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DREAM TEAM.
Meet the Team
In the heart of our community, Safe 'N Sound stands as a beacon of hope and support for those facing the challenges of homelessness. Behind our commitment to providing a safe haven is a dedicated team of compassionate individuals who strive to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Allow us to introduce you to the managers that embody the spirit of Safe 'N Sound.
Executive Director
Annette Pedlar
She/Her
Annette began as Safe 'N Sound’s ED in December of 2023 and grew up in the Meaford area on a farm. After attending school and working in the homelessness system in Peterborough, she recently moved back to the area with her wife and naughty dog. Annette is a strong advocate for voices in our community’s margins, and is proud to be part of Safe 'N Sound’s amazing team.
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Program and Services Manager
April Heighway
She/They
April Julie comes to Safe N’ Sound with an extensive background in supporting individuals who are marginalized, specializing in the fields of Mental Health and Addiction. She believes harm reduction is about empowering the disempowered, and meeting people where they are at to encourage realistic options for reducing harm. When April Julie isn’t busy crusading for the underdog, she enjoys music, all things creative, and exploring new things and places.
Fundraising & Communications Manager
Wren Laurel Fitzakerley
They/Them, He/Him
Wren joined Safe 'N Sound in the summer of 2023, bringing with them a heart for community and a background in marketing shaped by global experiences. With a graduate degree and a career that has taken them around the world, Wren has worked on both international brand projects and grassroots nonprofit efforts.
What drew Wren to Safe 'N Sound was a shared belief in dignity, empathy, and the importance of meeting people where they’re at. As a trans person, they bring a deep understanding of inclusion and a commitment to creating safer, more welcoming spaces for all.
Outside of work, Wren shares life with a loyal dog and two lovable cats. They are known for their warmth, flexibility, and commitment to building genuine connections, which are all qualities that help make Safe 'N Sound a more welcoming and dignified space for everyone.
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Overnight/Shelter Manager
Tom Partridge
He/Him
Originally from Ireland, Tom came to Canada in 2015, bringing with him a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Social Studies and is a trained addiction counsellor. With over 15 years of experience in residential supports and harm reduction—both in Ireland and Canada—Tom has consistently dedicated his career to those facing complex challenges.
His passion for this work was shaped by his early life. Growing up with the stability of strong family support, Tom became aware—through friendships and lived experience—that many others were not afforded the same security. This understanding of how circumstances beyond a person’s control can shape their future inspired him to pursue a career grounded in compassion and advocacy.
Tom considers it a privilege to work with Participants, and he approaches every interaction with the goal of offering support, dignity, and a sense of security wherever it’s needed most.
Financial Operations Manager
Rosemary Adams
She/Her
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Meet the Board
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Meet the Board
Behind Safe 'N Sound's impactful initiatives stands a dedicated Board of Directors, a team of compassionate leaders who guide and drive our mission to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable community members. Let us introduce you to the visionary minds steering the course for Safe 'N Sound.
Safe 'N Sound's Board meets monthly and all positions are voluntary.
Chair
Rachel Paterson
Niimi Biinji Maadoodooswoning
She/They
Rachel joined the Board in November 2022. Fueled by lived experiences, Rachel advocates with passion; dedicated to fostering respect, dignity, and breaking stigmas to uplift and support our vulnerable community members. Rachel is committed to the field of housing and harm reduction within socal work, as they believe it an expression of their compassion. To them, Safe n Sound exemplifies this compassion, as our work acknowledges the inherent worth of every individual served; where beyond immediate assistance, such crucial support contributes to breaking systemic cycles and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
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Colleen Greidanus
She/Her
Originally from the Orillia area, Colleen spent many years volunteering and serving on the board of Lighthouse Christian Ministries now known as The Lighthouse. During this time, she worked in the soup kitchen and later when it became evident that the need was there, in the development of a 14 bed Men’s shelter. Many friendships were fostered during this time and it sparked a desire to create a place of safety and home for all. Later, moving to London, she served on the board and worked for Save a Family Plan. This is an NGO working to pair sponsors in North America with individuals and families in India in order to help them to create sustainable incomes. Colleen looks forward to bringing her passion and experience to Safe 'N Sound.
Kristen Seetahal
She/Her
Kristen Seetahal, M.A., B.Ed., RP (Qualifying), OCT is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and educator with a focus on trauma, Indigenous studies, and special education. Raised in Grey-Bruce, she is deeply committed to building communities rooted in belonging—where all individuals, especially those facing stigma and marginalization, feel seen, safe, worthy, and supported. Kristen believes in the power of empathy and in upholding each person’s voice and agency, particularly those impacted by chronic stress and trauma. Her work spans Toronto and Grey-Bruce, where she has advocated for human rights, harm reduction, and inclusive care alongside individuals experiencing homelessness, living with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, at risk of or living with HIV/AIDS, involved in the sex industry, without immigration status, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth. For Kristen, the act of sharing one’s story is a sacred trust—one that calls us, in our shared humanity, to respond with care, compassion, and a commitment to justice.
Kelsey Starr
She/They
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LeeAnn Hampton
She/Her
Hi my name is LeeAnn Crawford!
I am a new member of the board of directors at Safe 'N Sound in Owen Sound. I have been working as an addictions and mental health counsellor for 25 + years and have worked in various positions , Including Grey/ Bruce withdrawal management ( detox ) and Saugeen First Nation as the NNADAP ( addictions ) coordinator . I am very passionate in helping others and do so in my off time as well. I believe in acts of kindness and love and compassion for others . For this reason I feel that I have a lot to contribute towards this center and the community it serves.