Staff
Adrian Schut
Adrian Schut is a Principal at Cahdco and the Director of Real Estate Development. He is an experienced builder with a background in multi-residential structures and custom homes. As a project lead for the past 12 years, he has developed hundreds of homes across Eastern Ontario. Following his training as a carpenter, he opened a home building business in 2015. After operating Adrian Schut Construction Inc. for six years, he entered the affordable housing space in 2021, bringing his private sector experience in high-performance buildings. His attention to detail and familiarity with advanced building techniques enable him to build better, faster, and on budget. Adrian lives in Ottawa with his wife and three children. Beyond work, he and his family enjoy running, cross-country skiing and living in a state of perpetual renovations.
Alex Bugden
Alex is a Project Manager within the Cahdco team. As a UK Chartered Planner, he has over twelve years experience delivering projects across private, public and non-profit sectors. Alex is committed to delivering a more affordable and equitable housing sector and enjoys working with communities to bring about positive change. Having recently moved to Canada, he looks forward to contributing to the affordable housing mission here and is excited to explore more of the beautiful natural landscapes!
Amy Contreras
Amy Contreras is the Communications Officer for Cahdco and CCOC. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and over five years of experience, she has made a significant impact on organizations in Honduras. Amy began her career in Central America, where she developed her skills in strategic communication and corporate image. Her passion for supporting development projects led her to collaborate with organizations in her home country, working towards positive change and sustainable growth. She later moved to Canada to further her education, pursuing post-graduate studies in project management and organizational management. Amy firmly believes that collaboration and teamwork are the foundations of success in any organization.
Beth McGahern
Beth is a Project Manager at Cahdco. She attended McGill University and holds BA in Art and Architecture history. She then obtained a diploma in Interior Design from Algonquin College. Beth worked in the residential interior design field including operating her own interior design business for 20 years until 2018 when she obtained a contract to work at the House of Commons. Next, she joined Justice Canada and then the Finance Canada as a Senior Project Officer overseeing the design and implementation of small and medium re-fit projects.
Beth has always had a love of houses and feels strongly about the role a home plays in a person’s well-being. Concerned about Ottawa’s shortage of affordable housing, Beth became a Development and Sustainability board member of Multifaith Housing Initiative in 2025.
Beth is married with 2 kids and in her spare time enjoys reading, gardening, visiting art galleries and playing pickleball in the summer, and in the winter enjoys skating and skiing.
Cat Carkner
Cat Carkner (she/her) is a Development Project Coordinator for Cahdco. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Social Entrepreneurship from McGill University. Prior to Cahdco, Cat worked in social impact, academic research, and higher education. In this role, Cat supports the planning, implementation, and tracking of affordable housing projects. New to the housing sector, she is excited to help create more sustainable, livable, and equitable cities.
Dillan Cools
Dillan is a Project Coordinator at Cahdco. Having previously supported the coordination and analysis of a street outreach and Housing First program, Dillan brings a strong understanding of current housing needs, and extensive experience collaborating with municipal and community partners. He holds a Master of Urban Planning from McGill University, where he specialized in housing systems and homelessness response. Building on his frontline and research experience, Dillan is excited to contribute to affordable housing development and support lasting solutions.
Hannah Ehler
Hannah Ehler (she/her) is a Project Coordinator at Cahdco. Originally from Nova Scotia, she holds a self-designed degree in community planning from Mount Allison University, and has a diverse background in food security, co-operative development, and communications. She has board and committee experience on provincial and national levels. Hannah held the housing file during her time in student politics, and later secured funding from Evergreen Canada to educate youth about tenants' rights. Prior to Cahdco, she worked in federal politics on infrastructure and finance files. Outside of work, Hannah is almost always spending time with other people, and loves public speaking and staying active.
Luke Winspear
Luke Winspear is a Project Coordinator for Cahdco. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo. Luke joined Cahdco in 2023 for an 8-month internship as part of his degree and then rejoined as a full-time employee this spring. During his time at Cahdco, Luke has worked on the development and facilitation of the Blueprints, Foundations, and Structures programs, as well as Toolbox+'s affordable housing development game, Gonogo. Moving forward, Luke is excited to gain more experience in affordable housing development by working on Cahdco's development projects.
