Meet The Team

Jennifer joined the Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity (OCHE) in May 2024.
With Honours degrees in History, English, and Cultural Studies from McMaster University and Paralegal Studies from Humber College, plus a Business Analyst certificate from the University of Toronto, Jennifer brings diverse expertise to her role. Jennifer is a licensed paralegal in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. 

Jennifer began her career at the Department of Justice, Tax Law Service Centre, she provided legal support to the CRA and supported the federal government in tax collection efforts. Later, Jennifer joined BMO's legal department, managing BMO's final escalation complaint process with fairness and integrity. Handling unresolved customer complaints across North America, independently of BMO's business operations;  In order to identify improvement opportunities and recommend enhancements. 

During Jennifer's tenure at TCHC, she worked in the community of Regent Park as an Operating Unit Clerk, before advancing to Client Care, where she also served as acting Shift Lead. She demonstrated a high level of understanding of the TCHC policies and procedures, as well as the tenancy concerns and diverse needs of TCHC residents.

Beyond her professional roles, Jennifer is an active community member, serving on the board of directors of a housing cooperative. She advocates for the preservation and creation of more affordable housing and, believes in safe and dignified housing for all.

Mark joined the Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity (OCHE) in October 2023, bringing several years of case management experience, with an extensive background in community development. His career in social work began with the John Howard Society of Toronto, where he provided pre-release counselling and reintegration support to individuals who had experienced incarceration, and in need of housing stabilization.

He transitioned into senior leadership roles, and was responsible for overseeing mental health and addiction programs, home for good housing subsidies, post incarceration follow-up teams and collaborated with multi-service agencies to launch and chair the Toronto south community reintegration planning table. His in-depth understanding of the emergency shelter system, provides a pragmatic and measured approach in relations to eviction prevention, shelter diversion and bilateral landlord-tenant negotiation. 

Mark joined the OCHE due to the intentionality, impact and purpose of our work. He understands the urgency that is experienced in terms of housing insecurity, and is driven by equitable advocacy, with the objective of creating positive outcomes for TCHC residents.

Melissa joined the Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity in November of 2023. Melissa is passionate about empowering vulnerable and marginalized individuals by providing connection to community, resources, and support. She brings years of Case Management experience in the social services field working with diverse populations in Mental Health and Addictions. Melissa is committed to providing tenants the support and resources needed to stabilize their tenancy with respect and dignity.

Nickza joined the Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity (OCHE) in August 2024.

Nickza holds a Social Service Work Diploma from Centennial College, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Master's degree in Social Work with a specialization in Human Services Management and Leadership from University of Toronto. She is also a Registered Social Worker.

Nickza feels passionately about providing quality service to marginalized individuals due to her personal and professional background. She has more than eight years of experience in the non-profit and public sector where she worked with diverse populations. Prior to coming on board with OCHE, she worked with the federal government in social funding programs within the Employment and Social Development Canada department. Nickza has lived experience of growing up as a TCHC tenant in the east end where she was an active community member.

Nickza strongly believes in the importance of working alongside tenants to support eviction prevention for senior and vulnerable tenants living in Toronto Community Housing.

Nikol joined the Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity in December 2023,  bringing with her 8 years of experience working in various sectors of social services with a special focus on mental health, addictions, and homelessness. Prior to joining OCHE, Nikol worked for the City of Toronto for 7 years  in various sectors including corporate real estate management supporting people with their provincial offences, SSHA- streets to homes supporting and advocating for individuals living in encampments to receive sustainable housing and Toronto employment and social services. Nikol had the opportunity to work with different city projects including the pathways inside project which was a collaborative internal stakeholder project focused on supporting clients obtain sustainable housing and financial assistance while also  managing different caseloads for various teams such as pending Ontario disability support program clients, transitional clients that have concurrent disorders, substance abuse and chronic homelessness,  HOPE clients who have concurrent disorders and chronic homelessness who want to apply for disability and applications; supporting the province complete applications for Ontario works. 
 

Steven holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Analysis from Ryerson University. He has a background in the public sector, including international experience at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Prior to joining the team at the OCHE, Steven worked in the Legal Department at TCHC. Steven is passionate about creating connections with tenants and providing support to navigate the community housing system.

Tristan joined the OCHE team in January 2024 and brings with him several years of experience working in the housing sector and public service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Paralegal Studies from Seneca College. Prior to coming on board with OCHE, he gained experience with the City of Toronto’s Employment and Social Services division. He also spent time as a Tenant Service Coordinator with TCHC, where he helped tenants navigate the arrears collection process. Tristan brings with him an extensive knowledge of TCHC’s policies and procedures and is passionate about engaging with tenants and reaching positive outcomes.

Vernessa joined the Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity in March 2022, bringing with her over thirteen years of case management experience within the Toronto Shelter, Support and Housing System. Working as a Housing Support Worker, Vernessa assisted people experiencing homelessness secure and maintain housing by offering support and empowering them with the tools necessary to maintain successful tenancies. Before joining the OCHE team, Vernessa was a Tenant Services Administrator with TCHC where she had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the Arrears Collection Process. Vernessa values the importance of providing service with empathy, compassion and respect and uses this in her day to day engagement with tenants.