About Us
The Ottawa Safety Council is a not-for-profit organization offering an array of programs and services to the residents of Ottawa. Our programs include Motorcycle Training and School Zone Safety (Crossing Guards, Pedestrian Safety, Walking School Bus, and Bicycle Safety).
About OSC
Our History
Our Mission
EMPLOYED CROSSING GUARDS
HOURS OF EXPERIENCE OUR MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTORS HAVE SINCE 1967
Media Queries
For interviews, speaking engagements, information and other media-related queries regarding the Ottawa Safety Council’s road safety programs, initiatives, and resources, please contact Jamie Kwong at jamie.kwong@ottawasafetycouncil.ca or 613.238.1513 ext. 223
Meet our Team
OTTAWA BRANCH
Jamie Kwong
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
613-238-1513 ext. 223
jamie.kwong@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
Jamie is a seasoned community leader with over a decade of experience driving positive change. As Executive Director of organizations like the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, Vanier Business Improvement Area, and Orléans Chamber of Commerce, she has demonstrated a proven ability to foster growth, build partnerships, and advocate for community needs.
With a Master’s degree in criminology from the University of Ottawa, she understands the importance of preventative measures and creating inclusive, thriving communities.
Kelly Banks
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
613-238-1513 ext. 225
kelly.banks@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
Ottawa’s roads connect Kelly to everything important in her life – family, friends, work and play. Whether she is biking, walking or driving, her most precious cargo is her son, Corbin, and her number one priority is his safety.
“Everyone we encounter on our roads share similar priorities, they have children, partners, family and friends that care about them, and we all play a part in making sure they get home safely.”
Sherry Cashman
FINANCE MANAGER
613-238-1513 ext. 222
sherry.cashman@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
Sherry is an avid road user. Whether she is commuting daily into Ottawa or leisurely biking, or walking down nearby rural roads, she appreciates the value of road safety advocacy. And when she is not on the road, you can find her snowmobiling in the winter or travelling to a beach in the summer.
Brian Robertson
Program Manager, School Zone Safety
613-238-1513 ext. 232
brian.robertson@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
Brian has lived in small rural communities and in large major cities across Ontario. If there is one thing he knows, it is driving where the streets are busy with all sorts of travelers. Brian has over 20 years working with the community and at the forefront of his work is teaching children, youth and families valuable life skills, such as safety. Safety of all travellers is everyone’s responsibility and it involves prevention, promotion and preservation.
Kristi Reynolds
SENIOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY
613-238-1513 ext. 229
kristi.reynolds@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
Kristi is a communications graduate of Algonquin College and she is eager to connect with members of the community to promote road safety for all road users in Ottawa. Kristi takes pride in collaborating with the Ottawa Safety Council team to deliver quality education and awareness to all. Outside of the office, Kristi enjoys being active outdoors and spending time with family.
Deepshikha Saxena
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY
613-238-1513 ext. 237
deepshikha.saxena@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
Deepshikha is a seasoned professional who brings 13 years of experience within and outside Canada. She has worked with multinationals, federal and provincial regulated sectors. Meeting timelines is her super power. She believes all roads lead to home and that increases everyone’s responsibility a wee bit more towards the community. She is an avid reader, plant lover and enjoys meditation.
Ella Trolly
OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
613-238-1513 ext. 235
ella.trolly@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
A safety patrol skater at 15, the bright orange safety vest has been part of Ella’s uniform since the beginning. Since then, she has been personally and professionally hooked on promoting safety, health, and wellness for all. Her professional experience comes from over 10 years working in a range of human service and not-for-profit sectors.
Ella is a dual citizen of Canada and Ireland and a Band Member of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, as well as a passionate 2SLGBTQIA+ Ally. In her spare time, you can catch her walking in the woods with her family.
Dominique Rutherford
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
613-238-1513 ext. 231
drutherford@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
Growing up in a rural area of Ottawa before moving to an urban centre, Dominique appreciates the different elements of Ottawa’s infrastructure and charm. “Our roads help us stay connected to others and the beauty of our community. It’s important that we remember their value and have consideration for one another’s safety”
Christine Tambeau
MOTORCYCLE TRAINING PROGRAM COORDINATOR
613-238-1513 ext. 228
christine.tambeau@ottawasafetycouncil.ca
Christine grew up riding motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs around her family home in Quebec. She tried her brother’s dirt bike when she was 12 years old, and the love for two wheels grew from there. “I enjoy riding my motorcycle around Ottawa but find the most pleasure in taking the long way through the winding country roads.”
TORONTO BRANCH
Lorie Drover
OPERATIONS MANAGER
416-250-7287 ext. 301
lorie.drover@schoolzonesafety.org
With a career spanning over two decades, Lorie has held key roles in various sectors, including food service, hospitality, and grocery. With a degree from McGill University and a diploma in Culinary Arts, Lorie has a collaborative approach to leadership, and has successfully managed and led large, diverse teams, orchestrating seamless operations that prioritize both efficiency and excellence and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Witnessing and addressing different types of injuries and accidents has instilled in her a proactive approach to safety management.
She is so excited to work for the OSC, supporting dedicated crossing guards, where her work focuses on prevention and reflects a broader commitment to community safety.
Leanne D’souza
SENIOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR, SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY
416-250-7287 ext. 302
coordinatorTOR@schoolzonesafety.org
Leanne brings a wealth of experience in sales and customer service from the dynamic travel industry. Beyond the professional realm, she often immerses herself in a good book and loves experimenting in the kitchen with music always playing in the background. Her true joy lies in exploring new destinations and cultures, making each journey an opportunity for growth and discovery.
