SOMERSET

Sarah is a Two Spirited, Indigenous Artist and our Program Director. Sarah is a member of the Bear Clan from The Oneida Nation of the Thames, First Nations.

Her Haudenosaunee name is Kanastiyo,

which means ‘The good corn’.

From a young age, Sarah struggled with mental health and addiction. In 2020, Sarah surrendered to the truth about her struggles and accepted help through a 12 Step program. Sarah uses her connection to recovery, nature and Indigenous culture for strength and guidance as she continues to carry a message of hope

in order to help others.

Diane has been in the nonprofit sector for well over 20 years. She graduated from the Social Service Worker program at Niagara College in 2000 and the Event Management program in 2001. Her experience includes, Director of Marketing and Fund Development for Hamilton's City Kidz, a nonprofit organization that assists over 1200 disadvantaged children living in the inner city of Hamilton, and Director of Development for Charity of Hope helping children, youth, and families that need immediate support.  

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Tara is passionate about the entrepreneurial ecosystem and has been helping businesses and not for profits plan for success for over 12 years, nurturing collaboration and connectivity in her St. Thomas/Elgin County community. 

Tara is a Business & Loans Advisor at the Elgin Business Resource Centre and is a Councillor for the City of St. Thomas.

She is an advocate for people without a voice and a champion of the underdog. Her spare time is spent volunteering with the Elgin/St. Thomas Food Provider's Network, assisting with food security for all and spending time with her husband, kids and grandkids. Music is a path to managing her mental health, as a singer-songwriter, Tara enjoys writing, singing and playing the ukulele.