Paige Waldock
Paige Waldock is a Principal at Cahdco and the Director of Organizational Development. Leading the Toolbox+ team in creating learning and networking opportunities for housing providers looking to develop their own affordable housing projects. She has worked as a project manager on development projects from initial feasibility through to the construction stages, with six years of experience in affordable housing development. Paige graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering. She recently won ONPHA’s 2023 Young Changemaker Award.
Pat Richards
Pat Richards is a community-focused housing developer with a background that stands out in the industry. Before moving into development, Pat spent years as a career firefighter — experience that shaped his approach to teamwork, service, and building stronger communities. After spending many years in the renovation world, in 2018, Pat founded Richcon Homes, a private development company where he led residential projects and gained hands-on experience across the full building process. That work naturally steered him toward the affordable-housing sector, where he now focuses the majority of his efforts. Today, Pat as a member our team, supports organizations across Ontario with development strategy, community partnerships, and practical, builder-focused solutions that help deliver smarter and more efficient housing. His work is driven by a simple priority: creating better homes and stronger communities while contributing to real progress on affordable housing stock.
Taarshi De Silva Raghaven
Taarshi De Silva Raghaven (she/her) is a Development Coordinator at Cahdco. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa. Through her degree, Taarshi has had the opportunity to work in research, communications, and marketing within the non-profit sector. In her role, she supports and performs clerical, administrative, and communications tasks for both Cahdco and CCOC. In her spare time she is an active volunteer in her community especially in housing and homelessness advocacy and tenants rights.
Visha Patel
Visha Patel is a Project Coordinator at Cahdco, where she supports the delivery of affordable housing projects through all stages of development, from feasibility analysis and financial planning to procurement and stakeholder coordination. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering from Carleton University. Prior to joining Cahdco, Visha gained experience in the public sector, contributing to large-scale initiatives such as the Centre Block Rehabilitation Project and the Place du Portage III Asset and Workplace Renewal. She is passionate about applying her expertise in building science to advance sustainable practices in the residential sector and support the development of more equitable communities.
Warren Vibert-Adams
Warren Vibert-Adams is a Project Manager at Cahdco with extensive on-site building experience, having worked on projects ranging from single-family homes to multi-residential buildings. Warren transitioned into affordable housing development in 2022, where he has worked on a variety of unit styles and scales. As a diligent developer, he is committed to helping others through his exceptional attention to detail and dedication to a more sustainable future. Outside of work, Warren enjoys spending time in nature, staying active by playing volleyball, and going on hikes.
Board Members
CC Smith
CC currently serves as the liaison between the boards of Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC) and Cahdco. She is an experienced communicator with a passion for storytelling, working as the Communications and Reporting Manager for Boann Social Impact. Previously, CC worked for the Government of Canada, working on notable projects such as authoring the Defence Investment Plan Annual Update 2019 and launching the Social Finance Fund. CC holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in Public Policy and Administration. She is also unapologetically neurodivergent, disabled, and queer.
Charles Kamin
Charles Kamin is a seasoned advisor and entrepreneur with extensive experience in strategic partnerships, project development, and sustainable growth initiatives across North America and Africa. As the Managing Director of RMC Advisory Group, he has spearheaded innovative projects in renewable energy, infrastructure, and community development, securing investments and fostering impactful collaborations. With a strong commitment to social impact, Charles brings a wealth of expertise in navigating complex stakeholder environments to drive Cahdco’s mission of creating affordable, sustainable housing solutions. His strategic vision and dedication to community-focused outcomes strengthen the board’s efforts to address housing challenges in Ottawa and beyond.
Christa McIntosh
Christa McIntosh brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in supportive, affordable, and community housing. Her expertise spans housing operations, administration, information technology, asset management, staff leadership, strategic planning, and housing development. Throughout her career, she has partnered with governments, housing providers, healthcare organizations, community agencies, and development teams to advance housing solutions that strengthen communities while supporting positive resident outcomes. Grounded in the belief that housing is more than a building, it is someone's home and a foundation for community connection and belonging. Christa brings an owner-operator perspective and practical experience in governance, organizational leadership, and partnership building to the Cahdco Board of Directors.
