Board of Directors
Meet Our Board of Directors
Founder & President: Dr. Christie Okonkwo-Diogu RN, BScN, MN, PhD Public Health
Dr. Christie Okonkwo-Diogu is a Research Scientist, Registered Nurse and Public Health Advocate. As a life-long Learner and Scholar, Dr. Christie has a passion for public health issues related to substance use disorders affecting children and youth. The statistics on youth substance abuse are staggering, requiring public policies and intervention programmes targeted specifically at the vulnerable population of children and youth – tomorrows’ leaders.
The inspiration for The ReachOut Foundation for Children and Youth (“The ReachOut Foundation” – “TROF”) came as she embarks on the Dissertation phase of her second Doctoral Degree program in the field of Public Health, with specialization in Community Health Education. With a dissertation research on “Factors Associated with Electronic Cigarette Use among Adolescents”, the idea for The ReachOut Foundation emerged from the statistics on increasing palatability and use of electronic cigarettes by the youth. As a public health advocate, Dr Christie envisions the need to give back to the community by reaching out to children, youth and families; thus the idea behind the name of the organization, a Not-for-profit Organization federally incorporated in Canada and headquartered in Ontario.
Vice President: Ijeoma Obike RN, BScN, CCCN
Ijeoma Obike is a Canadian Registered Nurse, graduated from York University in 2009, and have been working in an Intensive Care Unit since 2014. During these years of working closely and caring for individuals with substance abuse, she has witnessed the toll that substance abuse has on these individual and their families. Often, the majority of people who become addicted to drugs, tobacco or alcohol, started at a very young age. She have also noticed that substance abuse spreads without regards to economic, racial, geographic, educational, religious or family boundaries: thereby making it clear that NO child or youth is immune.
Besides her professional work, her love for children and youth and as a mother, led her to join The ReachOut Foundation for Children and Youth with emphasis on Substance abuse awareness and prevention.
Secretary/ Financial Secretary: Debbie-Ann Innerarity MSc Applied Psychology
Debbie-Ann Innerarity currently works in administration and has a goal of operating a mental health counselling business in the future. With a long history in volunteering that involved working with youth and children, Debbie-Ann hopes to use her years of volunteer experience to push forward the goals of The Reachout Foundation for Children and Youth. She is currently actively involved in two mentorship programs that involve working with individuals of different age groups and backgrounds.
Treasurer: Judith Grant RN, BA, BScN, MN, CON
Judith Grant is a Certified Oncology Nurse and has worked at Princess Margaret Cancer Center for 25 years and specializes in symptom management. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Sociology, a second Bachelor’s degree in Nursing as well as an Advanced Practice Master’s Degree in Nursing.
Judith is also an ordained Evangelist at Rest Tabernacle Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic, where she preaches and teaches the word of God. She is the Assistant Director of the Women’s Ministry. As an innovator and change agent, Judith not only contributes her time to advancing the nursing profession through continued participation in nursing research, but also devotes time to strengthening communities in the capacity as a long-time supporter of the Black Business Professional Association – Harry Jerome Awards, as well as volunteering with Telecare Etobicoke, a crisis intervention center. She is a motivational orator and volunteers her time speaking to youths throughout the greater Toronto area, a talent she is bringing to The ReachOut Foundation for Children and Youth. Her pride and joy are being the mother of four wonderful children and her beautiful daughter-in-law.