Executive Director

Marilyn Matheson 

Born and raised in Ottawa, Marilyn has lived in several cities in Ontario, including Thunder Bay, Windsor, St. Thomas, and London.  Her over thirty years of work and volunteer experience with non-profit and charitable organizations has included health care agencies, art gallery and theatre arts organizations, animal shelters, and food security.   She is a past board member of Harmony House, so she is aware of the great work done by the organization.

Marilyn has two children, her son Ian lives in Ottawa, and her daughter Laureen, son-in-law Matt, and three grandkids live in London, Ontario.

Housing Advocate

Lee-Anne Lee

Lee-Anne is a passionate advocate for women and children whose lives have been impacted by violence. She has worked in the Violence Against Women sector for over 25 years in a variety of positions.

Outreach Advocate

Trysh Smith

So, here’s the thing…I packed all of my belongings into a vehicle and moved from the Maritimes to Ottawa 24 year’s ago. I have my Early Childhood Education and have worked with children most of my adult life in some capacity, and started with Harmony House in 2002 as a childcare worker. I returned to school and received my Social Service Worker intensive program through Algonquin College, and began my role as a Front-line Women’s Advocate 15 year’s ago. I have had many roles at HH over the year’s, all of which I loved and have been privileged to have done. I am currently the Outreach Worker.

I love to travel, my wife, my dog and y kayak. Not necessarily in that order.

Coordinator of Volunteers and Programming

Sherri Ryan

Hello Everyone

I am thrilled to join this compassionate and dedicated team at Harmony House as the new Coordinator of Volunteers and Programming.

My name is Sherri.  I come to this role with a deep passion for supporting and empowering individuals within our community.  Having worked in various volunteer oriented positions, I am honour to now contribute my skills and commintment to facilitating a positive impact on women in need.

I am genuinely looking forward to collaborating to create a nuturing and positive environment that fosters hope and resiliance.  Together, I am confident we will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.  Thank you for welcoming me into this incredible community.

Fundraising and Brand Development Manager

Francesca Davila

As Fundraiser & Brand Development Manager at Harmony House, Francesca spends her days engaging with supporters, volunteers, community partners, and raising more money to make the world a better place. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University Javeriana.   

With over 10 years of marketing, fundraising and development experience, a passionate heart and insightful mind, she brings new approaches to donor stewardship, events and Legacy Giving programs. Her focus is on helping and empowering women and children fleeing violence, by leading and implementing the fundraising plan, brand development, creating awareness, growth and success. 

Originally from Bogota – Colombia, Francesca has lived in Canada since 2007. When not at work serving others, she likes spending time with her family, enjoying nature, exercising and dancing!

Childcare Worker

Deka Hersi

Deka has worked with HH for the past year. In 2021, we were able to secure enough funding to welcome Deka as a Part-Time employee. Deka has a special way of making each child feel loved and secure – especially as they navigate their new lives.

Bookeeper

Debbie Sprowl

Debbie has a strong background in non-profit financial roles, including donor management databases and financial software. She is a mom of two adult children and enjoys doing family history research. Working at Harmony House helping others make a new start to their lives is close to her heart. She is busy as she also manages a small nonprofit seniors’ residence.

Safety & Environment Coordinator

Sandi Laydu

My name is Sandi Laydu and I have always had a passion for helping people in any way that I can. I was a personal support worker for seniors with disabilities for 9 years and found great pleasure in doing this.

Here, at Harmony House, I am the Safety and Environment Coordinator and I have the great pleasure to be able to aid with the transitional housing of very brave women and precious children who have managed to flee from violence and are on their quest to a safe and independent future.  The women that pass through Harmony House are from all different avenues in life but two things they all have in common is their courage and their absolute right to live in a safe environment.  I get to help with this by ensuring that their Interim stay with us is positive and comfortable.

I am honored to be a part of their big journey – Here’s to women empowering women.

Women’s and Family Advocate

Anette Quarcoopome

I am enthusiastic about making an impact in the lives women and families and I am currently serving as a Women’s and Family Advocate at Harmony House. Armed with a degree in Social Work and actively pursuing my Masters, my journey in the field has been defined by a commitment to supporting and empowering individuals facing challenging circumstances. At Harmony House, I play a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and well-being of women and families fleeing abuse. This position allows me to merge my academic knowledge with hands-on experience, providing emotional support, resources, and guidance to those navigating difficult situations.  My goal is to contribute to social justice through direct intervention and advocacy. Every day at Harmony House is an opportunity to make a tangible impact, and I am excited about the continued journey of learning, growth, and advocacy that lies ahead.

Mental Health Worker

Jessica Breault (she/her), MA, RP

Jessica has been working in the mental health field for 7 years, and is passionate about providing accessible and trauma-informed counselling support. She completed a Master’s Degree in Counselling and is a Registered Psychotherapist. Jessica provides feminist, strengths-based counselling services to current residents as well as former residents that are transitioning into the community. Outside of work Jessica loves dancing, gardening, and buying too many books. 

Director of Finance and Administration

Susan Hopkinson

Born in Ottawa, Susan is a graduate of Carleton University with her Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree. She has worked extensively in the non-profit sector for more than 25 years.

Starting in the 1990s Susan worked to raise funds for Inuit causes particularly in support of the formation of Nunavut.  This was followed by 15 years working as a Training and Management Consultant through her own company – JanSu Communications.  She offered Computer Training, Computer Support, Database Development and Management, and Accounting Services to the non-profit sector.

Susan had the opportunity to travel north to James Bay to conduct computer training, and also worked in the Aboriginal community in Ottawa for many years.  She developed many database systems including those for Radiothons, fundraising, and Social Services program delivery.  Most notably was the development of a database system to coordinate Christmas Giving. This system enabled some 300 agencies in Ottawa to coordinate with each other to ensure that as many people as possible received assistance at Christmas while minimize duplication of service.  

Susan has been an active Rotarian since 2001 has been Treasurer of her club for many years, and is a Past President.  Through her Rotary Club she was involved in building a playground where children of all abilities could play. Susan dedicates herself to volunteering in her spare time.

In January 2024, Susan joined Harmony House as Director of Finance and Administration.