People Of The Volunteer Well Community

The Volunteer Well board members and officers, instructors, and other team members are devoted to serving humanity with kindness, inclusivity, and compassion. Learn more about our team below. Hover your mouse over our pictures and click to read our full bios and stories.

Board of Directors & Officers

the volunteer well board of directors

Shabnam Naz Ansari

CEO & President

Meet Shabnam Naz Ansari, a remarkable individual whose journey is an inspiring blend of resilience, expertise, and compassion. With a multifaceted background ...

Read More

Shabnam Naz Ansari

CEO & President

Shannon Downey

Director Legal & Board Secretary Board

Shannon Downey brings a wealth of legal and administrative expertise to her role as Director of Legal and Board Secretary at The Volunteer Well. With over 15 years of experience in providing legal support and administrative assistance across various sectors, Shannon is well-equipped to support the charity’s mission through her strategic guidance and organizational skills. Shannon graduated with Honors from the Paralegal Program at Maritime Business College in 2007 and has since held numerous roles supporting senior leaders, including board members and executive directors. Her experience spans legal assistance in both child protection and litigation, as well as executive administration within public works and cultural institutions. Most recently, Shannon served as an Administrative Coordinator for the Town of Grimsby’s Public Works department, where she provided senior-level support, managed complex schedules, and played a crucial role in departmental project management and process improvement initiatives. Shannon’s technical proficiency includes advanced skills in tools like Microsoft Office, Amicus Attorney, Aderant, and PC Law, complemented by her exceptional organizational abilities and strong communication skills. Her training in project management, professional minute-taking, and emergency operations further enhances her capability to manage diverse administrative and legal tasks. With her hands-on approach to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion, Shannon has also been actively involved in various training programs that support these values. Her dedication to efficient, high-quality service aligns perfectly with The Volunteer Well’s commitment to empowering communities and promoting unity. In her role at The Volunteer Well, Shannon’s extensive experience, combined with her passion for community service, makes her a valuable asset as she contributes to the charity’s mission of creating a world of abundance, partnerships, and possibilities for all

Shannon Downey
Director Legal & Board Secretary

Shahbaz Mamdani

Director EDI, Communications & PR

Shahbaz is an award-winning communications and marketing strategist known for his work in advocacy and community engagement. His impressive background includes impactful roles with the Toronto Queer Film Festival, Pride Toronto, and the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, where he developed communication strategies for marginalized communities. In the CSR realm, Shahbaz led the celebrated ‘Sparkling Eyes’ campaign, recognized with the Fulcrum Award for Best CSR Campaign, which helped over 65,000 students access early vision care. His dedication shines through his advocacy for organizations like BeADonor, Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, and the The PrEP Clinic, championing support for 2SLGBTQI+ communities and fighting HIV/AIDS.

Shahbaz Mamdani
Director EDI, Communications & PR

Djénéba Diallo

I am a 24-year-old full time student in Quebec’s college system, studying accounting, horticulture and landscaping. I’m a French-Malian citizen, I have the double nationalities and was brought up by two different cultures.

Read More

Djénéba Diallo
Member of Board of Directors

Amelia Vellozo

Amelia V is a dedicated and accomplished professional who has recently taken on the Board of Director role and volunteered at WQT Masjid. With an extensive background in finance and accounting, ...

Read More

Amelia Vellozo
Member of Board of Directors

Meet our Instructors

Abbee Lozecki

Fitness Instructor For Children

Abbee Lozecki, third year student at Dyouville University. She is currently enrolled in the ESS to Chiro program..

Read More

Abbee Lozecki
Fitness Instructor For Children

Eli Petrou - Johnston

Art Instructor

Currently working at Art and You Grimsby, Eli is working towards getting into art school for concept art and illustration. He works with ink, watercolour and graphite to draw and paint people...

Read More

Eli Petrou - Johnston
Art Instructor

Kim McCurlie

Fitness Instructor For Seniors

With more than 10 years of experience as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer, Kim aspires to inspire others. Kim's been teaching a full-body, strength training class 3x a week for the past 11 years, and since 2020 ...

Read More

Kim McCurlie
Fitness Instructor For Seniors

Laura Mercanti

Fitness Instructor for Grimsby

With over 15 years of unwavering commitment to the fitness industry, Laura transitioned from a career in hospitality to pursue her true passion.

Read More

Laura Mercanti
Fitness Instructor for Grimsby

Meet our Team

Areej Anees

Program Coordinator- Women

"Over 20 years of sales and customer service experience in Pakistan, Africa and North America Have worked as a Small Business Specialist in Canada in a leading bank for past 9 years.

