Our Team

Cristina Scarpellini

Cristina Scarpellini is a certified addictions counselor, advocate for eliminating gender-based violence, public educator and the Founder and Executive Director of Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking (AOH), the only organization in Northeastern Ontario to specialize solely in providing long term, free, bilingual support services and programs to survivors of human trafficking and/or sexual exploitation and their loved ones.

Having personally battled addiction and mental health struggles, Cristina uses empathy and lived experience alongside a trauma-informed approach and network of wraparound services to help others succeed in their healing journey. Over the past nine years, she has assisted over 300 clients by means of addiction services, mental health counseling, advocacy, public awareness, peer support, and workshops. In particular, she has facilitated training and education sessions, youth groups, and presentations – most notably, the Empowered Kids Campaign, which aimed to inspire empowerment in children to reduce rates of early victimization.

Cristina’s motto is “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” – Desmond Tutu.

Cristina’s passionate and hands-on approach to victim services has earned her recognition and praise in the community. She has been awarded the BPW Sudbury’s Woman of the Month award, the YWCA’s Women of Distinction award, the YMCA Peace Medal, Attorney General award for exceptional victim services and the Sudbury Good Neighbours award. Her work has also been featured by popular media outlets.

When she isn’t busy advocating or supporting survivors, you can find her adventuring on her motorcycle or snow machine, playing with her black lab, Charlie Brown, or simply relaxing by the lake.

Jelise Keating

Jelise Keating

Jelise Keating (she/her) is the Program Coordinator of Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking (AOH). She graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Entrepreneurship. Holding over 10 years in community work experience, Jelise strives for continuous learning as she’s acquired certification in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, and Reconciliation Education.

Through her education and the development of various programs for community members, Jelise strives to provide support, education, and resources to her community. Throughout her employment and volunteer experience she has worked and supported individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Currently, while working with AOH, Jelise looks forward to increasing her knowledge as she also continues to pursue higher education.

Some of Jelise’s hobbies include playing musical instruments, reading books of all genres, watching anime, and being out in nature with her dogs.

Stephanie Kehoe

Stephanie Kehoe

Stephanie Kehoe (she/her) is the Indigenous Clinician at Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Addictions from McMaster University, and is a Registered Social Service Worker – Indigenous Specialization, along with education as a child and youth counselor.

She is a Certified Indigenous Counsellor, an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor, and a Certified Clinical Supervisor. She has been a keynote speaker for many events pertaining to many areas, including human trafficking and victim services.

Stephanie has over thirty years of experience in mental health, trauma, and addiction; specifically, working with the Indigenous population. Throughout her career, she also worked with Victim Services and Human Trafficking populations; she is the Vice President of the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation, and sits on committees that represent Indigenous peoples throughout Canada. Stephanie is trained in various assessments that encompass bio-psycho-social needs, providing a holistic approach.

Stephanie has also completed her studies as a Gladue Writer with the Indigenous Perspectives Society, and has worked in remote communities, practicing Indigenous ceremonial traditions as part of her profession and her own personal self-care, along with her husband and five children.

Michelle Mainville

Michelle Mainville was born in Chicago, Illinois and her First Nation is Couchiching, Ontario. Michelle is a descendant of Residential School Survivors and a 60 Scoop survivor. She is also a survivor of human trafficking.

Michelle is a supporter, educator, and consultant on Human Trafficking. Her daughter was trafficked at the age of 20 years old but did not survive. Michelle has worked in many areas such as a: Mobile Crisis Worker, Aboriginal Reintegration Youth Worker, a Women’s Residential Worker for domestic violence, and a Youth Addictions Worker working with young women that are sexually exploited. 

Her education background consists of Native Mental Health and Social Work.  Michelle has been working with Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking since 2020 presenting workshops, doing public education, implementing organizational change and consulting.
She is a grandmother of 4 beautiful grand cubs.

Leah Hemmer

Leah Hemmer (she/her) is the Francophone Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator and Public Educator for Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking (AOH). Leah graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology (Honours Specialization). Leah completed her Thesis under, Dr. Paul Valliant (Professor/Psychologist). Her Thesis focused on attitudes towards sexual offenders and the impact that this has on their ability to be rehabilitated. She is fluent and bilingual in both English and French.

Leah is currently employed full-time with Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin as an Ongoing, Authorized Child Protection Worker. She has been working for the Agency for two and half years. As a Child Protection Worker, Leah is working directly in the community assisting families in navigating various issues (i.e., addiction, mental health, homelessness, domestic violence, human trafficking, resource management, etc.). Leah has developed a strengths-based approach when working with individuals and families in order to help them reach their full potential.

Leah is taking on this part-time position with Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking in order to further her knowledge and specialize in this area. Leah is constantly looking to take on new challenges and grow both professionally and personally. She looks forward to making an immediate impact in this role and aims to educate, advocate, and support victims/survivors of human trafficking and community members.

In her free time, Leah enjoys travelling, being out in nature, working out, yoga, reading and cuddling up with her cat, Alaska.