Janice Barnett is a strong believer in volunteerism and community service. A graduate of Trinity College, UofT in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, she has spent many years in the broadcast advertising industry with the CBC as an advertising sales professional. Janice is the proud parent of two sons: her eldest attends Northern and her youngest is at Bessborough P.S. As Past Co-Chair of the Bedford Park Parent Council, Janice co-ordinated the annual fundraising Community Night. She currently serves as Co-treasurer of the Northern School Council and was elected Ward 11 PIAC rep. She organizes the Bedford/Wanless Ratepayers’ Spring Fair. In her spare time, she enjoys learning new languages, landscape design and staying active.

An alumna of NSS (‘94), with a family history tied to the creation of the building, Robyn’s time at Northern was dedicated to the arts. She was the recipient of both the Duncan Green Drama Award and the Ruth Stevens Art Award. With a BFA in Creative Writing from UBC, she worked for many years as a professional writer in a variety of genres including non-fiction, journalism, theatre and film. She now lives in Calgary with her husband and two children, utilizing her design/photography background from NSS alongside her writing experience as the Director of Communications/Marketing for a private school. She is affectionately known there as “The Camera Lady.”

Jason Hughes NSS’93 is pleased to return to Northern as a Director of the Northern Foundation. At Northern, Jason founded the Youth Environment Network, Co-Directed the United Way Fashion Show, and was SAC President in 1992. With over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and fundraising, Jason founded Fresh Magazine to introduce young Canadians to the art scene and worked in artist relations at Atlantic Records. An appointed member by the Mayor of the City of Fort Lauderdale, he sits on the Beach Redevelopment Board, and sat for six years on the Economic Development Advisory Board for the City of Fort Lauderdale, where he resides. Jason is currently Executive Director of ArtServe, a global art community for artists and collectors in south Florida.

Matt Kassirer NSS '95 loved his Northern experience and was SAC President his final year. Art director and writer at Komposit Creative, Matt is jazzed about how the Foundation can tell its story and connect meaningfully with alumni. Matt brings his years of experience across sectors: entertainment and travel, venture capital and tech, law and education. He is energized by people who are doing important work – from environmental advocates, to tech entrepreneurs, to educators. It's an honour to be a part of the Foundation's work – public education is perhaps the greatest tool we have to prepare young people for the world. To refresh body and soul, Matt skis, plays music and travels widely.

Sam, a Toronto-based freelance writer, joined the NSSF board in early 2021. His wife Kathryn (Defries) and their two sons, Michael and Adam, are Northern alumni. Sam has been a long-time supporter of Northern where his sons were key contributors to the school’s drama and athletic programs. Sam is also heavily involved as a board or committee member with various sports organizations and community groups.

Cassandra Mark NSS’06, is a proud graduate of Northern and is thrilled to return as a Director and Treasurer for the Foundation. She graduated from the Food and Beverage Management program at George Brown College and has earned Project Management and Business Analysis certificates from the University of Toronto. Cassandra has 10+ years of experience working in the not for profit sector with a focus on environmental management. In her spare time, Cassandra can be found roaming dog parks with her golden doodle puppy, Waffles.

Merilyn McKelvey is a former NSS teacher who taught in the Special Education and Canadian & World Issues departments. She was staff advisor for many extra curricular activities including soccer, skiing, snowboarding, debating, DECA, and yearbook. Two of her three children, Michelle and Alex, attended Northern. Prior to teaching, she was an urban planner working with municipalities and community groups across Canada. She has served on the boards of various organizations including the Massey Centre for Women.

Joe Pascucci NSS class of 1976 has been a member of the Canadian sports media for 40 years. After working for over three decades as Sports Director of CKND/Global TV Winnipeg he was inducted into the Broadcasters Association of Manitoba Hall of Fame. He is also an honoured member of the media wing of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Since his retirement he has worked on special projects for the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers as well as the CFL Alumni Association and the Hockey Hall of Fame Resource Centre.

Gail is a proud graduate of Northern. Both of her parents also attended Northern, shortly after it opened in the early ’30s, and both her daughter and son graduated from Northern. Gail taught Home Economics, Family Studies, Social Science, and Humanities for 36 years in the TDSB. Her final 16 years teaching were at Northern as the department head. For over 36 years, Gail has served on many school, board, ministry and professional provincial organizations with experience as member, convenor and administrator.

Jackie Scroggie is a former Principal of Northern Secondary School and proud mother of John Scroggie, a graduate of Northern. With over 40 years of service in public education, Jackie has recently worked as a Principal Coach for the Ontario Principals’ Council and as a Field Researcher for Curriculum Services Canada. A former President of the Toronto Eglinton Rotary Club and a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women, Jackie has served on the board of Delisle Youth Services and several other community organizations.

Holli Verkade is a retired TDSB teacher who has spent most of her career teaching Mathematics to Northern Students. She also served as secretary for NSSF for three years. She is pleased to rejoin the Foundation and looks forward to working with the Board.