CHW National President
Lynn Gillman
Although Lynn has lived in Ottawa for almost 45 years, she was born in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Lynn was introduced to CHW at a very young age by helping her mother and grandmother at fundraising events.
She has contributed to CHW on a national level as a member of the Board of Directors for four years, with two years as National Vice-President and two years as Chair of the Fundraising and Membership Committee.
Prior to that, she participated in the CHW National Leadership Assembly for two years.
During her 40-year involvement with CHW Ottawa Centre, she took on such roles as Centre President and Vice-President, each for two terms, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Publicity Chair, and chairs of various campaigns and fundraising events.
Her professional life spanned 44 years, working in the high-tech industry for Fortune 500 companies or leading technology providers as one of the top-producing salespersons in Canada.
She recently retired to devote all her efforts to her upcoming role as CHW National President. She hopes to transfer the skills she developed during her career to help CHW achieve its new fundraising milestones and to inspire CHW teams of devoted volunteers and supporters.
Immediate Past President
Elayna Latsky
Elayna Latsky
Elayna Latsky was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and speaks both English and French. She holds a bachelor of commerce from Concordia University and a graduate diploma in public accountancy from McGill University. Elayna worked in public accounting in Montreal for several years before moving to Toronto to continue her career.
Elayna has volunteer experience from several boards and not-for-profit organizations, including The Leo Baeck Day School. She is a proud member of CHW Toronto Tamid Chapter, supporting CHW at the Chapter, Centre, and National level.
A member and leader within CHW for 25 years, this will be Elayna’s ninth year as a CHW Director. As CHW Immediate Past National President and past CHW Toronto Centre President, Elayna is excited to take CHW higher and higher while helping more people in Israel and here in Canada. For over 100 years, CHW has continued to make the world a better place and that has always been her motivation to volunteer with our wonderful organization.
Elayna and her husband Jonathan have been married for 27 years and have four sons. Elayna also loves visiting Israel, taking family trips there to experience CHW projects in person.
Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Colt-Kotler
Lisa Colt-Kotler
Lisa took the helm at CHW on March 1, 2021. Lisa is a seasoned not-for-profit professional with 17 years of experience in senior management and executive roles. Before taking the role of CHW Chief Executive Officer, she served as National Executive Director of the Canadian Shaare Zedek Hospital Foundation. Her experience in strategic direction, development, operational management, and relationship building with multiple stakeholders and staff, including those in Israel, make her a great fit for CHW’s next stages of growth.
Along with a new direction for CHW fundraising, Lisa has introduced modern branding that represents the interconnectedness of Canada and Israel to CHW’s mission and vision for the future.
Lisa has already spearheaded inventive fundraising strategies, and restructured the organization, attracting new professional talent and stakeholders for support, beginning a new chapter for the organization. Her vision includes creating fresh approaches for philanthropy that generate impact, provide sustainable revenue streams, and fund social enterprises to empower women. “Ultimately, my goal is to remove all obstacles to giving. I support an environment of donor directed giving to bring our organization, with its rich history, forward into the 21st century. A key strength of CHW is our passionate base of volunteers and lay leaders from coast to coast. I am inspired by the dedication of women from all different backgrounds, who collectively share CHW’s mission to ensure all Israelis can access excellence in healthcare, education, and social services in a safe and secure environment. By investing in Israel, we are shaping the future of the Jewish State,” said Lisa Colt-Kotler.
As a CHW volunteer for nearly 30 years, the organization was the introduction to a lengthy career as a professional fundraiser. Lisa is honoured to lead CHW during this time of transition as its first CEO, which brings her relationship with CHW full circle.
Elayna Latsky
Elayna Latsky was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and speaks both English and French. She holds a bachelor of commerce from Concordia University and a graduate diploma in public accountancy from McGill University. Elayna worked in public accounting in Montreal for several years before moving to Toronto to continue her career.
Elayna has volunteer experience from several boards and not-for-profit organizations, including The Leo Baeck Day School. She is a proud member of CHW Toronto Tamid Chapter, supporting CHW at the Chapter, Centre, and National level.
A member and leader within CHW for 25 years, this will be Elayna’s ninth year as a CHW Director. As CHW Immediate Past National President and past CHW Toronto Centre President, Elayna is excited to take CHW higher and higher while helping more people in Israel and here in Canada. For over 100 years, CHW has continued to make the world a better place and that has always been her motivation to volunteer with our wonderful organization.
Elayna and her husband Jonathan have been married for 27 years and have four sons. Elayna also loves visiting Israel, taking family trips there to experience CHW projects in person.
