4. Approval of Agenda and Minutes of October 12, 2023

MOTION: Ellen Cohen / Paul Scotland /CARRIED:  to approve the agenda for the October 10, 2024 Annual General Meeting.
Abstentions:  Jennifer Deloras-Billot

MOTION: Claudette Paul / Logan Wong /CARRIED: to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2023 Annual General Meeting.
Abstentions:  Jennifer Deloras-Billot and Dale Matechuk

5. Approval of Audited Financial Report  and Appointment of Auditors

Robert Barber, Treasurer, gave an overview of ARCH’s finances.  His financial report was available in the AGM Package. 
MOTION: Robert Barber / Ellen Cohen /CARRIED:   to approve the Audited Financial Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
Abstentions: Jennifer Deloras-Billot

MOTION: Robert Barber / Claudette Paul /CARRIED: to approve the appointment of Hilborn LLP as auditors of record for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Abstentions: Jennifer Deloras-Billot

6. Approval of the Amendments to ARCH Disability Law Centre’s By-Law

Jason Mitschele, Chairperson, gave an overview of the proposed amendments to the By-Law. The amendments were available in the AGM Package.
MOTION: Logan Wong / Robert Barber /CARRIED: to adopt the amendments of ARCH’s By-Law as presented.
Abstentions: Jennifer Deloras-Billot

7. Chair’s Report (Report given prior to the member’s meeting)

Jason Mitschele gave his address to the meeting.  The shared Chair and Executive Director’s Report was provided in the Annual Report.  Jason thanked retiring Board members Ashfaq Husain, Harjot Dosanjh, Jeevan Bains,

8. Executive Director’s Report (Report given prior to the member’s meeting)

Robert Lattanzio, thanked the Board for their commitment to ARCH, staff for their hard work, Dolly-Menna Dack for the Land Acknowledgement and ARCH lawyers for their presentation.

9. Election of Board of Directors

Norah Dillon-Cheetham, Chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the Nominations Committee Report which was available in the AGM Package.  The bios of Nominees were also available in the package.  The Nominations Report outlined the recommended Board Slate.  Based on the Report, Norah called for the following motion: 

MOTION: Norah Dillon-Cheetham / Janet Rodriguez / CARRIED: To elect the following members to the Board of Directors of ARCH Disability Law Centre for a term of two years:

• Claudette Paul
• Dolly Menna-Dack
• Ellen Cohen
• Jason Mitschele
• Jennifer Hiseler
• Paul Scotland
• Michael Samakayi 
• Dave Lewis
• Kathryn Underwood

Abstentions: Jennifer Deloras-Billot

Adjournment
MOTION:     Ashfaq (Kash) Husain / CARRIED:   to adjourn the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

6. Profiles of Mid-Term Board Members 2025

Claudette Paul, Timmins

Claudette has been on other boards for at least 6 years total. She has lived experience living on reserve for 12 years and work experience on reserve for 16 years. On and off reserve, she has been an advocate for marginalized indigenous people including those with disabilities in such roles as a National Native Drug and Alcohol Program worker (NNADAP – addictions worker), an Early Childhood Educator, a Family Support worker, an Aboriginal Best Start Service Connector, and in her current role as an Indigenous Student Advisor for the District School Board Ontario North East (DSBONE). She currently teaches the Cree language and continues to advocate for those that need her to be their voice.

Dolly Menna-Dack, Toronto

Dolly is the Senior Bioethicist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the Manager of the Youth Engagement Strategy, and the Interim Vice-Chair of the Research Ethics Board.

She is particularly interested in pediatric rehabilitation issues that arise in both clinical care and research with children and youth with chronic illness and disabilities. Dolly was the first former patient to join the SickKids Research Ethics Board as a Community Member and has held progressive leadership positions on REBs since, including Ethics member, Vice-Chair and Interim Chair. Dolly has over fifteen years’ experience on pediatric research ethics boards, acute and rehabilitation focused boards as well provincial review boards.

Dolly is a nationally and internationally sought after leader in Lived Experience roles and has been the Youth Engagement Strategy Lead at Holland Bloorview since its inception in 2012. Dolly has extensive experience training and supporting youth and young adults in advocacy and partnering in the areas of service & care delivery, teaching & education of healthcare providers, clients & families, as well as research and policy.

Dolly’s own lived experience of growing up with a physical disability led her to advocate for a Lived Experience role on the clinical healthcare teams. Dolly created the Youth Facilitator role, which has been Ministry-funded since 2006 at Holland Bloorview. She also supported the implementation of the Youth Facilitator role at Toronto Rehab, UHN.

Jason Mitschele, Toronto

Jason Mitschele has been practicing law as a Federal Prosecutor since 2003 for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. His practice involves the prosecution of firearms and narcotics offences.  He currently leads the Toronto Superior Court Litigation Team where he manages a team of over 20 prosecutors conducting jury trials at the 361 University Avenue courthouse.

