Board of Directors

Tommy Petrogiannis

PRESIDENT of the Board of Directors

Tommy Petrogiannis is an entrepreneur and technology expert based in Montreal. With an insatiable appetite for innovation, Tommy co-founded a groundbreaking software company that transformed the landscape of e-signature solutions. Currently, his focus is on using his creativity and business acumen to inspire emerging entrepreneurs and foster their growth.

Lia Caltagirone

TREASURER of the Board of Directors

After a career in Accounting and Administration and having participated in the start-up and sale of successful IT businesses, as well as an ongoing interest in an Architecture and Design company, Lia has decided to focus her time, energy and skills to charitable endeavors. In associating with Carolyn’s Community, Lia’s objective is to be an active participant and will provide insight as well as use her experience and network of contacts to help.   Driven by an energy and willingness to help, she looks forward to the next phase of her journey.

Ina Hillebrand

SECRETARY of the Board of Directors

Ina Hillebrand is a Senior Executive working with various organizations to support the development and execution of their marketing strategies.

She has worked in large corporations, founded her own marketing consultancy, worked for international not-for-profit organizations and also opened a bakery. She is an accomplished leader, speaks 5 languages and keeps bees.

In addition to being on Carolyn’s Community Board of Directors she is also honoured to be on the Board of Directors of the Friends of AvH, the St Patrick’s Square Development Fund Board of Directors and is an Advisory Board Member of the Vermont Beekeepers Association.

Tina Hillenbrand

VICE PRESIDENT of the Board of Directors

Tina has worked in Early Childhood Education for over 25 years in Montreal, having spent the last 15 as Director of Orchard House Preschool.

In addition to guiding educators, parents and children over the years, she is also mother to two grown daughters.

With an engrained passion for serving the community, she has been a volunteer at Carolyn’s Community for over a decade. Also assisting other community organizations such as The Depot, Meals on Wheels and sits on the Board Of Directors at Elizabeth House.

Maria-louisa (mel) di Rienzo

MEMBER of the Board of Directors

Mel combines a deep understanding of human biology and psychology with a heartfelt dedication to serving others.

With a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, she has spent the past eight years designing compassionate, person-centered clinical services that prioritize individual needs.

Beyond her professional work, Mel is deeply committed to giving back. For over 15 years, she has been a devoted volunteer with Carolyn’s Community Toy Drive, bringing joy to countless families during the holidays. Whether through hands-on volunteering or leading philanthropic initiatives, Mel believes in the power of community to create meaningful change.

Rebecca Sohmer

MEMBER of the Board of Directors

Rebecca Sohmer is a dedicated real estate broker known for her integrity, insight, and powerful network. With a deep commitment to community, she has been actively involved in grassroots, poverty-related charities for over 20 years, including serving as a board member of Mada. Rebecca has also supported Carolyn for several years, offering her expertise and compassion along the way. A true master connector, Rebecca brings people, opportunities, and causes together with purpose and heart.

Ambassadors

Breanna Pallante

Community Impact Assistant

Breanna is a passionate community leader and full-time student based in Montreal. She has been actively involved with a variety of non-profits and community organizations, where she has contributed to program planning, fundraising, outreach, and event coordination. 

Breanna is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations at Concordia University, with a concentration in Community Development, building on her DEC in Community Recreation and Leadership Training from Dawson College. 

Her dedication to community service has been recognized through awards including Concordia’s Volunteer Recognition Award and Dawson’s Anastasia De Sousa Memorial Award.

Driven by compassion and collaboration, Breanna is excited to be part of Carolyn’s Community, contributing to its mission of supporting shelters and organizations, while helping to build stronger connections within the community. She believes deeply in Carolyn’s Community’s mission of connecting people through the power of giving.

Soukaina Ouassaddine

Logistics and Volunteer Coordinator

Driven by a strong interest in people, purpose, and community impact, I am currently a Psychology major at Concordia University with management focused electives.

Through my academic background and work experience in community-facing and collaborative roles, I have developed a strong ability to support people- centered initiatives with empathy,organization, and professionalism.

I am excited to be joining Carolyn’s Community, where I look forward to contributing to the Teen program and supporting the organizations mission of connecting people through the power ofgiving.

vivien francois

IT Support Ambassador

Vivien moved to Canada when he was 21 years old and has been pursuing a career in IT (mainly networking and software development). He got to know Carolyn’s Community through Lia.

