Speakers

Jodi Janzen leads the Compassion Series’ Interactive Classroom Sessions. Jodi holds a BA in Elementary Education, is certified with the Ontario Colleges of Teachers, and has enjoyed time as a classroom teacher in public, faith-based and private schools in Canada and the USA. She has taught in a wide variety of educational settings from Kindergarten to Middle School, including time as a classroom music teacher and an adult ESL teacher. Jodi also helped initiate a special program to teach ESL to new Canadians, and has taught piano at a not-for-profit music school for children in Toronto’s east end.

Themes for Jodi’s classroom sessions include “Am I Safe? Exploring Fear and Anxiety with Children” and “The Cardboard Shack Beneath the Bridge: Helping Children Understand Poverty and Homelessness.”  Fill out our speaker request form to bring Jodi in!

Tim Huff is the founder of the Compassion Series, and leads Sessions for Parents, Educators and Education Leaders. Author of several award-winning books, Tim’s resume of direct service and leadership includes: Staff Director of the Ontario Camp of the Deaf, founding Director of Frontlines Youth Centre , founding Director of Youth Unlimited’s Light Patrol street outreach, co-founder of The Hope Exchange StreetLevel Network, member of the boards of directors for The Daily Bread Food Bank and Hockey Helps the Homeless, and chairperson for several national social-justice conferences and campaigns. You can see Tim’s TedX talk, entitled “The Only To Do List that Matters.” 

For the past 30 years, Iona Snair has been involved in the lives of vulnerable young people and the adults who care about them. As a youth worker, foster parent, college instructor and mentor, Iona has created spaces of hospitality and growth for many. She and her husband Rob have spent the last 18 years equipping the next generation of youth workers through an innovative program of Youth Unlimited’s called Lifeteams School of Youth Outreach. Iona is a speaker and trainer, preparing parents, volunteers and youth work professionals to compassionately enter into the difficult issues young people face. She holds a Master degree from Regent College in Vancouver and lives with her family in Abbotsford, B.C.

Margie Timpson has been serving children, youth and families for over 30 years. In her work with agencies including Youth Unlimited, Bridgeway Family Homes and Muskoka Woods, she has supported and walked alongside many facing difficult journeys.  Margie has served marginalized youth including girls involved in the sex trade and teen mothers. She has also been involved in youth leadership development and in caring for foster families. As a certified coach and volunteer trainer, she also loves to inspire and equip others to serve.  She currently works with RMHC Toronto Charities as the Family Room Coordinator at SickKids Hospital where she serves families whose children are facing serious health challenges.