He previously managed the Integrated Road Team where he led a team that prosecutes wiretap and large-scale prosecutions.  He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto in 2002.

Jason is a proud advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and contributes to the following organizations as:

• National Advisor for Persons with Disabilities for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada
• Board Chair, ARCH Disability Law Centre 
• Member of the Ontario Courts Accessibility Committee, Vice Chair, Criminal Law Practice Group of the Advocates Society
• Member of the Customer Standards Development Committee established under the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act 
• Past Member, of the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Director for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Foundation (CNIB)

Jason has been a member of the Trial Advocacy Teaching Team since 2018.  In July, 2019, Jason was proud and honoured to be the recipient of the National Heads of Prosecution Courage and Perseverance Award in Quebec City. Jason continues to argue criminal cases at Provincial Court, The Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Jennifer Hiseler, Toronto

Jennifer is an accessibility specialist with a background in the built environment, training, and policy work around the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. She is a graduate of the Accessible Media Production programme at Mohawk College and works with the City of Toronto in the People and Equity Division.

Other experience with accessibility, disability, and inclusion comes from her education as an Orthotic and Prosthetic technician, work as a custom seating technician for high technology wheelchairs, and volunteer involvement with various organizations, primarily with #a11yTO (or Accessibility Toronto). Jenny also wears a prosthesis and always has. This lived experience brings insight and depth to her professional and volunteer work.

Kathryn Underwood, Toronto

Dr. Kathryn Underwood is a professor in the School of Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Underwood’s interests are in disabled children and their families’ experiences and contributions to our understanding of social services, social life, and society. The focus of her program of research has been on how constructions of disability in early childhood programs and care, early intervention, and health and social service contexts are used to organize children, with particular interest in intersectional identities of all disabled children. Dr. Underwood has conducted a number of studies that focus on parent viewpoints and the work of families to engage with institutions.

Michael Samakayi, Toronto

Michael is a passionate advocate for diversity with a strong commitment to creating inclusive work environments. Currently working  as an Employment Consultant at Canadian Hearing Services and services as the President Deaf Youth  Canada, Michael brings a deep understanding of how to transform corporate culture, ensuring it is positive, inclusive, and supportive of all individuals. He is highly engaged, intuitive, and collaborative, with a proven track record of executing multiple projects with integrity and excellence.

Michael’s passion for promoting accessibility and equity is reflected in his diverse experience, including advocating for the promotion of ASL classes at the University of Toronto under the Linguistics department. As a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto, Michael has demonstrated his dedication to both his academic and professional pursuits. His lifelong dream is to run for public office, where he aspires to further his impact on creating equitable and inclusive environments for all. He has a strong analytical ability to deliver tailored solutions that drive social impact within communities and has successfully created and implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives across various organizations.

In his free time, Michael loves to volunteer within the Deaf community, where he continues to make a significant impact. His strategic thinking, strong communication, and leadership skills make him a valuable asset in any role focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Paul Scotland, Toronto

Paul was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario with the neuro tube birth defect, Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus.  He hold an Honours, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University and graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law. 

He has an interest in promoting and growing equality seeking groups and wants to see the disabled community continue to visibly advocate for breaking down barriers that impede accessibility to a society and environment responsive to equity, diversity and inclusion everywhere!  He is a member of the Criminal Lawyers Association, Diversity Committee; Criminal Lawyers Association, Abilities Discussion Group; and, the City of Richmond Hill, Accessibility Committee. 

7. Profiles of Persons Nominated to the ARCH Board 2025

Bernard Lyons, London

Bernard Lyons is a Financial Services Professional based in London, Ontario, with expertise in Investment, Insurance, and Seed Funding. He holds a BBA from St. Francis Xavier University and manages Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) through diet and exercise. Currently, he serves as a Director at Quebec-based Signature Group Financial, and his previous experience includes roles with HSBC Securities Canada, Merrill Lynch (Canada), and Wood Gundy. Deeply engaged in his community, Bernard contributes as a member of the Finance & Facilities Committee for the Thames Valley Community Centre (TVCC), supporting children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs, and also volunteers as an assistant high school football coach in London, mentoring young athletes and fostering teamwork. 

Logan Wong, Toronto

Logan identifies as a trans, bi-racial, Autistic wheelchair user and is a social worker & equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, & accessibility professional. He currently works at McMaster University as a research assistant/coordinator within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences and is an entrepreneur and the owner of IDEAA Perspectives Training & Consulting,  

Natalie MacDonnell, Oakville

Natalie MacDonnell holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science and Political Science from McMaster University and is a graduate of the Joint Master of Environmental Studies and Juris Doctor Program at Osgoode Hall Law School and York University.

Natalie has had a long involvement with social justice causes such as human rights and environmental protection. She is also passionate about disability rights, accessibility and access to justice.

Natalie has practiced law in a variety of different areas including housing, privacy, social assistance, human rights and environmental law. Natalie has experience working for the provincial government as well as for legal aid clinics. During her studies, Natalie completed placements with environmental non-profit organizations and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.

