Board of Directors

Donna Vickers brings extensive experience in corrections, youth justice, and children’s mental health to their role as Board Chair of New Beginnings. Recently retired from a distinguished career as a Youth Probation Officer, Donna has spent decades working directly with at-risk and high-risk children and youth, including close collaboration with New Beginnings throughout her career. This longstanding connection to the organization fuels a deep dedication to its mission and impact. Passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable young people, as well as staff and organizational health & wellness, Donna brings a wealth of knowledge, insight, and frontline experience to the Board. Her leadership is grounded in a strong understanding of system navigation, youth engagement, and community-based intervention strategies, making her a highly valued advocate and guide for the organization’s continued success.

Ben Rhyno is a seasoned Children’s Services Worker at the Windsor Essex Children’s Aid Society. Ben brings a unique perspective, as he was a former New Beginnings staff member before joining WECAS, and he has years of experience with the youth and families we serve.

In his free time, he enjoys unwinding by spending meaningful time with his family and making the most of being on the water and taking part in a variety of water-based activities that combine relaxation with adventure.

Jason Crowley is the Deputy Chief of Operations and has been a member of the Windsor Police Service with over 32 years of policing experience.  He is a graduate of the University of Windsor and the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management – Police Leadership Program. Deputy Chief Crowley’s professional experience has included working in numerous areas of the Service which includes the Tactical Unit, Investigations and General Patrol.  Prior to Deputy Chief Crowley’s policing career, he worked in the non-profit sector as a Youth Outreach Worker which has aided him in his role as a director on the New Beginnings Board for over six years, along with other many local boards and committees.

Silvana Slavik is a Partner and Director of Assurance & Accounting at BDO’s Windsor office, with over 19 years of experience serving clients in both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors. Her areas of focus include auditing, accounting, tax, and financial management. She has significant expertise in the education sector, not-for-profit organizations, transportation, and small owner-managed businesses. Silvana is a committed community member and has volunteered with various organizations over the years, with a strong focus on supporting local youth. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor and earned her CPA designation in 2003. Silvana is also a proud member of CPA Ontario and resides in Windsor, Ontario.

Tristan graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Criminology (Hons) and Juris Doctor (law) and was the recipient of several awards throughout his academic career. Prior to law school, Tristan was an employee of New Beginnings’ very own supervised access program where he facilitated structured visits for families engaged in legal disputes.

As a partner at Johnson Miller Family Lawyers, Tristan’s practice focuses on family law. He regularly deals with complex parenting and financial issues and is experienced in dealing with cases at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Appeal. Tristan’s publication and lecture credentials also highlight his widespread experience in the practice of law.

In his spare time, Tristan’s greatest passions are golfing and spending quality time with his young family.

Laure Khalil brings a deep passion and a wealth of experience in community development and newcomer integration to her role on the Board. She currently serves as the Manager of Settlement and Integration with Newcomer and Community Services at the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, where she leads federally and provincially funded programs that support newcomers and refugees as they build their lives in the Windsor community.

Laure is a dedicated advocate for collaboration and inclusion. She works closely with community organizations, government partners, and frontline staff to ensure that new Canadians are supported and connected. Her role as a board member at New Beginnings reflects her dedication to social equity and youth empowerment.

As an immigrant herself, a spouse and mother of four, Laure believes in the power of family values and social justice. As a visitor on this land, home to many Indigenous Peoples, she acknowledges its history, appreciates its beauty and acceptance and is grateful for the sense of belonging it offers.

Laure is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work for Working Professionals at the University of Windsor. This academic journey marks an important step in her lifelong commitment to inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable leadership within the community.

Gregory (Greg) Zvric, PhD.

Greg was an educator for the Greater Essex County District School for 22 years as a special educator (Learning Disabilities), elementary educator, vice-principal and principal. He has received a Bachelor of Human Kinetics, Bachelor of Education, Specialist in Special Education and Masters of Education all from the University of Windsor. Greg received his PhD. from the University of South Carolina focusing on how we construct knowledge through talk. His dissertation was “Exploratory Conversations: Talking to Learn”. He took and early retirement from the GECDSB to pursue a career as an Assistant Clinical Professor for Wayne State University in urban Detroit, Michigan. At Wayne State Greg taught both undergraduate and graduate classes while co-ordinating the Special Education Program for the College of Education. Greg and his wife were blessed with 5 children.