Board of Directors

Founded by Dora Anie, Schools of Dreams is now led by her daughter, Barbara Anie, and is supported by an enthusiastic Board of Directors who are committed to continuing Dora’s legacy. The Board is composed of a number of hands-on volunteers who donate their knowledge, time and energy in support of the Schools of Dreams’ vision and mission. In addition, Schools of Dreams is supported by a team of volunteers in Ghana who manage onsite operations in Ghana, and a newly appointed Advisory Council that provides strategic advice to the Board of Directors.

Barbara is a graduate of Metropolitan University where she received a Bachelor of Commerce degree specializing in Hospitality and Tourism.

Barbara Anie stepped into the role of President after her mother’s passing in June 2019. Previously, Barbara was a key volunteer on the Marketing & Communications committee. Barbara works tirelessly to support all aspects of the charity, committed to building Dora’s legacy as she leads us into the next chapter for Schools of Dreams. Barbara has been a key volunteer in many capacities since the organization’s inception. Barbara works tirelessly to support all aspects of the charity and is committed to building Dora’s legacy as she leads the organization into the next chapter.

Barbara enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community. She is an active member of the Ghana Association of Hamilton and also sits on the charity boards  of Toronto Botanical Gardens and West Park Foundation. She has also volunteered for Torstar’s Santa Claus fund, Becel Ride for Heart’s charity bike ride and participated as a run coach for Bob Kemp Hospice’s virtual hike for hospice. She also sits as an independent Director for GreenFirst Forest Products. She is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Abdul-Latif Alhassan is a PhD Candidate in the Transdisciplinary Sustainability Program at Memorial University of Newfoundland, a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow and a 2020 African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) Scholar who is deeply committed to social and environmental causes. He has expertise and interests in leadership, project management, sustainability, environmental policy, food security, climate change, and entrepreneurship. He co-founded and oversaw the growth of the Civil Society and Institutional Foundation (CSIF) in Northern Ghana from its idea stage to a fully functional organization making impacts and AbbaTek Group Inc. (a cleantech social enterprise in Newfoundland).  He has experience leading both local and international volunteers. He’s actively (been) involved in committees such as Memorial University & Grenfell Campus’ Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Advisory Committees, and environmental and social issues-focused organizations like Nature NL, Youth Development & Voice Initiative, Ghana Youth Guide, etc.

Abdul considers himself a pracademic and is honoured to join the SoD board. He brings over a decade of lived and practical experience in project management, fundraising, not-for-profit sector and research from Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Ivory Coast), Europe (Denmark, the UK), and North America (Canada, USA). He hopes to contribute meaningfully to the growth and progress of SoD. Abdul loves enjoying nature’s beauty, tranquility and wisdom and is curious about science-policy interaction and innovation.

Luke Fillion is honoured to be a board member. A singer, photographer and rollercoaster enthusiast, he enjoys the opportunity to help his community (“Fillion’s Footsteps for Palliative Care”) and the global community through Schools of Dreams. Like his Schools Of Dreams colleagues, Luke wants a brighter future for all people.

Alana McGoldrick has worked in education for nearly two decades. She began her career in non-profit programming and experiential learning in Guyana, Ghana, and Tanzania before returning to Toronto to teach high school. Her ongoing areas of interest and expertise include decolonizing curriculum and supporting students in historically underserved communities.

Ghana holds a special place in Alana’s heart – particularly Eastern Region where many Schools of Dreams projects are based – and is glad to be part of the team. She is eager to learn from and contribute to the important work of developing equitable and sustainable community partnerships and expanding access to safe and quality education for children and youth.

Erica is actively involved with non-profit organizations that aim to improve the welfare of people and animals. She recently graduated with a Masters of Biomedical Science in Applied Reproductive Biotechnologies from the Ontario Veterinary College. Erica is continuing her interest in research by examining the provision of women’s healthcare in Northwestern Ontario. She is thrilled to join Schools of Dreams and help promote equitable and safe access to education for children and youth. 

Chandra Severin began her career in the legal field, spent 10 years working in the fashion industry and then moved onto a role with a national newspaper, where she has been employed as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Publisher and Manager, Administrative Services at the Globe & Mail for the last four years.

She is also the mother of two young children and is passionate about education and supporting youth in their learning and development. Chandra has previously served as a board member for the St. Lawrence Cooperative Daycare and now acts as a co-chair for her children’s school. She is looking forward to bringing her expertise in event planning, public relations and volunteer management to the Schools of Dreams team. Chandra is also a savvy Internet explorer who is always on the hunt for new and exciting events and activities to do with her friends, or planning her next adventure with her husband and children

Natalie is currently a Senior Manager of Third Party Partnerships at RBC with 23 years experience with a focus in Risk Mitigation and Relationship Management.  Natalie was drawn to the School of Dreams because as a mother of two young boys she is aware of the importance of accessible and meaningful education especially at a young age.  Natalie aims to set an example to her children of the importance of helping others within her community and the world we all share and has served as a Board of Director with Flamborough Connects and continues to support multiple community organizations where she and her family reside. In her free time she loves to play the piano, ski and travel with her husband and two kids.

Alex Sarpong is an independent contractor for Alaro Engineering’s Road & Construction division and a retired Chief Technician Engineer of Ghana’s Ministry of Roads & Highways. He is a graduate of St. Paul’s Technical School in Kukurantumi and holds a City & Guilds of London certification in building construction, with a two-part Construction Technician certificate from Accra Polytechnic. Alex generously employs his knowledge and experience in construction, building engineering and surveying to bring our projects from mere concept to completion since 2004. With his own money, he has helped countless children achieve a higher education from elementary to high school. He believes in education not only for his own children, but also for every child. We at Schools Of Dreams are all very grateful for his invaluable contribution to our mission.

As the Ghanaian Program Coordinator, Doris is responsible for executing all IYIP project coordination and oversight, ensuring the intern experience is both personally and professionally transformative. She collaborates effectively with diverse local stakeholders to align programs with the goals of Schools of Dreams and the IYIP project.

Doris is a highly organized, self-motivated, and results-driven professional with over 10 years of experience managing projects in non-profit organizations. As a critical thinker and creative environmentalist, Doris brings a wealth of expertise in program development, volunteer coordination, and strategic planning. Her passion for youth development and her entrepreneurial spirit have driven her to design and implement sustainable solutions that empower communities. 

In her free time, she enjoys managing her farm, creating bespoke products, and volunteering with organizations that advocate for women, children, and marginalized groups.