Jenny Hanley
Born and raised in Grey County, I grew up in a small community where everyone knew each other, would look out for one another, and would always lend a helping hand. I feel that this upbringing played a major part in who and where I am today. I have one daughter, Shelby who is my world.
I have worked as an Educational Assistant for 19 years, working in local schools with children and youth. I went back to school in 2014 and studied to become a Certified Addiction Support Worker, where I received my diploma, with honours, and became a member of CACCF (Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation). I completed my placement at Portage Rehabilitation Center, where I was hired to work afterwards.
I have experience working with teens that have suffered trauma, youth who have been involved in sex trafficking, who are at risk of self-harming, drug trafficking, and gang affiliation, and youth involved in the justice system. In 2018, I became a legal guardian to a 15-year-old boy. I never realized the issues that were relevant to our youth in our community, but having Kyle, I’ve witnessed firsthand the many struggles that so many of our local youth face. In April of 2018, I received a call about a youth who had passed away from a drug overdose. This put the wheels in motion, and I knew that it was my time to help and guide the youth living in my community.
My dream to help youth locally became a goal, that soon became a reality. The Hanley Institute was born and beside me, I have the BEST family supports and board members who contribute so much to our growth and success. Together, our board has a vision to empower our youth and we are committed to helping youth realize their potential.
Kelsey Neely
Grew up in Maxwell, Kelsey attended Grey Highlands in Flesherton. Kelsey has been a Registered Practical Nurse for 10 years. Kelsey currently works at Royal Victoria Hospital on the respiratory inpatient unit. With her experience working on this unit Kelsey gets to see first hand the affects of mental health and addiction. Kelsey wants to help bridge the gaps in our health care and schooling system around Mental Health and addiction. In her free time she is constantly educating herself on up to date treatments and volunteering at a dog rescue.
Erika Wright
Erika moved to the area in 2011 after accepting a position at the Beaver Valley Ski Club, where she holds the title of Risk Manager and Human Resources, with 20 years of experience as a professional in the Ski and Snowboard industry. Erika’s skill set combined with education play a key and integral part in her belief in giving back to the community. Erika has volunteered with the Canadian Ski Patrol and is currently the Chair of the Ontario Snow Resort Association Risk Committee. She is passionate about outdoor activities, her 2 Great Danes and being part of the local community.
Garrett Reed
Garrett was born and raised in Flesherton, attending Macphail and Grey Highlands and playing hockey for the golden hawks. In 2019 Garrett graduated from the University of Ottawa with a honours bachelor of commerce with specialization in accounting. He passed CPA Canada’s common final examination in September 2020 and is currently working on meeting his professional experience requirement in order to become a CPA. Garrett works as a senior accountant at BDO Canada LLP’s Owen Sound office, where he provides accounting and assurance services to small to medium businesses and non for profit organizations. Garrett is our newest board member as he became treasurer in December 2020. Small town volunteering is in Garrett’s blood as his Grandfather, Garnet, was a founding member of The Flesherton Kinsmen and helped start the Flesherton Minor Hockey Association, which both his parents, Kellie and Rob, are still actively involved in today. Garrett joined the Hanley Institute to honour his friends who lost their lives to mental illness and drug addiction by ensuring the next generation has access to the resources and support they need to deal with whatever issues they may facing.
