Board of Directors
ARCH is guided by a dedicated and committed volunteer Board of Directors. ARCH’s Board of Directors is consumer-controlled and more than half are people with disabilities.
Jason Mitschele, Chairperson
Jason Mitschele has been practicing law as a Federal Prosecutor since 2003 for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. His practice involves the prosecution of firearms and narcotics offences. He currently leads the Toronto Superior Court Team.
He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto in 2002.
Jason is a proud advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and contributes to the following organizations as:
- National Advisor for Persons with Disabilities, Public Prosecution Service of Canada
- Board Chair, ARCH Disability Law Centre
- Member of the Ontario Courts Accessibility Committee, Secretary, Criminal Law Practice Group of the Advocates Society
- Director, Canadian National Institute for the Blind Foundation (CNIB)
- Volunteer Faculty, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, Trial Advocacy Program
- Co-founder and co-chair, National Counsel of Employees Living with a Disability, Public Prosecution Service of Canada
- Action Canada Fellow for 2006-2007 where he was selected as one of 15 young Canadians from across Canada to work on a public policy project regarding the promotion of clean technologies in Canada
In July, 2019, Jason was proud and honoured to be the recipient of the National Heads of Prosecution Courage and Perseverance Award in Quebec City.
Jason continues to argue criminal cases at Provincial Court, The Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Paul Scotland, 1st Vice-Chairperson
Paul was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario with the neuro tube birth defect, Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus. He holds an Honours, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University and graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law.
He has an interest in promoting and growing equality seeking groups and wants to see the disabled community continue to visibly advocate for breaking down barriers that impede accessibility to a society and environment responsive to equity, diversity and inclusion everywhere!
Ellen Cohen, 2nd Vice-Chairperson
Ellen comes to the board with her personal experience of mental illness and a deep commitment to family members, she has always believed she was destined to help others. Her career spans over three decades, marked by her roles as an advocate, educator, and organizer in mental health and social work. Ellen holds a degree in Sociology and Social Welfare and a diploma in Social Services. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and growth.
Ellen’s diverse experience includes working at various levels of government: as a social service worker with the City of Toronto, a probation officer with Ontario Probation and Parole, and an early childhood educator. For over 30 years, she has been deeply involved in community mental health, contributing to the development of consumer-survivor peer-led organizations across Ontario.
She has been an active volunteer on numerous boards and committees, with a long-standing affiliation with the National Network for Mental Health (NNMH). Ellen’s expertise encompasses mental health across the lifespan and the unique challenges faced by people living in Canada with mental illness, including those at the intersection of mental illness, disability, and the deaf community.
Ellen served as the past co-chair of the Canadian Alliance for Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), where she represents the consumer perspective through her work with national organizations. Under her leadership, she was instrumental in bridging the mental health community with the broader disability movement, highlighting the intersections between mental health and disability. This shift has enabled Ellen to engage in human rights and social justice work, advocating for the well-being of all Canadians from coast to coast.
Robert Barber, Treasurer
Robert Barber is a licensed paralegal and CEO of Prevail Paralegal Services, the largest paralegal firm in the Niagara Region. He is a member of the Indigenous Bar Association and serves as a Community Councillor with the Niagara Region Métis Council, in addition to being the Board Treasurer for ARCH Disability Law Centre.
Committed to professional development, Robert has presented in CPD programs at the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, and facilitates an 8-part legal education series for the Métis Nation of Ontario. In 2024, he was honoured with the Niagara 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award.
Robert is pursuing his LEAN Six Sigma certification at the University of Windsor and serves as a Paralegal Coach with the Law Society’s Coach and Advisor Network.
Robert lives in St. Catharines with his wife and children, actively contributing to his community and the legal profession.
Dolly Menna-Dack, Secretary
Dolly is the Clinical and Research Bioethicist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the Youth Engagement Strategy Lead. She is particularly interested in pediatric rehabilitation issues that arise in both clinical care and research with children and youth with chronic illness and disabilities. Dolly was the first former patient to join the SickKids Research Ethics Board as a Community Member and has held progressive leadership positions on REBs since, including Ethics member, Vice-Chair and Interim Chair. Dolly has over fifteen years’ experience on pediatric research ethics boards, acute and rehabilitation focused boards as well provincial review boards.