Lisa Colt-Kotler
Lisa took the helm at CHW on March 1, 2021. Lisa is a seasoned not-for-profit professional with 17 years of experience in senior management and executive roles. Before taking the role of CHW Chief Executive Officer, she served as National Executive Director of the Canadian Shaare Zedek Hospital Foundation. Her experience in strategic direction, development, operational management, and relationship building with multiple stakeholders and staff, including those in Israel, make her a great fit for CHW’s next stages of growth.
Along with a new direction for CHW fundraising, Lisa has introduced modern branding that represents the interconnectedness of Canada and Israel to CHW’s mission and vision for the future.
Lisa has already spearheaded inventive fundraising strategies, and restructured the organization, attracting new professional talent and stakeholders for support, beginning a new chapter for the organization. Her vision includes creating fresh approaches for philanthropy that generate impact, provide sustainable revenue streams, and fund social enterprises to empower women. “Ultimately, my goal is to remove all obstacles to giving. I support an environment of donor directed giving to bring our organization, with its rich history, forward into the 21st century. A key strength of CHW is our passionate base of volunteers and lay leaders from coast to coast. I am inspired by the dedication of women from all different backgrounds, who collectively share CHW’s mission to ensure all Israelis can access excellence in healthcare, education, and social services in a safe and secure environment. By investing in Israel, we are shaping the future of the Jewish State,” said Lisa Colt-Kotler.
As a CHW volunteer for nearly 30 years, the organization was the introduction to a lengthy career as a professional fundraiser. Lisa is honoured to lead CHW during this time of transition as its first CEO, which brings her relationship with CHW full circle.
Director
Lynn Gillamn
Lisa Colt-Kotler
Elayna was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and speaks both English and French. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University and a Graduate Diploma in Public Accountancy from McGill University. Elayna worked in public accounting in Montreal for several years before moving to Toronto to continue her career.
Elayna and her husband Jonathan have been married for 25 years and have four sons (16, 19, 22, and 24 years old) that keep her on her toes. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, needlepoint, walking outdoors, and snowshoeing in the winter. Elayna also loves visiting Israel, taking family trips there to experience CHW projects in person.
As she assumes the position of National President, Elayna brings with her volunteer experience from a number of boards and not-for-profit organizations, including The Leo Baeck Day School.
A member and leader within CHW for 23 years, and a past CHW Toronto Centre President, Elayna’s goals during the course of her two year-term, are to implement changes that will move the organization forward in the 21st century, improve our virtual presence, and develop creative strategies and programs that will attract a new generation of supporters to join the CHW family.
Director
Marcia Glick
Lisa Colt-Kotler
Elayna was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and speaks both English and French. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University and a Graduate Diploma in Public Accountancy from McGill University. Elayna worked in public accounting in Montreal for several years before moving to Toronto to continue her career.
Elayna and her husband Jonathan have been married for 25 years and have four sons (16, 19, 22, and 24 years old) that keep her on her toes. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, needlepoint, walking outdoors, and snowshoeing in the winter. Elayna also loves visiting Israel, taking family trips there to experience CHW projects in person.
As she assumes the position of National President, Elayna brings with her volunteer experience from a number of boards and not-for-profit organizations, including The Leo Baeck Day School.
A member and leader within CHW for 23 years, and a past CHW Toronto Centre President, Elayna’s goals during the course of her two year-term, are to implement changes that will move the organization forward in the 21st century, improve our virtual presence, and develop creative strategies and programs that will attract a new generation of supporters to join the CHW family.
Director
Roslyn Joseph
Lisa Colt-Kotler
Elayna was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and speaks both English and French. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University and a Graduate Diploma in Public Accountancy from McGill University. Elayna worked in public accounting in Montreal for several years before moving to Toronto to continue her career.
Elayna and her husband Jonathan have been married for 25 years and have four sons (16, 19, 22, and 24 years old) that keep her on her toes. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, needlepoint, walking outdoors, and snowshoeing in the winter. Elayna also loves visiting Israel, taking family trips there to experience CHW projects in person.
As she assumes the position of National President, Elayna brings with her volunteer experience from a number of boards and not-for-profit organizations, including The Leo Baeck Day School.
A member and leader within CHW for 23 years, and a past CHW Toronto Centre President, Elayna’s goals during the course of her two year-term, are to implement changes that will move the organization forward in the 21st century, improve our virtual presence, and develop creative strategies and programs that will attract a new generation of supporters to join the CHW family.
