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About

Vision

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CK Pride’s vision is to create an inclusive community in Chatham-Kent where everyone is empowered to engage in a culture that is safe, inquisitive, empathetic, and accessible, irrespective of their sex, gender, or sexual identity.

Goals

1

Increased knowledge & awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ lives & issues

2

Increased safe access to services

3

Increased organizational capacity

4

Increased coordination & collaboration

 

5

Reduced stigma & discrimination

6

Enhanced engagement & inclusion

7

Strengthened community capacity

8

Improved health, well-being, sense of belonging & life quality for 2SLGBTQIA+

Board of Directors

All members of the Board of Directors, including the President and Vice President, serve as volunteers. Directors are selected through a vote conducted by the remaining board members and are offered training and capacity-building opportunities. The President and Vice President are elected by the CK Pride membership during the Annual General Meeting.

Social Events Co-Chair. Paige brings heart, humor, & a whole lot of personality to her role as a mentor at Abode Respite in Essex. Passionate about human rights & creating a positive space for everyone around her, she’s as dedicated as she is down-to-earth. Outside of work, you’ll find her adding to her tattoo collection, living up to her title as the local muppet, & spending every possible moment with her dog, Marshall—her ride or die. With Paige, there’s never a dull moment, just plenty of laughs & genuine care.

Paige Butt

Social Events Co-Chair. Paige brings heart, humor, & a whole lot of personality to her role as a mentor at Abode Respite in Essex. Passionate about human rights & creating a positive space for everyone around her, she’s as dedicated as she is down-to-earth. Outside of work, you’ll find her adding to her tattoo collection, living up to her title as the local muppet, & spending every possible moment with her dog, Marshall—her ride or die. With Paige, there’s never a dull moment, just plenty of laughs & genuine care.
President. Nathan (wearing the hat) currently works as a peer support & program engagement facilitator for the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health. Nathan has a PhD in Anthropology & is a member of the Bothwell Optimists. Nathan loves long walks with his partner, spending time with chosen family, & helping cater meals!

Nathan Dawthorne (any/all)

President. Nathan (wearing the hat) currently works as a peer support & program engagement facilitator for the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health. Nathan has a PhD in Anthropology & is a member of the Bothwell Optimists. Nathan loves long walks with his partner, spending time with chosen family, & helping cater meals!
Social Events Co-Chair. Lisa is a mom, a proud ally, & always ready with a free hug for anyone who needs it. She's the partner-in-crime to Todd, & the proud GiGi to Marshall, her fur grandbaby who fills her days with all the puppy love. When she’s not spoiling Marshall, Lisa can be found glamping under the stars, enjoying the great outdoors while still having all the comforts of home. A passionate volunteer at Abode Respite, she’s always looking for ways to give back to the community that’s close to her heart. Lisa is also a proud aunt to her chosen family—those special people who have become her everything. With a heart as big as her spirit, Lisa is all about spreading love, support, & joy wherever she goes!

Lisa Diesbourg (she/her)

Social Events Co-Chair. Lisa is a mom, a proud ally, & always ready with a free hug for anyone who needs it. She’s the partner-in-crime to Todd, & the proud GiGi to Marshall, her fur grandbaby who fills her days with all the puppy love. When she’s not spoiling Marshall, Lisa can be found glamping under the stars, enjoying the great outdoors while still having all the comforts of home. A passionate volunteer at Abode Respite, she’s always looking for ways to give back to the community that’s close to her heart. Lisa is also a proud aunt to her chosen family—those special people who have become her everything. With a heart as big as her spirit, Lisa is all about spreading love, support, & joy wherever she goes!
Vice President. Bryan is a graduate from King's College, London Ontario where he studied English Literature & History. This only reinforced his obsessive passion for books. When he isn't reading he loves being creative through art, crafts & writing. The experience of living with authenticity has become integral for Bryan & his shared desire to help others through empowerment & empathy.

Bryan Edds (he/him)

Vice President. Bryan is a graduate from King’s College, London Ontario where he studied English Literature & History. This only reinforced his obsessive passion for books. When he isn’t reading he loves being creative through art, crafts & writing. The experience of living with authenticity has become integral for Bryan & his shared desire to help others through empowerment & empathy.
Youth Initiatives Chair. They are a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) working in private practice within the community. They enjoy hosting events at CK Pride that are centred around nature, physical activity, the arts, & bringing folks together. She has two dogs & too many houseplants to count!

Emily Taylor (she/they)

Youth Initiatives Chair. They are a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) working in private practice within the community. They enjoy hosting events at CK Pride that are centred around nature, physical activity, the arts, & bringing folks together. She has two dogs & too many houseplants to count!
Treasurer. Michelle has extensive experience in bookkeeping & general admin, along with strong financial & organizational skills. She likes to keep busy, working at RMGeoscience as their Executive Assistant, & volunteering at First Presbyterian Church's breakfast program. A mother of three young adult children & the niece of Bill Brokenshire, the namesake of Bill's Place, Michelle is deeply rooted in her community. She loves animals, being active, & finds joy in helping others & exploring the world with her partner, Jeff.

Michelle Wright (she/her)

Treasurer. Michelle has extensive experience in bookkeeping & general admin, along with strong financial & organizational skills. She likes to keep busy, working at RMGeoscience as their Executive Assistant, & volunteering at First Presbyterian Church’s breakfast program. A mother of three young adult children & the niece of Bill Brokenshire, the namesake of Bill’s Place, Michelle is deeply rooted in her community. She loves animals, being active, & finds joy in helping others & exploring the world with her partner, Jeff.

Collaborating Partners

CK Pride actively promotes cooperative and collaborative partnerships with community organizations. We extend invitations to our partners to attend our monthly board meetings as non-voting participants. This allows for the exchange of pertinent information, including community needs, expansion strategies, and proposals for collaboration.

CK Police Service

Lynette Rosina

CK Police Service
Municipality of Chatham-Kent

Rebecca Haskell-Thomas

Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance

Naty Ramirez Reyes

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance