Meet The Executive Team: The ONABSE Board of Directors

President

Deborah Buchanan-Walford

Deborah Buchanan-Walford, a dedicated educator and advocate, champions social justice and equity. Committed to empowering students through anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles, she extends her impact to community initiatives and non-profits, addressing systemic inequalities. An accomplished author and speaker, she amplifies marginalized voices and fosters dialogue. With a focus on family, Deborah aims to leave a legacy of compassion, equality, and empowerment.

Vice-President

Dr. Jacqui Getfield

Jacqui Getfield, PhD, is the passionate lead parent advocate of MUMMA and supports parents in enhancing advocacy skills for their Black children. Through regular consultation with educators and health professionals, she impacts school systems in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). With keynote speeches and workshops, she addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-bias issues. Having been engaged in the Canadian Black community for over 20 years, she holds key positions in various organizations, leaving a lasting influence.

Treasurer

Sandria Goodall

Sandria Goodall is an entrepreneur and educator, who heads All-Good-Accounting.com, offering innovative accounting and tax solutions. With a degree in Accounting and Finance, and 20+ years of experience, she provides bookkeeping, tax services, and QuickBooks training. Holding a dual Master's in Education, she teaches Math and Business, emphasizing fairness and equity, particularly for African descent students. Dedicated to being a role model, she teaches in Toronto and Peel District School Boards, fostering self-belief and empowerment since 2013.

Secretary

David Sutton

David Sutton is a high school educator based in Ottawa. He is involved in a number of initiatives pertaining to equity, dismantling anti-Black racism and anti-oppression.

Director of Outreach and Community Liaison 

Dale Walker

Dale is an adult educator in the Region of Peel. He also serves as a community organizer in various grassroots organizations and non-profit initiatives.

Director of Advocacy and External Relations

Cheryl Woolnough

Cheryl is an educator in the region of Peel and an avid community activist and organizer. She participates in a number of community organizations locally and internationally.

Director-at-Large

Dr. Rose Spencer Gibbs

Rose Spencer Gibbs, Ph.D. is a retired Library Department Head from York Region District School Board. She has had an extensive career in education and community work across Canada and the Caribbean. With diverse roles from school librarian to lecturer, she's contributed significantly to education in Jamaica, Guyana, and Montreal. Representing ONABSE, she co-facilitates the York University/ONABSE practicum and has received Black History Month awards. Dr. Gibbs is a graduate of prestigious institutions like Harvard and McGill.  She recently authored "Island of Plantations: A Jamaican Reflection" and remains an active researcher and writer in Markham, Ontario.