Executive Director
Christina Maes Nino
Christina has spent her career working to support, organize and collaborate with people living in poverty often focused on improving housing circumstances. After working as case manager in supportive housing for people who were previously homeless in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and as a community development worker in social housing in Calgary, Christina decided to pursue policy and research and completed at Masters of City Planning at the University of Manitoba.
While a Community Animator at the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, Christina was the coordinator of Winnipeg’s first and second Street Census projects, was the co-author of the Winnipeg Street Health Report (2011), Here and Now: Winnipeg Plan to End Youth Homelessness (2016) and has published two chapters in edited books, “Decolonizing Planning” (2014) and “Poor Housing” (2015).
At MNPHA, Christina has grown the Association and is particularly proud of its policy, research, and advocacy capacity. Her favourite activities are seeing MNPHA members speak with decision-makers about their shared priorities, and support one another to provide great, affordable homes across Manitoba.
Christina has served as Manitoba’s representative on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA), and is currently on the Winnipeg Reaching Home Community Advisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Community Housing Transformation Centre.
In her free time, Christina loves traveling on two-wheeled vehicles (bicycle and motorcycle), traveling near and far, and gardening.
Contact her at [email protected] or (204) 797-6746 ext.1.
Director of Programs
Cheryl Krostewitz
Cheryl has an extensive background working in the non-profit community, with a focus on non-profit housing. Her experience as a facilitator is based in working as a cooperative development advisor educating groups about cooperatives and helping them with incorporation and support after incorporation. Cheryl was also a founder and board member of the Cooperative Housing Group Inc.
Cheryl enjoys working with boards to help them understand their roles and obligations under their legal agreements. She has helped several groups navigate the ends of their Operating Agreements with Manitoba Housing. Her most recent role was focused on developing policies and procedures for boards and management as well as offering leadership and support in the areas of board development and communication. Cheryl is responsible for implementing MNPHA’s Sector Transformation Strategy, including supporting organizations taking on management agreements or new buildings in partnership with Manitoba Housing, and directing MNPHA’s transformation programs – the Housing Supports Initiative and the Rent Relief Fund.
Contact her at programs@mnpha.com or (204)797-6746 ext.2.
Coordinator of Education and Communications
Jo Dworschak
Jo has a long history of contributing to non-profit housing and homelessness initiatives. Jo comes from the Pacific Coast and is proud to now call Manitoba home. She was the lead in creating independently subsidized projects like the University of British Columbia’s Rent Geared to Income program for its employees. She has extensive experience supporting residents in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
Jo advocated as a Board Member for one of the housing cooperatives fighting city hall to renew their land lease. She produces and hosts fundraisers, including one where she shared the stage with Gabor Mate.
Outside of work, Jo can be found entertaining, working on her house, or finding a new way to get through another winter in Winnipeg.
Contact her at [email protected] or (204)797-6746 ext.3.
Coordinator of Events and Member Services
Idorenyin Mbang
Idorenyin comes to MNPHA with an extensive background working with non-profits. He started out as a Program Intern with Coalitions for Change, a DFID UK funded program focused on capacity development for non-profit organizations.
He also worked with the Inoyo Toro Foundation; an organization focused on education development as the pioneer Program & Admin Manager. He was responsible for the conceptualization and implementation of the Foundation’s key programs and the setting up of the Foundation. He has initiated and executed various events and programs.
Idorenyin organizes MNPHA’s team and events through administrative support, event coordination, website updates, membership renewals, and responding to requests and questions as MNPHA’s first point of contact.
Contact him at [email protected] or (204)797-6746 ext.4.
Regional Energy Coach: Prairies
Fardeen Chowdhury
Hailing from the bustling streets of Dhaka to the frozen grounds of Winnipeg, Fardeen is an ardent advocate for sustainability and a passionate proponent of environmental protection. He holds a Bachelors of Environmental Studies (Honours, Co-op) degree from the University of Manitoba with a focus in Sustainable Development.
