BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lisa Hewison, Chair

Lisa Hewison is a Superintendent with Peel Regional Police and has been with the service for 28 years. She currently oversees the Airport Division. She brings a wealth of experience and was integral in the implementation of PRP’s Intimate Partner Violence Unit. She is passionate about community service and working with the community to address Violence Against Women and Gender Based Violence. She also is the co-chair of PRP’s Pride Internal Support Network for 2SLGBTQ+ employees. She is the past President of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement and continues to serve as a Board of Trustee member.

Nakiema Palmer, Vice-Chair

Nakiema Palmer, MSc, has lived and served in the Peel community for the last 14 years. She is currently the Director of Early Years and Child Care Services at the Region of Peel. Nakiema brings a wealth of experience in the areas of strategic planning, public policy, program evaluation, performance measurement, research and change management. Prior to migrating to Canada, Nakiema worked in the area of community development in her native Jamaica for a number of years harnessing her skills in stakeholder engagement and leadership. She has a deep passion for the early years and looks forward to this opportunity to serve families in Peel in a new and meaningful way.

Preetha George, Treasurer

Natasha Milijasevic, Secretary

Natasha Milijasevic, MBA, PhD, is the Vice President, Quality and Risk at Extendicare and has 25 years of leadership experience in health care, government and management consulting sectors.  Natasha is currently on the Board of the Peel Children's Aid Society, the Peel Children's Aid Foundation, the Audit Committee of the Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee. She is a past Board member of the The Stranahan Historic Museum and the Canadian Children's Opera Company, and has held various health care and research appointments. 

Jatinder Chera, Member at Large 

Jatinder Chera is a seasoned corporate lawyer with 10+ years of legal experience.  At present, Jatinder is Director, Legal Affairs for Lactalis Canada Inc.  In this role, he advises Lactalis Canada Inc. on various legal matters.  Prior to joining Lactalis Canada Inc., Jatinder had his own legal practice, Chera Law Firm, based in Peel Region and through which he provided legal services to several clients in Peel Region. Prior to his own legal practice, Jatinder was an Associate at a leading Canadian law firm in Toronto. Jatinder welcomes the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children in need of Peel CAS services. Jatinder, his wife and 2 young children are proud residents of Peel Region.

Maqbool Walji, Member at Large

Maqbool Walji is an entrepreneur, a strong advocate for Youth engagement, Mental Health Awareness, Affordable Housing, Crime Prevention Awareness and Public Safety. He is actively involved with the Peel District School Board’s Faith Forward committee, interfaith Council of Peel and food banks. Over the past few years, Maqbool has worked with newcomers and refugee families to help them with settlement in Peel. Maqbool has also been engaged within political and civic engagement and has worked diligently to ensure all voices are heard and all people are at the table when it comes to decisions made about them. Maqbool is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Safe City Mississauga.

Nadine Eugene, Member

Nadine Eugene, CFA brings to the Board over 20 years of Financial Services experience, and a strong financial acumen. Nadine and her family have been residents of Peel since the early 1980s, and she is excited to serve her community through the Peel CAS Board. She has also been an Advisory Board Member of CAUFP for several years.

Nia Garron, Member

Nia Garron is a Senior Director in the Financial Services Industry and brings 25+ years of leadership experience and extensive expertise in risk management - including regulatory risk oversight, governance, and product management. She is a mother, has lived in Peel Region for over 20 years and believes in participating and investing in community as a “village”. Nia welcomes the opportunity to support the families of Peel Region through active engagement in Peel Children’s Aid Society; an organization committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and strengthening families through partnership. 

Atheia Grant, Member

Atheia Grant is system Superintendent of Equity, Indigenous Education and Community Engagement in the Peel District School Board (PDSB). She has served students, caregivers/families and community in Peel Region for over 23 years as Volunteer, Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Vice Principal, Principal and in various system administrative roles. Atheia brings a wealth of leadership experience and passion in creating inclusive environments that support student achievement, safety and wellbeing. She looks forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively to action Peel CAS Strategic Plan 2024-2029 to ensure that children and youth are empowered and thriving. 

Nikita Mann, Member

Manny Panesar, Member

Manny Panesar, MBA, M Eng, has a diverse career in Engineering, Operations, Investor Relations and Finance in leading global teams for an industry leading electronic manufacturing services firm. His focus has been both on strategy and execution in the areas of process and resource optimization, business analytics, financial planning and analysis, and driving continuous improvement.  Manny grew up in Peel and his family have been Peel residents for over 40 years. He believes in contributing to and striving towards a harmonious, prosperous and connected community for all, which includes a safe and secure environment where our younger members can grow and thrive.

Jinnie Sahota, Member

Kathy Skelly, Member

Kathy Skelly is the Director of the Women’s and Children’s Program at Trillium Health Partners, bringing more than 25 years of experience in healthcare focused on advancing the wellbeing of women, children, and youth. Her leadership is rooted in values-based principles and a deep commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that drive meaningful, system-wide improvements. As a new member of the Peel CAS Board, Kathy is dedicated to strengthening family outcomes across the Peel Region by promoting collaborative relationships, innovative approaches, and equitable access to services that support healthy, thriving families.