Norah Dillon -Cheetham, Toronto

Norah Dillon-Cheetham (she/her) has an Hons. B.A. from the University of Ottawa and an M.Ed. from the University of Toronto. Norah is a proud member of the disability community.

During her time at the University of Ottawa she worked as an advocate for students with disabilities and in the federal Office for Disability Issues on youth labour market entry.  She worked for over 5 years at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre on the intake team on a large body of cases. She now works as a human rights investigator with the Toronto District School Board on education and employment cases. Norah enjoys policy and research.

Norah has also volunteered with Barrier Free Canada, the Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto District, Citizens with Disabilities Ontario, the Malvern Family Resource Centre, West Neighbourhood House and People for Education.

Robert Barber, St. Catharines

Robert Barber is the CEO of Prevail Paralegal Services and a licensed paralegal. He is a member of the Indigenous Bar Association and has extensive experience in adjudication, serving with CPA Ontario Tribunals (Discipline Committee), the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (Fitness to Practice Committee) and the Human Resources Professionals Association (Complaints Committee). Additionally, he is a Licensing Appeals Officer with the Town of Blue Mountains.

A passionate volunteer, Robert has served as Community Councillor for the Niagara Region Métis Council and currently represents the Métis Nation of Ontario on Indigenous Education Committees at Brock University and Niagara College. He also volunteers with ARCH Disability Law Centre and is a Paralegal Coach with the Law Society of Ontario’s Coach and Advisor Network.

In recognition of his contributions, Robert was honoured with the Niagara 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award in 2024 and the St. Catharines Community Impact Award in 2025 for his volunteerism.

Robert holds a BA from Brock University (2011), a Paralegal Diploma from Mohawk College (2019), and LEAN Six Sigma certification from the University of Windsor (2024). He has completed the Family Legal Services Provider certification from Fanshawe College (2025) and a Certificate in Adjudication from Osgoode Hall Law School (2025). He is currently studying in a Managerial Finance course at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

Robert lives in St. Catharines with his wife and children, and is dedicated to both his community and the legal profession.

Ryan Hooey, Tecumseh

Ryan Hooey graduated from Spring Arbor University in Jackson, MI in 2008 with a Bachelor degree in Marketing and Public Relations. Ryan then successfully completed a Bachelor degree from the University of Windsor in Sociology and in 2013 completed a certificate in Volunteer Management and Coordination from Mohawk College. He has since worked in the not-for-profit world as an advocate for those living as a part of the disability community. He also works part time for University Health Network in Toronto as a Research Associate with the diabetic retinopathy and foot care team in hopes of bringing more sustainable and available care to people living with diabetes across Canada. He is an avid audiobook listener and has a weekly remote television segment with AMI featuring audiobook trends, author interviews and news called The Chatty Bookshelf. Ryan is a guide dog handler of a 5-year-old CNIB Lab named Joe and the father to a wonderful 4-year-old daughter Abigail.

Sandi Bell, Hamilton

Sandi Bell is a highly respected and sought-after professional with over 30 years of experience in the areas of human rights, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and equity. Through her employment and numerous volunteer pursuits Sandi has been an active advocate on behalf of the disability community. This includes her role as Chair of the AODA Health Care Standards Development Committee which developed accessibility standards for Ontario hospitals to reduce and prevent barriers in health care to make them more accessible to people who have disabilities.

Sandi is dedicated to social justice in the clinic system and has Chaired the Board of Directors for ARCH Disability Law Centre, and the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic.

Sandi is currently a Commissioner at the Ontario Human Rights Commission and a Member of the Board of Directors of HRLSC.

Shauna Doracin, Hamilton

Shauna Doracin is a licensed paralegal based in Hamilton, Ontario.  As the sole practitioner of Divergent Legal Services, she is dedicated to assisting clients in the areas of Landlord and Tenant Board, Small Claims Court, Human Rights, and Employment.  Known for her expertise in housing law, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution, and, as a member of the Paralegal Association of Ontario (OPA) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (ADRIO), Shauna has spent over a decade navigating the complexities of RGI and co-operative housing, consistently advising boards, preparing legal applications, and representing clients before the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Her extensive experience includes liaising with legal counsel on eviction and civil litigation matters, overseeing case files, and testifying at hearings, making her a trusted resource for legal and procedural guidance in the housing sector.

Shauna received her autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis only a year ago, a life event that has further consolidated her commitment to human rights, particularly for individuals with “invisible disabilities. In addition to eight years serving on the Social Housing Review Panel for the City of Hamilton, Shauna holds certifications in trauma-informed communication and mental health first aid. She is dedicated to proving that disability does not mean less and believes those with differing abilities have much to contribute—especially in the context of employment. Shauna is valued for her strong advocacy, compassion, deep knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and related legislation, and her commitment to equitable and effective conflict resolution.