Our board is the leader of change. 

• We’re looking for new Board Members – learn more and apply here.
• For additional information, visit the Education Foundation of Ottawa General Administrative Bylaws

 

The Education Foundation of Ottawa’s board brings together expert knowledge of the academic system, a deep understanding of the importance of education, and a passionate commitment to children.

Through their leadership and guidance, the Education Foundation of Ottawa continues to provide for the well-being of our school board’s 15,000 students living in poverty.

Lee-Anne Feltham – Chair, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Representative

Lee-Anne has always had a passion for supporting at-risk students and those in need. Working in education for over 20 years, Lee-Anne has been a Special Education Learning Centre, Behaviour Intervention Program and Learning Resource teacher.  As a classroom teacher, Lee-Anne was able to see firsthand the positive impacts the Education Foundation makes in the lives of students by providing equity of opportunity and removing barriers to learning and wellbeing. 

In recent years, Lee-Anne has been working in health and safety and is Co-Chair of the OCDSB’s Joint Health & Safety Committee. In this role, Lee-Anne continuously looks for ways to support safe and healthy learning and working environments for all students and staff. Being of service to the community has been a lifelong value and Lee-Anne has volunteered with a number of non-profit and charitable organizations. This has included a Volunteer Coordinator for the YMCA-YWCA and a chaperone for Dreams Take Flight Ottawa. Lee-Anne also served as Co-Chair and on the Board of Directors for the former Ottawa-Carleton Inner City Education Association supporting economically and socially disadvantaged children and families. Lee-Anne has supported and promoted the Education Foundation since it was created and is excited by the opportunity to be directly involved in looking for innovative ways to provide access to opportunities and reduce barriers to success for all students in the OCDSB.

Michelle Bailey – Vice-Chair, Community Representative

Michelle is a senior policy advisor for the Government of Canada and holds a Master’s of Public Policy from Simon Fraser University. She has a particular interest in social policy and has experience working on a variety of policy files including mental health, pharmacare, youth employment, and intergovernmental affairs. Michelle is committed to community involvement and has volunteered with the Royal Ottawa Foundation and as a Sunday school teacher for several years.

She firmly believes that all children have the right to education and is passionate about issues of equity, diversity and social justice. As a former OCDSB student, Michelle is honoured to serve on the Board of the Education Foundation of Ottawa and help advance the Foundation’s mission to remove economic barriers to successful learning and participation at school. She brings experience in strategic planning, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to the role.

Dr. Pino Buffone – Ex-Officio Director, Director of Education, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

Since 1994, Pino has been a talented educator, serving first as a teacher in the Western Quebec School Board (1994-1998) and as a teacher, vice-principal, principal and superintendent in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (1998 to 2017). In 2017, Pino joined the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) as the Director of Education. The OCDSB is fortunate to welcome Pino back as our Director of Education beginning August 1, 2023.

In addition to his work with school districts in Eastern Canada, Pino has worked on secondment at the Education Quality and Accountability Office – an arm’s-length agency of the Government of Ontario responsible for provincial, national and international large-scale assessments – as an Education Officer and subsequently, as Coordinator of English-language Assessments (1999-2003).

He is currently a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s Children and Schools COVID-19 Working Group (2020 to present) and an Education Partner with the Education Research Development & Innovation (ERDI) Institute (2018 to present). He is also a facilitator of the Supervisory Officers’ Qualification Program (SOQP) of the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network (2017-2022) and a member of the Modernization in Measurement Advisory Panel of the Education Quality and Accountability Office (2016 to present).

Pino has served as President of the United Nations Association in Canada – National Capital Region Branch (2007-2012), as well as Part-Time Academic Staff, Faculty of Education – University of Ottawa, for the Teacher Education Program & Native Teacher Education Program (2006-2008).

Lynn Scott – Ex-Officio Director, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

Lynn Scott is Chair of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. She has been a school board member since 1994, serving on the OCDSB and the former Carleton Board of Education. She is a long-time advocate for meeting the needs of all students, ensuring they have equitable access to their chosen school programs and activities, regardless of their family circumstances. She strongly believes that all children should arrive at school ready to learn and able to participate fully and pursue their dreams. The work of the Foundation to support students in need is key to making that happen.

Nemee Bedar – Director, Community Representative

Nehmat “Nemee” Bedar is a criminal defense lawyer at LMS Lawyers. She represents clients in a variety of cases, focusing on achieving fair resolutions while safeguarding their rights. She enjoys advocating for clients in the courtroom and working with individuals from a diverse range of socio-economic and racial backgrounds. She especially enjoys doing work that has a meaningful impact in the lives of her clients.

Nemee earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in History with International Relations and Political Science from the University of British Columbia. Before joining LMS Lawyers, she worked as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa. Her dedication to justice extends to volunteering in legal education through the Ontario Justice Education Network. She also enjoys supporting community initiatives, such as serving as a committee member for the Ontario Bar Association.

Whether in the courtroom or the community, Nemee brings diligence, empathy, and honesty to every endeavor. She believes that education is essential for uniting diverse individuals around common goals and shaping the citizens of tomorrow. 