Dolly is a nationally and internationally sought after leader in Lived Experience roles and has been the Youth Engagement Strategy Lead at Holland Bloorview since its inception in 2012. Dolly has extensive experience training and supporting youth and young adults in advocacy and partnering in the areas of service & care delivery, teaching & education of healthcare providers, clients & families, as well as research and policy.
Dolly’s own lived experience of growing up with a physical disability led her to advocate for a Lived Experience role on the clinical healthcare teams. Dolly created the Youth Facilitator role, which has been Ministry-funded since 2006 at Holland Bloorview. Over the last five years she has led the expansion of the role to multiple healthcare teams. She has also supported the implementation of the Youth Facilitator role at Toronto Rehab, UHN.
Claudette Paul
Claudette has been on other boards for at least 5 years total. She has lived experience living on reserve for 11 years and work experience on reserve for 15 years. On and off reserve, she has been an advocate for marginalized indigenous people including those with disabilities in such roles as a National Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Program worker (addictions worker), an Early Childhood Educator, a Family Support worker, an Aboriginal Best Start Service Connector, and her current role as an Indigenous Student Advisor. She continues to advocate for those that need her to be their voice.
Hengameh Saberi
Hengameh Saberi is Associate Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School with expertise in international law, disability law and human rights. She has lived, worked in the Middle East, the U.S. and Canada, and brings decades of experience with and a global approach to disability law and human rights advocacy.
Jennifer Hiseler
Jennifer is an accessibility specialist with a background in the built environment, training, and policy work around the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. She is a graduate of the Accessible Media Production programme at Mohawk College and works with the City of Toronto in the People and Equity Division.
Other experience with accessibility, disability, and inclusion comes from her education as an Orthotic and Prosthetic technician, work as a custom seating technician for high technology wheelchairs, and volunteer involvement with various organizations, primarily with #a11yTO (or Accessibility Toronto). Jenny also wears a prosthesis and always has. This lived experience brings insight and depth to her professional and volunteer work.
Kathryn Underwood
Dr. Kathryn Underwood is a professor in the School of Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Underwood’s interests are in disabled children and their families’ experiences and contributions to our understanding of social services, social life, and society. The focus of her program of research has been on how constructions of disability in early childhood programs and care, early intervention, and health and social service contexts are used to organize children, with particular interest in intersectional identities of all disabled children. Dr. Underwood has conducted a number of studies that focus on parent viewpoints and the work of families to engage with institutions.
Logan Wong
Logan identifies as a Trans, bi-racial, Autistic wheelchair user. As an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Consultant. Logan has been involved equity and advocacy work in his community from a young age, in June of 2012 Logan received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Awarded by The Honourable David Onley, Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, for outstanding community service. He has worked on numerous task forces and executive committees focused on Anti-racism, Anti-oppression, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ARAO-DEI) at institutions such as Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation and The CHILDBRIGHT Network.
Currently Logan is the chairperson of the National Youth Advisory Panel (NYAP) at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network and an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Task Force member at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Logan has dedicated his career as a social worker to work within the equity space conducting training, writing equity-focused policies/proposals, and supporting the creation, implementation, and sustainability of diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace cultures.
As a graduate of the social work programs (BSW, MSW) at Toronto Metropolitan University, Logan has a deep understanding of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) frameworks, principles, advocacy, and policy that will support in providing leadership and guidance on ARCH’s Board of Directors.
Michael Samakayi
Michael is a passionate advocate for diversity with a strong commitment to creating inclusive work environments. Currently working as an Employment Consultant at Canadian Hearing Services and services as the President Deaf Youth Canada, Michael brings a deep understanding of how to transform corporate culture, ensuring it is positive, inclusive, and supportive of all individuals. He is highly engaged, intuitive, and collaborative, with a proven track record of executing multiple projects with integrity and excellence.
Michael’s passion for promoting accessibility and equity is reflected in his diverse experience, including advocating for the promotion of ASL classes at the University of Toronto under the Linguistics department. As a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto, Michael has demonstrated his dedication to both his academic and professional pursuits. His lifelong dream is to run for public office, where he aspires to further his impact on creating equitable and inclusive environments for all. He has a strong analytical ability to deliver tailored solutions that drive social impact within communities and has successfully created and implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives across various organizations.
