Leadership Team

Robin Heald

Executive Director

Child Witness Centre was delighted to welcome Robin Heald as our Executive Director in June 2023. Robin brings a background of working with not-for-profit agencies in a variety of capacities. This includes past roles as a Caseworker, Fund Developer, Executive Director, and volunteer. She has also enjoyed consultation work - leading agencies through the visioning, development, and implementation of strategic planning, governance structures, expansion plans, grant writing, and funding proposals. Robin brings the passion of lived experience as a child victim and witness to her role as well. She looks forward to connecting with you while strengthening our services for children, youth, and their caregivers.

519-744-0904 ext. 212
robin.heald@childwitness.com

Ashley Backstrom, MSW, RSW

Special Projects Manager

Ashley became the Special Projects Manager at Child Witness Centre in the summer of 2023. She brings a strong background from working in the child and youth mental health system for most of the past 10 years. This includes her experience as a therapist, in program development, and as a volunteer coordinator. As we face an intense need for our services, Ashley is overseeing the reimplementation of our volunteer program and other key projects to expand our service delivery. She looks forward to meeting all those interested in supporting our important mission in the community.

519-744-0904
ashley.backstrom@childwitness.com

Rebecca Heibein-Kursikowski

Partnership Coordinator

Rebecca joined our team in 2016 as an Advocate with our Child and Youth Advocacy Program. She spent the next six years assisting children, youth, and their families navigate the complexities of criminal investigations at the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Waterloo Region. In 2022, Rebecca moved into the role of Program Supervisor, to lead our frontline staff in assisting our young clients. Rebecca began her current position in October 2023, with a special focus on community partnerships and enhanced service for children and adults.

519-744-0904 ext. 231
rebecca.heibein-kursikowski@childwitness.com

Linda Mark, BA

Development Manager

Linda joined Child Witness Centre in 2003 as the Resource Development Coordinator, with a diverse portfolio including agency events, grant writing and working with our dedicated volunteers. She also managed the coordination of our annual Youth Symposium – a program that welcomes over 4,000 youth each year. Now serving as our Development Manager, Linda provides oversight of the agency’s fundraising and development areas of focus. She leads the small but mighty Development Team in building financial support and community awareness so that we can continue our work of serving the most vulnerable.

519-744-0904 ext. 215
linda.mark@childwitness.com