CDSS Board of Directors
Recruitment
Thank you for your interest; the applications for 2025-2026 are now closed.
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) in the spring and fall.
Note: one of the weekend-long meetings may be in person (Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday).
must be knowledgeable of the responsibilities of a national non-profit organization.
will actively support and connect CDSS initiatives with their personal networks.
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.
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.
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.
2025-2026 Board Members
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 Disability Employment 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.
Derek Love
Vice Chair (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.
Fred Stremble
Board Treasurer (Board Member since 2025)
Fred is a CPA, CGA from Ontario and holds an MBA from Western University. He has successfully held the positions of Controller, and Vice President of Finance within the construction industry and Director of Finance in the education field. Fred has also spoken internationally in the areas of construction accounting. He has sat on the local Down Syndrome Association Board of Directors holding various director roles. He is actively involved in helping promote awareness and acceptance of people with Down Syndrome. He also enjoys spending time travelling and attending car shows. Fred lives in Southern Ontario with his wife, son, daughter who has Down Syndrome and two lovable dogs.
Jade Medeiros
Board Secretary (Board Member since 2025)
With over 17 years of experience supporting youth in care, mental health, and foster care, Jade Medeiros is a dedicated advocate for inclusion, community engagement, and sustainable change. She has made a meaningful impact across Ontario and New Brunswick, specializing in program coordination, psychosocial support, and fostering partnerships that create lasting change. Currently a proud stay-at-home mom to two children, including her son with Down Syndrome, Jade is deeply committed to raising awareness of the unique challenges and strengths of families with children who have extra needs. She has actively served on boards in both Niagara and Moncton, fostering connections and advocating for inclusive communities where everyone is valued. Through her work and personal experience, Jade is passionate about creating a more inclusive, supportive, and connected world for all families.
Paul Crowley
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.
Elizabeth Kennedy
(Board Member since 2023)
Elizabeth is an inclusive and strategic leader with over twenty-five years of experience in environmental consulting and government. She is currently the Executive Director of Policy, Planning and Sector Relations for Government of Nova Scotia in the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing and responsible to support welcoming, healthy and climate-resilient communities in Nova Scotia. 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.
Lisa Mills
(Board Member since 2025)
Lisa Mills, a retired lawyer, is thrilled to offer her time and energy to support the Down syndrome community by serving on the CDSS Board of Directors. Lisa lives in the National Capital Region with her husband, two children and their friendly labradoodle. Zach, Lisa’s oldest child, is her inspiration for joining CDSS. Lisa currently serves as a director of Participation Housing Support Services and recently founded the Ottawa Family Support Network for families and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. Lisa has a particular interest in awareness and advocacy initiatives focussing on independent living and inclusion in employment. Lisa brings commitment as well as legal and governance skills to CDSS.
Samar Qureshi
(Board Member since 2024)
Samar Qureshi, a University of Toronto graduate, is a dynamic serial entrepreneur known for his multifaceted expertise spanning sales, marketing, operations, HR, and senior management. With a career rooted in startup environments, Samar has significantly contributed to the growth of various startups. In 2021, he launched his own venture, prioritizing integrity in talent acquisition—setting a new industry standard. Beyond business, Samar is profoundly influenced by his younger brother with Down syndrome, driving his commitment to disability advocacy. He actively supports SMILE Canada, advocating for children and youth with disabilities, and has been involved in community sports for adults with disabilities. Currently, Samar serves on the boards of Studio.89 and Kind World Charity, furthering social justice and community improvement. His life and work are guided by integrity, evidenced by his roles as a dedicated family member and advocate for those living with disabilities.
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.
Andrea Weaver
(Board Member since 2025)
Andrea is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works primarily in Augmentative & Alternative Communication and with children/youth with complex communication needs. She holds a Masters of Clinical Science in Speech & Language Pathology from the University of Western Ontario. She is also actively involved in coaching Special Olympics. Andrea has a specific interest in advocating for supports and resources for parents who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis, whether for an unborn or newborn baby. She would like for families to navigate this journey with confidence, celebrating the unique strengths that each individual with Down syndrome brings into the world. Her inspiration for her career, community involvement, and desire to contribute to the CDSS vision and mission, comes from her younger brother with Down syndrome.
Dr. Paul Wilson
(Board Member since 2024)
Dr. Paul Wilson is a professor of Conservation Genomics & Forensic Science at Trent University. He lives in Ennismore, Ontario and has a 21-year-old son with Down syndrome. Dr. Wilson has skills in strategic planning, networking, partnerships, and board governance. He has significant board experience in the special needs sector and children’s services, and is particularly interested in supporting individuals with Down syndrome as they transition to adulthood.
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.
Joe Yacoub
(Board Member since 2024)
Joe Yacoub is a civil law graduate from the University of Ottawa, currently pursuing the Québec bar, with a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Operations Management from Concordia University. He is passionate about law, business, finance, philanthropy, and sports. Committed to community service, Joe draws personal inspiration from his partner’s adult sibling with Down syndrome, which deepens his commitment to advocacy and support within the community. He is excited to pursue his first mandate as a Board Member of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.