Valeri Batten, BSW
Director

Valeri has been with EBM since 2008. She began as a summer student and in 2010, after completing her bachelor’s degree in social work at McGill, she became EBM’s Volunteer Coordinator. As EBM’s team grew, Valeri was promoted to Volunteer Supervisor. In 2022, Valeri became EBM’s Director. She is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. Valeri hires and manages staff, oversees strategic planning, direction and reporting, supports the Board of Directors to achieve the organization’s mission, leads and manages fund development activities as well as fostering cohesion and cooperation among local support groups.

Brenda Gervais
Administration and Communications Coordinator

Brenda has been with EBM since 2011 and brings a vast marketing experience to the team. She develops and implements strategies for donors, clients and volunteer communications. Additionally, she designs and produces promotional materials, annual reports, and the RéfleXions newsletters, Brenda manages updates to EBM’s website and social media platforms. She also coordinates free tax clinics for seniors, organizes fundraising activities to raise funds or solicit and gather monetary donations or door prizes for the organization. In addition, she provides support to the Director and Volunteer Coordinators.

EBM’s Volunteer Coordinators

Volunteer Coordinators recruit, support and train volunteers. They follow-up with clients and provide guidance to volunteers on a regular basis. They compile monthly statistics while keeping EBM’s database up to date.

Judy Batal

Judy joined EBM in January 2025 after graduating from Concordia University where she majored in Psychology and minored in Human Relations. She has a strong background in fostering inclusion, facilitating workshops that inspire self-expression, resolve conflicts, and promote a positive, empathetic environment. Judy has worked to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, advocating for the inclusion of marginalized groups. With her experience and passion for community engagement, we are confident that Judy’s expertise will play a pivotal role in helping seniors thrive within our community.

Rhiana Warawa

Rhiana joined EBM in late 2022. She recently completed her bachelors’s degree in Gender, Sexuality, Feminist and Social Justice studies at McGill University. Rhiana comes to EBM with experience as a peer mentor and workshop facilitator through the Recovery Transition Program.

Board of Directors

Entraide Bénévole Métro’s Board of Directors provide the support needed to reflect and maintain our mission, goals, objectives and financial management. The administrators define EBM’s programs and services, develop and monitor a strategic plan, hire, support and evaluate the Director. The Board monitors the budget, troubleshoots problems and handles the unexpected. EBM is fortunate to have this highly motivated Board who will work to ensure EBM continues to offer quality services and emotional support to seniors, enabling them to maintain their dignity and quality of life while remaining autonomous in their community.

Governance

EBM’s Board of Directors

Samra Alavi, MBA, PMP, President

Director of Business Process Optimization and Strategic Projects for Indirect Procurement, Bombardier

Justin Demers LL.B. Vice-President

Lawyer/Civil Mediator

Rod Scott, Treasurer

Retired Accountant

Jitendra Desai, MSc, Administrator/Client Representative

Retired McGill University Professor

Margo Godin, Administrator

Artist

Mariko Imanaka, Administrator

Longstanding volunteer