In his free time, Michael loves to volunteer within the Deaf community, where he continues to make a significant impact. His strategic thinking, strong communication, and leadership skills make him a valuable asset in any role focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Natalie MacDonnell
Natalie MacDonnell holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science and Political Science from McMaster University and is a graduate of the Joint Master of Environmental Studies and Juris Doctor Program at Osgoode Hall Law School and York University.
Natalie has had a long involvement with social justice causes such as human rights and environmental protection. She is also passionate about disability rights, accessibility and access to justice.
Natalie has practiced law in a variety of different areas including housing, privacy, social assistance, human rights and environmental law. Natalie has experience working for the provincial government as well as for legal aid clinics. During her studies, Natalie completed placements with environmental non-profit organizations and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.
Norah Dillon-Cheetham
Norah Dillon-Cheetham (she/her) has an Hons. B.A. from the University of Ottawa and an M.Ed. from the University of Toronto. Norah is a proud member of the disability community.
During her time at the University of Ottawa she worked as an advocate for students with disabilities and in the federal Office for Disability Issues on youth labour market entry. She worked for over 5 years at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre on the intake team on a large body of cases. She now works as a human rights investigator with the Toronto District School Board on education and employment cases. Norah enjoys policy and research.
Norah has also volunteered with Barrier Free Canada, the Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto District, Citizens with Disabilities Ontario, the Malvern Family Resource Centre, West Neighbourhood House and People for Education.
Ryan Hooey
Ryan Hooey graduated from Spring Arbor University in Jackson, MI in 2008 with a Bachelor degree in Marketing and Public Relations. Ryan then successfully completed a Bachelor degree from the University of Windsor in Sociology and in 2013 completed a certificate in Volunteer Management and Coordination from Mohawk College. He has since worked in the not-for-profit world as an advocate for those living as a part of the disability community. He also works part time for University Health Network in Toronto as a Research Associate with the diabetic retinopathy and foot care team in hopes of bringing more sustainable and available care to people living with diabetes across Canada. He is an avid audiobook listener and has a weekly remote television segment with AMI featuring audiobook trends, author interviews and news called The Chatty Bookshelf. Ryan is a guide dog handler of a 5-year-old CNIB Lab named Joe and the father to a wonderful 4-year-old daughter Abigail.
ARCH Staff
Roberto Lattanzio, Executive Director
Roberto Lattanzio is the Executive Director of ARCH Disability Law Centre. Robert has been Executive Director since 2015, and first joined ARCH in 2003. He has acted as legal counsel in test case litigation at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and has made law reform submissions to various levels of government, committees, and administrative bodies. Robert has been appointed to numerous advisory committees, and has written and guest-lectured on diverse topics including equality and human rights law, administrative law, education law, capacity and supported decision making, disability rights, legislative reform, and social science evidence. He also has delivered extensive rights education training to our communities of persons with disabilities and continuing legal education to the legal profession. Robert received his LL.B and B.C.L. law degrees with distinction from McGill University in 2003. Robert has a long standing interest in disability rights and social justice, with extensive work and volunteer experience within disability communities and other equity seeking communities. Robert is the 2022 recipient of the Law Foundation of Ontario’s Guthrie Award for his contributions to advancing access to justice.
Amanda, Intake Coordinator and Rights Worker
Amanda is the Intake Coordinator and Rights Worker at ARCH. She has been with ARCH since 1999 in various intake related positions including the position of Community Legal Worker.
Doreen Way, Office Manager
Doreen first joined the community legal clinic system in 1987 and worked at Justice for Children and Youth until 2000. During that time, Doreen was active on several inter-clinic committees and co-founded the Toronto Support Staff Association. In February 2000, she left the clinic system to join the team at the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation where she worked on their capital campaign. In February 2002, she returned to the clinic system and joined the ARCH team as Office Manager. Doreen continues to be involved in several inter-clinic committees and is also involved with several organizations in a volunteer capacity.
Elsie Tellier, Staff Lawyer
Elsie joined ARCH in July 2023, shortly after being called to the Bar of Ontario in June that same year. Before joining ARCH, Elsie articled at the Ontario Office of the Children’s Lawyer. She completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard where she concentrated in Sociology and Classics. Elsie studied law at the University of Toronto and during her legal studies she founded and ran the Disabled Law Students Association. Elsie also interned with the Human Rights Watch Disability Rights Division during the 2020 and 2021 summer terms.
