Board Of Directors

Jennifer Coombe is a marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry and currently is the owner of Jenergy Marketing, an innovation, growth and strategy consultancy.

Jennifer loves taking on new challenges in both professional and private life and enjoys meeting and working with new people always trying to bring a new way of thinking to a project or team! She and her husband, Simon, have lived in Aldershot for over 25 years, raised both their daughters (Alex and Bronwyn) in Aldershot and have all been actively involved in ‘Giving Back’ to the local and abroad communities .

Currently their 2 golden retrievers (Harley and Scully) keep them very busy and get them out and about exploring beautiful Burlington. She also enjoys being an active member of Orange Theory, Grounded Pilates + Lifestyle and hiking around! Jennifer is looking forward to working with the Compassion Society Board members and staff to help the organization achieve its goals and continue to serve the Halton community.

Laura Niro is a marketing professional and entrepreneur with over 30 years experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry and was also the proud owner of a Cob's Bread franchise in Mississauga for many years. Currently, Laura is teaching at Northern College as part of their Graduate Business, Entrepreneurship and & Technology, Supply Chain and Business Fundamentals programs and enjoys helping educate the minds and leaders of tomorrow.

Laura has been involved in various non-for-profit organizations and enjoys giving back to the community and as her next adventure is looking forward to working with the Compassion Society and being a part of all the great work they do in Halton.

Laura has been a resident of the Halton community for over 20 years with her husband Rich, two daughters Hannah and Caitlyn, and her fun loving dog Max. In her spare time you can find Laura either on a pickleball court, "trying" to learn to play golf or in the garden.

Peter Kenney is a local business person with 20 plus years experience serving various business and not for profit organization's IT needs in the Halton region. He has extensive experience in marketing and sales.

He possesses a Political Science degree and Honours Business Administration degree to compliment his business experience.

Peter has been involved in various charitable efforts over the years and has been an active participant in coaching youth sports, including hockey, football and soccer.

My children have also been active in local not for profit initiatives.

I hope to bring my experience to the Compassion Society and assist their Board of Directors as they move forward.

Rick is a lifetime Burlington resident with his family living nearby as well.

As a graduate of our local McMaster University, Rick has worked in management for many years with Great West Life/Canada Life. Since 2001 he has been self-employed as an independent financial advisor. Rick presently assists families, individuals, business owners with personal financial planning. This includes investment and life insurance planning. He also works closely with corporate clients designing and servicing employee benefits plans.

A passion of his is giving back to his community. Some of his current and past involvement include:

• United Way (2011 Campaign Chair - Burlington)
• Art Gallery of Burlington
• City kidz (Hamilton)   
• Compassion Society since 2023
• Coaching youth baseball, hockey and soccer
• More than 100 blood donations
• A Burlington Chamber member since 2001   

His motto:  You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.

Robert has spent the past 24 years in education, teaching at Appleby College, Pineland Public School and the past 21 years at Burlington Central High School. 

Robert earned a Master's in Science of Education at Niagara University and has a specialist in both English As A Second Language and Special Education. Robert has his Part One & Two Principal's Qualifications, however, his Bachelor Degree in his continued passion of History and Social Sciences.

Robert has spent 24 years guiding students in the classroom, running students council and coaching a variety of sports. He was a Department Head and Student Success Teacher but always found time to give back to his community while instilling these important characteristics, raising his three sons in Aldershot.

Robert was grateful for the food banks that he used while living on his own from the early age of 16 and recognizes that our community needs great organizations like Compassion Society to help anyone in need. You can meet Robert Wednesday night's, working with clients. 

Tony accepted one of his many transfers in 1979 to help establish an office in Hamilton. He and his family settled in Burlington and 43 years later they are still here.

Tony retired in 2002 after 35 years with a large international insurer. He and his wife traveled extensively during the early years of retirement. Eventually, he decided to become much more involved in his community.

Tony has spent much of his retirement years volunteering with the Red Cross and the Canadian Cancer Society before deciding to devote all his time to the Compassion Society. He has been at CS for about 9 years and has seen many welcome changes in the organization. He looks forward to continuing to participate as needed with this great organization.

WhiteEagle is an Indigenous Elder and Healer. She is also currently the Indigenous Advisor to the Mayor of Burlington. WhiteEagle has studied Metaphysics extensively with many teachers, throughout Canada, United States and France. She holds Full Moon Ceremonies and other cultural teachings within the community of Burlington. WhiteEagle has learned and lived experiences that has made her a reliable source of information.