About Us - Our Children, Our Future/ Nos enfants, notre avenir

“We welcome you to explore our website and join us in our journey as we navigate the experience of early learning and child care within our communities” – Tina Leduc, President/Chair of the Board of Directors

“Nous vous invitons à explorer notre site Web et à vous joindre à nous dans notre parcours alors que nous naviguons l’expérience de la petite enfance et de la garde d’enfants au sein de nos communautés” – Tina Leduc, président du conseil d’administration

Vision: Children and families are the heart of our future

Mission: Engaging children and families in fostering a healthy future for our communities

Values: Development, Inclusiveness, Collaboration, Excellence

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is committed to conducting business in an open, legal and ethical manner. This is accomplished by creating and maintaining a workplace built on the strength of trust, accountability and integrity. The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership setting long term goals based on our Vision, Mission and Values.

Board Contact Information

Tina Leduc, President/Chair

Email: chair@ocof.net

Get to know our Board of Directors

Tina Leduc, President

Tina is a Staff Scientist for Science North in the Education Department. Tina has always lived in Sudbury and has been raising her young family in her native community. As a mother of two, both her children attend our child care centre. Tina has also participated in many of the programs and events offered by OCOF/Nena. Tina has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017 and sit on the Finance committee.

Marlo Desjardins, Vice-President

Marlo joined the OCOF Board of Directors in June 2019, bringing with her over 15 years of Human Resources experience within the public sector. She is the Human Resources Manager for the Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre and is an active member of the community. As a parent, Marlo has been involved with many OCOF programs and both her children attend OCOF daycare on a full-time basis. Marlo is a graduate of Laurentian University with a B.A. in Sociology and is currently involved in continuing education with York University.

Marianne Schwendener, Treasurer

Marianne was raised in Sudbury. After receiving a B.Sc. in Physics from Laurentian University, she chose to make her home in the Municipality of French River. She has worked with businesses and individuals in her region as a bookkeeper and tax preparer for the past ten years while raising her two children. An active community participant and advocate, Marianne volunteers with a variety of youth and community groups, participated gratefully in OCOF/Nena programming with her children in their early years, and partnered her non-profit organization with OCOF/Nena and the local Municipality to build the French River Community Splash Pad in 2016. Marianne joined the OCOF/Nena Board of Directors as its rural representative in 2018 and also sits on the Finance Committee.

Kathy Longarini, Director

Kathy was the Community Outreach Coordinator for Rainbow Schools, acting as liaison with the City of Greater Sudbury and Manitoulin- Sudbury District Service Board – Children’s Services/Early Learning Sector and their networks for children and families for 12 years. Kathy had the experience of collaborating with OCOF/Nena time and time again to assist in supporting the many needs of children and families in some of the most vulnerable circumstances across the district of Sudbury, Espanola and Sudbury East. OCOF/Nena’s vision and dedication demonstrated the value and rewarding benefits to the individuals they served. This inspired Kathy to become a supportive part to this organization as a member of the Board of Directors in June 2020.

Natasha Delaney, Director

Natasha is an active community member sitting on several councils and committees all geared to the health, education and well-being of families in our community. Natasha sits on the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for Rainbow District School Board since 2015 to present as well as the Parent Involvement Committee serving as chair, vice Chair and secretary. Natasha has been involved with the Minnow Lake Community Gardens Committee from 2015 to present. Natasha was also involved with the Autism Ontario Sudbury Chapter Leadership Council From June 2014 to 2021. Natasha has always wanted to give back to OCOF for the support and leadership she received as a Program Member. Natasha is looking to pay forward by giving of her time and skills as a member of the Board of Directors.

Melissa Sullivan, Director

Having been called to the bar in 2015, Melissa is a lawyer in Greater Sudbury, Ontario. She mainly practices in the areas of family law and child protection law. She is also trained to work collaboratively with other professionals to assist families in coming to timely resolutions of their legal matters without the need to litigate. Since 2017, Melissa has been a sessional lecturer at Laurentian University. In addition to pursuing her career, Melissa is a devoted wife, loving mother, and outdoors enthusiast. She is very involved within the Greater Sudbury community. Having sat on various boards of directors over the years, she is knowledgeable about the development and revision of policies and procedures. She is fluently bilingual and advocates to have quality services available to French-speaking individuals.

Chris Rudyk, Director

Chris is the General Manager of Group Benefits at Gold Leaf Financial Group. After graduating from Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Chris worked in banking and insurance before moving to Toronto with his wife to work as a group benefits consultant. Chris holds several designations, including Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Compensation Management Specialist (CMS), Group Benefits Associate (GBA), and Retirement Plan Associate (RPA). Chris lives in the Valley with his wife Brittnee and 2 young children, Quinn & Lucas. Chris’ oldest is enrolled in one of OCOF’s full-time daycare programs. Chris joined as a member of the Board of Directors in 2024.

Join our Board of Directors

Composition of the Board

The Board of Directors shall consist of minimum of seven (7) Directors to a maximum of eleven (11) Directors who must reflect the geographic, cultural, ethnic and linguistic characteristics of northern Ontario. Guidelines for the selection of Directors specify the range of professional skill, expertise and personal attributes required to make informed governance decisions.

Roles and responsibilities

Applicants will demonstrate an understanding of the roles, responsibilities and commitment this appointment will entail. Applicants will also demonstrate a commitment to dedicate the time required to attend Board meetings, participate on committees when required and attend annual events such as the Strategic Plenary and Annual General Meeting.

An understanding of the role of governance, the knowledge to participate in informed and critical discussions about policy issues and the ability to offer expertise in specific areas. Effective communication skills and the absence of a real or perceived conflict of interest.

Application Process

Every applicant must complete an application form supported by a C.V. and personal references. The Membership Committee will review all applications. All applicants will be acknowledged. To assist you in considering this position please review the Board Application form.

You can also contact Ms. France Gauthier, Executive Director for more information at (705) 677-0440 ext. 222 or france.gauthier@ocof.net

Applications should be forwarded to:

Chair, Membership Committee
c/o France Gauthier, Executive Director
Our Children, Our Future/Nos enfants notre avenir
201 Jogues Street
Sudbury, ON
P3C 5L7

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