Durham Community Legal Clinic Board of Directors Candidates - Special Meeting of the Members April 27, 2021
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Durham Community Legal Clinic
Board of Directors Candidates
Special Meeting of the Members
April 27, 2021
1
Candidates
1. Arsal Wahab .......................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Bryan Crockett ...................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Dave Musgrave ..................................................................................................................................... 5
4. Drew Samuels ....................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Ghous Siddiqui ...................................................................................................................................... 7
6. Jodie Traynor......................................................................................................................................... 8
7. John‐Paul Rodrigues .............................................................................................................................. 9
8. Mark Logan ......................................................................................................................................... 10
9. Nasir Nader ......................................................................................................................................... 11
10. Owais Hashmi........................................................................................................................................ 12
11. Ramana Sivapathasundaram ................................................................................................................ 13
12. Phylicia Thomas .................................................................................................................................... 14
13. Sabrine Azraq ........................................................................................................................................ 15
14. Sharie‐Ann Campbell............................................................................................................................. 16
15. Shaun Bernstein .................................................................................................................................... 17
16. Shay Babb .............................................................................................................................................. 18
2
1. Arsal Wahab
My name is Arsal Wahab and I am a 23 year old resident
of Whitby Ontario, and I am extremely interested in being
elected to the Board of Directors for the DCLC.
I have an undergraduate degree from Ryerson University
in Business Management, with a major in Law and
Business. During my time at Ryerson I participated in the
Law and Business Clinic in my final year, where I
performed legal duties for a client pro bono, while under
the supervision of a team of lawyers. This was an eye
opening experience for me because this introduced me to
the access to justice problems facing our society at large.
Regular people in society do not have meaningful legal
representation, that is why a clinic like the DCLC is so
important, because it helps our most vulnerable members
of society to have a fair shot at justice.
Currently I work in the construction industry for GFL
Infrastructure, and it’s through this work that I have been
introduced to many construction workers who dropped
out of highschool, and they have no idea that services like
the clinic exist. While for now the DCLC may only help
people near and below the poverty line, I hope to see an
expansion in services that can help deliver justice to all
members of society who need it, but unfortunately do not
have the capital to access it. My age gives me a fresh
perspective to the legal challenges our society is facing,
and while I want bold change and reform, I do not want
anyone to get lost in the cracks.
I care about the people in my region who I’ve lived with
for the past 21 years. It is for these reasons I would hope
to be elected a member of the DCLC’s Board.
3
2. Bryan Crockett
Bryan Crockett (he/him)
Bryan Crockett is a paralegal in Oshawa, ON. He graduated from Durham College’s paralegal program
with honours in 2020. During his paralegal training, Bryan completed his paralegal placement with the
Durham Community Legal Clinic. Bryan has previously worked in federal politics, developing a solid
understanding of how governments function. He is Métis and resides in Oshawa with his partner, Felix.
4
3. Dave Musgrave
Dave Musgrave Biography
I have been a social services professional for twenty‐five
years. With previous experience in the developmental
services sector, I have spent the past twenty years as a
child welfare professional in Durham Region and
demonstrated a commitment to service excellence, anti‐
oppressive practice and social justice. I have recently
taken a permanent management position as a team
supervisor and have previous management experience in
this capacity as well as acting as the training supervisor.
Through my time in the social services sector, I have
developed a specific passion for matters related to equity
and diversity for those with lived experience with mental
health and addictions. This passion, combined with my
own lived experience with mental health, positions me as
a strong advocate for those impacted by poverty and
oppression and who could greatly benefit from the
services of the Durham Community Legal Clinic.
I have strong committee experience, including with DCLC,
and bring strong skills in networking and outreach to the
DCLC. I have been an active participant in the
Modernization and Policy and Governance committees at
DCLC since October 2020.
In terms of formal education, I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, a Bachelor of Social Work
degree and a Master of Social Work degree. The completion of my MSW was one of the most positive
experiences I have ever had and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a higher level of
thinking.
My extensive child welfare experience combined with previous experience in community living sector as
well as infantry soldier service with the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves equipped me with superior
conflict‐management, organizational, and decision‐making skills. My skills and experience position me
well to add to the modernization efforts of DCLC and I greatly appreciate any consideration of my
application.
5
4. Drew Samuels
Experience
Drew has been a resident of Durham Region since 2005 and
currently resides in The City of Oshawa. Since 2020, Drew has
served on the Legal Advisory Committee of the Durham
Community Legal Clinic.
Drew is certified in suicide prevention and volunteered helping
people who experienced crises such as grief, isolation, anxiety,
and suicidal thoughts/ideation at the Distress Centre and Mental
Health Crisis Line.
Prior to his work as a Licensed Paralegal, Drew worked with the
Boys and Girls Club in an initiative with marginalized young
offenders, to assist youth between the ages of 12‐17 with extra‐
judicial measures and sanctions outside of the court system.
Drew is a Senior Litigation Advisor at DuCharme McMillen and
Associates Canada, Ltd. where he provides strategic litigation
expertise and legal advice on a wide range of legal issues
regarding litigation strategy at court, appeal preparation, and
presentation before the Assessment Review Board. Drew’s
experience includes appearing before the Assessment Review
Board, the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Small Claims Court,
and the Ontario Court of Justice.
Drew has been a part‐time professor at Durham College since 2015. He teaches in the paralegal program
and his courses include Small Claims Court, Mediation, Landlord and Tenant Board, Communications, and
Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
Education/Credentials
Drew graduated from Carleton University with two undergraduate degrees. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in
both Criminology with a concentration in law and psychology with a minor in law. He also graduated from
Durham College with a Paralegal Graduate Certificate and became a Licensed Paralegal with the Law
Society of Ontario in 2011. In addition, Drew holds an Executive Certificate in Conflict Management from
the University of Windsor, and he holds a designation as a Qualified Mediator. He is also an Associate
Member of the Institute of Municipal Assessors.
6
5. Ghous Siddiqui
Ghous Siddiqui, Retired Real Estate Professional
A retired Real Estate Professional with over 45 years of experience managing large multi‐location owner
occupied buildings, Federal and Provincial Land holdings. He has an extensive real estate expertise in
strategic planning, design, construction, facilities management, operations, outsourcing, business
resumption and environmental management.
Honed management and leadership skills primarily through the expansion and growth where several key
positions were held and led the execution of many national and groundbreaking initiatives. Have played
key leadership roles with design and construction activities, P3’s, and outsourcing strategy. Ghous holds
a master’s degree in economics and Real Estate Management Certificate from Harvard Business School
and Leading‐Edge Operations Strategy from MIT.
Ghous is a member of Kiwanis International and is a Past Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis International,
Eastern Canada & Caribbean District. He is currently a member of Kiwanis Club of Oshawa Durham AM
and has been appointed as Director of Kiwanis Music Festival in Durham region helping to creates
opportunities for children to be safe and healthy regardless of the community in which they live.
Ghous is the President of the Board of Directors at Project Esperance/Project Hope Canada. Project
Esperance is a non‐profit housing established in 1988 with the mission of housing and helping women
and their children who are survivors of domestic violence. Since 1992 Esperance opened its door (in East
Toronto) to abused women and their children, female seniors in hardship and physically disabled
women. In 2016, City of Toronto qualified Project Esperance to take over a non‐profit family building in
West Toronto. Ghous is also a community member for CBOT Governance committee.
7
6. Jodie Traynor
My name is Jodie Traynor. I am a graduate from Durham
College and hold a Paralegal Diploma (2019), Law Clerk
Advanced Diploma with honors (2020) and Mediation
and Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate with
honors (2021). I am an Executive Director and Treasurer
for Maple Glen Housing Corporation (2016‐present) and
have direct experience in the non‐profit sector. I am
familiar and educated with the intended functions of
the Board of Directors and the responsibilities including
financial reviews, that come with the positions. I am a
pioneering student of the “Hub” Access to Justice
Program through Durham College and the partnership
with the Durham Community Legal Clinic.
I reside in Durham Region and am an only parent to a
wonderful ten‐year‐old son. When we are not in our
studies, you can find us outside camping, biking, fishing
or at a car show.
I became interested in law after my stepfather had a serious motorcycle accident. While dealing with the
physical and emotional fall out from the accident, my loved ones found they had difficulty navigating the
legal system. I was able to assist them with these complex systems. My mother was able to focus on my
stepdad’s care as I turned my focus to the auto and medical insurance companies, the doctors, and the
lawyers involved in the case.
As a result of this circumstance firsthand, I was inspired to begin my journey of studying different areas
of law and realized the dire need in my own community for proper representation in the legal system.
