The Change Makers Podcast

Episode 24: It is no secret that quarantine has introduced a new level of stress on relationships. Our new reality includes staying in, makeshift home office spaces and families spending more time together. Whether you have been married for 20 years or 2, listen in to learn how to safeguard your relationship in these stressful times. Today Toni Nieuwhof, family law mediator and former divorce attorney, tells us about 3 relationship pitfalls to be mindful of during lockdown with your significant other. 

About Toni Nieuwhof: Toni Nieuwhof’s extensive experience as a lawyer, pharmacist, and church leader have given her unique and practical insight on how people grow, emotionally, personally and spiritually. Out of her practice in family law, Toni specializes in helping people leave their unhappiness behind, not their marriages.Toni is also the author of Before Your Split: Find What You Ready Want for the Future of Your Marriage. In her roles as mediator and lawyer, she is a steadfast voice for the well-being of the children involved.

Toni co-founded and co-hosts the Smart Family Podcast to help people love being home. Toni and her husband, Carey Nieuwhof started one of North America’s most influential churches near Barrie, Ontario where they currently reside.

Episode 23: Our guest this episode is Cheryl Nembhard. Cheryl is one of the co-host of the television show, See Hear Love. However, she is also an international speaker, creator and advocate for at risk youth and women. During this year, racial inequalities have been brought to the top of everyone’s attention and the world is waiting and watching for a response from the church. Cheryl urges non-black faith leaders to speak up. “When you are called into leadership, you have signed up to live a life outside of yourself.” Cheryl offers amazing advice for leaders and organizations who want to take steps towards reconciliation. It’s a great episode, listen in!

About Cheryl Nembhard: Cheryl is an award winning Filmmaker, Playwright & Director who continues to make her mark in the Arts & Entertainment Industry. Cheryl has become known as an important Story teller in Canada; presenting her Art in creative, cutting edge and bold ways. Cheryl’s impact is felt far beyond the stage as she has dedicated most of her life to community service and helping those in need. For over a decade, she has been involved in the rehabilitation of troubled youth, former gang members, ex- drug addicts, rape victims and teenage mothers. Cheryl has focused her life to working and establishing creative spaces for them to discover themselves and find healing. Cheryl recently served as Artistic Director for Toronto City Mission; developing Creative Arts programs for At Risk youth & low income families. For the past 4 years, Cheryl has created & developed her own successful Summer Arts Camp program for underprivileged children. Cheryl was recently featured by CBC Toronto as one of 150 Black Women who have made a place in Canadian History.

Episode 22: Join in on Ellen’s conversation with Allison Alley, CEO of Compassion Canada and Michael Messenger, President of World Vision Canada. Everything about COVID-19 has been magnified for those who are deeply in need. Our podcast guests can speak to that. In the midst of this health crisis, Allison and Michael are two leaders who want to keep their respective organization’s mission on people’s minds. If you feel like you are on the edge of your leadership capacity, listen in. Allison and Michael discuss why it is important to connect with other leaders, even those who may be positioned as your competitor. Keep in mind, your competitor might be working towards the same Kingdom mission as you are. Base your partnership on that similarity. There is no better time than the present to boost collaboration within your organization and outside of it.  About Allison Alley: Allison Alley is the President and CEO of Compassion Canada, a global development organization that exists to permanently end childhood poverty in all its forms. She holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership with an emphasis in International Development and Urban Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Master of Business Administration from Ivey Business School. Allison and her husband, Tommy, live in London, Ontario and have two daughters. About Michael Messenger: Michael first joined World Vision in 1990 and was involved in early advocacy efforts in Canada and Geneva. After five years, Michael moved to attend law school and then practiced law for nine years in Halifax. As a partner at Cox & Palmer, he developed a broad litigation practice and served as chief counsel to a high-profile public inquiry on issues of youth justice. He then returned to World Vision and served as Vice-President, Public Affairs and Executive Vice-President before assuming the role of President in 2015. His leadership has sponsored numerous cross-functional initiatives and strategies throughout the Partnership. He has a degree in economics from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts and a law degree from the University of Toronto. In his spare time, Michael runs marathons with Team World Vision, raising awareness and funds for children so they can reach their God-given potential.