Jennie Blitz (CHW Toronto)
Jennie Blitz is the Director of Tax Credits and Financing Programs at Ontario Creates; the provincial government agency that facilitates economic development and investment in Ontario’s creative industries, including the book, film, television, and interactive digital media sectors.
Jennie has been with Ontario Creates since 2004. Prior to that she was a policy advisor to the former Minister of Culture David Tsubouchi. Jennie is a lawyer by training and received her LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School (although she doesn’t practice law now).
She is a lifetime supporter of CHW, having joined in 2002 with CHW Toronto Miriam Chapter. She is currently part of CHW Toronto L’Netzach Chapter. Between the two Chapters, Jennie has held positions such as President and Fundraising Chair and served CHW Toronto on the Mentorship Committee. She was honoured to represent CHW when she attended the Aviv Conference in Israel in 2009.
Jennie is thrilled to be serving as a CHW Director and is looking forward to meeting colleagues from across Canada.
Marcia Glick (CHW Kitchener-Waterloo)
Marcia is proud to have served as CHW National Treasurer for the past two years and will continue to do so for the next two years.
She enjoyed the opportunity to use her skills to help our cause, for which she feels a great passion and has great respect and admiration for the volunteers and staff.
She joined the CHW Kitchener-Waterloo Sharon Chapter in 1982. She served as Chapter Treasurer and President and then as Council President. She sat on several fundraising committees and served as Co-Chair of the Annual Campaign in K-W for many years. She is a lifetime member, a Sustainer, a Keyholder, a Major Donor, and a member of the Legacy Circle.
She earned an honours psychology degree and a master’s in cognitive psychology from the University of Waterloo. She went on to complete an MBA with a major in accounting from York University.
Subsequently, Marcia worked at KPMG for over 20 years as an accountant in the Independent Business group and the Tax group with a focus on Estates and Trusts and personal taxation.
Marcia has been married to Bernie for over 50 years. Her son and daughter-in-law have blessed her with three grandchildren, who are the light of her life.
Dorothy Hanson (CHW Calgary)
Dorothy Hanson was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. After graduating from American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California, she acquired a BA in psychology from the University of Calgary. Dorothy then moved to Vancouver, BC, where she obtained an executive secretarial diploma, then worked in theatre administration and as a talent agent. Eventually, she and her husband, Sheldon, owned a Belgian chocolate shop in West Point Grey, Vancouver. In 1998, they moved back to Calgary to start a family.
Before taking on the role of CHW Calgary Centre President in April 2021, Dorothy had been involved with CHW for many years. She had chaired the Connections Tea, co-chaired Games Day and served as Master of Ceremony at the latter. She was also one of the actors in the musical Ladies Who Lunch, with all proceeds going to Youth Aliyah.
Dorothy’s following in the footsteps of her mother, Lucille Hansonz”l. She served as Treasurer and President of a CHW Calgary Chapter over many years and was an integral part of the annual Hadassah Bazaar. Dorothy hopes her daughter Davita will one day follow in her footsteps as well.
Dorothy is also on the executive of the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta and is a member of the Minyan League at Beth Tzedec synagogue.
Dorothy believes that everything we do as an organization should be with reverence to the past; that will guide us into CHW’s future.
Stephanie Rusen (CHW Vancouver)
“In December 2005 l went to my first CHW meeting, immediately felt at home, and never looked back. I knew about CHW, even volunteered at the Bazaar in Calgary and Vancouver, but never belonged. Once l joined l found out about our projects and how we help. I began volunteering where ever l could, moving up the ladder until l became Vancouver Centre President. Becoming a Director is the next step in my CHW journey as l will be a part of shaping the path CHW will take into the future. CHW changes lives, bringing hope to everyone we touch. It is up to us to make sure our organization continues to grow. I look forward to working with these dedicated women!”
Linda Senzilet (CHW Ottawa)
“In the nearly 40 years since joining this wonderful organization, I have held executive positions at both the Chapter and Centre levels. In 2014, I participated in a mini-mission to Israel. Seeing first-hand the enormous difference that CHW makes in so many lives was a lifechanging experience. Upon my return, I became the Co-President of CHW Ottawa, and have remained very active since. With all of my experience and my strong belief in the extraordinary value of CHW, I feel that now is the right time to take my participation to the next level and become a member of the National Board of Directors.”