Geoff Best – Director, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Representative

Geoff Best is the Executive Director of the Ottawa-Carleton Education Network (OCENET), a non-profit organization established by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) that represents the board internationally.  Geoff has been involved in international education for 30 years and has a wide variety of experiences in the field.  He has served on the EFO Board since 2011 and has a very strong interest in the areas of intercultural communication and cross-cultural exchange. OCENET has established bursaries for staff and students in the OCDSB interested in engaging in global learning. Information on student bursaries and the application can be found on the EFO website.

Julie Derbyshire – Director, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Representative

Julie Derbyshire is a dedicated educator with diverse experience in the OCDSB. She began her career in Education in 1996, specializing in French Immersion and Special Education. In 2011, Julie formally began her school leadership journey, making significant contributions as a leader in various schools across the OCDSB. Julie is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment and keenly focused on the needs of students and families within her school communities. She is recognized for courageous decisions and unwavering commitment in supporting marginalized students and families facing challenges. Julie actively promotes inclusivity and diversity, fostering an environment where every student feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive. As the current Principal at Broadview Public School, Julie continues to inspire and guide both educators and students towards excellence. Her strategic vision and collaborative leadership style have earned her the respect of peers, parents, and the broader school community.

Julie is an active advocate for education at both the provincial and local levels, contributing significantly to the Ontario Principal’s Council (OPC) over the past decade. As Member at Large and Provincial Councillor, Julie collaborated with School Leaders across Ontario, advocating for students and supporting positive change. Her ability to connect with colleagues is evident in her deep and meaningful relationships across the district and province. Julie’s commitments to students, families facing challenges and for inclusivity and diversity extend beyond her school community to the provincial level, where she actively collaborates to create positive change. Julie demonstrated her instructional leadership as an OPC Mentor-Coach, helping School Leaders improve their skills and capabilities. Since 2019, Julie has had several leadership roles within OPC and is current Chair of the Elementary Operations Committee, part of OPC Bytown, where she collaborates with local leaders on key issues and concerns, including promoting equity, diversity and inclusive educational systems across our school district. Her strategic approach involves partnering with Senior Staff at the OCDSB to address operational matters effectively.

As a School Leader, Julie has been a steadfast supporter and advocate for the Education Foundation. Her dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and reducing barriers to success is palpable. Julie is actively exploring new ways to provide access to opportunities and reduce barriers to success for all students in the OCDSB. Driven by her passion for innovative solutions, she is excited about the opportunity to be directly involved.

Jeffrey Dubeau – Director, Community Representative

Jeffrey has spent over 27 years in the construction and consulting engineering field, with over 15 plus years in a leadership level. Jeff has been primarily responsible for business operations and business development in his career with the goals of sustaining and growing the net revenue across all geographic regions and disciplines for a Top 10 global engineering firm.

Jeff has prior experience as a part-time professor in the post secondary academic field, also servicing as technical advisor on programming and course development. He has prior board of director experience in the Energy and Environment sector and looks forward to bringing his diverse experience and knowledge to the Education Foundation of Ottawa board.

In addition to his professional career, Jeff has been a leader in minor sports for over a decade, serving as a coach in various sports including soccer, baseball and hockey. He looks forward to continuing to help support and mentor youth in his director role.

 

 

 

 

Julia Escott – Director, Community Representative

 

Julia is a communications and graphic design professional who recently decided to return to the classroom, bringing her extensive work experience into her teaching practice. With a Graphic Design Diploma from Algonquin College and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba, Julia has built a successful career in various roles, including Communications Director for Ausome Ottawa. In this capacity, she led branding, strategic planning, and content creation for major fundraising events, while managing a team and overseeing communications efforts across multiple platforms.

Julia strongly believes in creating equal opportunities for all students. She is eager to contribute her expertise and dedication to help drive the Foundation’s work forward, fostering an environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

 

Paula Marinigh – Director, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Representative

Drawn to the work of the Foundation by its Mission and Values, I share a vision of caring schools providing students with equitable opportunities to learn, grow and fulfill their potential. To reach this goal, I believe that all students need to feel they belong to their school community and that minimizing hardships and barriers is critical in order to feel included. I came to public education from a background in child welfare and have held the role of the classroom teacher, guidance counselor, vice-principal and principal over the course of a thirty-year career with the OCDSB. Working in schools allowed me to see firsthand the positive difference the work of EFO made for students and their families. As a first-generation Canadian, volunteer English Language tutor, and someone fortunate to have worked abroad, I hold a particular interest in supporting immigrant families. Public education continues to be the vehicle by which so many children can realize the hopes and dreams their parents hold for them. An engaged retiree, I continue to work as a contract and casual Principal with the District and share the concern about the widening gaps in our society. ‘Leveling the playing field’ seems more important than ever. I appreciate diverse perspectives in tackling the challenges children face and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the EFO Board of Directors on this important work.

