Board of Directors

Jodi Phillips is a retired health executive with more than 30 years of experience in community health care. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, she has spent 17 years as a dedicated Rotarian and continues to champion social justice, equity, and food and housing security. Jodi is married and a proud mother of two grown daughters, ages 27 and 24, and an animal lover who shares her home with a cherished dog and cat. Her commitment to compassion, service, and community well-being remains central to both her personal and professional life.

John Murray began his post-secondary education at Humber College in the Hotel and Restaurant Management program. After completing his diploma, he attended Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia. He later returned to Humber College to complete a diploma in Culinary Management, which launched his career in professional kitchens.

John moved back to Thunder Bay and returned to his entrepreneurial roots by opening Red Lion Smokehouse in 2014. Red Lion has since won numerous business, restaurant, and civic awards and is widely regarded as an institution in Thunder Bay’s culinary scene. In 2024, Red Lion Smokehouse proudly celebrated 10 years of business. That same year, John launched his second food service venture, a specialty chocolatier called Cardinal Chocolate Company.

John has served as a board member of the Waterfront BIA since 2017 and took on the role of Chair in 2025. He also sits on the Tourism Investment Committee and is committed to strengthening tourism’s impact in the city and the wider community.

A long-time supporter of Empty Bowls and Caring Hearts, John looks forward to serving on the Shelter House Board of Directors and becoming more involved in the many facets of the organization in the years ahead.

Julie Diner, a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay, brings both lived and professional experience to her work supporting structurally vulnerable individuals. After rebuilding her own life with the help of Shelter House, Julie went on to work there as a front-line staff and supervisor before joining a community health centre, where she continues to advocate for equitable access to care. A proud mother of three and grandmother of four, Julie is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and live with dignity. In her spare time, she enjoys strength training and spending time with her family.

Kathleen Eaton is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay who brings more than 34 years of experience in the financial industry. She is deeply committed to helping people achieve financial stability and confidence. Married and a proud dog lover, Kathleen treasures time spent camping, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Northwestern Ontario with family and friends. Her grounding in both community and nature shapes her warm, thoughtful approach to life and work.

Loryn Muswagon is a dedicated community worker with experience supporting vulnerable youth and Indigenous communities across Northern Canada. Her background includes roles in youth addictions counselling, school counselling, and community-based programming that supports emotional regulation, harm reduction, and cultural connection. She is currently completing her Social Work degree with a concentration in Indigenous Learning at Lakehead University. Loryn is driven by passion and committed to community care.

Lydia Big George is from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug or Big Trout First Nation and she is fluent in the language and grew up in the hard-working culture of the land and people – and reflects the principles rooted in this way of life.

Throughout her career, Lydia has worked political leaders, organization CE)/Directors, including community members, of First Nations communities, and the province of Ontario. She has worked in the education, social, justice, treaty sectors, as well as and land and resources, economic, employment and business development, environment, transportation, infrastructure and the energy sector and has a broad understanding of the indigenous perspective in all these sectors.

Mika Lees has been a passionate advocate and long-time supporter of Shelter House Thunder Bay since its previous location. She believes that dignified housing is a right, not a privilege. For many years, Mika led a dedicated group of family and friends who volunteered monthly—serving meals and cleaning the kitchen to support the Shelter House community.

Driven by her deep commitment to compassion, stability, and meaningful change, Mika joined the Board of Directors to help guide the organization’s continued growth. As Board Chair, she leads with integrity and collaboration, inspiring others to create a more inclusive and caring Thunder Bay for all

Pia Hirvas-Kiiskila, CPA, CA joined the Shelter House Board Team in March 2019. She is passionate about giving back to the community, where housing is a first philosophy. Pia is a graduate of the Honours Bachelor Commerce Program, Lakehead University (1996) and of Leadership Thunder Bay (Class of 2013). Currently, Pia is the Manager of Financial Services for the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. She is an enthusiastic lifelong resident of Thunder Bay and believes it is the best place to raise a family. She is committed to giving back to the community in any way possible.

Thunder Bay provides an exceptional quality of life for her family and she would like to ensure that there are positive community support for all those living here.

Pia is married to Jeff and together they are the proud parents of Tia and Jordan.

Dr. Ravi Gokani is Assistant Professor of Social Work at Lakehead University’s School of Social Work, where he teaches social welfare, research, and religion and social work. His research areas include religion and social work, welfare, and policy; international social work; social justice; theory; and community development. His professional practice experience comes from about 10 years of micro- and macro-level community work, which includes but is not limited to front-line social work, research and evaluation, community outreach, and committee work.

Teena Chabot is a dedicated professional with more than 25 years of experience in the social service field, working as both a Social Service Worker and a Registered Practical Nurse. Her career has been defined by a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and community well-being.

Although she retired 10 years ago, Teena continues to serve her community through volunteer work and ongoing advocacy. Guided by a deep belief in kindness, compassion, and the importance of supporting one another, she is also a proud mother and grandmother who brings warmth and empathy to everything she does