Meet Our Staff
Monique Pilkington, Executive Director, CNIB Lake Joe
Monique joined the CNIB Lake Joe team in 2016 as Executive Director. She is passionate about the ‘magic of camp’ and believes CNIB Lake Joe brings people together while building independence, and enabling people of all ages to live life to the fullest through recreation, sports and leisure. Prior to joining the CNIB Lake Joe team, Monique held a variety of roles at CNIB. As Regional Director for CNIB Ontario North, she led the implementation of The Path to Change and launched the CNIB Foundation in Northern Ontario. Monique was also the National Director for the Medical Mobile Eye Care Unit (CNIB Eye Van), a program that serves 4,500 Northern Ontario patients annually – it achieved international recognition during her 23-year tenure as manager. In 2010, Monique received the national CNIB Grace Worts Staff Service Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to the advancement of services for people living with sight loss. Monique has a deep appreciation for volunteers, having originally joined CNIB as Coordinator, Volunteer Services in 1989. Monique’s home base is the CNIB Sudbury Community Hub, but she’s often found heading down the highway to spend time at CNIB Lake Joe!
Eugene Chong, General Manager, CNIB Lake Joe
With over 20 years of experience, Eugene has held various senior leadership positions in camps and recreation programs across the country. Prior to joining CNIB Lake Joe in 2017, Eugene worked in the cultural sector for a large contemporary arts organization in Toronto. In that role, he managed educational programs (including one of the largest camp operations in Ontario) and was awarded the Gift of Belonging Award for providing exemplary inclusive programs and practices for individuals with special needs. A passionate camp professional, Eugene is a Fellow with The Society of Camp Directors. In his spare time, he volunteers with the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) as the Chair, Membership Committee; a designated mentor, and a Senior Standards Visitor with the OCA accreditation program. In 2016, he received an OCA Volunteer Recognition Award for his dedication to the work of camps in Ontario. In the summer, you'll find Eugene chatting with guests, embracing the water and sharing his passion for fishing with others.
Alexis Peterson, Coordinator, Office and Registration, CNIB Lake Joe
Originally from Saskatchewan, Alexis brings immense passion for serving our community. Before joining CNIB Lake Joe in the spring of 2024, Alexis made a significant impact at Vision Loss Rehabilitation, an experience that changed the trajectory of her life and career. Alexis' contributions to camp go far beyond her title; she is deeply involved in every aspect of camp, from rooming to finances, meticulously managing every detail to ensure a perfect stay for our diverse campers. If you have been to camp, you already know her dedication and enthusiasm are second to none. Outside of her professional work, Alexis finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, which for her is walking around daily using Pokemon Go as a motivator. You will often see Alexis taking strolls around camp catching all the rare Pokemon on her phone while enjoying the serene surroundings at Lake Joe.
Sherri Helsdingen, Manager, Community Engagement, CNIB Lake Joe
Sherri has been working with CNIB since 2012 as part of the Simcoe/Muskoka team in Barrie and was thrilled to join the CNIB Lake Joe team in May 2019. With a passion for health promotion, Sherri has spent most of her career in health-related charities and loves being able to contribute to programs that promote health and independence for people of all ages and abilities. Sherri is happiest when focused on the things she loves most – volunteer engagement, communications, event planning and project management – but never did she imagine that this work could involve things like waterskiing, tandem bicycling and outdoor pizza-making! In 2015 Sherri was the recipient of the CNIB Employee of the Year Award for the GTA region. She can't believe how lucky she is to work all day, every day with people who give so much of themselves to bring the magic of camp to life for people with sight loss. In her free time, Sherri is busy volunteering at a local cat shelter (she confesses to being a bit of a crazy cat lady), and is limbering up to tackle the blue section of the Climbing Tower.
Taylor Gaudon, Virtual Program Coordinator, CNIB Lake Joe
Taylor started her CNIB Lake Joe journey in 2016 when she joined the seasonal staff team. Since then, she has taken on roles of increasing responsibility and transitioned into CNIBLakeJoe@Home virtual programs in 2022. As a person living with vision loss, Taylor is incredibly passionate about working with her community - creating opportunities for participants to make meaningful connections while taking part in enriching programming! She continues to work within the community outside of her role at CNIBLakeJoe@Home as a member of the CNIB National Youth Council.
Some things that bring Taylor joy in her free time include: listening to music and singing her heart out with her partner Aaren, spending time with her kitties, going for long walks, spending afternoons gardening and cooking, and watercolour painting!
In the CNIBLakeJoe@Home virtual space, participants know Taylor as the gal who reminds them of all the fun stuff happening throughout the week. They also enjoy entertaining her excitement for Taylor Swift!
Stela Trudeau, Facilitator, Music and Recreation, CNIB Lake Joe
Stela is the Facilitator, Music and Recreation for CNIBLakeJoe@Home's virtual programs. You might remember her from her time on CNIB Lake Joe's virtual team in 2020 or from her time as a counselor and clerk at CNIB Lake Joe 2024, Whether you are already know her or meeting her for the first time, Stela is sure to greet you with her famously warm welcome — likely in song! Stela is passionate about horseback riding and advocating for better accessibility, as she is part of the sight loss community. With her experience as a teacher, actor and musician, she brings a diverse skill set to our programs, ensuring guests walk away with new knowledge after every session.
Barry Quick, Facility Operator, CNIB Lake Joe
Since 2012, Barry has been responsible for maintaining the property at CNIB Lake Joe and keeping it luscious and beautiful. His passion for the camp and commitment to accessibility is apparent across the entire 12.5-acre site. After spending most of his life in southwestern Ontario, Barry now calls Muskoka home. When he's not at camp, Barry volunteers with the Seguin Fire Service and loves to spend as much time as possible fishing. Barry and the rest of the facility team can’t wait for another amazing summer on the shores of CNIB Lake Joe!
Meet the CNIB Lake Joe Advisory Board
Corey Braun, Chair
Jane Casey
Jason Mitschele (ex-officio)
Derek Thompson
Stephanie Wilsack
Audrey Wubbenhorst