Bridget Doherty – Executive Director and Lead – Peace and Interfaith Relations
bridget.doherty (at) chco.ca, 416-740-0444, ext. 5
Bridget has a long history of advocating for programs and policies that address climate change, environmental degradation, and poverty. Before joining CHSO, Bridget worked with the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul in Kingston, Ontario as Educator/Organizer: Energy Poverty and the Environment. When she became director of the office, Bridget took on the additional responsibility of advocating for peace. She is the president of the Kingston Interfaith Community and works in collaboration with Peace Quest. She has been a member of Kingston City Council, served on numerous boards including chair of the Kingston Community Legal Clinic and vice-chair of the Kingston Police Services Board. Guided by the Catholic social teachings and the social determinants of health, Bridget is committed to the Centre’s mission: “A world where all experience compassion, justice, and peace in solidarity with creation.”
Aric McBay, Lead – Lead, Climate Justice
aric.mcbay (at) chco.ca, 416-740-0444 ext. 6
Aric McBay is a community organizer, an organic farmer, and author of seven books. He writes and speaks about effective social movements, and has organized many successful campaigns around prisoner justice, Indigenous solidarity, pipelines, and other causes. As a farmer, he first engaged with the Sisters of Providence through their Seed Sanctuary project nearly twenty years ago. He lives just east of Kingston, Ontario, on one of the Thousand Islands.
Kamryn Marsh – Lead, Peace
kamryn.marsh (at) chco.ca, 416-740-0444, ext. 9
Kamryn Marsh (they/them) is a facilitator, trainer, leader, and community organizer. They have been working and volunteering with social and environmental justice organizations and collectives since 2008. Kamryn has served as a Board Member and frontline volunteer, led strategic planning, delivered frontline services, coordinated programming, conducted community-based research, and trained many community members in ‘Trauma-Informed De-escalation’. For the past 8 years, Kamryn has been working with youth with complex challenges and immigrants and refugees, specifically LGBTQI+ refugees. Kamryn enjoys swimming, yoga, meditation, singing, and multi-day hikes.
Patrick Brant – Lead, Indigenous Justice
patrick.brant (at) chco.ca, 416-740-0444
Patrick Brant, a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, has devoted significant effort to rediscovering his Kanyen’kehá:ka heritage. His commitment to Indigenous treaty rights and the accessibility of their benefits motivated him to join the Centre. With a versatile skill set encompassing graphic design, system planning, outreach, and research, Patrick has actively contributed to various social justice endeavours. He is currently working on a portfolio of projects including, a Indigenous community circle, support for northern communities being brought to our city for healthcare, and Indigenous mental health standards. Patrick embraces a comprehensive approach to fostering systemic change. He recognizes the interconnectedness of our community and champions holistic strategies to drive meaningful transformation.
Sayyida Jaffer – Lead, Economic Justice
sayyida.jaffer (at) chco.ca, 416-740-0444, ext. 8
Sayyida believes in a world where everyone can meet their basic needs and live a healthy, self-determined, and meaningful life. She joined the Providence Centre to challenge economic inequality and other injustices facing our communities. As a Muslim, Sayyida is influenced by messages of justice and peace in Islamic teachings and values interfaith social justice work. Before joining the Providence Centre, she worked in the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors for 17 years. Sayyida co-hosts Division St on YourTV (Cogeco Cable) with Jamie Swift and is a member of the Advisory Council on the Centre for Studies in Primary Care. Some of the groups she participates in include: The Kingston Encampment Support Network, Just Futures Kingston’s Housing Group, and The Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC).