Our Team

Wanda MacArthur

Paul Capon

Currently political advisor at the Matawa First Nations Tribal Council in Thunder Bay, Paul Capon has had a number of years of experience working with First Nations and Aboriginal groups. Since graduating with an Honours Degree in Political Science at Carleton University in Ottawa, Paul has worked exclusively within the Aboriginal Community. He has worked at the former Native Council of Canada, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, Whitesand First Nation, and the Ontario Native Women’s Associations in a variety of administrative and policy positions. This has given him a good cross-section of issues and experiences within the Aboriginal Community, especially in the areas of health, forestry, mining, education, and public administration. This experience has also brought extensive contact with Federal and Provincial governments. He has served on the Board of Governors of Lakehead University and other board of directors. He and his wife Margaret spend their summers at Silver Islet; they call Thunder Bay home and are involved in various community and church groups. He enjoys lighthouses, travel, opera, and swimming.

Pia Hirvas-Kiiskla

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.

Cindy Backen

My name is Cindy Backen. After being widowed at an early age and after raising my family, I am able to provide some service to my community. I am very humbled by having had such a long and great career as a social worker. I have enjoyed many friendships with colleagues and I have learned much from clients and their families. I look forward to serving the Shelter House community, listening to patrons and finding out what they need from us as an organization, as we move forward together.

Ravi Gokani

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.

Krista Power

Valerie Bodak

Jason Perrier