Joe Rowsell – Director, Community Representative

Joe expertly bridges policy and innovation, influencing national strategies in connectivity and digital technology. His leadership—evident from securing critical broadband subsidies to impactful research at the Council of Canadian Academics—reflects a career committed to economic and social betterment. An Oxford alum with a passion for issues from poverty to AI, Joe’s purpose derives from his role as a devoted father, grounding his ambition and community service, including contributions to several nonprofits.

 

Megan Skentelbery – Director, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Representative

With over a decade of experience in educational leadership, Megan is a dynamic and dedicated leader committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their life circumstances or socio-economic background. She holds a Master of Education in Administrative Leadership from UOIT, a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, alongside a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Child, Youth, and Family from the University of Guelph. Megan’s extensive qualifications, including Montessori Education and Early Childhood Education diplomas, and TESOL certification, reflect her deep understanding of the diverse needs of children and her commitment to lifelong learning.

In her role as an elementary school Principal with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Megan has consistently created inclusive and supportive environments where students can thrive. Her leadership style emphasizes equity and collaboration. Megan will continue her commitment to reducing barriers for children and families, ensuring that every student has access to essentials like nutritious food, school supplies, and opportunities for participation in meaningful activities.

Megan’s dedication to the community is evident through her volunteer work, including serving as a hockey team manager and leading the Ottawa Dragon Boat Club to the World Championships in 2022 and 2024. Her philanthropic spirit and focus on teamwork have earned her numerous accolades, including the City of Ottawa’s “Citizen of the Year” award and the Young Woman of Distinction award. As Director, Megan is passionate about driving forward the Foundation’s mission to make school a safe haven for children, providing the tools and resources necessary for them to succeed academically and personally. Her leadership will help in ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial hardship or crisis.

 

Steve Spidell – Secretary, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Representative

Steve currently serves as Principal at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa. He has been an educator for over 20 years in schools representing the diversity of lived experiences and personal circumstances for the learners of the OCDSB. For four years, Steve was an administrator at an Urban & Priority High School, where he focused on identifying the socioeconomic circumstances that impacted students’ well-being and academic achievement. He believes schools are meant to be places of safety, comfort and happiness. Targeting resources toward English Language Learners, students with special education needs, Indigenous students, and those who were living in poverty became a priority for the program. Steve is an advocate and partner for various community organizations, including the Ottawa Network for Education, for whom he delivered the keynote address at its record-breaking 2019 fundraising gala.

As Principal, Steve strives to establish mutual trust and respect within his community and ensures that the diversity of his students is reflected in his decision-making. As a school leader, he believes in building relationships with all of the school’s stakeholders and strategically allocating resources where they will have the greatest impact. Steve’s personal circumstances have taught him the value of resilience and compassion, and they have made him more globally aware. Steve also serves as the Chair of the Ottawa-Carleton Secondary School Administrators’ Network.

Aman Srivastava – Treasurer, Community Representative

Aman holds a Chartered Professional Accounting designation (“CPA”). Aman is specialized in the areas of financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, and internal controls. In his role, Aman is responsible for monitoring and improving the financial performance of the company, which are driven by his technical expertise as well as ability to guide and mentor his junior team members

Having been brought up in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (“OCDSB”), Aman is a believer that all students, regardless of their personal or socioeconomic status, are entitled to the opportunities and benefits offered by the OCDSB.

Aman is excited to bring his finance/accounting expertise and guidance to further assist the Education Foundation of Ottawa’s goal to reduce economic barriers, and provide equitable opportunity to students of all backgrounds.” 

Jacob Woodbeck – Director, Community Representative

Jacob Woodbeck, a proud Métis public servant, recently relocated to the National Capital Region from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Currently serving as a Negotiator at Crown Indigenous Relations & Northern Affairs in the Treaties and Aboriginal Government sector, Jacob specializes in working with Indigenous communities and First Nations to address historical grievances and forge self-government agreements. With seven years of experience in government/Indigenous relations, he has visited over 36 Manitoba First Nations, contributing to program delivery, administration, and community outreach.

A 2017 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree in Psychology & Criminal Justice from the University of Winnipeg, Jacob is currently pursuing a part-time Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Saskatchewan, Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School for Public Policy, set to graduate in 2024.

Passionate about social justice and volunteerism, Jacob has been actively involved in supporting organizations such as Manitoba Harvest, 1-Just City’s Drop-In Shelter, End Homelessness Winnipeg, and the Public Interest Law Centre. He has also served as a Board Director for the Manitoba School Improvement Program – The Peaceful Village, aiding newcomer students, and as Treasurer for Native Clan Organization, focusing on the transition/rehabilitating of Indigenous criminal offenders back into the community.

From 2020-2023, Jacob played a crucial role in the Manitoba School Improvement Program and Native Clan Organization, contributing to the development of strategic plans and expanding services. In 2023, he participated in Good Neighbors Canada’s inaugural Youth Advisory Committee, advocating for youth interests, rights, and providing strategic advice on their international programs.

Jacob is eager to contribute to the Ottawa community, and apply his knowledge and experience from his past board roles to the Education Foundation of Ottawa. Recognizing the crucial role the Foundation plays in students’ lives, he looks forward to being part of the positive impact this organization delivers.