Meet the SECC Leadership Team
At South Essex Community Council, our leadership team’s mission to inspire excellence and unity through purposeful leadership drives everything we do. We believe in the power of community and the strength of collaboration, and our dedicated team embodies these values. Together, we work to serve the diverse needs of our community, with each team member bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. Get to know the faces behind our mission and see how, through purposeful leadership and a commitment to unity, we’re making a difference.
Carolyn Warkentin (she/her)
Executive Director
As Executive Director of SECC since 2008, Carolyn leads the organization in transforming its mission into meaningful action through strategic planning, effective governance, and financial sustainability. She works closely with the Board of Directors to set goals, oversees programs to ensure they meet community needs, and fosters an inclusive, supportive workplace culture. Carolyn’s journey with SECC began in frontline and management roles, shaped by her upbringing in a close-knit farming community and her parents’ example of quiet, generous service. Her leadership skills were further honed through mentorship and completing her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation. Passionate about helping others, Carolyn takes pride in empowering staff, building strong community partnerships, and ensuring SECC delivers high-quality, inclusive services that make everyone feel welcome and valued.
Tim Friesen (he/him)
Executive Assistant
Tim supports SECC’s Executive Director, the Executive Team, and the Board of Directors. His background in operations management and administrative roles in broadcasting and design businesses in Toronto has shaped his journey to this role. Tim’s favorite part of working at SECC is supporting and collaborating with colleagues who are dedicated to making a difference in the community. He believes that SECC’s mission of helping people and improving lives is a core value that everyone at the organization shares and works towards daily. Tim finds it most rewarding when he can assist his colleagues in advancing their mission.
Debbie Daher (she/her)
Financial Resources Manager
As Manager of Financial Resources, Deb oversees financial processes, including invoicing, payroll, and compliance reporting. She also develops finance policies, manages investments, and coordinates the Finance Committee and annual budget. Deb has been a vital part of SECC’s Admin team since 2015, and an employee with the organization since 1995. Her journey started as a part-time weekend Meals on Wheels deliverer, progressing through roles such as receptionist, Program Leader for MOW & ADA, and Coordinator for CHSS and the Opportunities Fund. Her extensive financial reporting and program management experience is crucial in her current role. Deb values the people SECC serves and finds great reward in SECC’s mission: Helping People. Improving Lives.
Jennifer Moore (she/her)
Human Resources Manager
Jen fosters a positive work culture and aligns HR policies with the organization’s mission and values. Jen excels in talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development. Jen has been a vital part of SECC’s Admin team since 2012. She is committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity, ensuring every employee feels valued and supported. Her empathetic, professional, and forward-thinking approach prioritizes strong relationships and effective communication. Jen is passionate about supporting SECC’s mission and contributing to its success.
Luis Palacios (he/him)
Data Specialist IT Services
Luis oversees data management and governance at SECC, enhancing efficiency across departments. With over 12 years of experience as a Reporting Manager and Business Intelligence Developer in a non-profit educational organization, Luis brings expertise in data analysis and visualization. He takes pride in optimizing processes to ensure efficient and secure data storage, enabling the team to focus more on their mission and less on manual tasks. Luis views SECC as a family, where everyone contributes to the community and the shared goal of improving lives, and he finds joy in bringing clarity and a positive spirit to his role.
Laura Fanjoy (she/her)
Settlement Services Department Coordinator
Laura oversees the Settlement Department, helping individuals born outside of Canada adjust and thrive in their new community. Her team provides one-on-one support, needs assessments, social activities, and informative workshops. Previously, Laura worked as a Program Leader and Welcoming Communities Worker at SECC, and her background in social work and experience with youth, international students, and migrant workers drive her passion for settlement work. Laura values the supportive environment at SECC, where work is done with love, and finds it rewarding to support clients during difficult times and celebrate their successes in Canada.
Natasha Schartner (she/her)
Marketing and Communications Department Coordinator
Natasha oversees the Marketing and Communications department, promoting SECC’s mission and programs while ensuring clear and effective communication with the community. With a background in media design and computer science, she blends creativity with technical expertise to develop engaging marketing strategies. Natasha’s journey to this role was shaped by her volunteer work and passion for community impact. She is dedicated to SECC’s inclusive approach, ensuring that everyone who seeks help feels supported. Seeing the direct impact of her work in connecting people to SECC’s programs is what she finds most rewarding.
Mariana Harrietha (she/her)
Career Hub Department Coordinator
As the Department Coordinator for SECC’s Career Hub, Mariana manages the Employment Ontario program, leads a dedicated team, and serves as a key liaison with community partners and funders. With a strong background in the not-for-profit sector, she brings valuable expertise in trauma-informed care, advocacy, and program leadership, supporting a range of communities, including families, youth, individuals with disabilities, and international students. Since joining SECC in December 2023, Mariana has thrived in the organization’s collaborative and supportive environment, finding fulfillment in helping clients reach employment and training goals. Driven by her passion for growth and connection, she focuses on building strong relationships and leading by example to ensure success for both her team and the community.
Mark Wybenga (he/him)
Volunteer Services Department Coordinator
Mark is the Volunteer Services Department Coordinator at SECC, overseeing volunteer recruitment, screening, onboarding, and recognition, as well as organizing the annual income tax clinic and Coats for Kids distribution. Mark began his journey at SECC in 1998 and has held various roles, including Employment Consultant and Community Services Department Coordinator, before transitioning to his current position in 2022. Mark values the opportunity to connect with colleagues and community members and finds it rewarding to help individuals discover meaningful ways to give back through volunteering.
Rachelle Ligotino (she/her)
Community Home Support Services Department Coordinator
Rachelle oversees the Community Home Support Services Department, including programs such as Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Program, Lend a Hand, Friendly Visiting, Security Checks, Transit Services, and the case management team. She enjoys working with SECC’s diverse and passionate team and finds it rewarding to support vulnerable populations, especially seniors and persons with disabilities. Rachelle values SECC’s comprehensive, collaborative approach to client care, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Vicki Noland (she/her)
Children & Youth Services Department Coordinator
Vicki oversees the Children and Youth Department serving children and youth in our community through a variety of services, including Junior and Senior Youth, Summer Camp and After School programming. With 15 years of experience as a Registered Early Childhood Educator in licensed childcare, she has worked with children of all ages, from infants to school-aged kids. Her favorite part of working at SECC is watching people succeed, and she finds it most rewarding to see children and youth achieve milestones, such as reading their first book, passing exams, and graduating from school. Vicki believes the unwavering commitment of the staff to their clients’ wellbeing sets SECC apart from other organizations.
Yinghua Zhao (she/her)
Language and Learning Services Department Coordinator
As Department Coordinator of Language and Learning at SECC, Yinghua oversees the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program and the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. With two years of experience as an LBS instructor at SECC, Yinghua’s passion for empowering students and facilitating their growth has shaped her journey to coordinator. She finds fulfillment in helping newcomers and community members develop language skills, integrate into the community, and achieve their goals. Yinghua values SECC’s mission of “Helping people, improving lives,” and takes pride in contributing to its impactful work.