His mother is a retired social worker who was very involved in France helping her community throughout her career but also through several charity initiatives, in turn, he wants to help in Montreal.

Vivien offers his help by assisting with the technology aspect of Carolyn’s Community.

Danusia Lapinski

Teen Work Experience & Skills Certificate Program Ambassador

Coach, therapist, and high school teacher. Danusia has supported youth, educators, and parents in Montreal for the past 20 years. Danusia continues to run her practice Coaching to Aspire Higher. She also supervises and directs the Francophone Creative Arts Therapies Program at the Centre for the Arts in Human Development at Concordia University. Her motivation for starting up the teen work skills program is in response to the mental health youth crisis in Canada and the lack of free opportunities for youth to socialize and gain essential life/work skills through training and practical hands-on experiences. She is thrilled and honored to be part of Carolyn’s Community Charity.

Matthew Hogeboom

Transportation Ambassador

Matt is a pilot and community volunteer. He began his aviation career as a flight instructor before taking to the skies over Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where he flew for safari camps. His career evolved into humanitarian aviation when he joined a mission-based organization partnered with the Ministry of Health in Botswana. There, he flew medical emergency missions across the country, supporting programs for women and orphans in underserved communities—a chapter that profoundly shaped his outlook on purpose-driven work.

In 2013, Matthew returned to Canada to join Sunwing Airlines. Since 2024, he has been volunteering with Carolyn’s Community, supporting with deliveries and transportation. He is deeply inspired by Carolyn’s leadership, calling her an “amazing ambassador and role model” whose work is making a meaningful impact. Matthew believes that strong communities are built through everyday acts of care, service, and solidarity.

Stephanie London

Grant Research Ambassador

Stephanie began volunteering with Carolyn’s Community a few years ago as an elf during the Toy Drive, helping to raise funds and collect toys for children and families in need. Since then, she has continued to support the organization by coordinating funding opportunities and contributing behind the scenes.
She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from McGill University and now work in the health technology sector, where she is focused on building happier, healthier workplaces.
She is proud to support Carolyn’s Community because she truly believes in the power of connection and the impact we can make when we come together. Saying it has been inspiring to watch the community grow over the years and to see how many individuals and families have been positively impacted by its initiatives.

Marcus Chalmers

Financial Review Ambassador

Marcus brings over ten years of experience in finance and accounting to Carolyn’s Community and currently serves as Director of Finance at Purpose Unlimited. He is passionate about helping local organizations thrive and believes that good financial practices can make a real difference. By volunteering with Carolyn’s Community, he hopes to help maximize the impact of its work and support positive change.

Rebecca Durnin

Communications and Marketing Ambassador

Rebecca leads the communications and marketing team for an international organization which hosts large-scale economic conferences. She has over 15 years’ experience in the communications field and started her career in the UK, where she worked for various agencies with a specialism in the luxury sector. In her spare time, she volunteers for causes close to her heart – mainly those involving women and children. As a mother to two young children, Rebecca was inspired to help Carolyn’s Community when she learned of the charity’s work supporting families in need. She assists Carolyn’s Community with communications initiatives.

Emma Nguyen

Teen Work Experience and Skills Certificate Program – Teen Supervisor

My name is Emma! I’m a coordinator of the Teen Work Experience and Skills Certificate Program. I began volunteering during high-school in different events such as Sapin Jeunesse, in gardens around Montreal and in different shelters. As soon as I started volunteering, I immediately fell in love with the idea of helping others around me. I feel like it’s such a pretty way to give back to my community and meet my limits, strengths and weaknesses. When I heard about Carolyn’s community idea of building a Teen Work Experience Skill Certification Program, I was immediately drawn to it. I’m super grateful to have the opportunity to work with the community and gain experience and leadership 🙂

TAM DANG

Teen Work Experience and Skills Certificate Program – Teen Supervisor

I’m Tam, coordinator for the Teen Work Experience Certification Skills Program. I’m excited to be part of this project because it helps youth grow, gain real-world experience, and give back to the community. I started out volunteering in hospitals, schools, and CHSLDs, so I know how hard it can be to navigate it all on your own. That’s why I love this program—it makes volunteering simple, flexible, and accessible. It helped me build the confidence and skills that led to this role, and I’m here to support others on their journey too!