Our Dedicated Board Of Directors
Erin Amirault- President
Erin has held finance and accounting leadership roles across several industries including municipal, manufacturing, retail, travel, and not-for-profit. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Business Administration from Brock University. Motivated by raising her own young family, Erin believes that quality, affordable, and accessible childcare is one of the keys to ending gender inequity. As such, she connects with the YWCA’s vision to be “an equitable society where women and families thrive” and appreciates the opportunity to contribute by serving on the board.
Heather Salter- Vice President
Heather is a retired lawyer with a 30-year career as an in-house municipal solicitor and senior leader with the City of St. Catharines, Town of Fort Erie and City of Greater Sudbury. As a professional working in the public service, Heather advocated for communities and finding solutions to improve the lives of all residents, and used her status as a senior female leader to bring a gendered lens to her workplace and to promote women’s representation and success in
leadership roles. Heather is married and the mother of two adulting children, and an avid modern quilter. She believes that a full and balanced life includes creative expression and lifelong learning.
Michelle Tran- Treasurer
Michelle is an account manager at DDL & Co. – Chartered Professional Accountants, where she manages all levels of corporate year-end engagements and provides accounting and assurance services to a wide range of small, owner-managed businesses — including professionals, construction companies, restaurants, sporting facilities, and not-for-profit organizations.
She is graduate of Brock University with a Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) degree in 2019 and earned her CPA designation in 2025.
Raised in Niagara Falls, Michelle values her community and connections. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, spending time with her family, and keeping up with her energetic three-year-old son. She is passionate about empowering women and contributing to community growth through her involvement with the YWCA.
Lori Littleton- Secretary
Lori Littleton, a St. Catharines mother of three, is a Certified Financial Planner with IG Wealth Management. She is a former newspaper reporter (Niagara Falls Review, Brantford Expositor, St. Catharines Standard) and magazine editor, whose debut novel, In Repair, was published in October 2024. She is a former City Councillor, having represented Merritton from 2018-22, and remains involved in her community by sitting on the St. Catharines Public Library Board, Equal Voice Niagara Chapter Board, the Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee, and the St. Catharines Tennis Club Board. She enjoys reading, long distance running and travelling with her husband, Kris Bremner, to warmer places.
Denene Berard
Denene is a seasoned business leader and community advocate with over 30 years of experience in talent consulting, leadership development, and organizational strategy. As Director of Client Solutions at Korn Ferry, Denene partners with senior executives across industries—including government, non-profit, retail, and financial services—to design and implement talent strategies that drive performance and advance both organizational and strategic business goals. Deeply committed to advancing equity and social impact, Denene has long admired the YWCA’s leadership in empowering women, supporting families in crisis, and addressing systemic barriers through housing, advocacy, and skills development. Her alignment with the YWCA’s holistic and intersectional approach to social justice is rooted in years of involvement with non-profits focused on women’s health, empowerment, and community transformation.
In addition to her professional experience, Denene has an extensive history of board and committee service, including roles with Sheena’s Place, Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Hamilton Housing Board, the Canadian Community of Corporate Educators, and the Canadian Coalition for Tomorrow’s IT Skills. Passionate about contributing to meaningful change, Denene is eager to support the YWCA Niagara Region’s continued success through strong governance, community engagement, and strategic leadership.
Yomade Olagunju
Yomade is a dedicated advocate for social justice, a Nigerian feminist, and a committed member of the Niagara community. With a background in Critical Criminology and Sociology at Brock University, she brings a unique perspective to the YWCA, informed by her lived experience as a Black woman, an immigrant, and a former refugee. Her decision to join the YWCA Board of Directors stems from her passion for empowering marginalized communities, particularly women of color and she is deeply committed to advancing gender equity, combating systemic barriers, and supporting initiatives that uplift low-income and marginalized individuals. On the Board, Yomade focuses on ensuring that the voices of Black and Indigenous women are heard and valued. Her impact is seen in her drive to push for culturally sensitive and community-driven programs that address the unique challenges faced by women of color in Niagara.
Beyond academia and community engagement, Yomade finds solace and joy in the realm of music. During her free time, you'll likely find her immersed in DJing. She embodies a harmonious balance between academic pursuits, social advocacy, and the soulful rhythms that define her cultural heritage.
Katie Clarkson
Katie is an active owner of a construction company within the Niagara region, specializing in general contracting of commercial and residential projects. Alongside her love of architecture, Katie also enjoys event coordination in the non-profit sector after receiving her Post-Graduate degree in Event Management.
Katie has been a resident of the Niagara region all her life and has contributed over 9000 volunteer hours back to our community. Katie is a long-time advocate of hard work and equality, and this reflects in all of the different kinds of projects that she takes on.
Jo-Ann Boyle-Jackson is a lifelong learner with a broad sociological perspective and a deep commitment to social responsibility, philanthropy, and community engagement. She currently also serves as a Director on the Boards of Gillian’s Place and the Rosalind Blauer Centre for Child Care and is a member of the May Court Club of St. Catharines. Previously, she served as a Director on Brock University’s Social Science Research Ethics Board.
