Board Members
Zahid Somani
he/him
Director, Chair of the Board
Zahid Somani is a University of Toronto Graduate with over 25 years of experience in HIV pharmacy care. Starting as a new University of Toronto Pharmacy graduate in Toronto’s Gay village, Zahid remembers the very limited treatment options that were available to people newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. He then became a certified HIV pharmacist.
The Village Pharmacy, established in 2001, is a full-service community pharmacy in Toronto, specializing in HIV and with a particular focus on Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community, and more recently, Diabetes support. The Village Pharmacy is fully accredited by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
With 3 locations- in the Village, on Yonge Street at Wellesley and in Midtown at Yonge and Eglinton, we are buoyed by the support of our good natured( and loyal!) clients and community members and we are committed to supporting the com munity at large in return, through our annual donations to important causes like ACT, Rainbow Railroad, PWA, Kids Help Phone, The Teresa group and more.
Dave Kerr
(he/him)
Director, Treasurer
of the Board
of the Board
Dave has an innate passion for service and has been actively involved in volunteerism for more than 10 years. He has served his community and country well and was appointed Chairman of a registered charitable organization made up of young professionals in his country. He is a graduate of the University of London where he pursued his Law Degree just after completing his undergrad studies in Finance and Management.
In his full-time role, he serves as a Director for a Refugee Program and is also a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). Prior to this, Dave spent many years working in the financial and legal sectors and is highly regarded among his peers. He has volunteered and worked in a Canadian-based immigration law office assisting clients with their immigration matters which afforded him the unique opportunity of working diligently with many newcomers to Canada and providing value-added services.
Kevin Borden
he/him
Director
Kevin Borden is a proud Person of Colour, a father, and a grandfather. He has been an active member in the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities for over 40 years as a volunteer and staff. He first came into contact with the Teresa Group through his work at the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation where he worked closely with the Teresa Group supplying much needed baby food and diapers through their community outreach program.
He also has many years of previous experience working on the boards of the Daily Bread Food Bank, Community One Foundation and The Bill 7 Awards.
As a person living with HIV, he has a strong knowledge of the complexities, struggles and barriers facing the HIV community and especially the impact it has on children, youth, and their families. He would contribute an immense amount of guidance, knowledge, and passion to the Theresa Group Board.
Tadek Chmiel
Tadek Chmiel
he/him
Director
Tadek is a strategic leader and development professional with over eight years of experience in the non-profit sector, both as a volunteer and staff member. Originally from the UK, he began his non-profit career with AKT, a charity supporting LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, where he coordinated sponsorships, venues, and vendor relationships for their annual youth conference.
Upon relocating to Toronto in 2022, he joined LetsStopAIDS, a youth-HIV charity, as Development Manager. As a member of the senior management team, he oversaw a team of fundraising professionals and volunteers, contributing to $200,000 in annual revenue across corporate partnerships, grants, individual giving, and campaigns. He also spearheaded the organization’s Salesforce relaunch, securing over $100,000 in pro-bono services and transforming donor and grant management systems. A highlight of his tenure was serving as the Fundraising Working Group Lead for the Munich Youth Force at the 2024 International AIDS Conference, where he coordinated youth from organizations based in London, Cape Town, Hanoi, Jakarta, and Toronto to raise $65,000 in sponsorships.
Since April 2025, he have served as Senior Clinical Partnerships Manager at Freddie (PurposeMed), building partnerships with clinics and community organizations across Canada and the U.S. to expand access to PrEP and affirming care. His work across fundraising and partnerships has deepened my commitment to advancing the HIV response, tackling stigma, and supporting equitable access to care. He is eager to bring this passion and experience to the Teresa Group’s Board of Directors.
Allistair Douglas
he/him
Director
Allistair Douglas brings over a decade of leadership experience in customer service, financial services, and operations management, combined with a strong passion for community service and advocacy. Currently serving as an Operations Manager at PayPal, and with previous experience as a Financial Advisor at Scotiabank, Allistair has developed expertise in financial guidance, process optimization, and people development—skills he is eager to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the Teresa Group.
Throughout his career, Allistair has led large teams, designed training programs, and implemented operational improvements that strengthened efficiency and client satisfaction. Beyond his professional achievements, he has been actively involved in initiatives promoting equity, inclusion, and empowerment of marginalized groups.
Allistair received a bachelor’s degree in law and Society. This academic milestone has deepened his understanding of social justice, governance, and the systemic issues facing vulnerable populations. His lived experience as a newcomer to Canada further shapes his perspective and commitment to advocacy, diversity, and community building.
As a board member, Allistair looks forward to collaborating with fellow directors, staff, and partners to advance the Teresa Group’s mission. He is especially passionate about supporting programs that build empowerment, resilience, and long-term stability for the communities the Teresa Group serves.
Dr. Apondi Odhiambo
Dr. Apondi Odhiambo
she/her
Director
Dr. Apondi J Odhiambo first situates herself as a Black and cisgender woman of an African Descent and immigrant to Canada. Dr. Odhiambo has dedicated her interdisciplinary scholarly, professional, leadership, and volunteer work to projects that advocate for social justice, health equity, human rights, diversity, inclusion, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Her work goal has been to contribute towards social justice and transformative change by disrupting and dismantling systems of oppression and domination that have historically and continue to disadvantage minority groups including women, immigrants, racialized population, among many more.
