Traverse Independence is governed by a board of up to nine directors who are skill-based, drawing on local volunteers with a significant variety of experience, expertise and backgrounds. They are responsible for ongoing review of the mission, vision and values that are the foundation of Traverse Independence and they actively review and update the Traverse Independence strategic plan. They are accountable for the quality of care for the clients and use an ethics framework to support a standardized approach to resolving issues, addressing conflict and making decisions.
Their focus is not only inward. They are also charged with strengthening relationships with stakeholders and the community. They are accountable for achieving sustainable results using quality, risk management and performance measurement tools. Paramount to the Board's accountability is the provision of client and family centred care, client safety and continuous quality improvement.
Interested in joining our Board? We currently have two vacant Director spots available. Find out more here.
To submit your application for board membership, please send us your resume together with your reason for wanting to join our board, and the contribution you hope to make.
Our Board Members
Stephen Gross, Board President
A little about Stephen: "Having shared a program with Traverse while working at KDCHC, I got to know the great work
of the organization. After experiencing a brain injury, I took the opportunity to apply for a board position, as a way to
support the great work of the organization. I am a Lutheran clergy person who has worked largely in the health care
field (primary care, mental health, and addictions) over the last 20 plus years. In addition to my full time work I provide
Interim ministry work to congregations who are in transition. I love to garden our property in Ayr, consider myself an
amateur chef and my partner, Susan and I enjoy spending time with our grandchild."
Adrienne Farrell, Vice President
A little about Adrienne: "Volunteering is a key part of my desire to support my community. I have been a lifelong volunteer for many different organizations and events which support community health and wellness. My volunteer
experience is diverse - ranging from speaking engagements for local hospitals, to fostering for sighthound rescue
organizations, to advocating for rare disease research. Originally from Fergus, I am now living in Kitchener and working
in Cybersecurity for a large local software company. I enjoy sports, outdoor activities, working on my house and garden,
live music, and socializing with friends and family."
Mike Simpson, Secretary/Treasurer
A little about Mike: "I am happy to return to the Traverse board of directors, having first served as Secretary-Treasurer
for nine years from 2004 to 2013. I agreed to rejoin because of my continuing interest in the work of Traverse. After
graduating from Laurier with my BBA, for the past forty years, I have worked in financial accounting, auditing and tax
services within the public accounting, private and non-profit sectors. I also held an eight-year position providing private
investment, insurance, and mortgage services with a national Canadian investment firm. Most importantly, my personal
background involves living with a family member with life-long exceptionalities, who has been involved with local
medical, educational and community services, while seeking to maximize their enjoyment of life and independence."
Margaret Penner, Director
A little about Margaret: "I have 20+ years of experience in the non-profit employment services field. I take great interest
in encouraging and motivating all job seekers to aspire to attain their career and educational goals. My passion as a
leader is to build efficiencies to support teams and inspire them to embrace the continuous improvement model in their
day-to-day work activities. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my niece who is the light of my life. In my
spare time, I love traveling, reading and have a knack for remembering quirky, inane facts."
Lynn Rubinstein, Director
A little about Lynn: "I have worked within not-for-profit and health care organizations for over forty years and have
always been a champion for healthy workplaces where staff are supported and recognized as the key factor in the
provision of excellent client service. I am delighted to join the Board of Traverse Independence and to continue
contributing to equitable and healthy communities where individuals are able to thrive."
Cassy Keilbar, Director
A little about Cassy: "I’m an accomplished business professional with a broad range of experience in operations,
projects and leadership. Localized philanthropy and event related volunteerism have always been a priority for me
and my family. In particular organizations focused on quality of life, independence and overall well-being." My
youngest son (of 4) is entering high school this year, allowing me time now to give back to our community on a
regular basis. The services you provide at Traverse aligns well with my own values and interests. I'm excited
to have joined the board."
Sara Almadhoun, Director
A little about Sara: "I am an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who recently moved from Saudi Arabia to Canada
alongside my husband and three boys, one of whom has Cerebral Palsy. My experience in the disability field has
given me a deep understanding of inclusivity and accessibility issues. I took the initiative to establish the first Family
and Child Support Center in my home community, providing essential assistance to people with special needs. I am
thrilled to bring my passion in the field to Traverse Independence. During my leisure time, I find joy in reading, taking
long walks, and cooking."
Supporting the Board 
Toby Harris, CEO
A little about Toby: "Working with people with disabilities has been my passion and purpose since I was a young
teenager. Prior to my twenty years at Traverse Independence, I spent a solid number of years at March of Dimes
Canada working with adults with physical disabilities. I started my career providing personal support and have a
working knowledge of the activities and challenges that front line workers face each day. My vision for our
organization is to provide quality support to two customers: our clients and our employees. To this end, I am
committed to listening, learning, innovating, with a focus on constant improvement. I live in rural Wellington County,
where I walk my beautiful German Shepherd and spend time with my grandchildren. I love gardening, cross-country
skiing, reading and a good cup of tea. Nothing gives me greater joy than a blistery, cold walk in the dead of winter in
all my winter gear!"
Aaron Willmott, Director of Client Services
A little about Aaron: "As the Director of Client Services at Traverse, I not only have a background in behavioural
support, but addictions as well, having just completed my addictions certificate from Wilfrid Laurier University. I have
worked in the social service sector for the last 24 years, most of that time specifically with survivors of Acquired
Brain Injury. Prior to my work in the ABI field, I’ve worked in child welfare and have a strong passion for watching
individuals improve in their independence and live in the community. In my spare time, I love to do archery, fish and
camp with my family."
By clicking on the email link below, you may correspond directly with the board president. This link may be used to forward ideas, suggestions, positive comments, and concerns. The president will review all information and determine what action to take. Most commonly, the information will be sent to the CEO, who manages operational information. You will receive an acknowledgement of your email within three working days from the date of submission."