Mike Greene Bio (Region 1 Mobilizer)
Mike Greene is a Child and Youth Worker at the Child and Parent Resource Institute in London, which is a tertiary level children’s treatment facility. The Child and Parent Resource Institute provides specialized assessment, treatment and targeted interventions for children and youth with complex special needs and mental health challenges.
Mike is currently the Local 112 President and has held this position since 2017. Mike has been the Worker Co-Chair for the Joint Health and Safety Committee at CPRI since 2015. Mike is currently the MCCSS Unified MERC Health and Safety Representative and is the current CPRI representative on the MCCSS Unified Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee. Previously, Mike was a Chief Steward and began his union activism as a shop steward.
Mike enjoys engaging with members of OPSEU/SEFPO and providing them with information and knowledge regarding their collective agreement and other legislative protections.
Mike believes that we increase our power as a union by developing an informed and active membership and that it is vitally important that union representatives listen to the needs and requirements of members.
Aleksander Illijoski Bio (Region 1 Mobilizer)
“Since joining the OPSEU as an Ambulance Communications Officer, Alex has thrust himself in the union and labour movement in the city. Alex is a Joint Health and Safety rep, a union steward and secretary for OPS Local 154, the Windsor Labour & District Council and an Area 1 Council delegate. In the secretary and mobilizer role, Alex has been active in empowering other union members to serve in union roles and contribute to the labour movement.
Alex has contributed to community building by serving on the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach, first as a member and then as a board director as of January 2024. Alex has helped the club with organizing community events like the Taste of Tecumseh, Corn Festival, Fishing Derby and other events. Alex is also serving on the board for the Essex County Youth Diversion, an organization for providing effective prevention and intervention services to children and youth in Windsor-Essex. Alex has been a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor-Essex since May of 2021 and previously volunteered with The Village of Aspen Lake for 7 years.”
Novia Grant-Simon (Region 2 Mobilizer)
Novia started as a treasurer and steward and is now the vice president of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 219. Novia for the Ministry of Education at W Ross McDonald School for the Deafblind and Visually Impaired. This school falls under the umbrella of several Provincial and Demonstration Schools.
Novia has always had a passion for motivating and supporting others, so naturally being involved in the union was the right decision for her.
In 2015 Novia was invited to attend meetings for Region 2 Workers of Colour Caucus. Novia jumped right in getting involved; attending regular meetings, inputting ideas and executing tasks. Events such as our annual Black History Forum and BBQs are outcomes of Novia’s involvement. Novia had the honor and pleasure of sitting on the planning committee for the first ever Workers of Colour Caucus Conference. The committee has grown, and with growth comes change and once again, Novia was proud to be a part of the caucus, when they unanimously decided to change the name of the caucus to the Coalition of Racialized Workers.
Throughout her time as a union activist Novia has participated in mobilizing through the VOTE BETTER Campaign, she has attended various rallies, numerous educationals and has worked in an Acting position, as OPSEU/SEFPO Staff Rep for Region 2.
At W Ross McDonald School, Novia sits on the LERC committee as Co-Chair.
Novia is currently 1 of 14 OPS Unified mobilizers, for this round of bargaining and looks forward to the challenges and successes involved in mobilizing OPS Unified members.
Laura Thompson (Region 2 Mobilizer)
Laura is excited to be a first time Mobilizer!
Laura is an Educational Assistant at W Ross Macdonald School for the Blind and Visually Impaired through the Ministry of Education.
Laura’s involvement in OPSEU began a couple years ago when she joined the LERC committee with the idea that change begins the moment you stop waiting for someone else to start it. Last year, Laura became vice chair Area Co-ordinator for Region 2.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys a good true crime show, reading and attempting to maintain her sanity while keeping up with her husband, kids and plethora of dogs and cats.
Small actions build revolutions – start with one and build on it!
Chris McConnell (Region 3 Mobilizer)
My name is Chris McConnell (they/them), and I became involved in the labour movement because it stands for more than just better wages and benefits—it’s about building the power to address the deeper issues that shape our lives as workers. I’ve engaged as a mobilizer because the rank and file must actively lead and are the key to our power and success.
The phrase we often hear is, “You are the union.” It’s not a slogan—it’s a fact. Our decisions are driven by those who are engaged, pay attention, speak up and take action.
I want to help more people recognize the power they already have. Too often, cynicism and distrust hold us back, leaving us unable to face challenges. We can change that. We can rebuild hope and create a shared path where every member knows their voice matters.
Alexander Miller (Region 3 Mobilizer)
Alexander Miller is the recently appointed president of Local 317, a Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) MERC member, and current Region 3 mobilizer. Father of a highly energetic three year old, Alex understands the importance of free time and family values, however Alex is strongly dedicated to ensuring the betterment of all OPS Unified members and their families. Unity, determination, and passion are a few core values that Alex brings to the mobilizing team.