With my experiences to date, it is clear marginalized minorities need assistance. Their voices need to be
heard without falling through the legal cracks, which so often happens. I believe I can be a voice for this
minority.
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7. John‐Paul Rodrigues
John‐Paul Rodrigues is a resident of Ajax and is seeking a position
on the Board of Directors of the Durham Community Legal Clinic.
John‐Paul has been volunteering as a member of the Legal Advisory
and Outreach Committees since October 2020.
John‐Paul is an award‐winning legal instructor and is the proud
recipient of Career College Ontario's 2020 Excellence in Teaching
Award and TriOS College’s Toronto Campus 2020 Instructor of the
Year. John‐Paul is passionate about helping paralegal students
accomplish their dreams and goals where he is focused on
developing and nurturing future legal practitioners into becoming
strong and successful advocates. John‐Paul teaches a wide variety
of courses such as: Criminal Law, Landlord and Tenant Law,
Employment Law, and Small Claims Court.
John‐Paul is a strong supporter of Access to Justice and providing
free legal education. In March 2020, he launched Justice in Pieces, a video podcast series for his students,
where he has spoken to nearly 300 lawyers, paralegals, politicians, and other legal professionals, who
share their advice to students, and anyone interested in learning about the law. Previous guests include:
Jagmeet Singh, Honourable Andrew Scheer, and MP Elizabeth May.
John‐Paul is also an experienced lawyer, primarily advising clients who have been detained by the police
on criminal and immigration charges, as telephone duty counsel. In this role, he has assisted thousands of
individuals facing a wide range of issues, such as those charged with theft and impaired driving, and those
wishing to make a refugee claim at a Port of Entry.
John‐Paul is a member of TriOS College’s Diversity Council and Instructor Advisory Council. Outside of the
school, he volunteers as a Director of Dominion Mock Trial, in charge of their university/college
competitions.
9
8. Mark Logan
Mark Logan Bio DCLC Application
Born and Raised in Oshawa
Career Corporate Executive
President/Owner of Importing Business
Member Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce & Volunteer on
Government Relations Committee
Volunteer Catholic Family Services Durham & Member of the
Communications Committee
Member Progressive Conservative Party and Voting Delegate
Oshawa Riding
Sports Enthusiast and a 3 x National Champion Player/Coach
Oshawa & University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
The reason that I’m interested in a Board position with the DCLC is
simple, my very busy professional career is now winding down and I
am looking for volunteer opportunities to occupy my time going
forward.
My resume is extensive, with a focus on sales and marketing at all corporate levels for a number of well‐
known international brand companies. After serving at the director, manager and signing officer levels
for well over two decades I decided to strike out on my own, building a successful business the past 20
years. Although working around the globe has been an amazing experience, I feel compelled at this
point in my working life to offer what I’ve learned in the business world to my community.
My early years were spent in our family home in South Oshawa. For me, the experiences learned in that
neighbourhood were invaluable. Although there were economic challenges and recreational limitations
that went along with a new housing development, I was able to make all of the right life decisions,
simply through my participation in sports.
That stated, it was also at that point that I realized that there were some areas within our community
that were much better off economically than the others. Although I have absolutely no regrets, I believe
that my experience in youth has prepared me for what may be the challenges faced at DCLC in Oshawa.
109. Nasir Nader
I want to interduce myself My name is NASAR TAHIR GEORGE
NADER i am long‐time resident of DURHAM REGION.
I came a refugee to CANADA WHITBY since 1997 as first
afghan family i graduated with OHSD in 2003 i worked with
many companies in CANADA and have great relationship with
them from EAST to WEST my passion is people i love to work
with people with any background and cultures , I Volunteer
with many organizations in TOWN
1110. Owais Hashmi
In the midst of a pandemic, the services provided
by the Durham Community Legal Clinic (DCLC) have never
been more essential. As a resident of Ajax for the past 16
years, I feel obligated to give back to my community.
I have been an avid member of the Clinic’s Human
Resources and Community Outreach committees since
January 2020. Becoming a Board Member is a wonderful
opportunity to expand my role at the Clinic.
I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree from
Ryerson University, where I majored in Law and Business.