Read More

Areej Anees
Program Coordinator- Women

Helene Maria Orsanic

Women Program Coordinator

Helen has an impressive list of achievements, including a Masters of Education degree specializing in Religion and a Principal Certificate.

Read More

Helene Maria Orsanic
Women Program Coordinator

Ahmar Hussain

Treasurer & Head of Accounts

With over 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and insurance, Mr. Ahmar Hussain is a seasoned senior insurance broker in Ontario. His expertise has garnered him a distinguished industry reputation. Community Engagement: Driven by a profound purpose, Mr. Ahmar actively contributes to and volunteers within Ontario's local communities. As a Board Director at WQT Masjid, Ontario, he plays a vital role in the organization's initiatives. Excellence Legacy: Mr. Ahmar's 25-year tenure in Ontario's insurance sector has solidified his reputation for excellence. He has nurtured close relationships with clients and families, exhibiting advanced knowledge, community focus, adept problem-solving, and effective team leadership. Guiding Philosophy: Mr. Ahmar's philosophy, "You do not have to be smart all the time; you can be smart when it is important, necessary and required, stay simple, go along with the program and look for betterment within the program as a team player," underscores his simplicity, collaboration, and proactive approach to improvement. Visionary Contribution: As a visionary within WQT Masjid, Mr. Ahmar aligns closely with the organization's vision. His continuous project involvement reflects his belief in the nobility of volunteering for societal benefit. Passionate Supporter: Mr. Ahmar's lifelong commitment to helping others is evident in his support for friends, family, and strangers alike. His genuine concern for humanity harmonizes seamlessly with WQT Masjid's mission. Invaluable Asset: Combining his professional expertise and community dedication, Mr. Ahmar is an indispensable asset to WQT Masjid. His commitment to teamwork, assistance, and strategic enhancement bolsters the organization's community welfare initiatives.

Read More

Ahmar Hussain
Treasurer & Head of Accounts

Javed Chaudry

Mr. Javed Chaudry, a seasoned professional embarking on a volunteering journey, is one of the Volunteers at WQT Masjid, Ontario. Mr. Javed is a distinguished scholar with Master's degrees in Physics, Electrical Engineering ...

Read More

Javed Chaudry
Lead Public Relations & Customer Services

Connie Kroskin

Board Advisor & Consultant

Connie Kroskin joins The Volunteer Well as a Board Consultant, bringing over 25 years of expertise in marketing, branding, and board management to her volunteer role. With a background that spans top agencies, Fortune 100 companies, and her own consulting business, Connie’s diverse experience and strategic insights are invaluable as she advises on the effective recruitment, management, and operations of a nonprofit board. Connie’s career began with a decision to pursue commercial art over fine arts—a choice that led her to excel as an Art Director and Creative Director. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of clients, including B2B, B2C, and retail, as well as led branding initiatives for multi-billion-dollar businesses. Since 2010, Connie has focused on consulting for small businesses, where her direct communication style and passion for clear, concise marketing have proven instrumental in driving growth and engagement. Beyond her professional endeavors, Connie is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion and has dedicated considerable time to volunteering. She currently serves with Women Venture, helping to empower women entrepreneurs, and has held various board positions, including Vice President of Minnesota Mensa and Chair of SCORE South Metro Chapter, where she is now Emeritus. Her extensive board experience includes roles in finance, marketing, PR, and as a Board Secretary and Treasurer across multiple organizations. As a consultant to The Volunteer Well, Connie’s expertise in board governance and strategic planning will support the organization’s mission to empower communities and foster unity. Her dedication to promoting equity and supporting nonprofits reflects her deep commitment to making a positive impact. In addition to her professional achievements, Connie is an award-winning artist and a proud New Yorker at heart, known for her straightforward approach—a trait that complements her passion for impactful marketing and effective communication.

Read More

Connie Kroskin
Board Advisor & Consultant

Ron Martin

Finance & Accounts Manager

Born in the Uk and emigrated to Canada in 1979. "My wife and I have a large family that is very important to us.

Read More

Ron Martin
Finance & Accounts Advisor

Ky Sargeant

EDI Consultant

Ky, a professional EDI consultant and educator, brings a unique, empathetic approach to WQT Masjid.

Read More

Ky Sargeant
EDI Consultant

Waseem Ahmed

Experienced Financial Analyst

Mr. Waseem is a seasoned financial analyst with a proven track record of excellence in financial accounting, planning, analysis, and management.

Read More

Waseem Ahmed
Membership & Registrations Lead