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CDSS Board of Directors

Recruitment

Thank you for your interest; the applications for 2024-2025 are now closed.

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Expectations of Board Members

CDSS Board Members

attend a one-hour weekday ZOOM meeting bi-monthly, alternating either during business hours or evenings.

attend two annual weekend-long ZOOM meetings (Saturday and Sunday). 

Note: one of the weekend-long meetings may be in person (Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday). 

Board members actively participate on committees of the board during their term. Except in unique circumstances, board members may join the Executive Committee any time after the first year is served.

Ongoing board and committee work and related conference calls are completed between in-person meetings and require a varying amount of time, commitment, and self-direction.

Board members must be knowledgeable of the responsibilities of a national non-profit organization.

Board Members will actively support and connect CDSS initiatives with their personal networks.

Board members should have a basic understanding of Down syndrome in all life stages. No individual will be an expert, but the board as a whole will have combined knowledge to address issues. For this reason, individuals with a variety of professional and personal skill sets are identified and selected.

You do not have to be a member of the CDSS Board of Directors to participate in projects being developed by CDSS. If you have a particular interest or project that you would like to pursue, please contact us to discuss your proposal. CDSS looks to groups and individuals for advice, expertise and potential partnering in various projects throughout the year.

2023-2024 Board Members

Jennifer Crowson headshot

Jennifer Crowson

Board Chair (Board Member since 2020)

Jennifer has over 24 years of experience working in the social services, non-profit and government sectors. She is a part time Sessional Instructor in the Department of Social Work at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and she also works as a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist with the Ontario Disability Employment Network. She resides in Ontario with her husband and three children who have inspired her efforts and involvement in her local Down syndrome community. Jennifer brings her passion and commitment for human rights and creating opportunities while supporting the mission and vision of CDSS.

Paul Crowley headshot

Paul Crowley

Board Vice Chair (Board Member since 2018)

Paul works as a specialized professional engineer for a global marine and aviation company. He resides in British Columbia with his wife and children who inspire him in his efforts to connect and move the Down syndrome community forward. Paul brings tact, expertise and dedication to the CDSS board and the organization’s mission and vision.

Rohit Singla

Board Treasurer (Board Member since 2021)

Rohit is a senior finance professional with over 15 years of experience with startups and public corporations across a variety of industries. He obtained his MBA from the University of Toronto and CPA, CMA designation in Ontario. Rohit resides in Ontario with his wife and two young boys. His younger brother continues to inspire Rohit to be a strong advocate for those with Down Syndrome and to support the CDSS mission and vision.

Christine McConnell photo

Christine McConnell

Board Secretary (Board member since 2018)

Christine is a proud mother of three wonderful boys. After one of her twins was born with Down syndrome in 2009, Christine realized the importance of connecting with similar families and raising awareness about the abilities of her son to promote inclusion in all aspects of community life. Christine currently works as a Policy Advisor for the Yukon Government’s Department of Health and Social Services. Christine continues to help promote and advance CDSS’ mission and vision.

Ed Casagrande headshot

Ed Casagrande

(Board Member since 2014)

Ed works as Vice President of Marketing in the animal health industry and holds an MBA from the University of Ottawa. He resides in Ontario with his wife and three children. His daughter has inspired him to be a strong advocate for the Down syndrome community. Ed has continued to dedicate his business expertise to CDSS, helping to serve the Canadian Down syndrome community.

Elizabeth Kennedy

Elizabeth Kennedy

(Board Member since 2023)

Elizabeth is a Water Resources Professional with over twenty years of experience in government and consulting. She is currently the Director of Water Programs for the Government of Nova Scotia in the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Elizabeth believes strongly in the value of diversity to support a healthy environment and strong businesses, policies and social systems. She is highly motivated to support CDSS and promote equitable access to the health care and training opportunities to ensure the Down Syndrome community can participate fully in the workplace and society.  Elizabeth lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her two sons, husband, and her silly dog.

Derek Love

(Board Member since 2022)

Derek is an award-winning executive in the construction and engineering industry with over 15 years of progressive leadership experience. He resides in Ontario with his wife, Erin, and their three children who inspire his efforts to push for advances in advocacy, education, and access for people with Down Syndrome every day. Derek holds degrees in Engineering and Law and brings to the board strong corporate experience and committed dedication to the advancement of the CDSS’s mission and vision.

Dan Purdham

(Board Member since 2021)

Dan is a senior leader in the medical department at a global biopharmaceutical company and holds a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Western Ontario. He resides in Ontario with his wife Adelle and their 3 daughters Ariel, Elyse and Penelope. The birth of his 10-year-old daughter Elyse inspired him to get involved in volunteering and advocating for those with Down syndrome. Dan is excited at the opportunity to help the CDSS fulfill its mission and vision.

Krista Smith

(Board Member since 2022)

Krista is an RN and works in a director role overseeing multiple care areas with Nova Scotia Health. She holds a MN from Dalhousie University and is a Certified Health Executive. She is deeply grounded in equity, diversity, and inclusion and continually challenges herself and others to ensure an EDI lens is embedded into their work. She resides in Cape Breton, NS. with her husband and three children, their youngest has Down syndrome. Krista brings her administrative skills, healthcare/nursing background, and inspiration from her son and the entire Down Syndrome community to her commitment to building a truly inclusive society.

Peter Wright headshot

Peter Wright

(Board Member since 2023)

As President of The Planning Group, Peter advises boards and the leadership teams of corporations, charities, associations, NGO’s, universities and regulators to develop clear and measurable strategies to help each organization achieve new levels of performance and strategic outcomes. Along with international experience, Peter is recognized for his expertise in strategic planning within the non-profit sector in Canada.
Peter lives in Southern Ontario and is a frequent speaker on topics related to board strategy effectiveness and governance. He teaches strategic planning for the GPC.D program as a faculty member at Governance Professionals of Canada.