Gowtham Gokaraju
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Dedicated Program Coordinator with a background in project management and business administration. With experience in quality assurance and scheduling, he brings strong organizational skills to the team. Gowtham is passionate about road safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement in service operations
OTTAWA BRANCH
Stewart Kerr
OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Stewart grew up in Regina Saskatchewan and completed a B.A. in History at the University of Regina. After graduating, he worked in international development for 3 years and completed a Masters Degree from Trinity College Dublin Ireland in 2018. Covid 19 caused a work transition from International Development to local and national nonprofits in Ottawa. Stewart has a keen interest in the work and structure of nonprofit organizations. He currently sits on the board of directors for a Canadian Charity and volunteers in his community.
Justin Bryne
ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM COORDINATOR
A background working in non-profit organizations and the human services field, with a focus on fostering connections between people and their communities. I truly believe everyone has the potential to make a meaningful contribution when given the chance!
As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m always looking for fun activities and new locations to enjoy all the different seasons. Also, a passionate lifelong pedestrian, whether it be simply getting around or taking my dog for long walks.
Marissa Morgan
PROGRAM COORDINATOR – ADULT CROSSING GUARD PROGRAM
With 15 years’ experience in special education and social services, Marissa is passionate about supporting communities and creating safer, more inclusive public spaces. She enjoys connecting with people and making a difference where it matters most. She loves spending her downtime at the cottage with her family, swimming, kayaking, and crafting.
Meet our Board of Directors
Lori Henderson
CHAIR
Vice President - Treasury and Cash Management, RBC
Lori, originally from Atlantic Canada, moved to Ontario in 2005 where she learned how to ride a motorcycle on the winding roads of Northern Ontario soon realizing the need for road safety. Cyclists, whether motorized or not need to be the most defensive when on the roads. Living in Ottawa for the past 12 years and careers as a banker and entrepreneur for the past 19 years Lori brings her finance knowledge to OSC and hopes to help in the growth of the organization and sees the importance of advocating for safer roads. A mom to a daughter and 2 stepsons that are now adults, Lori watched her children walk to and from school, benefiting from the crossing guard program and keeping them safe.
Dave Donaldson
VICE-CHAIR
Managing Partner, Bo’ness Management Consulting Inc.
Dave Donaldson is the retired Dean of the School of Business at Algonquin College with over 20 years as a senior college administrator in Vancouver and Ottawa, following a career with several organizations in senior marketing roles. Community activity includes the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, Association of Canadian Business Schools, Tourism Development Council of Ottawa Tourism, and a past director with that organization. He is currently the Board chair of Shepherds of Good Hope.
Lucille Perrault
TREASURER
Lucille Perreault is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in finance, strategy, and IT. She holds a PhD in Management from Carleton University, an MBA from Queen's University, and a CPA designation. Currently the owner and CFO of Essiac from Canada International, she has a strong track record in building high-performance teams, implementing strategic initiatives, and driving profitability across various industries. Lucille is also a bilingual professional, fluent in both French and English, and has taught at the university level, providing her expertise in accounting and taxation.
Nathalie Guthrie
TREASURER
Director, HR at CENGN
Nathalie is the Human Resources Director for the Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN), who has a strong passion for promoting safety and wellness in the workplace. As an executive of the CENGN organization, she has extensive experience in leadership, strategy, and governance, which are essential qualities for a board member. She also has a proven track record of creating and implementing effective policies and procedures that promote ethical practices and compliance. As a wife and mother of 2 children who bus, walk and/or bike to school, Nathalie is personally invested in road safety in her community.
Subhir Uppal
DIRECTOR
Subhir brings over 20 years of real estate experience to his role as CEO of property technology firm, uppaBe.com. He also serves as President of home builder Metro Homes and teaches business courses with many institutions. Subhir is an enthusiastic volunteer who loves to share his experience with nonprofit groups, such as youth mentoring with Junior Achievers. Subhir has an MBA and Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Subhir along with his wife and toddler son are very active on their Westboro community roads. He is excited to be a part of OSC for making roads safer for everyone.
Prasath Sarma
DIRECTOR
Prasath is a highly flexible executive with experience in strategic planning, engineering, operations and IT. He enables transformation through cultural change and is committed to organizational and individual success. He has an engineering degree from Ryerson and has lived in Ottawa for the past 15 years.
As a father of 2 school-aged boys, safety is a top priority for Prasath. He loves walking with his dog and going on family bike rides throughout Ottawa. "I'm glad to be part of organizations like OSC that embed the safety culture so we, as a community, can live, work and enjoy our city safely."
Jonathan Thompson
SECRETARY
Jonathan is an experienced lawyer who has spent the majority of his career conducting criminal and regulatory prosecutions on behalf of the Crown. He has extensive courtroom experience related to road safety cases under the Highway Traffic Act and the Criminal Code, as well as taking part in legal education for police officers and university students. Jonathan is an enthusiastic cyclist (and a reluctant runner), and he’s excited about making Ottawa’s roads safer for everyone.
Dwight Stewart
DIRECTOR
Dwight is an experienced professional with a background in Information Technology and Public safety. He has been acknowledged as being a calm and decisive leader under stressful situations, and he has worked as a trainer and mentor to his colleagues.
He Is frequently outdoors and using Ottawa's roadways from driving, to motorcycling, or with family members cycling. He has young children that love the outdoors, and he is enthusiastic about helping to ensure that they and all the members of our community can safely enjoy our beautiful city.
“I could not be happier than to be part of an organization that helps to protect the children that will form our future."
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