We believe that meaningful change is built on trusted relationships. Meet the caring and experienced professionals dedicated to listening, guiding, and empowering children and families on their journey to well-being.
Learn more about the skilled and caring individuals dedicated to supporting your family’s journey.
Takywa Tagamou Nation
Chapleau Cree First Nation
Brunswick House First Nation
Mattagami First Nation
Missanabie First Nation
Apitipi Anicinapek Nation
The programs take into consideration the best interests and well-being of the child, specifically the programs that recognize the uniqueness of First Nations’ culture, heritage and traditions of preserving a child’s cultural identity.
Kristin Murray, the Executive Director of Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services, leads with vision and compassion, ensuring that children, youth, and families receive holistic, culturally appropriate care that strengthens communities and honors Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Kristin is a dedicated helper and advocate for Indigenous children, youth, and families. She is a proud member of Chapleau Cree First Nation, with two decades of experience in social services, a diploma in Social Service Work and Drug & Alcohol Counselling, and a Bachelor’s degree in Equity, Diversity & Human Rights.
Her passion for working for First Nations children, youth and families, stems from her early experiences in the Jane & Finch community and her Chapleau Cree and Jamaican heritage. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives addressing homelessness, addictions, and systemic barriers, always prioritizing culturally grounded, community-driven solutions. She also cares deeply for the responsibilities in her role as the mother of two extraordinary beings , and as a daughter, a sister and auntie.
Kristin integrates lived and learned experiences with purpose, applying a holistic approach grounded in reconciliation and decolonization to her work.
I am Marlene Kapashesit, a proud Chapleau Cree First Nation band member. My family originates from the Trapper-Linklater clan of Moose Factory and Waskaganish. I was mainly raised in Timmins. My husband Wayne and I have four children and an abundance gift of grandchildren. Over the past 30 years, I have been employed with Protection Services of Child & Family Services within Northern Ontario and Northern Quebec, including working for CCFN as a Health Director.
At a young age, my mother and aunties taught me our Cree Traditions of sewing with moosehide and crafting items such as beading, mukluks, moccasins, mittens, and coats. I also expanded into regalia designs. I have an utmost passion for our Cree Traditions, so I continue to share my knowledge and teach. I am excited to bring my experience, Cree teachings, knowledge, and ongoing commitment to helping our services and communities of Kunuwanimano.
As an organization, we should work with families using a prevention approach at the forefront of services. The Indigenous teachings of our land, culture, language, and harvesting are some of the most significant elements we will use to guide working with children, youth, families, elders, and the community.
Charlene is a dedicated child welfare professional with a deep commitment to supporting and empowering First Nation families and communities. A proud member of Constance Lake First Nation, she has a profound connection to her traditional roots and values the importance of family life. Charlene and her husband are proud parents to four children, and they have been blessed with four grandchildren.
Her personal and professional life intertwine as she has dedicated over 13 years to working in child welfare and prevention programs, specifically to First Nation families. Witnessing the impacts of children and families involved in the child welfare system has only fueled her passion to make a meaningful difference through her work.
As an Indigenous woman, Charlene believes in being a strong voice for First Nations children, advocating for their well-being and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
She firmly believes that a solid healthy foundation for children begins in the home and is dedicated to helping families achieve this. Through her work, she strives to make positive changes that will allow children to have the opportunity to grow up in nurturing, supportive environments that honor their cultural identity. Charlene currently resides in Timmins, ON and enjoys her recreational time by spending time with family, hunting, fishing and beading.
Jamie Roach joined Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services in April 2024 as the Director of Human Resources and Operations, bringing a commitment to building a supportive workplace. Since joining the HR team, Jamie has focused on strengthening organizational processes, streamlining internal communication, and fostering an environment where employees can thrive.
Jamie contributed to the organization’s efforts during the successful negotiation of a Collective Agreement, in place until 2027, which provides clarity, stability, and a structured framework for staff at Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services.
Looking ahead, Jamie is committed to advancing HR practices that align with Kunuwanimano’s mission, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth to ensure staff continue to provide the best support to the children, youth, and families we serve.
