Our Leadership
Meet the dedicated individuals leading Causeway's mission to create inclusive employment opportunities and empower people in our community.
Senior Leadership
Owen Freiheit
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Owen provides strategic leadership to advance Causeway’s mission of creating inclusive, meaningful employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work. He oversees the organization’s social enterprises, programs, and services, with a focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term impact. Bringing a background in entrepreneurship and brand development, Owen applies a disciplined, forward-looking approach to innovation, accountability, and organizational sustainability.
Chelsea Clendinning
Director of Operations
Chelsea brings nearly a decade of dedication and institutional knowledge to her leadership role at Causeway. Having served in a variety of positions over the past nine years, she has developed a deep understanding of the community Causeway serves and the systems that support effective service delivery. As Director of Operations, Chelsea oversees day-to-day programs, services, and social enterprises, focusing on operational effectiveness, staff support, and consistent, mission-aligned outcomes.
Julie Jenkins
Director of Finance & Administration
As Director of Finance & Administration, Julie provides strategic oversight of Causeway’s financial and administrative functions, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship, accountability, and compliance. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with more than two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector, she supports sound decision-making through disciplined financial management. Julie’s expertise in budgeting, reporting, and governance underpins the sustainability of the organization’s multi-million-dollar operations.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring Causeway continues to fulfill its mission effectively.
Sandro Ricci
Chair
Sandro holds a P.Eng and MBA and was a recipient of the Forty under 40 award.
Sandro was drawn to Causeway because it provided an opportunity to give back to the community in a tangible way. As a member of the Ottawa business community, Sandro was particularly drawn to Causeway's social enterprises because they provide meaningful employment and help to integrate more people into the workforce.
To Sandro, "Work. Regardless." Means that everyone has potential and it is our responsibility as a society to help people achieve their potential regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Mike DesLauriers
Vice Chair
Employee Experience & DEI Programs Manager, Assent Inc.
Mike holds a BBA in Human Resources from Bishops University.
Mike was drawn to the opportunity Causeway offers to our community in creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages diversity, creativity, and innovation. In his view, Causeway enables individuals to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table and make a meaningful impact.
To Mike, "Work. Regardless." means finding purpose and fulfillment in one's contributions to society, while feeling accepted, valued, and respected for who they are as a person. It is an opportunity to be themselves.
Kate Faughnan
Past Chair
Consultant, HR Strategy & Communications
Kate was drawn to Causeway because she strongly believes in Causeway's approach; helping one person at a time find their way in the working world.
To Kate, "Work. Regardless." means that everyone can work and make a meaningful contribution to our community.
Judy Cameron
Treasurer
Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Policy, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions
Judy holds an MBA in finance.
Judy was drawn to Causeway because of its mission which focuses on building stronger and more inclusive communities by helping those with disabilities find meaningful work. Additionally, Judy was drawn in by Causeway's continuous efforts to innovate and try out new ideas.
To Judy, "Work. Regardless." recognizes that a disability does not prevent someone from making an active and valuable contribution to the community.
Fairouz Wahab
Board Member
Director of Planning & Engineering Richcraft Homes Ltd.
Fairouz holds a B.Sc in Engineering from the University of Guelph. Fairouz was drawn to Causeway because of its creative approach—using social enterprises and personalized support to help people overcome barriers to employment and find purpose, stability, and belonging.
To Fairouz, "Work. Regardless." is a belief that everyone deserves meaningful, fulfilling employment—work that aligns with their abilities, nurtures their interests, and unlocks their potential, no matter their story.
Maggie Sainty
Board Member
Lawyer, Gowling WLG
Maggie is a Graduate of the University of Ottawa's French Common Law Program and also holds a BBA, International Dual Degree from Brock University, and a Bachelor in International Business Management from Neoma Business School located in Reims France. She currently works at Gowling where she practices in the firm's Employment, Labour & Equalities Group.
Maggie was drawn to Causeway because she wanted to use her legal knowledge to give back in a meaningful way. She has always been involved in community programs such as the Social Justice Society at the University of Ottawa or Special Olympics. Maggie was particularly drawn to Causeway because of its Work Regardless motto that she believes in a pillar to a strong community.
To Maggie "Work. Regardless." means everyone being accepted and tapping into their full potential.
Lisa Dalla Rosa
Board Member
Associate - Planning, Fotenn Planning & Design
Lisa holds a Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning and an MBA. She believes that access to meaningful employment is essential to building inclusive, resilient communities—making her involvement with Causeway a natural extension of her commitment to community building.
Being involved with the organization offers Lisa the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are taking an innovative approach to removing barriers to employment. She values the organization's social enterprises, which challenge traditional modes of typical "employment assistance" programs. Causeway's approach fosters inclusion and creates real pathways to work for individuals who are often overlooked.
To Lisa, "Work. Regardless." means believing in people's potential. With proper guidance and support, everyone can find their place in the workforce.