Jo-Ann’s educational background is extensive, including a Master of Arts in Critical Sociology, an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Canadian Politics. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Adult Education from Brock University. Her academic and professional journey includes experience as an Instructor at Niagara College and a Teaching Assistant at Brock University. From these teaching experiences and her managerial roles in the financial sector, Jo-Ann has developed skills in governance, strategic planning, training, and human resources.
An active volunteer in the Niagara Region, Jo-Ann has served as a crisis-line responder, rescue dog foster, co-op store volunteer, Ridley College Family Guild member, and community homelessness outreach volunteer. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, she enjoys reading, theater, and exploring Niagara’s wineries and restaurants. Jo-Ann proudly always places her family at the heart of her life.
Jo-Ann Boyle-Jackson
Judy has had a wide range of experience in the public and non-profit sectors. Having grown up in St. Catharines and after completing a BA in History and Political Science at MacMaster University, Judy sought further education and work opportunities in Manitoba. She completed her MA in Political Studies at the University of Manitoba, then worked at the Manitoba Legislative Assembly as a Legislature & Committee Clerk and later worked in the Manitoba government department of Family Services as a policy analyst. It was here that Judy experienced and saw the importance of creating good policy to support children, families and vulnerable individuals.
In raising 3 sons she availed of opportunities to take leave to be at home full-time with her children for different periods throughout her work career. Judy and her family returned from Manitoba to settle in St. Catharines ten years ago. She worked at Strive Niagara and managed two community programs supporting vulnerable families and pregnant moms. Following this, Judy came to work for Toronto-based Canadian Mothercraft Society as a Policy and Quality Assurance Officer. Working for organizations that make a difference to the lives of children and families has been a continuing passion for her
Judy has always valued being involved in her community and has filled many different volunteer opportunities – including a crisis line counsellor, a board member on her sons’ child care centre, a member of her local library board and member of many school parent advisory boards. Favorite down-time activities – reading, working in the garden and hiking.
Judy White
Noella is child protection worker at FACS, where she advocates for the well-being and rights of children facing difficult situations. She completed her education at Laurentian University and began her career at the YWCA, taking on various roles in crisis management and supervision. Across her diverse positions, one consistent theme has emerged: Noella is dedicated to advocate for individuals in different areas and for social change.
In her role at FACS, Noella not only conducts comprehensive assessments and collaborates with families and community organizations but also vigorously defends children’s rights. She develops customized support plans to ensure the safety and stability of children, making it her mission to uphold their well-being. Her work closely aligns with the mission of the YWCA, as she aims to create safe and nurturing environments for individuals at-risk, empowering them to flourish. Outside of her professional life, Noella is a true foodie who loves discovering new restaurants and trying a variety of cuisines.
Noella Iradukunda
Stacey is the owner and Clinical Director at Grounding Balance Wellness & Psychotherapy. Stacey grew up in the Niagara Region and is strongly rooted in her passions. She knew from an early age that supporting individuals throughout their journeys was her calling. As a Registered Psychotherapist, a core value in Stacey’s practice is to holistically support a person by weaving mental and emotional support in with their physical wellness. Stacey’s passion for advocacy has aligned her with many community-based organizations such as the Women in Niagara Council and the Niagara Region Women’s Advisory Committee. Stacey connects strongly with the YWCA’s values and voices. In her personal world, Stacey enjoys being physically active, spending time with her animals and travelling.
Stacey Stemplowski
Caitlin is a Brock alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies and a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Equity Studies. She works with the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies at Brock University, and with an organization that does workplace assessments and human rights investigations. Caitlin’s professional and academic work has been informed by feminist theories, anti-oppression frameworks, identity, access to resources, empowerment, and technology. She is inspired by the excellent work done at the YWCA and other organizations across the Niagara Region.
Caitlin Szczepanowski
Sally has over 25 years of dedicated service with the YMCA, demonstrating a proven ability to adapt, grow, and excel across various roles, departments, and locations within the Niagara Region. Currently serving as the Centre Manager at the Port Colborne YMCA, Sally’s career is built on a foundation of fostering strong, meaningful relationships, and leading and collaborating effectively with diverse teams.
A passionate advocate for personal wellbeing, Sally is committed to helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. She actively contributes to this mission through her leadership of group fitness classes and as a YMCA Canada Educator. In her role as the YMCA of Niagara’s Fitness Lead, she is responsible for planning, leading, and evaluating YMCA Certification Courses and Trainer’s Courses, helping to develop the next generation of YMCA leaders.
Outside of her professional life, Sally enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her two daughters, and is excited to soon become a grandmother. She values outdoor activities, whether gardening or hiking, and has a deep appreciation for the arts, expressing her creativity in various forms.