Heather Brown

Heather Brown is serving her first term for 2024-2027. She is a two-time graduate of Durham College (DC); Social Service Worker, Class of 2021, and ’22 Human Resource Management, Class of 2022; and is the Curriculum Coordinator for Queen’s University Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program in Oshawa. With multiple years of experience in a post-secondary setting, including serving as Entrepreneurship Coordinator for DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and President of Enactus DC, Heather looks forward to applying her organizational, program development and exceptional communication skills to the DCAA Board of Directors. In addition to other volunteer work, she is currently serving as League Coordinator at National and Regional Expositions for Enactus Canada. Heather was the recipient of the Doris and Gordon Willey Founders Cup of Excellence and DCAA Leaders of the Future Award.

Cassie-Jean Dillon

Cassie-Jean Dillon is serving her second term for 2024-2027. She has served the DCAA Board for the past three years in a variety of roles including lead of the Indigenous Alumni Network and is Past President of the Board. Cassie-Jean is no stranger to the college as she has been a lifelong learner with Durham College (DC) since the 1980s. In 2018, she graduated from the Fitness and Health program with Honours and in April 2022, graduated from Trent University with Honours with a dual major in Sociology and Indigenous Studies. Currently, Cassie-Jean works as a Release from Custody Worker at the Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre embracing Indigenous ancestral ways of wellbeing with a focus on holistic healing, wellness and Indigenous culture. During her time at DC, Cassie-Jean volunteered as a mentor for Indigenous students and was a Culture Activities Assistant at Suswaaning Endaajig.

Kyle Douglas

Kyle Douglas is currently serving his first term for 2022-2025. Kyle graduated from the Business Administration Human Resources program in 2011 and is co-owner of DKI-CRCS, a second-generation family owned and operated company that specializes in disaster restoration. Since 1979, DKI-CRCS’ team of professionals have specialized in state-of-the-art remediation and restoration of buildings and contents damaged by fire, smoke, water, wind, oil spills, sewer contamination, and break-ins/vandalism. Kyle not only supports his community through the family business but he has committed his entire career to serving his community. He has been involved in community organizations such as the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (Past President and Board Director since 2011); community fundraisers for Lakeridge Health Foundation; Epilepsy Durham; and Police Appreciation Dinner & Awards Committee. Kyle is an avid cyclist and was the Canadian National Champion in 2006. 

Paul Fritzsch

Paul Fritzsch is currently serving his first term for 2023-2026. Paul is a recent graduate (2023) from the Horticultural – Food and Farming program. After a 20-year career in software technology, he decided to follow a life-long passion for agriculture and return to college. Paul participated in the Student Work program where he gained invaluable experience in his role as Community and Edible Gardens Ambassador representing the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture. During his last semester, he co-founded an urban agriculture company, Urban Farm Solutions, with a mission to help create holistic communities that are food-sovereign and connected with the health of their own environments. By transforming underutilized urban greenspaces into productive and beautiful market gardens, much of the food grown can be donated to local food banks and care organizations.

Jesara Holla

Jesara Holla is currently serving her first term for 2023-2026 and is Vice President 1 on the Board. Jesara graduated from the Print Journalism program in 2006 and is Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs for Ontario Power Generation (OPG). During her time with OPG, she has worked on mega nuclear projects including the Pickering Refurbishment, Darlington Refurbishment and she currently oversees all external engagement on OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project and New Nuclear Growth in Ontario, Canada and internationally. In her role, she is liaison with all levels of government, various educational institutions, community, thought leaders and the public to educate, engage and foster support for new nuclear growth across the country and beyond.  She is currently completing a B.P.A, Professional Communications at Athabasca University in Alberta.

Talia Lane

Talia Lane is serving her first term for 2024-2027. She is a graduate of the Journalism program, Class of 2000, and is currently Vice-President, Marketing & Business Initiatives for Matheis Financial Group in Pickering. Talia has been involved for the past five years with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade (APBOT) as a Director, President in 2022 and 2023, and most recently appointed as Chair. She looks forward to using this valuable experience of collaborating with a team of experts in diverse domains on committee and task force initiatives with the common goal of enriching the business community and re-connecting with our alumni who live and work in the Durham Region. Talia was a 2022 Finalist for Whitby Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year and is an active Restoring Kindness Canada Task Force member. Annually, she organizes and executes a charity softball tournament with proceeds donated to The Raphael Chang Memorial Canadian Tire Jumpstart Fund.

