Peel HIV/AIDS Network 2012/13 Board of Directors

Tania Fernandes - Board Co-Chair

Rob Gearing - Board Co-Chair

Sanya Khan - Board Secretary

Ted Kloosterman - Treasurer

Jacquie Evans - Director

Mavis Mak - Director

Simone McWatt- Director

Biography of Board of Directors

Tania Fernandes
Tania is pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Waterloo. She has spent the past 5 years as a team manager, health promoter and researcher working with a variety of populations both within her community and internationally. Currently working with a Community Health Centre as the Health Promoter, she is committed to addressing the root causes of issues faced by the Rexdale community. In addition, her role as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors with the Peel HIV/AIDS Network highlights her passion to raise awareness and understanding of HIV. In her spare time, Tania enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures and communities.

Rob Gearing
Rob Gearing currently works for TransForce Inc. as a Human Resources Business Partner providing HR support for their subsidiary Canpar Transport L.P. Rob is a member of the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario and holds the CHRP designation. Rob was one of the founding members of the Pride Committee of Peel and has been involved in the planning of Peel Pride from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2009 to the present. Rob has also participated in a number of AIDS Walks in both Toronto and Peel since 1994. Rob attended both the University of Toronto, Erindale College, and Humber College and he currently resides in Brampton.

Sanya Khan
Sanya is currently completing a Masters in Public Health from the University of Waterloo. Sanya has six years of experience working and volunteering in healthcare, clinical research and community health settings. She has worked extensively with diverse communities including her recent experience instructing a community health program aimed at teenage girls in the Jane & Finch area. Sanya was also previously involved with Dignitas International as an executive member of the organization’s campus chapter at U of T St. George. This organization’s mission is to help AIDS patients to live with dignity through the provision of community-based care. As a new resident to the region of Peel, PHAN is a perfect fit for Sanya to continue working with and supporting the HIV/AIDS community.

Ted Kloosterman
Ted has been a volunteer for 12 years now. Ted immigrated to Canada in 1965, although now retired, he spent his working years as a baker for 22 years with the bakery division of a large supermarket chain and as a food scientist with Pillsbury and he is currently the vice president of the board of directors for his church. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1981 and has overcome many obstacles over the years. Ted feels his volunteer work is a satisfying way to give back to the community he looks forward to continuing his work with PHAN.

Jacquie Evans 
To be updated.

Mavis Mak 
To be updated.

Simone McWatt
Simone has been involved in the HIV/AIDS movement for 22 years. She has been working at Toronto Public Health since 1994 in various roles including as an HIV/AIDS Prevention Grants Project Officer, Sexual Health Promoter, AIDS Educator and Needle Exchange Worker. Simone has also volunteered at Casey House Hospice, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County and worked as a part-time Support Worker at the Hamilton AIDS Network. Simone has a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion and Community Development with her areas of interest being social determinants of health and participatory capacity building. Being new to Mississauga she is excited to become meaningfully involved with HIV/AIDS work in her own community.

Fiona Ott
Fiona has spent over ten years in the community services sector, eating and breathing fundraising. She is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) and member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Fiona has spent the past 5 years with Caledon Community Services advancing to the role of Director, Fundraising & Communications. Throughout her career and volunteer work her fundraising efforts have been directed toward creating an inclusive world, and protecting the well-being of children and youth. Fiona is excited to now serve on the Board of Directors for PHAN.