Episode 21: In this episode, Ellen sits down with Cheryl Hotchkiss who is the Managing Director at Graf-Martin Communications. This episode is a must-listen for non-profit leaders, especially women who find themselves balancing their role as leaders and mothers. Leaders have the tendency to question their value. If that’s you, listen in and be encouraged by some amazing insights from Cheryl - who has over 20 years of marketing and communications experience working in not-for-profit organizations. This episode covers the topic of mentorship, authenticity, collaboration and more! 

About Cheryl Hotchkiss: Cheryl has over 20 years experience in marketing and communications with a focus on public engagement and brand development - creating the conditions for effective fundraising. She has worked exclusively in not-for-profit organizations leading large and small teams working to engage Canadians in learning about and taking action on social justice issues in Canada and internationally. Her passion is to help create clarity for organizations doing good in the world so that they can effectively find support to bring about positive and lasting change. She brings a curious mind, process excellence and informed strategic thinking to every project she participates in. 

Born and raised in Southern Ontario with a mother from Texas and a father from northern Ontario. She spent 10 years on the family dairy farm before leaving for university. She has a BA in Political Science and History as well as a Masters Degree in Applied Social Science. Cheryl lives in Waterloo, with her husband and her two children who are attending the University of Ottawa, Ontario.

Episode 20: We’re in crisis management and a lot of self compassion is needed when we are navigating new waters. Our special guest today is life and leadership coach, Gillian McShane-Shields. Gillian offers expert advice for leaders who are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. In this episode we learn that it’s okay to tell your team that you don’t have all the answers, the importance of having trusted people in your life, and why you should adopt a growth mindset. Gillian also offers you a free stress assessment resource, which you can find on our podcast webpage. 

About Gillian McShane-Shields : Gillian is a Certified Life Coach and Leadership Coach. Gillian has over 25 years of experience in Corporate and Not for Profit organizations building staff and volunteer teams. Gillian’s desire for wellness in the workplace developed out of her education at University of Toronto where she found her training in Physical Health and Education was most beneficial in the workplace. Gillian is a Certified Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Advisor and uses her skills as a strategic thinker to help workplaces move forward in corporate wellness. She operates out of her motto to “Equip, Encourage and Empower” her clients to reach their goals and potential. Gillian makes sure she stays balanced by getting out into the outdoors whether it’s motorcycling, hiking or kayaking. She has been married for over 30 years and has 2 - 20 somethings

About Episode 19: Our guest this episode is Janet Noel-Annable, CEO of Christian Horizons. Janet opens up about the resilience and creativity she has witnessed this season from her staff, volunteers and the people supported by Christian Horizons. The COVID crisis has heightened awareness of the unique needs and experiences of many community members including people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those that support them. Due to strong leadership, community partnership and the commitment of people, Chirstian Horizons has averted what could have been a major public health crisis. Listen in to find out how.

About Janet Noel-Annable: Janet Noel-Annable is the Chief Executive Officer of Christian Horizons, an international organization that provides services and supports to people with disabilities in Canada and in developing countries around the world. Janet was hired as a Direct Support Professional for Christian Horizons in Ottawa in 1989. Since then Janet filled various roles within Christian Horizons culminating with her appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Janet is dedicated to the vision of Christian Horizons in that all people who experience disabilities belong to communities in which their God-given gifts are valued and respected. As a natural collaborator, Janet builds partnerships with the faith based agencies and churches, government and other organizations, believing that together we have the strength to build communities of belonging for all people with disabilities.

Janet grew up in Newfoundland and is a graduate of Carleton University. She currently resides in the Kitchener-Waterloo area with her husband, Bill Annable. Together they have four grown children, and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Episode 18: In this week's episode, Ellen sits down with Shawn Plummer from Food for the Hungry Canada as they talk about how Food for the Hungry trains their communities to thrive in times of crisis and uncertainty. Shawn talks about how finding innovative ways to meet with people which has been exciting for them as an organization, and how Christ calls us to do things together as a community.

About Shawn Plummer: Shawn has an 18-year track record in international relief and development including 10 years with a leading organization as Country Director in Mozambique and Eritrea, Regional Director for North Africa and the Middle East, and as Director of Technical Programs. Shawn has gained invaluable program and leadership experience by managing hundreds of staff and multi-million dollar programming activities to assist the most vulnerable globally. Shawn has been at Food for the Hungry Canada for nine years, where he has overseen partnership development, the artist advocate program, and Child Sponsorship. Shawn is deeply respected in the non-profit development community, both here in Canada and worldwide. Rooted in his compassion and love for the most vulnerable, Shawn’s broad network of global relationships continue to provide valuable support to his work. Shawn and his wife, Lindsay, have been married for 16 years and live in Chilliwack, BC. Their four children keep them busy, especially their twin boys who are avid hockey players.

