Meet the board
We are seeking candidates whom offer the following expertise and experience:
* Community Development
* Non-profit Governance
* Fundraising/Revenue Generation
* Accountability
* Mission and Values Driven
* Legal
* Strategic Planning
* Ties to Business/Community
* Strategic Thinker
* Visionary
Judy Todd
Judy is a Niagara Falls native who
has volunteered with the dinner program
at the Soup Kitchen since 2010 and has
sat on the Board since 2013. She was
previously the Volunteer Coordinator,
sat on the Fundraising Committee,
Baking Co-ordinator and Vice-Chair.
She has also volunteered for Project
Share and the Niagara Falls Red Raiders.
Sherry Buckborough
Sherry has been volunteering at the
Kitchen for quite a few years and has
enjoyed lending much of her time to the
Board of Directors, helping to alleviate
hunger in Niagara. She is retired from
the District School Board of Niagara and
has volunteered at many various school
functions and fundraisers. She served on
the Board of the Red Raiders Basketball
Association as Registrar for 3 years. Other
volunteer experiences include the
Education Foundation of Niagara,
Niagara Marathon, NIFEE and Canadian
Cancer Society.
Debbie Armstrong
Debbie will send in her bio soon.
Tanya Bateman
A passion for Food & Beverage from
a young age, Tanya Bateman grew up
in restaurants and made her way to
Fanshawe College in London, and
graduated with a Diploma in Food &
Beverage Management in 2003.
In 2004, Tanya joined Niagara
Casinos - she is currently a Beverage
Supervisor overseeing Beverage
Outlets on the gaming floor with
her heart set in R5 at Fallsview.
Outside of work, Tanya is a lifetime
learner. Each semester, she enrolls
in courses to expand her leadership
style. Tanya was selected by Niagara
Casinos to participate in Leadership
Niagara Class of 2020 where working
with The Soup Kitchen was her
community project. She also
enjoys traveling to small
little towns or faraway places, Tanya
loves being immersed in cultures and
learning about things she might not
find within a book -- but if we are
talking books, she enjoys a good true
crime or biography.
Bonnie Brady
Bonnie retired from teaching in 2014
after a 35 year career in both Peel
and Niagara Region. She has two grown
sons and resides in Thorold. Bonnie
has a multitude of volunteer experience
mostly through coaching within the
community and the schools. She is the
Chair for the City Of Niagara Falls
Recreation Committee as well as
actively volunteers with Rotary Club.
Rosemary Girardo
Rosemary has been a long time resident
of Niagara Falls, sharing her passion
and drive for volunteering for various
not-for-profits. She is well versed in
food rescue and matching organizations
with others that are also those in need.
She is a well-respected member of the
community. Rosemary has been a
passionate leader at Niagara Casinos
for over 24 years, having been recognized
multiple times for her philanthropist
efforts within the community. She is
a mother to 2 amazing sons. But her
favourite role is grandma, where she
teaches her grandchildren how to bake
and have fun!
Teresa Howell
Teresa was born in Edmonton, Alberta
but has lived in Niagara Falls, Ontario the
majority of her life. She attended Stamford
Collegiate High School and went on to
play University Basketball at Providence
College & Seminary School in Manitoba.
When she returned to Niagara, she
worked in various restaurants before
she began her employment with Niagara
Casinos. Teresa then went on to study Wine
Marketing and Management with Niagara
College, Safe Food Handling courses and
numerous Leadership courses. She is now the
Restaurant Manager for Lev2l Restaurant
at Casino Niagara. Teresa began volunteering
with Niagara Falls Community Outreach
in 2015, helping with food deliveries
from local businesses. She is also
on the Responsible Gaming Committee
for Niagara Casinos. Teresa has two
stepchildren of her own and is now
a grandmother to two beautiful grandsons.
She is still very active in organized sports
and enjoys her time at the Soup Kitchen
meeting new faces.
Marla Portfilio
Marla was born and raised in
the Niagara Region and currently lives
in Niagara Falls. She attended Niagara
College and Brock University and has
worked in the areas of human resources,
student services and human rights and
equity, including working at Brock
University, Sheridan College and the
City of St. Catharines. Marla is
passionate about social justice
and serving her community. She is the
proud mother of two teenagers and
an avid runner.
Kayla Kleber
Kayla was born and raised in Niagara
Falls and attended Stamford Collegiate.
After graduating with a Bachelor of
Arts Degree in Geography and German at
Brock University, she pursued a career
in the Environmental Sector. Kayla
currently leads the Nova Products
Environmental Division of Peninsula Plastics
as the Sales & Marketing Manager while
also working part-time with a Burlington
environmental charity. Her goal is to
continue to raise awareness and implement
positive change regarding the diverse
social and environmental issues in Ontario.
Kayla has volunteered for Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Niagara, International
Student Volunteers, spent many summers
volunteering with the Niagara United
Soccer Club, and has been volunteering at
the Soup Kitchen since 2017.
Devin McDowell
Devin will send in his bio soon.
Laurie Moffat
Laurie moved to Niagara Falls
from Windsor shortly after getting married.
Volunteering was a huge part of her life
in Windsor and not knowing anyone in
Niagara Falls at the time, volunteering
was how she got to know people. Of all
the volunteering she has done, donating
her time and efforts to the Soup Kitchen
has been one of the most rewarding
experiences she has had. Still employed
as a Nurse in a busy physician’s office
really cuts into her volunteering at
the Soup Kitchen, and she is looking
forward to retiring in the next couple
years so she can do even more!
Nancy Tester
Nancy has an extensive background
in marketing and finance. She has been
volunteering with the Soup Kitchen since
2018 on both the fundraising and
baking committees and has been
a Board Member since 2019.
Gayle Pasco
Gayle is a native of Niagara Falls
who has volunteered with many
community organizations over the years.
After obtaining the designation of
Chartered Insurance Professional, Gayle
enjoyed a 20 year career in the
insurance industry, and has been
a licensed Realtor since 2014.
Chris Russell
Chris will send in his bio soon.