Staff & Board of Directors
Our Board
The Board of City Kidz™ consists of members from the local community who all share a common passion and commitment to see children’s lives positively impacted. Board members meet on a monthly basis to assist with guiding City Kidz™ to fulfilling its mission.
Each member is a committed supporter and ambassador of the mission and vision of City Kidz™ and works hard to see its objectives completed. The Board of City Kidz™ plays an important role in determining the success of the ministry and programs delivered to the children each week.
Chair: Sonia Brown
Members: Roger Davies, Jeff Hiedbuurt, Wendy Eustace,
Rev. Greg Dickson, David Marks, Mark Goobie, Brad Lawrie, Ruth Kaulback
Independent Legal Counsel: Rick Bialachowski
Independent Financial Auditor: David Weland
About The Staff
To accomplish amazing things, you need an amazing team. Each member of the City Kidz team contributes their skills and abilities to achieving the mission and vision of City Kidz. We believe that leadership skill and maturity combined with the right talents and strategies creates an unstoppable force. Leaders are not developed in a day, but daily. Therefore, City Kidz™ is actively engaged both corporately and individually in leadership development training. Through-out the year, each staff person is evaluated both personally and corporately on their growth. Presently 16 full time, and 3 part-time staff give top level leadership to City Kidz™ .
Name: Tina Bender
Position: Coordinator of Core Projects and Initiatives
Ext: 215 Email: tina@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: After singing “No more monkeys jumping on the bed”, Liam, one of our Kinder Kidz said, “Oh, Tina, please don’t jump on the bed, you might fall and get hurt. We love you too much!”
Favourite Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
Profile: As one of the original members of City Kidz, Tina’s role has changed continually over the years. City Kidz has been able to count on Tina to do whatever it takes to keep the mission on track. Formerly the Kinder Kidz Coordinator and prior to that, the Home Visits Coordinator. Tina’s new role is coordinating community initiatives for our City Kidz kids. As a part-time staff member, she works hard to provide memorable opportunities for our kids and families, connecting hundreds of children with experiences that can change their lives! Way to go Tina!
Name: Christina Birmingham
Position: Administrative Coordinator – Development Team
Ext: 210 Email: christina@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: Distributing gifts to the children attending out community Christmas party. Seeing the eyes of a child light up when you hand them a gift is so precious.
Favourite Quote: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Profile: If it’s one team that needs help keeping organized, it’s our marketing team! Christina is the primary hub of communication and administration for our development team, making sure each of our team members is spending the maximum amount of time sharing the stories and gathering the resources necessary to impact thousands of kids each and every week. If you need to speak with a member our marketing team, chances are you’ll have to go through Christina first! Christina recently started with City Kidz in April 2009, and is an awesome member of our team. Way to go Christina!
Name: Jeremy Curry
Position: Creative and Design Specialist
Ext: – - - Email: jeremy@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: When I started volunteering at City Kidz over ten years ago, I started visiting kids with a man name Richard. The time I spent with Richard, as I got to know him, and him me, I cherish those memories highly. He became a role model, a mentor, and most importantly, a dear friend.
Favourite Quote: “Good is the Enemy of Great – Jim Collins
Profile: Jeremy grew up in the inner city of Hamilton and attended City Kidz as a child himself. After a term looking after the City Kidz Saturdays program, Jeremy travelled to England for a six month program at Capernwray Bible School. What brought Jeremy back to us is his skills and knowledge in the area of Design. When we want a poster created, our logo updated or our newsletter to present a message in a way which is both clear and appealing, it is Jeremy to whom we turn. In many ways he literally puts the face on City Kidz! Way to go Jeremy!
Name: Andrea DrysdalePosition: Coordinator of Fundraising Events
Ext: 207 Email: andrea@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: The first time I saw City Kidz in action. It brings tears to my eyes to know the impact the Saturday sessions have on our kids. To know that for those 90 minutes, they only have to think about being a kid and knowing that they are LOVED!!
Favourite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” Eleanor Roosevelt
Profile: Andrea recently joined City Kidz as a member of our marketing team. As an honors graduate from Sheridan College and with previous experience in event management, Andrea brings the right combination to help move the mission of City Kidz forward. We’re excited to have her on the team and look forward to great things ahead! Welcome aboard Andrea!
Name: Nathan Ellis
Position: Coordinator of City Kidz™ Saturdays
Ext: 219 Email: nathan@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: When I first came to City Kidz™, one of the children was always getting into trouble and fighting. After almost a year of this, he came one Saturday with his little brother and I saw, for the first time, the budding of leadership and hope.
