Meet Our Team
Get to know the dedicated individuals who make our programs possible
Leadership
Rie Saraiva, SSW
Executive Director
Rie graduated with honours from both the Executive Office Administration and Social Service Worker (SSW) programs at Lambton College and is a Registered Social Service Worker.
Melanie Rogers
Directors of Programs and Operations
Mel has been working with vulnerable populations for nearly 20 years and is a graduate of the PSW, DSW, and SSW programs. Currently pursuing a degree in Community Social Services, she is passionate about supporting others and making a positive impact. Mel brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and compassion to Beyond Boundaries.
She is deeply committed to fostering growth, inclusion, and connection within the community.
In her free time, Mel enjoys traveling, embracing new adventures, continuous learning, and positively contributing to our community.
Jenna Fitzgerald
Director of Community and Outdoor Programs
Jenna brings many years of experience supporting children, youth, and their families, as well as providing respite services in the Sarnia-Lambton community. She is trained as an Early Childhood Educator, Child and Youth Worker, and Emotional Health Practitioner, giving her a well-rounded foundation for her work.
She joined Beyond Boundaries with a vision of creating a wilderness-based healing program, and we are excited to support her in bringing that vision to life. Through this program, Jenna combines her skills and passion for nature to offer clients meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and healing.
Instructors
Judy
Judy has over 13 years of experience working with vulnerable populations as a Community Service Worker. She is passionate about fostering connection, creativity, and advocacy for those whose voices often go unheard.
Judy believes in the importance of community and dedicates her time to making a positive impact through both her work and her initiatives. Giving back is close to her heart, and she channels that passion into running her small charity, Helping Hearts Village.
In her spare time, Judy cherishes spending time with her family and crafting.
Brigitte
Brigitte began her career as a PSW providing home care. From there she moved on to become an Activities Coordinator at a day program for almost 15 years. While in this role, Brigitte worked towards becoming a Senior Fitness Instructor which fit well with her love of teaching exercise classes to her clients.
And now, Brigitte is ready to start this new journey with everyone at Beyond Boundaries. She cannot wait to meet all our amazing future participants!
In her spare time, Brigitte enjoys reading, anything to do with the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Jimmy
Jimmy is a graduate of the Social Service Worker (SSW) program at Lambton College and is currently studying to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Community Social Services.
Jimmy has worked with vulnerable populations since 2022 and brings a wealth of lived experience to the field. This lived experience is what fueled Jimmy’s passion for working in a helping profession.
In his spare time, Jimmy enjoys playing video games, trying new restaurants, trying new foods, cooking, and camping.
Kristy
Kristy is a graduate of the social Service Worker Program and has been working with vulnerable populations and individuals for the past 7 years.
Kristy values and respects the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of others and believes that our differences enhance collaboration and creativity.
Kristy is an extrovert who thrives on meeting new people and embracing new situations, and she believes these experiences enrich both her personal and professional life.
In her spare time, Kristy loves reading, karaoke, and spending time with her family.
Carlos
Carlos brings over 5 years of experience in private respite care, working closely with individuals with developmental exceptionalities.
Carlos also has a strong background in healthcare as a retired Canadian Forces medic. He is also graduate of the Workplace Safety and Prevention program at Lambton College and is most recently trained in Stretch Therapy where he enjoys helping people achieve their health goals.
Carlos is passionate about supporting others and giving back to his community through volunteer work, where he finds fulfillment in helping those in need.
In his downtime, Carlos enjoys watching sports of all kinds, playing video games, and spending quality time with his five kids.
Rick
Rick is a graduate of the Social Service Worker program with over seven years of experience supporting the homeless population and individuals facing complex barriers. His passion for advocacy and community engagement has shaped his career, allowing him to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those he serves.
A lifelong animal lover, Rick has been a proud dog dad for most of his life, sharing his home with furry companions who keep him active and entertained. Outside of his professional and personal commitments, he has a creative side—stepping into the role of a hero through cosplay. Whether portraying Captain America or blending elements of different characters into unique mash-ups, he brings enthusiasm and a sense of fun to the cosplay community.
Rick is excited to bring his experience, energy, and dedication to Beyond Boundaries, embracing new challenges and opportunities to connect with participants in engaging and meaningful ways.
Ethan
Ethan is driven by a passion for helping others and giving back to his community.
Though new to the field, he has been inspired by growing up watching his parents work in the helping profession and by his co-op placement at The Inn of the Good Shepherd. These experiences sparked his desire to support those in need and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Ethan is an active volunteer who is always ready to lend a helping hand. He aspires to serve his country by joining the Armed Forces and has dreams of becoming a Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic.
In his spare time, Ethan enjoys a wide variety of hobbies, including exploring his love for airplanes, Formula One racing, reading manga, watching anime, working on vehicles, and spending time with his friends, parents, and siblings.