Our staff are agents of change.

Our staff are the powerful force behind the good work we do here at the Education Foundation of Ottawa. Their commitment and passion have been vital as we open doors for every child and youth in the Ottawa community who need our help to succeed. Get to know them a little better and why they come to work every day.

Read Clarissa Arthur’s contribution to the 2020 Giving Guide (p.70) published by the Ottawa Business Journal here.

Congratulations are in order! Our Executive Director has been named one of 2022’s 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women; learn more here.

Clarissa Arthur, Executive Director, Education Foundation of Ottawa

As Executive Director, I oversee all operations with supervision and guidance from my valuable Board of Directors and Ottawa-Carleton District School Board officials. In my role, I work to create and execute our fundraising plan, establish and maintain positive donor relations, liaise with school administrators, and lead fundraising campaigns and special events.

I plan to bring the many professional and personal experiences that have led me to where I am today. As a parent, professional, and community member, I believe in the EFO mission of reducing economic barriers impacting student learning and well-being. As our vision states: ALL students deserve an equitable opportunity for success, and I know you can help us see this through!

I am a lifelong learner who is always up for a challenge. I have diplomas in Early Childhood Education and Child and Youth Care, a Certificate in Infant Mental Health Promotion, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I am the Chair of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Task Group under the Ottawa Child and Youth Initiative and I’m a proud Telus Ottawa & Eastern Ontario Community Board Member. I deeply enjoy learning about human behaviour and how we can discover equitable and inspiring ways to make this world a better place.

I was a young mother to my children, now young adults, and feel I have true empathy and understanding of what some parents and children may face during difficult circumstances. I do hope to inspire others to always look toward the future and never give up on their dreams.

I look forward to meeting with members of our community who are willing to use their voices and abilities to help the Education Foundation of Ottawa advocate for our youth and ensure that children are not going to school hungry, cold, or missing out on valuable opportunities. We can make a difference together!

Heather J. McKinnon & Jen Samuel, Administrative Assistants, Education Foundation of Ottawa

With a wealth of expertise acquired through numerous years of dedicated service to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Heather and Jen have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education and community. Their diverse roles and responsibilities, garnered through years of experience, position them as valuable contributors. In addition to providing support to the OCDSB Senior Team, Heather and Jen are eager to broaden their impact by applying their skills in support of the Education Foundation of Ottawa, thereby contributing to the continual improvement of the OCDSB community.