Favourite Quote: “There is hope for every child who comes through our doors.”
Profile: Each week Nathan and his team provide the most exciting, entertaining and effective program on the planet (in our opinion)! Providing a program for 900 children each week is a demanding job for even the best of the best. It’s Nathan’s mission to make sure each child experiences all that God has for them each and every Saturday. His number one responsibility is to deliver important life building lessons and create a fun, exciting atmosphere, where kids can be kids. Nathan’s goal is to make Saturday’s the best day of the week and he has become one of the most recognizable faces amoungst the kids in the inner city. Nathan is also the captain of his own City Kidz route, visiting over 100 children each and every week. Way to go Nathan!
Name: Carley Ellis
Position: Coordinator of Home Visits
Ext: 215 Email: carley@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: Dancing and singing with the kids every Saturday. It is where they have taught me how to be a kid again and worship God with child like faith.
Favourite Quote: “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” Mother Teresa
Profile: Recently returning from her maternity leave Carley resumes her post part-time as the Coordinator of Home Visits. Not only does Carley use her leadership to ensure that all of our children receive a personal home visit each and every week, she is also responsible for planning the expansion of new routes so more children can be impacted each week. Carley’s passion and love for each child is evident by the commitment she makes each and every week to the children of City Kidz. Carley is also a bus captain of her own City Kidz route, visiting over 70 children each week with her team. It’s good to have you back Carley!
Name: Keneisha Gardiner
Position: Youth Leadership Development Coordinator
Ext: 211 Email: keneisha@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: During my first couple of weeks working here at City Kidz one of our Junior Leaders walked up to me, gave me a hug and told me “I’m glad that you’re here just for us. We needed someone here just for us”. This inspired me that everything we do here is important in the life of each child.
Favourite Quote: “And God is able to make all grace abound to me, so that in all things, at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Profile: Keneisha is the newest member of the City Kidz staff. She comes to us from The Bahamas (making us oh so jealous) and is developing our brand new program for youth aged 12 to 16. She began by volunteering in our office and building relationships with the youth and has become a valued member of the City Kidz Ministry team. Keneisha brings a genuine love for young people and a calling to help them to achieve their full God-given potential. We love her enthusiasm and dedication. Welcome to the team, Keneisha.
Name: Arlene Harten
Position: Data Entry Specialist
Ext: 208 Email: arlene@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: Taking responsibility for the Kinder Kidz children on our route.
Favourite Quote: I believe!
Profile: If there is information to be recorded, or data to be tracked you can be assured that Arlene is in the middle of it. Whether looking after the details of those who support the work of City Kidz™, or dealing with the sensitive information of our kids, it’s Arlene’s talents and skills that keep us out there on the front-lines with our kids. Arlene is the captain of her own bus route, visiting over 80 children each week in their homes. Arlene has been with City Kidz for nearly ten years, and she has become a mother figure to all of us. Way to go Mom!
Name: Susan Lamont
Position: Director of Fund Development
Ext. 213 Email: susan@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: One of the children I visit was having trouble with lying and stealing and I didn’t know how to deal with it. God spoke to my heart – “You love her, I’ll change her”. And He did!
Favourite Quote: I have called you by name … and you are Mine. Isaiah 43:1
Profile: Prior to joining our staff, Susan was one of the top sales representatives at Alloette Cosmetics, and after serving several years as a volunteer team captain, she joined the City Kidz™ Marketing and Development team. Susan lends her expertise and talents to connecting people and resources to the mission and vision of City Kidz. Best known for her enthusiasm and encouraging words, Susan has become one of the key motivaters behind moving the vision of City Kidz forward. Susan continues to be the captain of her own City Kidz route, visiting over 60 children each week. Way to go Susan!
Name: Nicole Main
Position: Coordinator of Finance and Administration
Ext: 204 Email: nicole@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: Seeing the kidz jumping for joy and waving when they see the bus turn the corner to pick them up!
Favourite Quote: Children will follow the example instead of the advice.
Profile: For the past 3 years Nicole has served as a volunteer team captain, leading her team to minister to nearly 100 children each week. Joining our staff in the Summer of 2008 Nicole brings both experience and expertise to the finance and administration team of City Kidz. Nicole provides both leadership and direction to the finance and administration team of City Kidz and does an amazing job keeping our offices running timely and efficient. Way to go Nicole!
