

Meet The Team
Creating a welcoming space where everyone belongs.
Say hello to the friendly faces behind Beaches Sandbox! We're here to help while making our community an amazing place to connect and have fun.

Jordan Safer
Executive Director
"Let's have some fun! With 13+ years in the nonprofit and entertainment sectors, I have seen the positive benefits of social engagement, education and fun on the health of society. From public events that bring people together for shared experiences to educational workshops that teach people new skills, impact hubs like Beaches Sandbox are a critical thread that weave together the different parts of our community and help us grow as individuals. I am excited to make an impact in my neighbourhood, and to be a champion for smiling."

Samantha Little
Sr. Manager, Programming
"My passion for community engagement stems from my own upbringing in East York, where I participated in programs offered by various community centres. These experiences significantly shaped my identity, highlighting the transformative power of community involvement. I've been involved in the planning and development of the Beaches Sandbox from its inception. Prior to my current role, I dedicated 12 years to being a childhood educator in schools and childcare centres in the Beaches and East York. I firmly believe in the value of community centres as essential hubs that foster personal growth, connection, and empowerment for diverse communities."

Meghan McCready
Sr. Manager, Marketing & Development
"I have spent over 13 years working with not-for-profit arts and live music organizations, bringing people together for high-quality programming and education in inspiring and inclusive spaces. I am thrilled to be part of the Beaches Sandbox team!"

Sarah Marie Thompson
Manager, Guest Relations
"My greatest passion is to find various ways to help people one step at a time. With my educational background in Marketing, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a wide variety of people in different age groups. I’ve helped my clients, who include teenagers, adults and seniors, strengthen themselves and their relationship with others so they can live their lives to the fullest and continue to be successful. I am thrilled to be a part of the Beaches Sandbox team to bring the community together and make a positive impact in their lives. "

Braedan Hill
Assistant, Guest Relations, Rentals & Events
"With family and community at the core of my values, I am excited to be a part of a team that allows me to do what I’m best at as an Indigenous person; help and uplift those around me! Beginning my career and working in administrative services, I hope to continue learning and advancing my career in community service and care with the hopes of helping to provide services that build and maintain more fulfilling lives for youth and communities. I am thrilled to join the Beaches Sandbox team and bring together passion and joy to provide important and impactful community services. and continue to be successful."

Theresa Anderson
Coordinator, Guest Relations
"After I retired from The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee 5 years ago, I knew I wanted a part-time position in the Beach community where I could give back and meet new people. After the pandemic, when Beaches Sandbox opened, I found the position I’d been looking for and joined the team as a part-time Front Desk Coordinator. I divide my time between Beaches Sandbox and my role as a part-time lunchroom supervisor at a local school. I have been involved with the Beaches Advisory Committee for over 10 years and am a proud grandparent of my 2 gorgeous granddaughters. I am thrilled to be a part of the Beaches Sandbox team to bring the community together and make a positive impact in their lives."

Christine Eady
Volunteer Coordinator
Christine is a dedicated volunteer giving her time and expertise to Beaches Sandbox. She recently retired from a career in financial services and spends her time traveling and fostering dogs with her husband. She is also very active in variety of sporting activities among them swimming and kickboxing.
Sandbox Team

Jason Schuy
"I've been a Beacher for over 25 years and it's always been a dream to give back to the community I love so much. Fun is so important in life. Like they say: if you can't have fun in life, what's the use? As a father of two, I see more than ever in my kids how it can fuel one's spirit. I feel so honoured to be part of creating a special place, filled with joy and happiness. My hope is that it will raise the vibration of our community and ensure the Beaches is an even better place to live in the future."
Chair

Paulette O'Leary
"I grew up in a rural town watching my father give back to the community. Whether it was volunteering or playing sports, Dad loved bringing fun and joy into everyday living; he was my hero. Living this way, I knew I wanted to share this incredible gift with everyone I know and be an example for my two daughters who lived their whole lives here in the Beaches. Living with abilities that are different than the typical person (having MS), I understand it's essential to have fun and live life to it's fullest. Disability actually created opportunity! Living in the beaches for 30 years , it’s my awesome privilege to be able to create fun, inclusive experiences for all. I believe every person has something unique to offer. Great experiences happen when a community comes together, no matter what age or gift!”
Honorary Board Director

Kate Zaparanuik
"Growing up in a small town, I’ve experienced the positive impact that being part of an engaged and close knit community has on people of all ages. Beaches Sandbox is a place that fosters connections, provides fun and accessible programming and helps to positively shape the Beaches community. I’m excited to play a role in creating meaningful experiences for everyone who interacts with the Centre." I am thrilled to be a part of the Beaches Sandbox team to bring the community together and make a positive impact in their lives."
Secretary

