CDSS Board of Directors
Join Us and Lead the Way for a More Inclusive Canada!
Recruitment is now closed for the 2025/2026 cycle. Thank you to everyone who applied.
Although recruitment has ended, expressions of interest are accepted any time. Please send your information to info@cdss.ca
2026-2027 Board Members
Jennifer Crowson
Board Chair (Board Member since 2020)
Jennifer is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of leadership experience across the social services, non-profit, and government sectors. She currently serves as a part-time faculty member in the Department of Social Work at McMaster University, while holding a full-time position in child welfare. Throughout her career, Jennifer has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing human rights, strengthening systems of care, and championing inclusive opportunities for individuals and communities. Her work reflects a strategic and values-driven approach to service delivery, policy, and advocacy. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jennifer is actively engaged in her local Down syndrome community. As a parent of three children, she brings both lived experience and informed perspective to her advocacy, further strengthening her leadership and contributions.
Vice Chair (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 and two children. Zach, Lisa’s oldest child, is her inspiration for joining CDSS. Lisa currently serves as a Vice-Chair of Participation Housing Support Services and founded the Ottawa Family Support Network in 2024 to support families and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. Lisa serves as the Vice-Chair of CDSS and as Chair of the Ottawa Family Support Network. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Joe Yacoub
(Board Member since 2024)
Joe Yacoub is a corporate and M&A lawyer practicing in Montreal, Quebec. He is passionate about 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 second mandate as a Board Member of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.
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.
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.
Emily Raven
(Board Member since 2026)
Bio coming soon.
Max Taaffe
(Board Member since 2026)
Bio coming soon.
Jacqueline Wallace
(Board Member since 2026)
Bio coming soon.