Staff
Patti Ridlon, Operations Director
With an extensive background in social services, nonprofit leadership, and addiction recovery, Patti joins the team at a pivotal time as Ryandale continues to expand its programs and services to address the growing housing crisis in Kingston. Patti, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, brings a wealth of knowledge gained through her co-founding One Promise Recovery Housing, which continues to operate clean and sober homes for men and women. Her hands-on experience with recovery housing complements Ryandale’s mission to provide safe, temporary accommodations while fostering independence and stability. Patti’s operational expertise and her commitment to fostering partnerships align perfectly with Ryandale’s mission to empower individuals on their path to stable housing.
Dave McQueen, House Manager, Victoria Street
Dave completed his post-secondary education at St. Lawrence College, Kingston graduating from the Applied Arts and Science Program and Social Service Program (with Distinction) in 2006. Shortly after graduation he started working with Ryandale. He has since managed Ryandale’s first Transitional House for ten years. Dave has a deep passion for helping individuals rebuild their lives. He finds it extremely rewarding to support people during a critical period of transition and witness them achieve stability and independence. “Ryandale is a place of hope and optimism. If you have neither upon arrival, may you leave with both.”
Shane Hoadley, House Manager, Clergy Street
Shane started working at Ryandale in June 2023. Starting as a Housing Support Worker and then taking the role as a House Manager. Shane started his career working at a Community Residential Facility. Where he helped individuals chisel a path to a better way of living. That carries to the work Shane does at Ryandale. Helping individuals find stability, self worth and purpose all while pushing them towards independent living. Shane is a graduate of the Community and Justice Services program at St Lawrence College. In his spare time he enjoys hiking trips, road trips and music.
Jessica Doyle, House Manager, Fieldstone Drive
In September 2023, Jessica joined Ryandale and currently holds the position of Transitional House Manager. Jessica went to Queen’s University, where she studied Sociology and received her bachelor’s degree in 2021. Working for legal aid and then moving into harm reduction, ignited her desire to be apart of the fight towards adequate housing for all. Being apart of the Ryandale team allows Jessica to answer to the call for help from people in her community through a client-driven approach. Jessica is passionate about heart-led work, rehabilitation services and helping guide clients through their own personal growth.
Halima Imisse, Support Worker / Office Administrator
In January 2024, Halima joined Ryandale Transitional Housing. She currently holds the titles of a Support Worker and Administrator. Halima has completed her post-secondary education at St. Lawrence College through the Community and Justice Services Program, where she has completed student placements at a local Youth Facility and a Federal Institution. Employment at Ryandale has allowed Halima to assist individuals seeking support through the KFL&A area during occupants’ rehabilitation process through a holistic lens. Inspired by Ryandale’s mission to break systemic barriers of socioeconomic challenges, she is determined to make a difference in her community. Her goal is to create ripple effects that lead to a more inclusive and supportive society, one step at a time.
Jaimelee Earl, Support Worker
Jaimelee joined Ryandale Transitional Housing in September 2023 and currently holds the position of Support Worker. She is a graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology program at St. Lawrence College. In her program, she completed multiple placements at a local school, federal institutions, and an art school for adults with IDDs. Since joining Ryandale, Jaimelee has had the opportunity to work closely with occupants to help provide the support needed to achieve their goals. She is also developing a mindfulness skills workshop series that she will offer to occupants when it is complete. She continues to take what she has learned about homelessness, addiction, community services, and more to educate others who have limited or no experience with the homeless population. She believes it is important to bring down barriers and reduce stigma that are deeply embedded in society.
Kaycie Brant, Support Worker
Kaycie joined the Ryandale team while attending St. Lawrence College, where she graduated from the Community and Justice Services program as their Valedictorian for 2023. She brought forth her unique experiences and perspectives from various positions within the community that focused on social determinants of health, vulnerable and at-risk populations, harm reduction, and homelessness. Kaycie’s commitment to the community, familiarity with vital resources, and knowledge of legislation and benefits have greatly supported the progress of our occupants at Ryandale. Her role is to support occupants and staff through day-to-day operations. She also volunteers in the fundraising and media departments. Kaycie is currently obtaining her bachelor’s degree in justice studies and has future aspirations in law; however, she plans to hold Ryandale close to her heart. “Since my first day with Ryandale, I knew I found something special here, I found an agency that prioritizes accessibility, equity versus equality, diversity, and inclusion while fostering a holistic approach; I value that our occupants are provided with individualized care plans tailored to their unique circumstance’s, rather than a cookie-cutter model.”
Board Of Directors
Tim Barber – Director / Chair | Jeff Thompson – Director / Vice Chair |
Paul Smtih – Director / Secretary | Renee Tulk – Director / Treasurer |
Ami Garg – Director | Daria Juudi-Hope – Director |
Meghan Leuprecht – Director | John Lyons – Director |
Theresa Mitchell – Director | Saeid Tahamtan – Director |
Bob Crawford – Associate / Former Director | Scott Woodall – Associate / Former Director |