Gabriel Reznick, Staff Lawyer
Gabriel joined ARCH in August 2019, after being called to the Bar of Ontario in January of that year. Following completion of undergraduate and master’s degrees in political science, he attended law school at Queen Mary University of London, in the UK. After returning to Canada, Gabriel obtained a Master of Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. Gabriel articled at Industrial Accident Victims Group of Ontario (IAVGO), a community legal clinic that specializes in workplace compensation. Gabriel has appeared before the Superior Court of Justice, Small Claim’s Court and has written submissions to the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT).
Graciela Flores Méndez, Staff Lawyer
Graciela Flores Méndez was welcomed by ARCH in July 2022. Prior to joining ARCH, she practiced immigration and refugee law and was employed at various social-justice focused firms as both a lawyer and law clerk. Graciela completed her articles at a union-side labour firm committed to advancing equity and social justice where principal areas of practice included human rights, labour, administrative, and civil law. Graciela earned a JD with a social justice option from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law in 2018 and was called to the Bar of Ontario in June 2019. She received a Master of Arts in Socio-Legal Studies from York University in 2010. Graciela offers services to clients in both Spanish and English.
Ilinca Stefan, Staff Lawyer
Ilinca earned her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School before articling with the Clinical Legal Services Department at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). At CAMH, Ilinca worked on matters regarding consent to treatment, involuntary psychiatric admission, and privacy legislation. While in law school, Ilinca completed the Disability Law Intensive Program with ARCH. She returned to ARCH as a staff lawyer in January 2022.
Jessica Field, Community Education and Outreach Coordinator
Jessica Field joined ARCH in February 2022 as a Respecting Rights Community Legal Worker, and in January 2024 she started a new role as the Community Education and Outreach Coordinator. Jessica has 10 years of working experience in the Developmental Services sector in a variety of positions from front-line to management roles. She also has 20 years of experience in public speaking and advocacy work where she has traveled across Ontario advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Jessica is passionate about disability rights and with her combined education, work, and lived experience, she brings a unique perspective to the work she does at ARCH Disability Law Centre.
Kerri Joffe, Staff Lawyer (on leave)
Kerri is a human rights lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Centre. She has been involved in disability rights litigation at various tribunals and courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Kerri has presented law reform and policy submissions about disability law issues to legislative committees, governments, administrative bodies and the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She has authored law reform reports for the Law Commission of Ontario, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Government of Canada. Kerri has delivered extensive public legal education to diverse disability communities, and has guest lectured on disability rights issues. Before joining ARCH, Kerri worked on housing rights, social assistance programs, immigration and refugee issues, human trafficking, and as a law clerk to Superior Court judges. Kerri holds degrees in law and social work from McGill University.
Lila Refaie, Bilingual Intake Lawyer and Student Programs Lead
Lila was called to the bar in 2012, and joined ARCH Disability Law Centre in July 2017 as a staff lawyer, offering legal services related to disability rights to persons with disabilities across Ontario. Since 2019, she is the Bilingual Intake Lawyer and Student Programs Lead at ARCH, providing legal services in both English and French. In addition to providing direct legal services to persons with disabilities, she also delivers public legal education and presentations to members of the legal profession and ARCH’s communities on a variety of topics. Before joining ARCH, she was a staff lawyer at a community legal clinic in Prescott-Russell, practicing in poverty law. She also briefly practiced in family law and immigration law. Throughout her legal career, Lila has appeared before several administrative tribunals, the Superior Court of Justice and Divisional Court.
Mary Hanson, Librarian
Mary joined ARCH in 2011. She has worked as a reference and technical services librarian in academic, health, legislative and nonprofit institutions, and as an editor with IHS/Micromedia.
Theresa Sciberras, Operations, Program and Administrative Assistant
Theresa joined ARCH in August 2002. She has worked in the non-profit sector for several years, focusing her efforts towards assisting persons with disabilities and the organizations that support them. As Operations, Program and Administrative Assistant, Theresa supports ARCH staff, assists with the coordination of meetings and workshops, maintains ARCH’s membership and distributes the ARCH Alert