Andrew Swatridge
President
Andrew Swatridge was inspired to join TLG, when he saw the difficulties that individuals with literacy gaps face when attempting to gain employment. Andrew currently works in Human Resources for NAVBLUE, an Airbus Company. Andrew is a Certified Human Resources Professional and graduated from the University of Waterloo, with an Honours Arts and Business Degree; majoring in Psychology, with a specialization in Human Resources. In his spare time, he enjoys playing squash, piano, and chess.
John Dale
Vice President
John has worked as a manager and a systems analyst in public and private corporations, but spent most of his life as an educator; in the roles of teacher, vice-principal and lecturer at the University of Waterloo. Although he was a biologist throughout his working life, since retirement he has developed his interest in literature and has published several articles on American fiction. He has worked for many years as a tutor for Core Literacy and The Literacy Group.
Wendy To
Treasurer
Wendy is a Chartered Accountant who joined the TLG’s Board of Directors in April 2019. A graduate from University of Waterloo, Wendy spent several years at an accounting firm before settling down as an Accounting Manager at a local software company. Her interest in literacy programs is due to her immigrant parents and she is eager to lend her professional accounting background to TLG. Outside of work, you can find her spending time outdoors or playing sports.
Patty Lewis
Director
Patty Lewis joined TLG’s Board of Directors in January, 2014. She is also a volunteer with TLG’s signature event, Rodding for Reading. Patty is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and has more than 30 years of experience in all areas of corporate communications, having worked for some of Canada’s leading financial services companies. Patty and her husband live in Waterloo with their pampered rescue cats.
Diana Elkin
Director
Diana is a career intelligence and security professional and the founder of Method Intelligence, a threat intelligence and strategic security analysis organisation. Previously, she has occupied a variety of positions throughout her career and has worked with the Department of National Defense, Halton Regional Police Service, and Research in Motion. Diana has always been passionate about promoting literacy and seeks to apply her project management and fundraising experience to help others. She regularly provides resume building services in the community in order to help individuals obtain gainful employment. In her spare time, Diana enjoys arts and writing.
Winnie Lo
Director
Winnie graduated from the University of Waterloo and she has a CPA designation. She has experience working in private accounting firms as well as in the public sector. She is currently working in the Government of Canada and she focuses on corporations and charities tax compliance. Winnie is passionate about literacy and she hopes to share her knowledge to help make The Literacy Group become a better organisation. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her three dogs.
Sonya Cosman
Director
Sonya is a strong supporter of community initiatives, believing that helping all individuals to be their best, in ways that matter to them, ultimately contributes to a happier community overall. With a varied professional background including adult training, project management, people leadership, technical planning and contract management, her many experiences bring a well-rounded perspective. Personally, an avid – although sincerely amateur – runner and cyclist, as well as a keen hiker.
Angie Hesslink
Director
Angie is an experienced Customer Experience Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Business Process, Analytical Skills, Coaching, Contact Centers and Management. Angie is looking forward to supporting TLG with the skills and abilities she has developed in business.Much of her career has been focused on creating and delivering training, in various forms to employees and customers. She has witness the profound effect learning can have on an individual and so partnering with TLG is an exciting and perfect fit.