Episode 17: Wondering what changes leaders are making to help them make it through? Listen in to this week’s episode with Anne Miranda, pastor of Women's Ministry at Village Church,  where Anne shares insight that will help you, your team and your organization come out of this season stronger. Here are some of the topics we cover:  Going from event based ministry to individual based ministry  Not getting caught up in the doing  Creating space for wonder  A new way of measuring success  Why it’s crucial to take care of yourself It’s a timely message you’ll want to hear.  About Anne Miranda: Anne Miranda currently leads the Women’s Ministry at Village Church. Prior to her pastoral role, she has many years of experience working in government and as an educator. Anne is passionate about seeing the lives of women transformed by Jesus and loves encouraging others to reach their full God-designed potential. Jesus is her true treasure and she desires to share his love, hope, and truth with everyone. She lives in Surrey, B.C. with her husband Carlos and their children Nathaniel and Hannah. There are many ways to connect with Women’s Ministries at Village Church, at a local site or online through our social media venues or email Anne and she will guide you accordingly.

Episode 16: This week on the Change Makers Podcast, Ellen sits down with Stacey Campbell, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship Canada. In this episode, Stacey gives us great insight into the ministry of reconciliation, the hardships of communicating the need for prison ministry and our collective responsibility to end crime. 2020 has changed everything for ministries and non-profit organizations that usually thrive with a good five-year plan. In this season of constant shifts, organizations like Prison Fellowship Canada have adopted a mindset of constant examination by following a 30 day strategic plan instead. Find out why by listening in! 

About Stacey Campbell: Stacey Campbell is married to John Campbell and together they have two adult children, Kate and John. She is an avid cook and gardener. Professionally, Stacey is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry organization that prepares and mobilizes the Canadian Church community in response to the issue of crime and the restoration of offenders. Stacey uses the skills and training she honed from 25 years in the business world where she owned and operated a mid-sized marketing company along with many years in ministry leadership. Academically, Stacey holds a Diploma in Business Administration and a Master of Divinity degree in Missional Leadership. She is currently studying at Acadia University in pursuit of her Doctorate in Restorative Justice. In 2019, Stacey worked and studied in Colombia, South Africa, Israel and Albania on the issues and best practices of Restorative Justice. Stacey is a certified Trauma Integration Practitioner and workshop leader. She regularly teaches on subjects that she is passionate about including the Canadian prison system, reconciliation, forgiveness, restoration, as well as restorative and Biblical justice.

Episode 15: This week on The Change Makers Podcast, we are joined by Mark and Nate Peterson. Mark is the CEO of Stronger Philanthropy, a firm dedicated to providing professional philanthropic management services for Canadian foundations and major donors. Mark’s son Nate is the Program Director for Stronger Philanthropy. In this episode, we discuss philanthropy as a social return on investment, why mentorship is important, and practical ways to increase collaboration between Gen X and Baby Boomers. It’s a great message for non-profit organizations trying to raise money in this new climate!

About Mark: Mark Petersen is the CEO of Stronger Philanthropy, a firm dedicated to providing professional philanthropic management services for Canadian foundations and major donors. It facilitates strategic and visionary giving to charitable work. At the same time, it provides access to large grants for charities through an online portal. Stronger Philanthropy’s seasoned team has 25 years’ cumulative expertise in managing private Canadian foundations and has overseen $44m through 1,391 grants to Canadian charities being awarded from its clients. Stronger Philanthropy offers resources and strategies to assist givers in maximizing impact for their generosity. 

About Nate Petersen: Nate Petersen is the Program Director for Stronger Philanthropy, a firm dedicated to providing professional philanthropic management services for Canadian foundations and major donors. It facilitates strategic and visionary giving to charitable work. At the same time, it provides access to large grants for charities through an online portal. Stronger Philanthropy’s seasoned team has 25 years’ cumulative expertise in managing private Canadian foundations and has overseen $44m through 1,391 grants to Canadian charities being awarded from its clients. Stronger Philanthropy offers resources and strategies to assist givers in maximizing impact for their generosity.