With numerous accolades for his academic accomplishments, volunteer work and extracurricular activities, Fardeen’s skills and knowledge range from Environmental auditing to Qualitative research as well as Community engagement. His journey from South Asia to North America has given him a unique perspective on the world, driving his interest in innovative solutions for complex environmental issues related to urban development, which he seeks to incorporate in his work at MNPHA as the Regional Energy Coach: Prairies. He oversees coaching and technical services for affordable housing providers across three provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta), focusing on energy-efficient capital projects.
Fardeen is a connoisseur of street foods from Dhaka and relishes Panta Ilish and homemade mango pickles as much as he enjoys Rickshaw rides on windy days.
Contact him at [email protected] or (204)797-6746. ex.8.
Program Coordinator Energy Efficiency
Olaide Adefarasin
Olaide comes to MNPHA with extensive experience in program management in energy efficiency initiatives. She has worked as Program Manager in financial sector where she coordinated energy efficiency projects and strategies aimed at helping nonprofit housing reduce energy consumption
She further worked as Program Consultant for Energy Projects, where she was involved in development of bespoke energy efficiency plans aimed at reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Some of which include recommendations on retrofit support programs and installation of energy efficient appliances in homes and social housings.
At MNPHA, Olaide works with non-profit housing organizations in Manitoba and Efficiency Manitoba (EM) to promote EM’s energy efficiency program participation and awareness and create and implement a nonprofit housing energy efficiency plan with guidance & support from Efficiency Manitoba.
Contact her at [email protected] or (204)797-6746 ext.7.
MANITOBA RENT RELIEF FUND
For more information on the Manitoba Rent Relief Fund, you can visit the Rent Relief Fund direct website by clicking the button below or contact them by email [email protected] or call 204-222-2181 (toll free 1-800-417-8830)
TEAM
Rent Relief Program Coordinator: Bailey
Bailey has a background in project management and graduated from Red River College’s Project Management Program. A prepetual learner, she is pursuing a Masters of Human Rights from the University of Manitoba, after completing a Bachelor of Business and Human Rights at the University of Winnipeg.
Bailey loves working with people and is passionate about helping them advocate for their rights. In her free time Bailey enjoys running with her dog, camping, and reading.
Office Coordinator: Carleigh
Carleigh has a background in herbal studies centered on plant medicine and recently completed studies in bookkeeping at Red River College. She brings extensive experience from various administrative roles. Her dedication to her practice is exemplified through her commitment to supporting individuals experiencing complex social needs, including concurrent mental health and substance use challenges. Carleigh adeptly combines administrative skills with a compassionate drive to assist others.
In her free time Carleigh enjoys spending time with her son and partner, listening to true crime podcasts, hiking, and attempting to skate and ski in the winter.
Programs Support: Jennifer
Jennifer’s professional journey began with a focus on Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba. However, driven by her innate compassion and a desire for advocacy work, Jennifer transitioned into collaborating with individuals in the vulnerable person sector. For 15 years, she provided crucial support to those in need, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Recognizing the need for a new skill set to further her mission, Jennifer pursued a course in Software Development at MITT. Armed with this technical expertise, she delved into app development and administrative roles.
Now, as an addition to MNPHA, Jennifer brings a unique blend of skills and experience to the team. With unwavering enthusiasm for advocacy, Jennifer is dedicated to making a positive impact through her role at MNPHA, ensuring that her knowledge benefits both the organization and the communities it serves.
Jennifer is a compassionate and understanding individual driven by a love for animals and a passion for helping others. When she’s not immersed in her work, you can often find her at one of Winnipeg’s many off-leash dog parks, enjoying quality time with her rescue.
Housing Stability Coordinator: Ysela
Ysela graduated from Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Social Sciences, and has a background in emergency social service delivery and government support services.
She enjoys networking and working together with collateral agencies to help people in times of need. In her free time, Ysela loves going for walks and taking photos, experimenting with bread recipes, or exploring local restaurants with her husband.
Resource Coordinator: Kathy
Kathy is a caring and compassionate individual with experience in crisis management and direct support work. She graduated from Red River College’s Applied Counselling Program in 2015 and is currently working towards a degree in social work through the University of Manitoba. Her work with the mental health team at Southern Health have provided her with the skills and understanding necessary to help manage a wide array of crisis situations.