Name: Haley McCulloch
Position: Receptionist and Administrative Support
Ext: 201 Email: haley@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: In the theatre, watching the kids sing “I am not forgotten”. Everytime we sing this song, it’s powerful, hearing our inner city kids declaring that THEY are not forgotten, and God knows their name!
Favourite Quote: Courage is not always a loud shout or roar, but a quiet voice at the end of the day saying I’ll try again tomorrow. -Brian Houston
Profile: Haley got her first taste of City Kidz over 10 years ago, but became more active during Christmas of 2009. During Christmas she came on staff at the City Kidz “Toy Store” where gifts for children were stored and wrapped. After Christmas she has become the first face you see at the City Kidz offices, coming on full time as the City Kidz receptionist. After she started visiting children weekly she was hooked, and has since taken on her own bus route, where she now visits weekly. We are glad to have Haley and her bright smile a part of the City Kidz family!
Name: Robert McCulloch
Position: Director of Operations
Ext: 206 Email: robert@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: When the theatre is very quiet and Nathan prays with the children to ask Jesus for help and wisdom. To hear the kids pray is very special.
Favourite Quote: Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.
Profile: First serving with his wife Helen as co-captain for their bus route, it wasn’t long before the children of City Kidz moved him to further commitment.Whether it’s managing the staff, maintaining the facilities or overseeing the administrative and financial processes, Bob’s role is to ensure everything we do is done to the highest levels of excellence. Way to go Bob!
Name: Heather Moyer
Position: Coordinator of Kinder Kidz
Ext: 218 Email: heather@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: When the pre-schoolers arrive for Kinder Kidz, their excitement is infectious!
Favourite Quote: Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Profile: Heather began her ministry at City Kidz in the Fall of 2008. She comes with a teaching degree and broad experience working with children. What we love most of all is her enthusiasm and passion for the littlest members of City Kidz, our Kinders! In just a short time Heather and her team of volunteers have managed to strengthen the Kinder Kidz program to the point where they now impact over 150 Kinder Kidz every week! Way to go Heather!
Name: Sarah Porter
Position: Coordinator of Volunteers
Ext: 212 Email: sarah@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: Visiting children and their families every week at their homes.
Favourite Quote: “If you want to walk on water you’ve got to get out of the boat” – John Ortberg
Profile: Sarah volunteered with City Kidz for one year and was hooked! Begining her City Kidz career as the Coordinator of Home Visits while Carley was on maternity leave, Sarah recently has made the transition to the Coodinator of Volunteers, taking over leadership from Rebekah Vos who recently left to pursue more education. Sarah has been a tremendous addition to the ministry and program team of City Kidz. Her commitment and hard work ensures that that the volunteers of City Kidz are in good hands! Sarah is also the captain of her own City Kidz route and visits over 80 children each week. Way to go Sarah!
Name: Jackie Sullivan
Position: Coordinator of Child Sponsorship
Ext: 220 Email: jackie@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: Sitting in the theatre for the first time, watching all of the kids just being kids. For some, Saturday is the only day that they have to do that. It brought tears to my eyes.
Favourite Quote: “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” – Albert Pine
Profile: Jackie got involved with City Kidz during our Gift of Christmas campaign in 2009, working in our “Toy Store,” a warehouse where children’s gifts are stored and wrapped. She has since found her place at City Kidz in the role of Child Sponsorship Coordinator where she seeks sponsorship for all of the Children and Youth who participate in City Kidz programs. We are glad to have her enthusiasm on our team!
Name: Trevor Thomson
Position: Full Time Volunteer – Assistant to the Executive Director
Ext: 209 Email: trevor@citykidz.ca
Best City Kidz™ Moment: Morning devotions at the office and having the opportunity to share our faith and our concerns with each other and with God.
Favourite Quote: I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Profile: As a retired school teacher, Trevor began volunteering for a few hours each week, but it wasn’t long before his passion for the work of City Kidz™ increased his time commitment. Trevor brings a vast amount of experience and expertise to the work of City Kidz™. Volunteering full time, Trevor’s primary roll is to work closely with Todd our Executive Director in various administrative and support roles. Trevor is best known for his servant style leadership and provides support and encouragement on a daily basis to all staff and volunteers. Besides working assisting Todd our founder and executive director, Trevor is a support and encouragement to each of our staff and volunteers, he is seen as both a mentor and friend, and valued by all! Way to go Trevor!
