Meet our Senior Leadership Team:
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Tiffany Houston - Chief Executive Officer
Tiffany prefers “Head Fairy Godmother” to CEO, a fitting title for a leader whose 30+ year career has been fueled by a passion for improving young people’s lives. Throughout her career she has built inspired, high-performing teams at iconic institutions such as Children’s Wish/Make-A-Wish, Covenant House and Heart & Stroke. At Shine Foundation, she leads vision and strategy, amplifies its national voice, and partners with a small, mighty team and dedicated Board to deliver impactful, life-changing Dreams for young people living with severe physical disabilities.
Her most cherished title is “Mom”. Together with her 3 kids, she focuses on creating memories! Her favourite place to be is her little slice of heaven: “Home” in Newfoundland, where she can push her reset button!
- Barbara Patten – National Director of Operations
As National Director of Operations, Barbara provides strategic leadership across operations, governance, risk management, human resources and compliance, ensuring Shine has the foundation to fulfill its mission. Throughout her career, Barbara has been passionate about creating meaningful change for vulnerable communities. Her experience includes exceptional organizations such as Autism Canada, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Coneybeare Stories and Nike Canada. A strong believer in equity and fairness, Barbara is proud to be part of Shine, championing inclusion and advocating for those whose voices deserve to be heard.
- Marissa Izma – National Program Manager
Marissa works with young people with severe physical disabilities to bring their unique Dream to life. Since joining Shine, she has supported the fulfillment of more than 250 Dreams, helping young people pursue meaningful goals and see new possibilities for their futures. Marissa also manages Shine’s Horizon Alumni Program and works closely with Ambassadors and Mentors across Canada. Proud to be part of Shine, she believes the impact of a Dream extends far beyond the experience itself and can make an immeasurable difference in a young person’s life.
- Alyson Leger – National Fund Development Manager
Alyson as the National Fund Development Manager, leads the fundraising strategy, corporate partnerships, donor stewardship and revenue growth across Canada. With almost 30 years experience in the nonprofit sector, she has built high-value partnerships, led national fundraising initiatives and signature events, and developed programs and strategies that strengthen long-term sustainability and impact. She is deeply motivated by Shine’s commitment to amplify the voices, dreams and possibilities of youth living with severe physical disabilities. Outside work, Alyson renovates her century home, hikes, gardens and dreams of a hobby farm.
- Jennifer Stead – National Marketing Manager
With over 10 years in marketing and communications at Shine Foundation, Jennifer “steadfastly” leads and maintains the assets for all aspects of Shine programs, events and campaigns to help drive revenue and awareness in mediums ranging from print, PR, digital marketing, and more. With creativity at her core, she’s always finding creative new ways to collaborate and share Shine’s mission and Dream stories. Seeing the evolution of accessibility, advocacy, and empowerment has fueled her tenure and growth.
Meet our National Board of Directors:
Shine Foundation’s activities are governed by a volunteer-based, national Board of Directors comprising respective leaders in health care, finance, community and public service. The Board guides the Foundation's strategic direction, fosters new relationships, and support and oversees financial matters.
- Brian Henderson, MBA, PFP
Chair, Board of Directors Brian recently retired from RBC after a 30+ year career leading large teams across businesses and functions in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. He has served on several boards and committees, including Junior Achievement, Chambers of Commerce, and as Chair of the Board of Governors at Lambton College. He also volunteered as an Executive in Residence for Ivey’s MBA Consulting Project.
Brian holds a BA from the University of Calgary, an MBA from Dalhousie University, and a Change Management certification. He lives in Vancouver with his wife, Jill, and enjoys travel, golf, and basketball with his family.- Brenda Abrams, KC, LLB
Chair, Corporate Governance Committee Brenda is a seasoned legal and governance leader. Prior to retirement, she was the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s (WSIB’s) General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Vice-President, Regulatory Services. Part of the WSIB Senior Management Team, she provided strategic, legal, regulatory, and compliance advice to the Board of Directors, executive and senior leadership. Brenda has volunteered with several charitable organizations, serving as Chair of each of the Children’s Book Bank, the ETFO Employee Life and HealthTrust, the Children’s Wish Foundation, and Toronto North Support Services. Brenda has supported causes ranging from children’s health and literacy to mental health and homelessness initiatives.
- Brian Flaman, BA
Chair, Marketing Committee Brian doesn’t just build campaigns—he builds brand moments that stick. As SVP, Business Lead at The Mint Agency, Brian brings over 20 years of marketing leadership to the table, with a proven knack for turning big ideas into culture-shaping, consumer-first experiences. Whether it’s launching new products or reinvigorating household names, his work spans shopper, experiential, digital, and tech with one common thread: it leaves a mark.
A recognized leader in CPG and tech marketing, Brian’s career is a testament to what happens when heart, hustle, and strategy come together. Outside of work, you’ll find him at the cottage in the Kawarthas on weekends, likely lakeside with his partner and their enthusiastic puppy!
