Governance and Accountability
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At Wellchild Niagara, we are committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and community trust. As a growing nonprofit supporting children and families across the Niagara Region, strong governance is essential to how we make decisions, manage resources, and uphold our mission.
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Our governance practices are guided by a commitment to ethical leadership, responsible stewardship, and alignment with Imagine Canada’s Standards for nonprofit excellence. As we develop and expand, we continue strengthening the policies, systems, and structures that ensure Wellchild Niagara remains accountable to the children, youth, families, partners, and communities we serve.
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Wellchild Niagara is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA).
Ontario Corporation Number: 1001246407
Incorporation Date: June 25, 2025
Our Board of Directors oversees governance, accountability, and compliance with Ontario nonprofit regulations.
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Our Board of Directors
Wellchild Niagara is overseen by an engaged, volunteer Board of Directors responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight, and organizational accountability. Together, the Board works closely with our Executive Director to ensure that all programs, partnerships, and initiatives reflect our mission and values.
Our Board ensures:
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Transparent decision-making
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Annual review of strategic and sustainability plans
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Responsible financial management
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Safe, ethical, child-centred practices
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Commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessible services
Eleanor Smith
Eleanor Smith brings over 20 years of experience as an IT specialist in corporate Canada, alongside her work as an educational consultant and instructor in continuing education and diploma programs.
She holds a Master’s degree in Education, with research focused on the challenges learners face when developing coding and computational thinking skills. Eleanor is passionate about helping adult learners build their professional capacities.
She lives in downtown Hamilton with her spouse, Dan, their two daughters, Bridget and Aurora, and their three cats, Seeus, Boots, and Mittens.
Dr. Zaida Rahaman
Dr. Zaida Rahaman is a health educator and community-based researcher with a background in nursing, and over 20 years of experience in pediatric and family health, children’s mental health, and public health.
She is passionate about fostering holistic health and wellness for children, youth, and families through trauma-informed care, culturally responsive education, Indigenous health, and health equity.
Her work integrates storytelling and land-based pedagogy to nourish emotional resiliency, promote cultural safety, and build meaningful community engagement.
Dr. Rahaman has led numerous projects that support children’s well-being and promote equity-driven care.
She lives in Hamilton and enjoys spending time in nature, creating art, and storytelling.
Rachelle Gibbs
Rachelle Gibbs is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with over 20 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families across Ontario.
She is the founder of Wellchild Niagara and is deeply committed to creating accessible, affordable, and holistic programs for children.
Since 2017, Rachelle has designed and delivered trauma-informed, inclusive, play-based programs that build children’s resilience, emotional literacy, and well-being. She works in a variety of community settings, including licensed childcare, child and family support centres, and municipal programs.
Rachelle lives in Niagara with her dog, Cash, and enjoys exploring the region.
Get Involved
We welcome community members who are passionate about child wellbeing, mindfulness, nature based education and nonprofit leadership.
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If you are interested in joining our Board or volunteering within our governance work, we welcome you to submit your information.
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