Brondell Shapiro (CHW Toronto)
“I would like to be a member of the Board of Directors of CHW in order to be a part of the decision making process with like minded committed persons. We support amazing projects and services which bring Israeli families the necessities of life. We also provide them with outstanding hospitals and welcoming, vital daycare centres. Women are able to find safety from abusive situations. Educational institutions such as the Hadassah Academic College teach women vital skills often their first time at that level and integrate them with different members of Israeli society. Almost all graduates are able to find employment and thus contribute to society. We make a difference in the lives of Israelis and give them hope for the future.”
Tova Train (CHW Toronto)
“This is my opportunity to gather all that I’ve learned in my chapter and in the CHW Toronto Centre and help navigate our organization’s national initiatives. I am so proud to be affiliated with an established and responsive charity. I believe that we impact the future of Israel by nurturing its citizens. I also believe that working for the State of Israel nurtures my soul, our souls, here in Canada. These are the reasons why I aspire to be a CHW National Director.”
DIRECTOR
Jennie Blitz
Read MoreJennie Blitz (CHW Toronto)
Jennie Blitz is the Director of Tax Credits and Financing Programs at Ontario Creates; the provincial government agency that facilitates economic development and investment in Ontario’s creative industries, including the book, film, television, and interactive digital media sectors.
Jennie has been with Ontario Creates since 2004. Prior to that she was a policy advisor to the former Minister of Culture David Tsubouchi. Jennie is a lawyer by training and received her LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School (although she doesn’t practice law now).
She is a lifetime supporter of CHW, having joined in 2002 with CHW Toronto Miriam Chapter. She is currently part of CHW Toronto L’Netzach Chapter. Between the two Chapters, Jennie has held positions such as President and Fundraising Chair and served CHW Toronto on the Mentorship Committee. She was honoured to represent CHW when she attended the Aviv Conference in Israel in 2009.
Jennie is thrilled to be serving as a CHW Director and is looking forward to meeting colleagues from across Canada.
DIRECTOR
Marcia Glick
Read MoreMarcia Glick (CHW Kitchener-Waterloo)
Marcia is proud to have served as CHW National Treasurer for the past two years and will continue to do so for the next two years.
She enjoyed the opportunity to use her skills to help our cause, for which she feels a great passion and has great respect and admiration for the volunteers and staff.
She joined the CHW Kitchener-Waterloo Sharon Chapter in 1982. She served as Chapter Treasurer and President and then as Council President. She sat on several fundraising committees and served as Co-Chair of the Annual Campaign in K-W for many years. She is a lifetime member, a Sustainer, a Keyholder, a Major Donor, and a member of the Legacy Circle. She earned an honours psychology degree and a master’s in cognitive psychology from the University of Waterloo. She went on to complete an MBA with a major in accounting from York University.
Subsequently, Marcia worked at KPMG for over 20 years as an accountant in the Independent Business group and the Tax group with a focus on Estates and Trusts and personal taxation.
Marcia has been married to Bernie for over 50 years. Her son and daughter-in-law have blessed her with three grandchildren, who are the light of her life.
DIRECTOR
Dorothy Hanson
Read MoreDorothy Hanson (CHW Calgary)
Dorothy Hanson was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. After graduating from American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California, she acquired a BA in psychology from the University of Calgary. Dorothy then moved to Vancouver, BC, where she obtained an executive secretarial diploma, then worked in theatre administration and as a talent agent. Eventually, she and her husband, Sheldon, owned a Belgian chocolate shop in West Point Grey, Vancouver. In 1998, they moved back to Calgary to start a family.
Before taking on the role of CHW Calgary Centre President in April 2021, Dorothy had been involved with CHW for many years. She had chaired the Connections Tea, co-chaired Games Day and served as Master of Ceremony at the latter. She was also one of the actors in the musical Ladies Who Lunch, with all proceeds going to Youth Aliyah.
Dorothy’s following in the footsteps of her mother, Lucille Hansonz”l. She served as Treasurer and President of a CHW Calgary Chapter over many years and was an integral part of the annual Hadassah Bazaar. Dorothy hopes her daughter Davita will one day follow in her footsteps as well.
Dorothy is also on the executive of the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta and is a member of the Minyan League at Beth Tzedec synagogue.
Dorothy believes that everything we do as an organization should be with reverence to the past; that will guide us into CHW’s future.
DIRECTOR
Barb Rosenstein
Read MoreBarb Rosenstein (CHW Toronto)
Barb Rosenstein is a committed CHW volunteer and supporter. She is passionate about CHW’s projects in Israel, and truly feels our collective responsibility is to empower CHW to fulfill its mandate. As such, Barb has had numerous opportunities to understand and connect with CHW’s important mission as a leading philanthropic organization.