Dr. Odhiambo presently wears several hats. She is a community-engaged and global health scholar, professor, public health specialist, policy advisor, an activist and human rights advocate. Currently, she is a Manager and Senior Policy Advisor at the Office of the Chief Science Officer and Office of the President, where I am leading the development and implementation of anti-Racism in Science Strategy. She also an Adjunct Professor at Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, and a Faculty Member at Trent University.
She has served on several Board of Directors positions and advisory groups in Canada, and led citywide and provincial initiatives focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Most recently, she was the Co-Chair of the Toronto Police Service Race-Based Data Collection Advisory Panel. Dr. Odhiambo holds a PhD in Public Health from Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. She also has a Master of Laws (LLM) from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. Additionally, she has a Master of Science in Psychology and an undergraduate degree in sociology.
Amelia Peltz
she/her
Director
Ms. Amelia Peltz is a feminist global health equity, gender-based violence, and humanitarian specialist with over two decades of experience implementing complex sexual and reproductive health and community development programs across crisis-affected and development settings throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For the past 14 years Ms. Peltz worked for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leading the Agency’s PEPFAR-funded HIV, gender-based violence, and gender equality portfolio, which served children, adolescents, women, and LGBTQI+ communities in over 20 countries.
A skilled and collaborative leader, Ms. Peltz has managed diverse teams, trained over 1,200 professionals worldwide on trauma-informed HIV and GBV care, and built strategic partnerships with UNAIDS, WHO, The Global Fund, and community organizations. Born and raised in Toronto, Ms. Peltz is eager to bring her skills and experience to support the local HIV community and build a sustainable, equity-based response to ending the HIV epidemic.
Rohna Rowe
she/her
Director
Rohna is a finance professional and community advocate with over 10 years of experience across nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Currently, she works as a Senior Accountant at Morguard Investment Ltd., where she oversees accounts receivable operations, journal entries, reconciliations, audit preparation, and compliance with internal controls. She enjoys mentoring staff, improving processes, and strengthening financial reporting systems to ensure accuracy and accountability. Her earlier roles in tourism, healthcare, and government gave her valuable experience managing reconciliations, vendor relations, payroll, and large-scale budget tracking.
She holds a Master of Science in Accounting & Financial Management from the University of London, as well as a Bachelor and Associate degree in Finance and Accounting. She is also a CPA candidate and a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), combining financial expertise with a strong understanding of immigration systems and regulations. These credentials reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.
Beyond her professional career, she is deeply engaged in community service. She volunteers with MCC Toronto and the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation, where she supports LGBTQI+ newcomers, refugees, and people living with HIV. Her work includes intake support, peer navigation, and volunteer leadership. She also organizes inclusive community initiatives, such as annual beach trips for marginalized groups, which foster belonging, healing, and joy for participants who often face systemic barriers. She bring to the Theresa Group a unique perspective that blends financial acumen with compassion, accountability, and a strong commitment to human rights and social justice.
Robyn Salter
she/her
Director
Robyn Salter trained as a Social Worker in the 1970s at Carleton University in Ottawa. She worked in child and family mental health care until 1988 when she joined the newly forming HIV program at Sick Kids. Until she retired in 2019, Robyn was the social worker for children, youth and families living with HIV and parents going through the infant HIV testing process. She also participated in HIV psychosocial research, education, and community connections.
She has worked closely with Teresa Group staff since 1990 and was on the Board for 9 years. Robyn says “I’m passionate about supporting families in coping with complex issues in living with HIV, especially managing the stigma in ways families choose. And I’m pleased to again support the work of the Teresa Group as a Board member.”
Martin Seal
Martin Seal
he/him
Director
Martin Seal is a non-profit leader with over five years of experience in program evaluation, community engagement, and strategic organizational growth. Currently serving as Manager, People & Data at Hard Feelings Mental Health, Martin oversees operations and data strategy, guiding innovative evaluation systems that strengthen service delivery, and working with the organization’s strategic direction to measure and meet long-term goals.
With a strong track record of building and leading organizational growth, Martin has developed inclusive, community focused initiatives that empower people to come together. His leadership has included creating new volunteer roles and responsibilities, implementing digital tools for evaluation and reporting, and coordinating cross-sector partnerships to amplify community reach.
A graduate of Concordia University (BA, Philosophy, with Distinction) and Centennial College (Post-Graduate Certificate, Interactive Media Management, High Honours), Martin has also completed advanced training in strategic planning, social impact assessment, and accessibility standards. He is passionate about harnessing data, technology, and collaboration to drive innovative change and build stronger, more connected communities.
Hodine Williams
Hodine Williams
he/him
Director
Hodine Williams is an experienced legal professional and governance specialist with a strong background in strategy, compliance, and organizational management. He has built his career at the intersection of law and leadership, providing strategic guidance to boards, senior executives, and nonprofit organizations. His expertise includes corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and strategic planning — skills he now brings to his role with The Teresa Group.
Hodine has served in senior legal and compliance roles where he advised on complex regulatory frameworks, guided organizations through change, and strengthened governance structures to support long-term sustainability. He has also contributed to board evaluation processes and provided training to leadership teams, with a focus on accountability, transparency, and effective decision-making. His professional background equips him to support The Teresa Group in advancing its mission while ensuring sound governance and strategic oversight.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Hodine is honoured to serve Canada’s oldest community-based charitable organization dedicated to children and families affected by HIV and AIDS. He is deeply aligned with the organization’s vision of fostering dignity, resilience, and holistic care, and is committed to ensuring that The Teresa Group remains strong, sustainable, and impactful for years to come.
Beyond his board service, Hodine is active in mentoring and community engagement, where he continues to champion equity, leadership development, and collaborative approaches to building stronger communities.