PRESIDENT

Kimberley has worked in the field of Victim Services for 28+ years holding numerous positions including Executive Director, Chair of the Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers and Chair of the Victim Services Alliance of Ontario. She currently holds the role of VSU Administrator for the Halton Regional Police Service.

As the Administrator, Kimberley is responsible for the strategic and operational direction, legislative compliance and the oversight of victim care for the Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit. Programs include the Crisis Response Program, Volunteer Program, the Victim Quick Response Program, the Mobile Tracking System, Domestic Violence outreach, Sexual Violence outreach and the Facility Dog Program.

In addition to her role as a professional, she is also a bereaved mother who understands the impact of tragedy and works diligently to channel that pain into purpose.

In 2025, Kimberley was appointed by the Attorney General to the Board of Directors for the Office of Victims of Crime.

Kim has been a member of the CWSO Board of Directors since 2018 and was elected as CWSO President in 2022.

VICE-PRESIDENT

Throughout Nicole’s career, she has worked in various settings including transitional housing, Emergency Departments, community outreach, NICU/birthing units, and the clinical counselling space. She has focused on working with vulnerable populations, including individuals struggling with concurrent disorders, grief/loss, homelessness, and trauma. Currently, Nicole works as a Mental Health Clinician for the Ontario Provincial Police supporting uniformed, civilian, and retired members across Western Ontario. Nicole is passionate about practicing from a trauma-informed approach and supporting clients from a harm reduction lens. She is honoured to have been part of so many people’s journeys and keeps these experiences close to her heart. Nicole is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the CWSO.

TREASURER AND PAST PRESIDENT

Carmen Abel holds a Master of Science Degree in Psychology. She has worked in the field of mental health and addictions for more than 40 years. She has worked extensively in the Region of Waterloo and County of Wellington in a variety of areas including crisis services, mental health and justice, supportive housing, employment and case management. She currently holds the position of Executive Director of the Waterloo Region Bail Program.  Formerly, as the Director of Community Services and Housing, Carmen was responsible for providing leadership and operational directions for Thresholds Homes and Supports. She continues to mediate complex service issues, facilitate planning, policy development policy and evaluation of services for effectiveness, risk and quality. Carmen is a part-time Professor in the Community Safety and Human Services Program at Conestoga College.  Carmen is an appointee on the Health Services Review and Appeal Board of Ontario.

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”

PAST CONFERENCE CHAIR

Senior Executive with over 25 years’ progressive experience leading community-based mental health, addictions, and social services, Sharon has demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and experience working within government, non-government, and complex systems. An accomplished leader who is respected, knowledgeable, and effective in setting and guiding strategic initiatives, Sharon's career has spanned the continuum from Forensic Social Worker with Center for Addiction and Mental Health to Director of Adult Services with CMHA Grand River Branch and Mental Health and Justice Portfolios with The Canadian Mental Health Association, Waterloo Wellington. Currently, Sharon is the Clinical Director of Operations and Programs, Regional Services with Homewood Health Center and a part-time Professor with Conestoga College teaching The Working Mind for First Responders (aka Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR)).

As a past conference co-chair, Sharon joined CWSO in 2017 and helped make the 2018 conference a success.

James Jefferson is a 16-year police service veteran and the current Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator Officer with the Greater Sudbury Police Service. In a policing career that involved a fatal shooting and undercover work, James was diagnosed with P.T.S.D, which eventually led to battles with addiction, suicide, and an extended leave from policing. James overcame his trauma and is now a voice and a support for others experiencing mental illness and life’s hardship.  

James has shared his lived experience in recovery, along with his Blueprint to Resilience across Canada, and was recognized as the national recipient of the 2022 Canada Beyond the Blue: Darius Garda Legacy Award.  James is a member of Project ECHO - Public Safety Personnel “expert hub” as the teams lived expert, as well as a Canada Beyond the Blue National Ambassador. James is a Laurentian University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in law & Psychology.  

Kathleen Jodouin is an award-winning victims’ rights advocate that has been working in community development in the social and health not-for-profit sector for 21 years; engaging with organizations in both Nipissing and Timiskaming regions. Kathleen works with more than a dozen local initiatives serving women, youth and families. Currently she is the Executive Director of Victim Services of Nipissing District. Her work experience has provided opportunities to participate in advocacy with such groups as the Nipissing Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee and the Nipissing Human Trafficking Knowledge Network. She holds an undergraduate degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law, and has a Master degree in Health Studies.

Chris Kindy is a Case Manager for Haldimand Norfolk Health and Social Services and a Mental Health Worker for Canadian Mental Health Association -  Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk He studied Sociology at The University of Guelph and Addictions Studies at McMaster University. 

Chris has talked about his own struggles with Epilepsy and Mental Health and feels privileged to have a job where his goal at the end of the day is to advocate for those who need it the most in our community and provide the best resources to those individuals. 

Chris serves on multiple boards and committees for local organizations, Rotary Sunrise Norfolk, Epilepsy Ontario, Youth Unlimited YFC Norfolk, Cupe 4700. When Chris is not working, he loves walking his dog, Penny, and travelling the world with his wife Emily and daughter Maren.

Alison has dedicated over 25 years to social services, specializing in mental health and addictions, supportive housing, case management, and crisis support. She currently serves as the Director of Services at Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia-Lambton, an organization offering crisis support to women and children impacted by intimate partner violence. As an experienced trainer, Alison has successfully educated more than 1,000 participants on crisis de-escalation, suicide assessment and intervention, and mental health. She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, and certificates in human resources and addictions.

Sheila is currently employed at Addiction Mental Health Services in Kingston Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (AMHS-KFLA). As Program Manager she oversees 26 direct reports within several services, including Addiction Services, Problem Gambling, Counselling and Ontario Structured Psychotherapy; and acts as leadership point for expansion of the agencies Ethnicity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiative with focus on education and training.

Her career working with vulnerable populations spans over 30 years ranging from direct support with inmates at Grand Vally Institute for Women to supervising Housing First Initiatives at Lutherwood. 

Sheila’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters degree, both majoring in Psychology.