Patrick Lyver

Patrick Lyver is currently serving his first term for 2023-2026. Patrick graduated from the Graphic Design program in 2002 and is Founder and President of Kleurvision Inc., a boutique digital brand design agency. Patrick founded his company in 2004 and has helped hundreds of businesses, from small to enterprise, solve brand communications problems. He is known for being a creative director and marketing experimenter and together with his talented team (including several DC graduates) they grow businesses. Patrick co-founded Startup Durham Region in 2016 which helps entrepreneurs navigate the ecosystem to speed access to investment, support, resources, mentors, networks, information, talent, and customers. He is also co-founder of Access IO, an invitation-only, high-energy and high-impact event series focused on sourcing new technologies, investing, supporting innovation, and growing the Canadian economy. In 2024 Patrick helped to launch Angel Investors Durham to help bring accredited investors together to bridge the financial gap that many startup founders face when scaling their businesses.

jennifer mccool-closs

Jennifer McCool-Closs is currently serving her first term 2022-2025. Jennifer describes herself as a life-long learner as she first earned a Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph in 2005 and went on to obtain her Primary Care Paramedic Diploma in 2007 from Durham College (DC). She continued with DC and was the highest-ranking graduate when she received her Advanced Care Paramedic Graduate Certificate in 2011. In 2020, she obtained a Master of Science, Healthcare Quality, from Queen’s University. She continues to take courses to expand her knowledge and is currently a PhD student at Queen’s.  She was involved with the Paramedic program at DC for nine years holding various roles including teaching courses, clinical and practical capacities. Jennifer received the Alumni of Distinction Award in 2014 and is currently a Superintendent of Professional Standards for Toronto Paramedic Services.

Gaia Ninzatti

Gaia Ninzatti is serving her first term filling a one-year term vacancy, 2024-2025. She is a recent graduate, Class of 2023, with an Advanced Diploma in Public Relations and Strategic Communications. As an international student from Italy, Gaia is eager to bring her unique perspective and experiences to the Board, helping to represent international students and graduates. Gaia’s diverse background spans multiple fields and cultures, enriching her perspective and approach. This global experience has equipped her with unique insights and adaptability, which she leverages to drive meaningful outcomes in her work. During her time at Durham College, Gaia interned with organizations such as Dress for Success, a global nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence, and Global Public Affairs, Canada’s leading government relations and strategic communications firm. She is now the Community Engagement Associate for Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health. A passionate storyteller, Gaia has expertise in all areas of communications, marketing, social media, event planning and design.

Drew Samuels

Drew Samuels is currently serving his first term for 2022-2025 and is President on the Board. Drew graduated from the Paralegal program in 2011 building on his education from Carleton University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Criminology, Concentration in Law in 2010. He returned to Carleton University to earn a second Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Minor in Law in 2012. Drew has been a part-time professor in the Paralegal program at Durham College since January 2016 and enjoys educating students as well as equipping them with the skills to use in their career after graduation. In particular, he has had the opportunity to directly supervise field placement students assisting them in fulfilling their requirements with the Law Society of Ontario and has hired numerous graduates from Durham College.  His volunteer work includes Ottawa Crisis Centre, Mental Health Crisis Line and in April 2021, he was elected Chair of the Durham Community Legal Clinic Board of Directors.  Drew is currently the Director, Litigation and Administration at DMA-DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Inc.

Christy stone-curry

Christy Stone-Curry is currently serving her first term for 2023-2026. Christy graduated from the Human Resource Management program in 1997 and is an entrepreneur and proprietor of the Piano Inn & Café in Port Perry. Over the past twenty years, Christy has developed her business into one of the top-rated restaurants in the area with an inn that is especially popular among tourists. As an entrepreneur, Christy has developed a second business working with the film industry using her restaurant as a backdrop and location for filming television shows, commercials, and movies. Working with a Durham College Project Management class, she provided students with an opportunity to gain business experience and find ways to increase filming at her location recognizing the important economic impact this industry also brings to the Port Perry community. Christy is a dedicated community leader serving as three-time president of Port Perry BIA and Rotary Club and is a recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee award for volunteerism.

Prachi Verma

Prachi Verma is serving her first term for 2024-2027 and is Vice President 2 on the Board. Prachi is a recent Durham College (DC) graduate, Class of 2024, and has completed two programs, Project Management and Data Analytics for Business Decision Making. In addition to her DC education, she holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from India. Prachi is a seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of overall experience. Her expertise spans technology, IT program and portfolio management, as well as data management and digital transformation initiatives. She is currently working as Manager – IT Shared Services for ONxpress Operations Inc. where she is responsible for IT Supply Portfolio Management for On-Corridor GO Rails Works. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to collaboration and engagement. She reflects the core values of the DCAA by her active participation and engagement in alumni events, volunteering in various capacities including as a DC Crew member at the college, and as a Women in Data Science Ambassador for the Oshawa region. She has also previously served as Vice President, Public Relations at Corporate International Toastmaster Club and was a Student Representative at DCAA Board of Directors.