Board of Directors

Karen is a operations executive with 25+ years of progressive business experience in strategic transformation, process improvement and technology innovation. Karen is currently the VP, Strategy and Operations at Teladoc Health, Canada. Karen has her MBA in Global Leadership and supported global product and service building prior to that for Teladoc as a VP of Global Product Development. Her participation in non-profit groups along with her global work is the reason for her to continue to want to work with organisations like the ACO to help others and deliver on their mission. As an adoptee Karen has seen the positive impact that adoption can have on peoples’ lives. She was first appointed to the Board in June 2021.

Guilherme (Gui) is a dedicated advocate for adoption, bringing 2.5 years of experience in a Finance committee capacity and having joined the board in the summer of 2024. With a background that bridges Strategy, Finance, Governance and Technology, Gui has continued to leverage his expertise to elevate the community. As an aspiring foster parent and active member of the community, Gui continues to expand his knowledge of the challenges and rewards that come with adoption. He has served on various committees in multiple NGOs and private practice, contributing to financial stewardship, policy development and initiatives.

Robert is a Finance Executive with 30+ years of progressive learning and growth which spans the management of global teams, to working in non-profit early in his career. The past 24 years has been spent Microsoft in various senior finance and business roles, culminating in his last role managing Microsoft’s Consumer Americas business. Rob is a graduate of the McMaster (1991) University and possess a CPA/CMA designation.

Robert is personally connected to adoption as an adoptive parent and has come to the ACO with a desire to give back to the community and express is gratitude for his family by helping others. Robert first joined the ACO in 2024 as an advisor to the Finance Committee, then joined the board in 2025 and currently sits as the Treasurer.

Chantal has been a lawyer for 20+ years and is working as a legal executive for a publicly traded company in the financial services industry, managing Legal, Risk and Compliance functions for Canada and international markets. Chantal has long standing experience managing commercial matters and regulatory issues. Chantal also leads the government relations function, as well as the privacy office. What she likes most about her work is the constant change and forward movement of working for a business, which makes her job interesting and diversified and leverages her problem-solving skills.

Chantal has two law degrees, a common law and a civil law degree. She also has a Master in Business Administration (MBA). She is fluent in French and English.

Chantal is connected to adoption personally as an adoptee and has come to the ACO with a desire to give back to the community in gratitude for the experiences and opportunities she has received throughout her journey. Chantal has two kids who are by far her best accomplishment in life!

Bruce joined the board in February 2024. He is the founder and CEO of The Narrative Group Inc., an IT consulting organization focused on improving organizations’ business performance through technology. He was adopted at birth into a family with two older adopted sisters. Together, they grew up as a united family in Toronto’s west end.  While Bruce has two wonderful children, adoption has been a central part of his identity and feeling as though you belong within a family.

Nancy is a Sales and Management Professional with a history of working in the information technology and services industry and she is currently employed in a Senior Sales capacity managing National and International clients. Nancy has held Sales and Management positions throughout her career as well as owning several franchises and small businesses. Nancy is an adoptee and has gone through PRIDE training as well as the Home Study process and she enjoys giving back to areas that have enriched her life leading to her desire to serve on the ACO Board. Nancy was appointed to the Board in May 2023

Teena Shah is a Service Director with Family and Children’s Services Niagara. She has worked in the child welfare sector for the past 25 years, in various frontline and leadership roles.  Teena is passionate about ensuring that all children and youth have opportunities to have connections and opportunities to succeed.  She is proud mother who has expanded her family through adoption.

Faria Latif joined the ACO board in June 2023. Faria holds a Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch), is an accredited Project Management Professional (PMP) and is an accomplished industry leader in the transit, infrastructure and construction industry, having worked in Canada and abroad. She is currently serving in a Director position at Metrolinx, Leutenant Governor of Zonta District 4 and also the Convener of the Canada Chapter of Architects Institute of Bangladesh. Faria is passionate about and has been an active volunteer for many years in improving the lives of women and children in Canada. Joining the ACO Board was a natural progression of her altruistic efforts in giving back to the community that is at the core of her being.