Theo Tsang, Chairperson

Theo has a background in accounting, joined the board in 2019, is a member of the finance committee and recently accepted the position as Vice-chairperson.

Richard Dea, Director

Richard Dea has over 15 years of experience spanning the private and public sectors in the National Capital Region. He specializes in business intelligence, risk management, and strategic planning, and is known for driving innovation and operational efficiency. Richard holds an MBA from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) degree from the University of Ottawa. As a family member of a former resident, he has witnessed firsthand the compassionate care, support, and opportunities provided by TCE.

Andrew MacDonald, Director

Andrew MacDonald is a recently retired technology sales leader with over 21 years of experience working for IBM as a relationship sales executive. He brings to the TCE Board more than 31 years of board experience, encompassing both the private sector and the not-for-profit sector. Andrew is an active community volunteer, having dedicated over 8 years to mentoring as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, and over 23 years teaching a public course on building confidence and leadership through public speaking.

His connection to TCE is deeply personal, as his son Steven has been a resident of Kilbarron home since 2010 and recently transitioned to Wilson House. Andrew is committed to supporting individuals with special needs, and in his role as the TCE Family Support Network (FSN) representative, he works diligently to connect TCE family members, providing the information and support necessary to improve care for their loved ones under TCE's care.

Christopher Wilson, Director

Christopher brings over 15 years of teaching experience to the board, currently educating grade 7 and 8 students at Sir Robert Borden. His commitment to education extends outside the classroom, demonstrated by his involvement with Children's International Summer Villages (CISV) and coaching youth hockey and soccer.

With a deep personal connection to TCE through his brother Jamie, who resides at the Kirkwood home, Christopher is dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs. As the Family Support Network representative, he ensures a supportive and inclusive environment for all families touched by TCE's services.

Krista Simms, Director

Krista has been a Developmental Services Worker (DSW) since 2004. She started her career with TCE in 2003 as a part time residential counsellor and also worked On Call in each of the homes until 2016. Through her experience at TCE, Krista begun to learn and develop a passion for sign language and the Deaf community. She pursued further education to become an ASL-ENG Interpreter, graduating in 2011. Work as a freelance sign language interpreter  lead to her current role as Director of Video Interpreting with Asign (formerly SLIAO). Krista believes in continuous learning, engages in professional development whenever she can and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree with Athabasca University focused on organizational behaviour, communications, and business. Krista brings experience in the DSW field as a front line staff as well as an understanding of varying communication methods and accessibility needs.

Colleen Thurston, Director

Colleen has dedicated her working career to supporting families with children, youth and adults with multiple disabilities.

Using person centered planning with each individual she facilitated the development and implementation of plans that encompassed communication, social/life and behavioral goals with their caregivers, teachers and community partners.

Colleen has been a part of numerous working groups during her time at different agencies, the most recent before retirement, Autism Services at CHEO.  She was a staff representative at board meetings and parent advisory meetings. Colleen also participated in hospital and community service working groups to plan and improve outreach services and easy access for families.

She is engaged in her role on the board of directors to support TCE as the agency continues the realization of its strategic plan.

Marge McCabe, Past Chair

Marge has a Professional Background in Nursing, worked in various medical capacities. She also has marketing and sales experience in real estate. Marge’s 45-year-old daughter Brenda has a developmental disability and is now being supported by TCE. Over the years since her daughter’s birth, Marge been involved in many family groups for people with developmental disabilities. She was one of the Founders and a Fundraiser of Trinity Homes, Saskatoon and a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Families Matter Coop, Ottawa. Marge has volunteered in different capacities on a number of non-profit boards and has been a member of the MCSS Partnership Table and more recently a member of the MCSS Ontario Developmental Services Housing Task Force.