Board of Directors

Samantha has a BA in Digital Media and Journalism and a post graduate degree in Contemporary Media Studies. She is currently the Senior Specialist – Early Talent Events & Sponsorships at Deloitte. She’s a former WDHS graduate (class of 2017) and has volunteered and worked with HYN since 2019. Samantha’s passion for youth mental health and creating a better community for young people is what keeps her with HYN. 

Andy Burnside likes helping people. After graduating from Western University, Andy embarked on what would become a 12 year career in the non-profit world. Working with such organizations as the York University Foundation, Western University, the MS Society and United Way. While at the United Way, Andy worked for 6 years as a Campaign Manager for United Way offices in the Toronto, Barrie and Oakville offices. Since then, Andy has brought his interest in helping people to the profit world by opening his own Insurance Agency as a Desjardins Agent in Waterdown Ontario. In this most recent stage of his career, Andy hopes to bring a more evolved customer experience to the industry where he and his team focus on a unique ‘lighter’ approach to Insurance that includes teaching Insurance and risk, instead of just selling it. Andy values common sense, humour and a strong, integrated local community.   

Karen Turkstra has lived in Flamborough since 1996 with her husband Peter and two daughters. Karen works in the family business at Turkstra Lumber as well as being self employed in land development. Her undergrad degree was obtained at the University of Waterloo and post graduate at McGill in Business Administration.  Karen served on School Council, often as the Chair, and became passionate about Public Education, Finance and Policy. She served as Trustee for HWDSB from 2006 – 2014 for Wards 14 & 15. Since 2015, Karen has served on the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Children’s Aid Society. She has been an active supporter, advisor and advocate of Healthy Youth Network and Flamborough Paint Challenge since their inception. Karen’s passion is to serve youth and to help those most at risk.  

Zobia Jawed is a Faculty lead for Engineering design and policy projects and Faculty Member of Engineering at McMaster University. She is an expert in water/wastewater treatment, climate change, governance/policy, and decision-support tools. She is passionate about empowering youth. She is also Director for an international youth organization, Youth Sahara. She brings valuable experiences and an equity, diversity lens to HYN. Read more about Zobia’s journey.

Rob McCann is the President of the Hamilton Technology Centre (HTC) and an entrepreneur. He built his business experience with two successful bootstrapped companies that were subsequently acquired, the second by Canada’s largest cable operator. He continues to support carriers, cable systems, municipalities, and network service providers in Canada and the US while supporting the small business that call the HTC their home. 

Rob has been an inaugural board member of The Intelligent Community Forum Canada, participated as a member of Advisory Committees for Seneca and Mohawk Colleges in Ontario, served as a Director with the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers Ontario Chapter, a contributor to the CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee, and a frequent keynote speaker at industry events and trade shows.

Rob’s active projects include work with ICF recognized Intelligent Communities on broadband strategy, providing technical insight to municipal and First Nations broadband networks, and participating as a Board Member for the Healthy Youth Network. He holds degrees in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and Economics from McMaster University.  

Brenna has a passion for youth health and community engagement. She holds a background in Kinesiology and Health Promotion from Sheridan College and has gained experience in workplace wellness through a placement at Brantford Hospital’s Organizational Health Department. She has been involved with the organization as a volunteer and previous Event Coordinator for the Flamborough Paint Challenge fundraiser, helping bring community-focused events to life. She is dedicated to supporting youth and creating positive, inclusive spaces within the community..  

Kelly Rizzo

Formerly Trustee for the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (2014 – 2022), Penny Deathe has a background in Marketing, Business and Leadership Development. In 2009, Penny founded Healthy Youth Network (formerly HC-HY Flamborough). She believes strongly in creating collaborative solutions that benefit youth by working with youth and, using that approach, helped to create “What’s Your Path”, HEART and “The Flamborough Paint Challenge”.