During my undergrad, I was a part of Ryerson’s Law and
Business Clinic. At the Clinic, I had the opportunity to
provide free legal services to a small business under the
supervision of lawyers from Miller Thomson LLP. The Clinic
also made me aware of the access to justice crisis in Ontario and how it affects the Durham region.
My business acumen is bolstered further by four years of retail management experience at
Dollarama. As an Assistant Team Leader, I was responsible for seasonal changeovers, renovations, store
operation, training and supervising associates, processing inventory and merchandising.
I am currently a 1L pursuing my Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Windsor – Faculty of
Law. This year, the law school awarded me with a Social Justice Fellowship which funds an approved
summer placement of my choice. In the interest of full disclosure and to avoid a conflict of interest, I will
be working at the DCLC during the summer for a minimum of 10 weeks.
In addition to making a difference locally, becoming a Board Member would be an experiential
learning opportunity where I could apply my legal knowledge and expertise. As a person of colour, I look
forward to representing the diversity in our community.
Thank you for your consideration.
1211. Ramana Sivapathasundaram
Ramana Sivapathasundaram is both an excellent business advisor and leader, who is depended on by
many of his clients when making key financial business decisions. He leads mainly by example, always
doing his best and encouraging others to do the same. While easygoing by nature, no one doubts his
authority – he is direct and decisive when he needs to be.
Currently, as a Partner at Oasis LLP, a boutique accounting firm in Richmond Hill, Ramana has clients
across the Greater Toronto Area. He is a Licensed Public Accountant and brings over 10 years of
expertise in business advisory, accounting, auditing, and tax. Ramana’s portfolio of clients ranges from
owner‐managed small businesses, professional corporations & practices, construction companies,
investment companies, not‐for‐profit organizations, and charities.
Ramana sets himself apart from the rest by listening to what his clients have to say and offering sound
financial and business advice. He prides himself in being able to deliver the highest quality of work while
upholding high ethical standards that is expected of him in this profession. Since September 2020,
Ramana has been a member of the Finance Committee and Policy and Governance Committee at
Durham Community Legal Clinic (DCLC). This experience has given him an in‐depth knowledge of DCLC
and its operations.
He holds a Public Accounting License, Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified General
Accountant designations with Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and an Honours Bachelor
of Commerce from Laurentian University. Today, he resides in Markham, Ontario.
1312. Phylicia Thomas
My name is Phylicia Thomas, and I am a newly licensed Paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario since
November 2020. I was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, graduating from L’Amoreaux Colligate
high school in 2005. I attended Mohawk College in the year 2010‐2012 in the field of Early Childhood
Education. I was employed as an ECE for about six years and decided to adventure down a new career
path. I enrolled into the two‐year Paralegal program at Durham College Oshawa campus in 2018 and
graduated on the Presidents Honour Roll in April of 2020.
My first year in the Paralegal field was quite a challenge being a mom of a 4‐year‐old and furthering my
education in law. This motivated me with not giving up but to strive to achieve my goals. Second year, I
was able to pull my socks up and aim for the highest grades possible. Putting in my best work and devoting
my time into extra research on topics I could not wrap my head around allowed me to become one out of
twenty students selected to participate in the newly developed Access to Justice HUB program
implemented by the college. This, I was very successful in and it allowed me to gain the hands‐on
experience for the real world and build professional relationships with other paralegals and lawyers.
Finally, the day came to complete my licensing which I studied my hardest for alongside my classmates
and a tutor than in November 2020, I passed my licensing exam! I am very proud to say that I am quite
excited for what the world has to offer as I continue to gain the knowledge needed to help those within
the community with the matters, they face on a day‐to‐day basis.
1413. Sabrine Azraq
Sabrine Azraq is the National Legal Services Coordinator
for the first‐ever legal services coordination pilot
program geared specifically to Muslim women in
Canada. The Legal Services Coordination Pilot
Program is funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario
and implemented by the Canadian Council of Muslim
Women (CCMW). Within her role, Sabrine provides
culturally appropriate legal services coordination for
Canadian Muslim women seeking legal advice and
counsel on family law issues.
In tandem with this, Sabrine is in the LLB for Graduates
course at the University of Birmingham.
Prior to her legal academic and professional pursuits,
she focused heavily on learning, teaching, publishing,
and organizing around social justice on university
campuses. She completed a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Social Justice Education as well as a Bachelor
of Arts (BA) at the University of Toronto (UofT). She recently worked as the Equity Coordinator at UofT
Scarborough’s Department of Athletics & Recreation where she conducted research and implemented
programming within an anti‐oppressive lens.