In her spare time Kathy enjoys spending time outside in nature and taking care of her family.
Senior Housing Stability Coordinator: Jackie
Jackie has extensive experience working with people living with visible and non-visible disabilities. Jackie recently worked for a non-profit organization focused on mental health providing programming activities. She has volunteered for several organizations, including on CHMA’s Advisory Counsel for the Learning Centre, as Vice President of Steinbach Pride, and with Manitoba Schizophrenia Society’s Sharing Our Stories. She has a passion for advocating for people who live with mental health issues.
Senior Housing Stability Coordinator: Debbie
Debbie is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg’s Psychology and Justice & Law Enforcement programs with a focus on Sociology and Development. Having worked in the social services field for 20 years, Debbie’s passion is helping to empower youth and adults living with developmental disabilities, complex mental health conditions, addictions and trauma to access resources and experience unconditional acceptance. Most recently, her work with another non-profit organization led her to assist in the development of a safe and supportive housing model for vulnerable, at-risk young women.
When she isn’t working, Debbie enjoys spending time with friends and family, gardening, and exploring our beautiful province. On the weekend you will find her experimenting with how to make leftovers into a gourmet brunch.
Housing Stability Coordinator: Sukhman
Sukhman is an enthusiastic and organized professional offering a wide range of experience in coordinating and facilitating programs such as conversational circles, recruitment, and training volunteers by implementing theme-based topics for a diverse ethnicity of new Canadians.
She has a master’s degree in Psychology from the Punjab University, India and was an assistant Professor in the University. Sukhman has worked as a Community Development worker in Saskatoon Open Door Society.
In her free time, she loves watching Netflix and listening to music. She also has an interest in learning how people think and behave and how our mind can affect our physical well being.
Housing Stability Coordinator: Pam
Pam has a Diploma in Business Administration from Red River college and her Certificate in Urban and Inner City Studies from the University of Winnipeg.
Her work experience is varied, having worked for not-for-profit organizations, the Federal Government and the private sector. In each role, she has brought with her a passion for community development and supporting employment and resource access for people who have barriers.
In her spare time, Pam enjoys spending time with her family and volunteers with animal rescue groups.
Housing Stability Coordinator: Daralyn
Daralyn graduated from CDI College with honors, has over 15 years experience working in the community with people struggling in many different areas.
Daralyn is very passionate about working within the community with individuals/families. She is compassionate, supportive, and understanding in nature.
Daralyn loves the outdoor and she keeps active by going on hikes, camping, and taking her dog for walks.
Housing Stability Coordinator: Akinkugbe
Akinkugbe, popularly called Akin, is a skilled, hardworking, and empathetic professional committed to supporting vulnerable populations. His extensive experience includes frontline service provision in collaboration with various agencies. Akin has effectively managed diverse roles across multiple sectors: advertising, creative, education, oil and gas, and NGOs. His self-motivation and proficiency in fast-paced, cloud-based environments are commendable.
He has a Master’s Degree in Maritime Administration and Management and a certificate in Human Resources from Robertson College.
In his leisure time, Akin enjoys spending quality time with his family, playing the bass guitar, reading and watching documentaries. He is a member of the Brandon Sunset Rotary Club, where he actively participates in volunteer work.
Housing Stability Coordinator: Chelsea
Chelsea is working on finishing up her bachelor’s degree at the University of Winnipeg, where she is double majoring in Conflict Resolution Studies and Human Rights. Passionate about the rights of marginalized groups, Chelsea sits on the Board for the Winnipeg Harm Reduction Network, Project Safe Audience, and on MNPHA’s Rent Relief Outreach Committee.
Her experience in the nonprofit sector, coupled with her strong interest in advocacy, activism, and allyship, make her a strong addition to the MNPHA Housing Stability Coordinator team. Chelsea brings a unique blend of lived experience, professional experience, and academic knowledge to the team, which helps her to relate to participants on a deeper level.
In her free time, Chelsea can be found writing and performing music at local Winnipeg venues, cooking and baking delicious treats for others, or spending time with her partner and dog.