Our Team

At Marillac Place, our team shares a profound commitment to our mission, uniting us in our efforts. Discover the individuals behind our work: dedicated supporters, innovative thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and compassionate hearts, all working together to provide a safe and empowering environment for women, inspiring hope, and encouraging meaningful change.

Meet Our Team

Discover the talents, expertise, and unique personalities driving us forward. Each member brings something special to the table, propelling us towards our goals.

Julie Walder

Julie Walder

Executive Director

Kate Rockwell

Kate Rockwell

Operations Manager

Karen Martin

Karen Martin

Residential Director

Greta James

Greta James

Research & Quality Control Manager

Rebecca Hammond

Rebecca Hammond

Case Manager

Marguerite Poyton

Marguerite Poyton

Mental Health &
Addictions Counsellor

Hilary Zorgdrage

Hilary Zorgdrager

Office Administrator

Alix

Alix Crawley

Communications &
Development Officer

Krystle Couvillon

Krystle Couvillon

AfterCare Outreach Worker

Jane Iwodi

Jane Iwodi

Shelter Cleaner

Nadine Gottvald

Nadine Gottvald

Night Support Worker

Join Our Team

Become a part of our mission as we embrace the strength found in unity, the impact of diversity, and the shared ambition to effect positive change for the women and children of Waterloo Region. You’re not just joining a team; you’re entering the very core of our organization, where every contribution matters and every effort is valued.

Visit Our Careers Page

Board Members

Samantha Feener

President

Mary Anne Banks

Vice President

Alun Masterton

Alun Masterton

Treasurer

Adam Lauzon

Adam Lauzon

Director

Sarah Purton

Director

Coleen

Colleen Barbeau

Director

Sarah Bismilla

Sarah Bismilla

Director

Julie Garasto

Julie Garasto

Director

Volunteer with Us!

At Marillac Place, we have an amazing, dedicated group of volunteers. If you care about people and want to make a difference, check out our volunteer opportunities.

View Volunteer Opportunities

Have Questions? We are here to help.

Contact Us now

Marillac Place fosters hope, encourages women to cultivate healthy relationships, and empowers them to rewrite their stories.

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Julie Walder

Julie Walder

Executive Director

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Witnessing the residents’ journey towards gaining confidence, independence, and self-reliance is deeply gratifying. Being part of a team dedicated to such a meaningful cause brings great professional fulfillment. Marillac Place’s commitment to fostering a sense of community, resilience, and optimism not only aids the residents but also profoundly impacts every staff member and volunteer. I am truly honored to contribute to the mission of this organization.

Kate Rockwell

Kate Rockwell

Operations Manager

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

 I value the collaborative approach to wrap around support and holistic care, both within our team at Marillac Place and alongside other partners in the community.

Karen Martin

Karen Martin

Residential Director

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Marillac Place has the most dedicated and caring staff, it really is a great team to work within.

Greta James

Greta James

Research & Quality Control Manager

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

I enjoy working with a team dedicated to innovation, research and evidence-based change in order to make real and lasting impacts in the lives of women and children.

Rebecca Hammond

Rebecca Hammond

Case Manager

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

The best part of my job is when participants meet their goal of finding housing after tediously working on their housing plans. I enjoy supporting them in their journey of finding and keeping a home.

Marguerite Poyton

Marguerite Poyton

Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

I personally enjoy interacting with Marillac participants directly and seeing the women connect and bond with their babies. I love helping the women with their development of new skills, supporting them as they learn and grow, and watching them achieve their goals.

Hilary Zorgdrage

Hilary Zorgdrager

Office Administrator

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

At Marillac Place, I really enjoy the variety in the diverse tasks that come with my role. The collaborative atmosphere within our team is something I love! Working together, we make sure that every individual feels supported and appreciated.

Alix

Alix Crawley

Communications & Development Officer

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Since I have been working at Marillac Place, I have learned so much about the challenges mother-led families experience, how we help them, and our amazing community. It is really satisfying to collaborate with our team to find creative solutions that help our families recover and rebuild.

Krystle Couvillon

Krystle Couvillon

AfterCare Outreach Worker

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

What I find most fulfilling in my work through Marillac Place is making the connections with each resident, as they stay with us. Having that time and ability to learn about each individual, how they process, and finding the best way to work with them to help them grow/succeed is very rewarding.