- Dr. Michelle McNeill
Chair, Medical Advisory Team Dr. McNeill is a General Academic Pediatrician at Children's Hospital in London Ontario. She has actively and passionately supported Shine in various capacities over the past 20 years, including most memorably volunteering for Shine DreamLifts in Southern Ontario. Dr. McNeill also serves Shine as a referral partner within the London healthcare community at Children’s Hospital of London and as an integral home office resource providing training to Shine staff on conditions that our Shine Dreamers live with day to day.
- Dan Pompilii, CPA, CA, HBA
Chair, Finance Committee and Treasurer Dan has served as CFO and Vice President of Operations at Windley Ely Inc. for ten years. With 30 years of industry experience, he has led strategy, HR, planning, financial reporting, internal controls, IT initiatives, mergers, and management buyouts. He began his career at PwC, specializing in manufacturing and not-for-profit organizations. Dan holds degrees from Windsor and Western and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Licensed Public Accountant. Active in his community, he enjoys supporting sports organizations, golfing, and travelling with his wife Silvia and children, Ava and Roman.
DIRECTORS:
- Jim Cassidy, FCPA, FCA
Director Jim recently retired after more than 40 years with KPMG, where he served as Office Managing Partner and Audit Partner‑in‑Charge for the London, ON office. He provided audit, review, and accounting advisory services across healthcare, transportation, technology, manufacturing, distribution, and financial services. Jim holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and is an Ontario FCPA. A committed community member, he has contributed extensively to local charities, athletic groups, and hospitals, including four years as Chair and Past Chair of the London Health Sciences Foundation and coaching multiple youth hockey and lacrosse teams.
- Alan Hollingsworth, CRM
Director Alan has served as Chief Sales Officer for HUB Ontario and Atlantic Canada for several years, overseeing a large sales team and driving the region's growth and sales performance. He also leads one of Canada's premier Sports, Entertainment, and Media insurance practices, serving clients across sports, film, entertainment, events, music, and media.
Alan holds a Certified Risk Management (CRM) designation from the University of Toronto. He currently serves as a Board Member of the Burlington Sound of Music Festival and previously served on the North American Contingency Association board.
Alan's commitment to community includes serving as former Chair of the Covenant House Sleep Out fundraiser and leading the HUB HKMB United Way Employee Campaign.
- Taylor Lindsay-Noel, BA
Director Taylor is an entrepreneur, content creator, actor and accessibility advocate, and the founder and CEO of Cup of Té, a luxury tea company recognized twice by Oprah’s Favourite Things. Through Access By Tay, Taylor reaches more than 250,000 followers, using storytelling to inspire greater understanding of disability, accessibility and representation. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, she has earned honours including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and David C. Onley Award. A former Shine Dream recipient, Taylor now proudly serves on the Shine Foundation’s Board and Marketing Committee.
- Daniella Macri
Director Daniella is currently the Director of Brand and Impact at Fiscally Professional Corporation, a modern fractional finance firm working with founder-led creative agencies. In addition to her role on Shine’s Board, she has worked with non-profits such as The Black Talent Initiative and In a Perfect World Foundation. With decades of experience spanning agency, corporate, and entrepreneurial ventures, Daniella is a brand strategy and marketing professional. A Coca-Cola alum in Canada, she launched and built brands before managing a communications agency and co-founding a social impact consultancy working with non-profit and charity leaders operationalizing purpose and impact in meaningful ways.
- Marco Pasqua
Director Marco is an inspirational speaker, accessibility consultant, and Co-Founder of Meaningful Access Consulting. Drawing on his lived experience with cerebral palsy, he helps organizations create more inclusive experiences for people of all abilities. His commitment to accessibility is reflected in his service with the Shine Foundation, Easter Seals BC/Yukon, and the Province of BC’s Technical Committee for Inclusive Employment. Marco is a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) Professional, holds a Diploma in Game Art & Design from The Art Institute of Vancouver, and received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for advancing accessibility and inclusion across Canada.
- Michelle Ribout, CMP
Director & Co-Chair of Fundraising Committee Michelle, CMP, is Vice President, Education and Partnerships at Retail Council of Canada, where she leads the events, partnerships and education portfolios. With 15 years of progressive leadership experience, Michelle specializes in bringing people together, building meaningful partnerships and creating impactful experiences. She holds an Honors Bachelor in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lakehead University and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). Michelle has served on various industry committees and brings a strong commitment to community leadership, collaboration and creating opportunities that make a meaningful difference.
- Michelle Saba, BA
Director Michelle is a trusted advisor and business leader with over 20 years of experience working with Canadian and global organizations. She brings an enterprise mindset to developing and executing strategies that support growth and transformational change. A brilliant storyteller, Michelle builds engagement across internal and external stakeholders and provides thought leadership across communications, reputation, issues and crisis management, and investor relations. She advises C-suite leaders and industry stakeholders, forging strong alliances to navigate critical opportunities and risks. Michelle empowers people and teams by championing individual development and growth. She is VP, Communications & Social Media at Cineplex and an Executive Education Instructor at Schulich.
