women’s shelter in the Region, our Board, our staff and our volunteers are dedicated to our mission to provide a safe haven, information, and education to support a future without abuse for women and their children. We recognize the disproportionate rates and victimization of Indigenous families and communities in regard to intimate partner violence.

It is our responsibility as a leading agency in our community to take action steps in understanding the systemic effects of colonization and how this has effected and increased intimate partner violence. We will continue to consult and work with the Indigenous community as we implement more service and support to our Indigenous peoples.

Responsibility of Halton Women’s Place Truth and Reconciliation

Halton Region stands on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat; now home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

As settlers, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet here and we thank all the generations of people who have taken care of the land and for those who continue today.

As the only women’s shelter in the Region, our Board, our staff and our volunteers are dedicated to our mission to provide a safe haven, information, and education to support a future without abuse for women and their children. We recognize the disproportionate rates and victimization of Indigenous families and communities in regard to intimate partner violence.

It is our responsibility as a leading agency in our community to take action steps in understanding the systemic effects of colonization and how this has effected and increased intimate partner violence. We will continue to consult and work with the Indigenous community as we implement more service and support to our Indigenous peoples.

Executive Leadership Team

Executive Leadership Team

Laurie Hepburn, Executive Director
905-332-1814
Carm Bozzo, Director Philanthropy & Community Engagement
905-332-1585
Sarah Byrne, Director, Programs & Services
905-332-1656
Jerusha Mack, Manager Community Engagement and Education
905-878-5003
Yvette Drake, Manager, HR Strategy & Culture
905-332-1405
Natania Clarke, Manager, Safe Shelter Program
(905) 878-7321
Andrea Cormier, Manager, Community Outreach Services
905-878-8928
Michaela Ralston, Manager, Safe Shelter Program
(905) 332-1672

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Irene Santos

Board Chair

Irene is a dynamic, strategic, and passionate HR leader, known for her strong transformation capabilities, progressive thinking, and ability to create impactful people solutions. She joined TD over 20 years ago and in this timeframe has held various senior leadership roles across the organization.

As Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition, she provides strategic direction to a team of professionals committed to unlocking individual and organizational potential by connecting the best talent to the right opportunities.

Irene holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and is accredited with the Certified Human Resources Professional designation.

An advocate for women and children causes and passionate about empowering women, Irene has been mentoring women in her community for over 15 years. As a mentor, Irene is devoted to helping women realize their full potential and become leaders in all aspects of their lives.

A Halton resident since 2005, currently living in Oakville with her family, Irene is honoured to contribute to the vital efforts made by the Halton Women’s Place as a Board Director.

Michelle Small

Vice Chair

Michelle is a lawyer and HR executive, and over the course of her career has built an expertise in employment law, human rights, employee relations, culture and leadership.

She is currently the Vice President of Human Resources for TD Insurance. She has held HR roles in Employee Relations, HR policy and regulatory compliance, and  labour relations. Prior to her time in HR, she practiced employment law for 15 years at both Gowling WLG and then in TD Bank’s legal department. Michelle is known for her practical advice, broad thinking, authentic leadership, and relentless focus on doing the right thing.

Michelle has a deep passion for social justice, non-violence, and the rights of women and children. She is honoured to be contributing to the work of Halton Women’s Place. Michelle and her family have lived in Halton for nearly 20 years.

David Vandenberg

Secretary

David Vandenberg is the Manager of Corporate Citizenship at Volunteer Canada, where he leads national corporate volunteering initiatives. With expertise in nonprofit governance, project management, and stakeholder engagement, David has spearheaded campaigns engaging thousands of employees from companies across Canada, fostering meaningful partnerships between corporations and community organizations. He also serves on the Points of Light Affiliate Assembly, working to strengthen the global volunteer network.

He often collaborates with elected officials, government bodies, and community organizations, providing strategic consult on community engagement plans, policy development, and fundraising efforts. He is also a skilled communicator and public speaker, frequently sharing insights on Canada’s charitable and volunteering landscape.

David serves as a Director at Halton Women’s Place and is an Advisory Board Member of the Compassion Society of Halton. The Government of Canada has recognized his commitment to service with the Platinum Jubilee Medal of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 2021.

David holds an Honours BA in Political Science from McMaster University and a Nonprofit Leadership and Management certification from Mohawk College.

Paul MacDiarmid

Treasurer

Paul MacDiarmid has been with RBC for over 30 years, beginning his career in the retail branch network in Hamilton. Over his career at RBC, he has held roles in branch management, sales and service leadership, training, operations, and, for the past twenty-plus years, finance. Since 2009 Paul has held a variety of Senior Director roles in Finance and is currently Senior Director, CFO Group – HSBC Integration. Paul and his family have made Burlington their home since 1998, and he has been involved in the community in a variety of ways, including serving on the Board of the Art Gallery of Burlington as Treasurer, and as Chair.

