Christina's professional background within the public and private sectors and her extensive communications design and implementation experience couldn't have been a better fit. Christina is skilled in content development and, through several successful campaigns, has acquired considerable knowledge of the best practices involved in creating and marketing content for various audiences. Christina joined the Foundation to utilize her professional expertise to benefit a cause that is very dear to her heart. Befittingly she is a devoted pet parent, avid animal lover, and strongly believes in the value of the bond between people and their pets. Giving her time and talents is not limited to CFAS. Instead, she gives generously to other worthy charities, such as the Ottawa Humane Society. This talented lady holds a Master of Arts degree with a Specialization in Organizational Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa.

Rubina is a mother of three children and the owner of three elderly dogs she rescued. She has professionally worked as a Chemist, Science Educator, Property Manager, and Store Manager for an outreach mission. She devotes considerable time to volunteering at her children's school and operating community-based programs such as homework clubs. Until five years ago, she was the co-owner of a not-for-profit Labrador and golden retriever dog rescue organization called Save-A-Lab. Rubina and her husband rescued over 50 Labs and Golden Retrievers over the years and successfully placed them in good, stable, and loving homes. Many of the dogs they rescued had been abused and required substantial rehabilitation. Rubina came on board with the Foundation because it allows her to combine her love of animals with her desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Kim’s love of dogs began with her first rescue dog when she was a teenager. She has never been without their remarkable presence in her life since then. Kim’s professional background in artificial intelligence and knowledge management, particularly in identifying valuable expertise accumulated by professionals through extensive experience. Her mission in life is to ensure this valuable, hard-won knowledge is preserved and shared widely across space and time. Kim has worked in the private, public and (currently) academic sectors. Her current research focuses on the phenomenon of fake news. Kim joined the Foundation to support the Animal-Assisted Human Services (AAHS) community and emerging industry sector.

​Joanne is the Founder and CEO of the Foundation. She is a passionate servant leader and has been a devoted disability advocate for the past 30 years. Joanne also has expertise in humane education, with hands-on experience in the Animal-Assisted Human Services Industry Sector. Among her professional designations is a Bachelor's Degree in Counselling, a professional designation in Emotional Intelligence, and post-secondary project and voluntary sector management and advocacy. Joanne has been a humanitarian at heart and an animal advocate most of her life. She defines the human-animal bond as 'love just for being.' Why? Because she believes that true love changes everything for the better. Her journey has also taught her that innovation results from fearing less and loving more. ​Photo Credit: Winchester resident Joanne Moss, left, receives the Caring Canadian Award from Gov-Gen. David Johnston on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, in Ottawa. MCpl Vincent Carbonneau/Submitted.

Paola is a grateful mom of three, nonna to one (soon to be two). Her family has been graced with two wonderful rescue dogs, Coty and Jessie, both magical mixes. Jessie, who had a knack for opening doors and hearts, served as a greeter/bodyguard in Solstice, Paola's medieval gift shop. On the professional front Paola is recognized for her integrity and influential role as a leader, partner, coach, and communicator, creating solid relationships and building trust among all stakeholders. Paola brings to CFAS extensive managerial and consulting experience in change enablement, operations, business process optimization, digital transformation, quality systems, and organizational development from several international firms. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University and a Master of Science in Organization Development from Pepperdine's Graziadio School of Business and Management. Her volunteer board experience includes serving five years as a director on multi-phase condominium boards and two years on a coalition board. Paola also completed governance training conducted by Women in Governance in collaboration with the Institute for the governance of private and public organizations.