She taught six undergraduate tutorial classes at the University of Toronto in the Department of
Sociology; Department of Historical and Cultural Studies; and the Department of Arts, Culture and
Media. Additionally, she published both an article and a book chapter in the following academic
books; Critical Schooling: Transformative Theory and Practice and New Framings onAnti‐Racism:
Resistance and the New Futurity.
She was also theNational Projects Coordinator for CCMW’s Muslim Women's Family Law and Legal
Rights project where she addressed the urgent need of Canadian Muslim women to understand their
rights under Canadian family law.
Sabrine also volunteered in the office of The Honourable Marilou McPhedran, an Independent Senator
for Manitoba. In the Senate of Canada, she supported the Senator in developing the 35th anniversary
celebration of the Canadian Charter of Rights and co‐facilitated youth programming.
1514. Sharie‐Ann Campbell
I am a lawyer who was called to the bar in 2015 and am a long standing member of the Durham
community. I have strong ties to the Durham Region because I was raised here and work here. I moved
to Durham when I was in grade 1, commuted to York University for my undergradute studies, obtained
my law degree at the University of Ottawa, and returned to Durham where I opened my law practice
and raise my two children. My undergraduate degree in Business and Society focused on the
intersection between business functions (including non‐profits) and their impact on society and various
stakeholders. Further, my law degree was obtained from a social justice focused institution. I have an
intricate understanding of communities and the function of business which gives me a valuable
perspective if serving as a Board Member of the Durham Community Legal Clinic.
Professionally, my law practice focuses on family law and real estate law. I have been on the Legal Aid
Ontario panel since I first opened my firm in 2015 and have made it a mandate to devote at least 10% of
my family law practice to Legal Aid Ontario files. I recognize that there is an area of need in our
community and made this a mandate as a way to service those who are impacted by a variety of socio‐
economic factors that may lead them to be in need of a Legal Aid Ontario lawyer or probono services.
I volunteer throughout Durham Region helping Rotary Clubs and participating in various
fundraising/awareness initiatives such as the MS Walk and Take Back the Night. I also serve as a
member of the school council at my children’s school, and school representative at the Regional
Board Meetings for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
1615. Shaun Bernstein
Shaun Bernstein is a proud Oshawa resident and owner of The Write Stuff Agency, a digital marketing
firm that helps small businesses and communities build and come together through storytelling and
content creation.
A former journalist and lawyer, he practised employment and human rights law throughout the GTA
before leaving his practice in 2019. Shaun worked frequently with both employer and employee clients
on a variety of complex issues including wrongful dismissals, workplace harassment, and human rights
complaints. He was also the author of the noted blog News From The Break Room, which translated
complex employment law issues into plain language for a non‐legal audience, and was the winner of two
Canadian Law Blog Awards.
Shaun is passionate about community legal education and access to justice, and believes that the DCLC
is integral to supporting these missions. While he grew up in Thornhill, he moved to Oshawa with his
wife in 2018 and has fallen in love with Durham. He looks forward to re‐discovering all that the region
has to offer once it is safe to do so.
1716. Shay Babb
Shay Babb is the Compliance Risk & Ethics Manager for
Ontario Tech University, a research‐intensive publicly
funded university. Shay is responsible for advising on key
compliance areas including Copyright, AODA, Controlled
Goods and Information Governance.
Prior to joining Ontario Tech University, Shay held the
position of Legislative Compliance Governance & Ethics
Manager at Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited, where she
managed the day‐to‐day operations of the Privacy & Ethics
Offices. Earlier in her career, Shay worked at Toyota
Financial Services as a Law Clerk, Compliance Officer and
Records Coordinator where she established and
implemented the compliance, privacy, and records
management frameworks.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York
University, a Legal & Corporate Administration Certificate
from Seneca College, and a Records Management
Fundamentals and Practice Certificate from the University
of Toronto, Rotman School of Management. Shay has
been a member of the International Association of Privacy
Professionals (IAPP) since 2013 and has earned the CIPP/C
and CIPM certifications.
Shay is passionate about social justice issues and has demonstrated this through her service with a non‐
profit community legal clinic servicing low income residents in her community. She also serves as
member on the IAPP’s Training Advisory Board.
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