Alex works for Ontario Parks and understands the importance of a workforce that may feel like their voices have never been heard. Becoming a member of the MECP MERC has given Alex the opportunity to enlighten others about the challenges facing members and to provide a voice to hundreds of unheard members. Alex believes that this is just the start as we move to mobilize the OPS Unified membership and we need the help and dedication from every member to ensure the success of this round of collective bargaining. Alex wants members to know that his inbox and phone are always available for any member and that as a mobilizer, he looks forward to talking to as many members as he can!
Kendall (Ken) Hopson (Region 4 Mobilizer)
Ken is marking 17 years as a dedicated member of the OPS Unified. He is currently in his second term as Vice President with Local.410, he also co-chairs the Employee Relations Committee and is an OSHA-certified co-chair for the Joint Health and Safety Committee at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in Ottawa.
Through his work with the Ontario Disability Support Program, Ken has gained a unique perspective on visibility and voice, reinforcing his commitment and dedication as a union champion. Ken embodies a “Ken-Do” attitude, always ready to act, mobilize, and unify OPS members.
Known for his stout advocacy for OPSEU and its members, Ken has held roles such as Steward, Secretary of Local 410, and Secretary for the Ottawa Area Council. He actively volunteers for community projects and has also been involved in past NDP elections.
As we approach a critical round of bargaining, Ken emphasizes the importance of active participation from all members. His inbox and phone are always open for meetings, discussions, or just to listen. Ken is eager to connect with as many OPSEU members as possible, regardless of their local, to ensure their voices are heard.
Oren Nimelman (Region 4 Mobilizer)
Oren works as a deckhand on the Wolfe Island Ferry in Kingston. He says that his role used to be able to support a family a generation ago, but it’s withered over time to a workforce heavily mired in fixed-term contracts and wages that can’t support the life that it used to.
Before coming to the OPS, Oren was an infantry reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces, worked in private-sector operations management, and he spent some time doing industrial sales. Shifting away from private-sector work, Oren gained experience in political organizing as a campaign’s handler for a federal campaign and a campaign manager during a provincial election. During a period of higher need, he briefly assisted in delivering and organizing aid projects in a crisis zone.
Oren has been a longtime supporter of unions and a strong public sector, and is a newer member of OPSEU/SEFPO.
He’s taken on this mobilizer role during contract negotiations because he wants our jobs to once again be something that a worker can build a stable, comfortable life around. Oren believes that if you work any role that contributes to society, you should be able to support a household off of an honest workweek. Oren thinks that the slow decay of how our work is valued, in a huge part, is the result of the labour movement weakening in strength.
He thinks it’s time to catch up.
In his spare time, he enjoys his 1980s-era motorcycle, hunting, hiking, canoeing, cooking for the people he cares about, silversmithing fun jewelry for his friends, and saying unrepeatable things to his broken printer.
Suzette Maxwell-Pemberton (Region 5 Mobilizer)
Suzette Maxwell-Pemberton is a Jamaican-born Canadian citizen. She grew up in a household that taught the values of “it takes a village” and in a community that exemplified the responsibilities as a citizen by “each one, teach one”. She is passionate about learning and educating our union membership so they too can fully equip and discerning about their future.
Suzette is employed at The Ministry of the Attorney General, Court Services Division in the Superior Court of Justice and currently employed as a Recording Management Coordinator.
In 2013, Suzette entered the world of Union and was elected a Steward for Local 526. Since then, Suzette has held the roles of, Local Secretary, President, JHSC Co-Chair, and LERC Co-Chair, Mobilizer, WHSC Instructor, and a Co-Facilitator for OPSEU/SEFPO Educational events.
Suzette has expressed that, as a mobilizer she has met so many amazing, erudite and beautiful members who have inspired hope, a sense of justice for a better tomorrow. But feelings and hope won’t get us a fair contract nor address all of our current economic and community needs. She is inspired by the words of the song by the Right Honorable Robert Nesta Marley:” Get Up! Stand Up! Stand Up for your Rights! Don’t Give Up the Fight! The path forward must be clear, this bargaining year, get organized, unit behind our bargaining team to ensure future success. Show up to demand a fair and deserving collective agreement. For Our Time is indeed Now!
Stephanie Purthill (Region 5 Mobilizer)
Since 2006, Stephanie has been employed at The Ministry of the Attorney General, Court Services Division, first in the Ontario Court of Justice as a Court Reporter 1 and, since 2008, in the Superior Court of Justice, initially as a Realtime Court Reporter 2 and currently as a Court and Client Representative (CCR).