Aracely Cruz
"Throughout my career as a HR leader, I have been privileged to witness the incredible transformations that occur within inclusive environments. This experience has fueled my passion to create spaces that foster a deep sense of belonging and celebrate the unique strengths of each individual. I am excited to bring my expertise to The Sandbox. By creating a place of inclusivity, people of all ages and abilities can participate in creative programs and unlock their potential, making a positive impact on the community at large. Being an immigrant and a mother of two, I wholeheartedly understand the significance of community support in shaping lives. This drives my eagerness to dedicate myself to uplifting others. Together, we can build a dynamic and inclusive community where everyone is given the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their aspirations."
Director

Earl Sinclair
With over thirty years of experience in retail and investment banking, bank operations, capital markets, and risk management, Earl’s career kicked off on the vibrant island of Jamaica, where he earned his undergraduate degree and contributed to the success of a leading financial institution. Nearly 25 years ago, Earl packed his bags and moved to the Great White North—Canada! Since then, he has held various roles at some of the nation's top financial institutions. Currently, Earl is a Director of Liquidity Risk and Global Risk Management at Scotiabank, where he also volunteers as a DEI Council member and Giving Campaign co-chair. Earl is happily married to Denise and a proud dad to two amazing adult daughters. He is also an active member of his church community, serving as a men’s ministry leader and communion server. When not working or volunteering, you can find Earl on the golf course or capturing beautiful moments through his camera lens.
Director

Pete Tsimikalis
After an all-star career in the OHL, Pete played in the AHL, as well as in the Swedish Allsvenskan League. Pete is the Principal at Toronto Prep School, helping to shape the overall ethos of TPS and serving as an academic support for staff and students alike. Pete holds a Master of Philosophy from Oxford University and a PhD from the University of Toronto where he got the opportunity to be a teaching assistant and instructor at the University level. Pete's status as a teacher, student, and administrator allows him to bring multiple perspectives to the students at Toronto Prep School, and as a new Board Member with Beaches Sandbox. Pete is married to Jen and has three sons, Beau, Wolf, and Jones. Pete loves watching his boys play sports and is an ardent Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Pete is excited and humbled to give back to the community via Beaches Sandbox, as the mission, vision, and values align perfectly with his own.
Director

Rob Lang
"As a parent living in the Beaches neighborhood for the past 20 years, you know the challenges of finding high-quality inclusive programs in the community where kids of all abilities can just be themselves and have fun. Witnessing the smiles and laughter of the children as they come through the Beaches Sandbox center is incredibly rewarding, knowing that the Sandbox is making a positive and lasting impact on their lives. The great thing about the Sandbox is that it also provides opportunities for seniors to have fun and learn new things too. It’s exciting to be part of the passionate Beaches Sandbox team dedicated to helping out in the community. With over 25 years’ experience in finance in the software industry, it is refreshing to be involved at the Beaches Sandbox where even the numbers are fun! Thousands of smiles and still counting!!"
Treasurer

Frances Anderson
Bio coming soon
Advisor

Marc Hull-Jacquin
Bio coming soon
Advisor

Danielle Robinson
Bio coming soon
Advisor

Natalie Johnson
Natalie is CTV Toronto’s City Hall Reporter, covering municipal politics and affairs as a videojournalist for Toronto’s #1 newscast. Johnson has provided comprehensive coverage of politics and policy at Toronto City Hall since 2010, with a lens on issues that matter to Torontonians: traffic, housing, transit, affordability and more. She has extensive experience reporting on political campaigns and elections, distilling debates and budgets, and providing daily news coverage of the decisions that shape the city. Her reporting airs on CTV Toronto, CP24, Newstalk 1010, CTVNewsToronto.ca, CTV News Channel, and CTV National News. Johnson began her career with CTV News in 2007 as a reporter at CTV Ottawa before moving to CTV's Parliamentary Bureau, where she worked as a field producer for CTV National News and produced the network’s flagship political program, CTV’s Question Period.
Advisor

Jamie Conklin
Jamie has lived in the Beaches for close to 25 years and is active in the community. He can be found every day walking his dog Isla on the boardwalk and building upon his network of friends. Professionally, Jamie has always been in sales, working in the insurance industry, with a focus on employee benefits. Jamie is happy to support Beaches Sandbox with its purpose of serving the community.