Jane Iwodi

Jane Iwodi

Shelter Cleaner

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

What I find most fulfilling about my work at Marillac Place is the opportunity to provide support and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young mothers and their children, while maintaining a clean and safe environment that promotes their well-being.

Nadine Gottvald

Nadine Gottvald

Night Support Worker

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

What I find most fulfilling about my work at Marillac Place is the opportunity to form meaningful connections with our residents and their children, while helping to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for them.

Samantha Feener

President

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Samantha Feener joined the Board for Marillac Place in 2016 after spending several years as a staff member. Samantha has worked in the social service field since graduating from Fanshawe College in 2006. Since then Samantha has continued her education obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo majoring in Social Development Studies and a diploma from Conestoga College in Paralegal studies. Samantha is a mother of one and enjoys spending her free time volunteering and gardening.

Mary Anne Banks

Mary Anne Banks

Vice President

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Mary Anne is a lifetime resident of Kitchener-Waterloo. She is a CPA and MBA and has spent her career in management finance, leading teams of finance professionals in technology, manufacturing, financial and post secondary institutions. Mary Anne has served on the boards of Marillac Place and Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region in the past and is an alumnus of Leadership Waterloo Region. She is recently retired and enjoying the ability to focus her time and energy on community, family, well-being and new adventures.

Alun Masterton

Alun Masterton

Treasurer

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Alun is a CPA and the Director of Finance at a local insurance company and has been part of the KW community since 1994 with his wife and four children. Four years ago, Alun was looking to give back to my community and through his wife’s volunteer work through St Vincent de Paul, Alun was introduced to Marillac Place and the great work they do. Shortly after joining the Board, the Treasurer role on the board became vacant and Alun put his name forward, after which he was elected. Alun is also part of the Board Governance committee where they develop board education, maintain the board manual and coordinate search for new board members.

Adam Lauzon

Adam Lauzon

Director

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Adam has worked for the last 18 years at a local tech company. Adam had a daughter at 19 and raised her alone for most of her life. They were fortunate to have a good support system and now that she is an adult he is looking to give back to the community and hopes to use his experiences to help the organization. Outside of work, Adam enjoys spending time with family and is an amateur photographer.

Sarah Purton

Sarah Purton

Director

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Sarah joined Marillac Place’s Board of Directors in Winter 2022. She is a CPA and has over 10 years of experience working in municipal finance specifically focused on budgeting and long-term planning. Sarah lives in Waterloo Region with her husband and three young children and is excited to be giving back to the community by being part of this worthwhile organization. In addition to spending time with her family, Sarah enjoys running and baking.

Colleen Barbeau

Colleen Barbeau

Director

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Colleen joined Marillac Place Board of Directors in May, 2023. Colleen has a diverse background in operations, shared services, customer experience with over 20 years in executive leadership roles with global organizations. She is currently leading her own coaching and consulting service with a focus on the not-for-profit sector. Colleen has 2 teenage boys and has lived in KW for over 25 years and is excited to be able to support her local community.

Sarah Bismilla

Sarah Bismilla

Director

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Sarah joined the Marillac Place Board of Directors in the Summer of 2023. Sarah works in the Justice Sector serving marginalized and vulnerable populations. She is bilingual in English and French. She also holds a Bachelor of Civil Law, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management. Sarah lives in Kitchener with her partner and their rambunctious toddler. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dance, baking, and gardening.

Julie Garasto

Julie Garasto

Director

What do you find most fulfilling about your work at Marillac Place?

Julie joined the Marillac Board in March 2024 after volunteering in the home with the women and children. During her time volunteering at Marillac she enjoyed getting to know the residents and their children and making them dinners. It is this experience that inspired Julie to join the board to continue to foster the growth and need for Marillac Place within our community.

Julie was born and raised in Kitchener Waterloo. She currently works in Commercial Property Management managing 3,500,000 s. ft. of industrial, office and retail space across Ontario. She hopes to lend her expertise in managing property to Marillac Place.

Julie has 5 children and a Mini Australian Shephard who keep her active during her down time. She also enjoys going to the gym, cooking and spending her weekends in Kincardine.