Currently, Barb is CHW Toronto Centre President and has taken a leadership role, alongside many talented CHW volunteers and professionals, to ensure the success of numerous CHW initiatives at both the Centre and National levels. As CHW Toronto Centre Vice-President (2020-2022), Barb chaired two very successful Toronto Annual Campaigns. She was twice Co-Chair of the CHW Walk to Protect Children, which raised more than $100,000 each of two years. Barb also Co-Chaired the Toronto Centre Mentorship program.
As a member of Tamid Chapter for many years Barb held numerous positions, including Chapter President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Event Co-Chair for two terms.
Professionally, Barb is a digital health consultant, with over 25 years of experience leading professional teams through large-scale digital transformation in the health services sector. Barb has a bachelor of nursing degree from McMaster University and a master of science degree from the University of Toronto.
On a personal note, Barb and her husband Jerry, a proud CHW supporter, have visited Israel several times, including visits to CHW projects.
DIRECTOR
Stephanie Rusen
Read MoreStephanie Rusen (CHW Vancouver)
Seventeen years ago, Stephanie Rusen joined CHW and discovered a whole new world of caring, giving, and friendship. Nine years later, she became the CHW Vancouver Centre President and never looked back. Stephanie has also held other positions at the Centre and National level, including Centre Treasurer and National Leaders Assembly.
Stephanie has a professional background as an Insurance Broker and owned her own company for 14 years. She also owned her own daycare centre for 10 years and taught elementary school French.
Stephanie believes the dedication of our volunteers makes a difference in the lives of people in Israel, so much so that she stepped up for a second term as CHW Vancouver Centre President (2020-2022) and then as a CHW Director in 2020. During her time at CHW, Stephanie discovered leadership qualities that she never knew she had. She is really looking forward to working with this new Board of Directors as they continue making that special difference so unique to CHW.
DIRECTOR
Ariella Schachter
Read MoreAriella Schachter (CHW Montreal)
Ariella Schachter is a native Montrealer who recently returned to her hometown after living in New York for nearly 15 years. She is a mom of two girls, aged 7.5 and 5. Her family has a long history of involvement and support of Israel and is on the board of The Eldee Foundation and The Jerusalem Foundation.
Ariella is an advisor to ‘Frank’ a unique leadership community for women. She has a background in digital marketing and strategy and account direction.
While in New York, Ariella worked at top digital ad agencies for Fortune 100 brands, followed by nearly ten years at Google on an Internal Creative Think Tank Team serving Google’s top clients.
Currently, she is working on special projects and consulting for ‘BFF’, a Web3 company whose mission is to onboard women and non-binary people into the forecasted $10 Trillion Web3 market.
Her late grandmother, Neri Bloomfield, served as National President for CHW, and Ariella is excited to get more involved and help CHW raise awareness among a new generation.
Director
Linda Senzilet
Read MoreLinda Senzilet (CHW Ottawa)
Linda was introduced to CHW in the early 1980s by the late Terry Schwarzfeld z’’l, our beloved past National President. She felt an immediate connection to the organization and has been active in CHW Ottawa Centre ever since.
Over the past 40 years, Linda assumed a range of executive and chairperson roles at the Chapter and Centre levels, including President of Amit Chapter and Co-President of CHW Ottawa Centre. Since 2020, she has been a member of the CHW Board of Directors, assuming the role of National Secretary.
In her professional life, she worked for nearly 40 years in the health sector, in direct patient care, and then for the federal government as an epidemiologist and senior policy advisor.
DIRECTOR
Tova Train
Read MoreTova Train (CHW Toronto)
Tova Train joined CHW in 1994. She has been an active member of CHW Toronto’s Tamid Chapter, and she previously held the position of Secretary, Event Co-Chair, and President and remained Past-President until 2020.
In 2015, Tova took on the Chair of the newly established Toronto Centre Resource and Technology Committee. In that capacity, she led the team from the development and launch of the Go Guide, a Chapter resource for running events.
She became Toronto Centre Vice-President in 2016, National Gala Co-Chair for the 2017 Centennial Gala, and Toronto Centre President in 2018. In addition to being Toronto Centre Past-President, Tova is currently a member of the Board of Directors. As a CHW Director, she has Co-Chaired both the inaugural S.O.S Campaign in 2021 and Fashion Blooms in 2022.
Looking forward to her next term on the Board of Directors, Tova intends to contribute to the strengthening of our national centres and work with the team on innovative fundraising.