Stephanie has served as a Steward for Local 526 first from 2013-2016 and again from 2020 to present and has held the roles of JHSC Co-Chair and LERC Member. Currently, she is a second-time Region 5 (R5) Mobilizer and a Greater Toronto Area Council (GTAC) Delegate. She holds a JHSC Certificate, WHSC Health & Safety Instructor Certificate, L1 & L2 Labour Community Activist Certificates, O4P Core Fundamentals Certificate, and is a trained R5 Educationals Co-Facilitator.
Stephanie is a strong proponent of member education, she herself having taken, and been the beneficiary of, myriad R5 Educationals and OFL Prevention Link, Labour Community Services, Oakville District Labour Council (ODLC), and WHSC courses. She strives each day to share her gained knowledge and information with members to likewise empower and engage them in union activism, not only for their own but also for the collective’s (OPS Unified) best interest. Moreover, Stephanie is intent on unifying members to build solidarity, to act “as one,” and to recognize that we, each and every one of us, ARE the union and so must unite and focus on organizing, fighting, and winning the fair and better Collective Agreement all members deserve.
Gabrielle Gagne (Region 6 Mobilizer)
Gabrielle began her journey with her union as a passionate and dedicated Donations Committee member. With a keen sense of community and a genuine desire to make a difference, she quickly gained the respect and admiration of her peers. Her enthusiasm and hard work did not go unnoticed, and soon she was appointed as the Donations Committee Chair. In this role, Gabrielle demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills.
As her commitment to the union grew, so did her responsibilities. Recognizing her potential, the members of her local union elected Gabrielle as their Vice President. In this prestigious position, she continues to advocate for workers’ rights, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. Her ability to foster collaboration and unity among members has been instrumental in driving the union’s success and growth.
Outside of her union duties, Gabrielle enjoys a well-rounded and adventurous lifestyle. In her spare time, she can often be found playing music and publishing her original music on Apple Music and Spotify, where her talent and creativity shine through. She also has a deep love for the great outdoors, and spends much of her free time camping, fishing, and hunting. These hobbies allow her to connect with nature and recharge, bringing balance to her busy and fulfilling life.
Through her dedication to her union and her love for her personal interests, Gabrielle exemplifies the qualities of a true leader and a well-rounded individual.
Michelle Outlon (Region 6 Mobilizer)
Michelle started with OPS in 2012 with the Ministry of Environment, then settled into a Ministry of Labour role as a Program Assistant. She’s mingled with Bear Techs across the province during a contract for the Ministry of Natural Resources, and has been engaged in public work from the beginning. In the educational scene, Michelle knows the school board well, and has chaired Parent Councils and organized fundraisers & school events. In recent years, Michelle has participated in Union activities ranging from her local Timmins & District Labour Council, to attending OPSEU events to recently being elected Vice President at her Local. She also currently sits as chair of the Region 6 Area Coordinating Group.
In her down time, Michelle is a scientist in the kitchen, concocting fermented beverages like Kombucha & root-beer Water Kefir. Being a small-town girl at heart, you can find her in her organic garden getting down with the bugs & rediscovering nature in between all the excitement of social events.
Having been certified for the Organizing 4 Power course, and being an avid learner of Union philosophies, Michelle is turning her attention towards changing the narrative on Unions & revitalizing the movement.
Stefanie Bourelly (Region 7 Mobilizer)
I started with the Ministry of Attorney General in 2017. I attended my first GMM in October 2017. I registered as a steward on that day, and since then i have developed my union activity greatly.
Over the years I have held roles that include Local Secretary, Local Vice president and Acting Local President. I am currently the 2nd VP of the Thunder Bay District Area Council, Region 7 resolutions committee Representative, the Provincial Human Rights Committee alternate, and Region 7’s equity committee Secretary. I have also sat on committees with Health and Safety as a certified member, and the Local Employee Relations Committee. I believe in advocating for members and bringing awareness and engagement to union activities, and now I hope to achieve this awareness as the new mobilizer of Region 7.
In my down time when not engaging in union activity, i love to go camping, spend time with my family and my dog, Finnigan Albus, attend concerts, and travel.
Ashlee Elliott (Region 7 Mobilizer)
“I’m Ashlee Elliott, and I am a mobilizer from Region 7. I have been a member of the OPS for 10 years, and have recently been elected as president.
I am also a member of MAG MERC, and I am the Vice Chair for the Region 7 ACG – meaning that I am an activist for the majority of my waking hours.
My goals in my activism work involve succession planning – prepping the leaders of tomorrow to take over high level union positions; education – teaching members and locals about how to support themselves; and communication – being transparent about discussions and including members of all levels of engagement into the conversation.
When I am not in union-mode I enjoy playing D&D, hanging out with my husband, and snuggling with my cats.”