Craig Kelley
Craig Kelley is the Chief Administrative Officer for the County of Renfrew, where he leads a diverse organization of approximately 900 employees delivering services across housing, long-term care, paramedic services, infrastructure, planning, economic development, tourism, and corporate services. Known for his collaborative and purpose-driven leadership style, Craig is passionate about building partnerships, fostering innovation, and advancing solutions that strengthen rural communities. Prior to municipal government, he held senior leadership roles in media and marketing, bringing a unique perspective on communication, strategy, and organizational transformation.
Evan Garfinkel
Evan Garfinkel is the Director of Land Development at Regional Group, where he lead focuses on shaping high-quality communities through strategic planning and development leadership across the Greater Ottawa Region. A Registered Professional Planner, he brings a strong background in urban planning, project management, and community development. Evan holds a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Queens University.
Jesse Steinburg
Jesse is the chair of the Cahdco board. He has been an active volunteer with CCOC since 2012, volunteering with the Rentals Committee, Development Committee, and policy research working group. Jesse has been an active Cahdco board member since 2021.
In his work life, Jesse is a policy researcher with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. His research focuses on the net-zero transition, including sustainable infrastructure and urban development.
Melissa Fournier
Melissa Fournier is a Senior Manager in the Risk Advisory Services practice of BDO Canada’s Ottawa office. She has extensive experience in the professional services industry delivering a range of services, including internal audits, enterprise risk management, governance and controls assessments, independent third-party reviews, and other advisory engagements. Melissa’s expertise is with clients in the Public Sector, including Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels, and Not-For-Profit Organizations. Melissa is also a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and holds a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) from the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Rob Leforte
Rob has 15 years of government relations experience at the federal, provincial and municipal levels in Canada. Provincial work brought him to Ottawa in 2011. Rob earned his master’s degree from the Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management at Carleton University. He followed that experience by working with some of Canada’s best lobbyists at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities where he worked on housing and public safety.
He went on to work at a national public affairs firm where he became Vice President. There he delivered billions of dollars in investments to client sectors, significant provincial and national legislative victories, and major regulatory reforms in sectors as diverse as housing, construction, retail and supply chains, and skills development. Since starting First Lake Solutions in 2021 he has helped clients deliver over $3 billion for their respective sectors and professions. He is proud to be leading a young, energetic and fast-growing team of advocates. Rob is also co-founder of Push Politics (2016) and The Advocacy Coach (2021).
Sal Sabila
Sal-Sabila is a Bangladeshi-Canadian community organizer, researcher, and graduate student in Migration and Diaspora Studies at Carleton University. She is the founder of Youth Gravity, a grassroots, youth-led organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of racialized young people and challenging systemic inequities through research, education, and advocacy. She brings this perspective to her research, which explores intergenerational trauma, migration policies, and the role of community in preventing hate and violent extremism. She is interested in applying her expertise and diverse perspectives to better understand affordable housing in Canada.
Sarah Woodgate
Sarah Woodgate is a transformational leader focussed on strengthening the housing system for people and communities. Splice Consulting was incorporated in 2026 by Sarah as Founder and Principal. Splice Consulting focuses on unlocking the social and economic potential through housing in cities and towns across Canada advising governments, non-profits, community housing organizations and the private sector on housing strategies and delivery. With Splice, Sarah is Strategic Advisor for Housing Partnerships for Rohit Group one of Canada's largest developers. Rohit Group was voted Builder of the Year in Edmonton in 2026 and as one named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2026. Sarah brings over 25 years of experience in planning and housing including over 10 years as CEO of one of Canada's largest affordable housing providers, Calgary Housing. Her strategic vision integrates urban development, community development, and housing operations to create equitable, scalable solutions. As an experienced municipal housing executive, board director, national housing systems leader, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and Professional Urban Planner, Sarah is committed to advancing housing professional practice in Canada and is honoured to be joining as Director of the Cahdco board in Ottawa's leading Canadian non-profit housing development company.
Shawn Turcotte
Shawn has been in the Construction Industry for over 30+years and has a strong passion for the business. He has a diploma in Architectural Technology from Algonquin College and a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ottawa. He also completed an apprenticeship in Carpentry and is Red Seal certified. In his career Shawn has worked in many roles including labourer, carpenter, structural engineer, building inspector, project manager, chief estimator, site superintendent, regional vice president, and chief operating officer for many organizations. He is a firm believer in teamwork, collaboration, innovation and hard work. His values include honesty, integrity and positivity and he leans into these both professionally and personally each day. #born2build