Rufaida Mohammed

Director

Rufaida is the Community Co-Chair of the Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force. She manages a therapy program at a non-profit mental health organization and has been volunteering with a number of community organizations over the years. She is also an Alumni mentor at the University of Toronto. She holds a Masters of Social Work from McMaster University in Critical Leadership and is passionate about empowering people to use their agency to achieve their goals. She and her family have been residents of Milton for the past 10 years.

Ritu Janveja

Director

Ritu is the Director, People and Culture with the Hamilton Family Health Team where she leads HR Operations, Talent and Performance Management, Employee Relations and EDI strategy and initiatives. She also comes with experience in banking industry and public sector. Ritu has a master’s degree in psychology and an MBA. Her designations and certifications include Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Change Management Professional. Outside of work, Ritu is an avid volunteer. She is a member of the Lions Club and has led food drives within her community. She is an active mentor with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) Program and a former Mississauga Library Board member.

Sukkie Steve-Fagbemi

Director

Sukkie is a Chartered Accountant, MBA graduate from Cranfield University, UK. She has over 15 years’ experience in Accounting and Finance from Global and Canadian Private and Publicly traded companies, spanning multiple industries.  

Sukkie currently holds the position of Senior Director at TD Synnex, overseeing Accounting, Reporting, Compliance, Treasury, Audit and Taxation. She holds a black belt in Lean Six Sigma. 

Sukkie also serves as the DE&I Lead for Canada. 

Lori Kelly

Director

Lori is a seasoned and visionary Human Resources leader, known for her collaborative leadership, deep municipal expertise, and commitment to building an inclusive, people-centered workplace. She currently serves as Director of Human Resources at the City of Mississauga, where she leads a team of dedicated professionals supporting nearly 8,000 employees across more than twenty diverse service areas.

Lori began her career providing recreational programming to children, a foundation that sparked her lifelong passion for public service and community development. Over the years, she has developed a strong understanding of public policy and its impact on communities, which continues to inform her strategic approach to leadership.

She holds an Honours degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and is a certified Human Resources Professional. She also serves as a Board Member of the Ontario Municipal Human Resources Association.

A long-time resident of Milton since 2002, Lori serves as a coach at the Milton Skating Club. She is looking forward to joining the Board of Directors at Halton Women’s Place. She is honoured to support their vital mission of providing safety, support, and hope to women and children affected by domestic violence.

Pamela Ramchandani

Director

Pamela Ramchandani is the Chief Business Transformation Officer at Doane Grant Thornton, where she leads strategic transformation initiatives focused on helping the organization execute their most critical priorities. A Chartered Professional Accountant with a background in Finance, Consulting, and Transformation, Pamela has held a range of leadership roles supporting organizations navigating complex change. Her approach is grounded in people-first leadership and a deep belief in the power of purposeful strategy.

Deeply committed to advancing equity and safety for women and children, Pamela is honoured to support the mission of Halton Women’s Place. As a longtime resident of the Halton region and a mother of two, she is deeply committed to helping build a community where all women and children can thrive.

Pam Damoff

Director

Pam Damoff is the CEO of The Pearson Centre, a think tank that engages Canadians in an active dialogue about a progressive future for Canada. She is a former Member of Parliament who represented the riding of Oakville North – Burlington in the House of Commons from 2015 to 2025. She was known for working across party lines for the benefit of Canadians, securing funding for cancer research and medical isotopes, as well as the passage of Keira’s Law to educate judges on domestic violence and coercive control. She served as Vice-Chair of the Status of Women Committee, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Health, Indigenous Services, Public Safety and Foreign Affairs. Previously, she served on Oakville Town Council for five years. Ms. Damoff spent 27 years working in financial and investment banking positions while advocating for her community. She is passionate about ending gender-based violence

Mike Herenberg

Director
Mike Herenberg is Chief Operating Officer at ELTE, overseeing day-to-day business across Sales, Finance, People & Culture, Operations, IT, Marketing, and Digital. He brings over 25 years of global experience with deep expertise in driving transformational change for high-growth companies.
 
Previously, Mike was COO at Cymax Group Technologies, leading end-to-end operations, customer experience, eCommerce fulfillment, corporate marketing, and people & culture. He also served as COO at Quorum Information Technologies (QIS.TSX.V) and held senior leadership roles at Element Fleet Management (EFN.TSX), including VP of Product Strategy and Customer Experience for North America and COO for Canada.
 
Mike is passionate about mentorship and community involvement, actively supporting Futurpreneur and Junior Achievement. He has held previous board positions with the CNIB and the Cole Harbour Parks & Trails Association, bringing valuable governance and community insight to his work.
 
He holds an MBA from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University, a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and a Certificate in Financial Management from Saint Mary’s University.
 
Mike is proud to bring his leadership and operational expertise to the board of Halton Women’s Place.

NEED HELP NOW?
CALL OUR 24-HOUR CRISIS LINES

BURLINGTON & OAKVILLE: 905-332-7892

MILTON & HALTON HILLS: 905-878-8555

©2025 Halton Women’s Place. All Right’s Reserved | Registered Charity Number-10746 2558 RR0001

Safety Exit