We are a team of dedicated, experienced, and highly educated experts that strives to consistently deliver a high level of support to our foster children and foster parents.
Jennifer Mittelman
Executive Director
Jennifer has a Master’s degree in social work from York University. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the agency, supervises the staff and provides clinical guidance and judgement. She also builds relationships with the collaborating CAS’s (Children’s Aid Societies)."In 2004, my dream to run a treatment based foster care agency became a reality. It was my hope to keep kids out of institutionalized care and provide them with skilled and committed families to care for them. It is unbelievably rewarding to see kids flourish with the stability of a nurturing family, enabling them to build new skills and to reach their full potential."
Maple Star social workers are graduates of accredited university social work programs. They have expertise in case management, counseling, understanding the effects of abuse, neglect, trauma and attachment. Day-to-day, social workers support and guide foster families through challenges that may arise. Social workers advocate for the needs of the foster families and the best interests of the children placed in their care.
Antonella Tersigni
Senior Social Worker
Antonella has a BSW from Ryerson/Toronto Metropolitan University. She has been with Maple Star since 2007 as a case manager, supporting foster families and the children in their care in addition to mentoring new staff. "I love working with our foster families. I’ve learned so much from them and continue to learn all the time; learning about parenting, caring, support, openness and so much more. The kids are amazing! Smart, funny, resilient. Watching the kids grow and thrive is the best part of this job."
Ledia Hanna
Social Worker
Ledia has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Ryerson University and a Social Service Worker diploma from Seneca College. Her expertise is in understanding the effects of trauma on children and families, as well as violence and neglect. "My dream is to see every child succeed and achieve self-resilience with the support and honour of their families. I strive to ensure families and children are respected, valued, and appreciated while in foster care."
Cynthia Nieto
Social Worker/Recruiter
CYWs are all graduates of the child and youth work program at various colleges and universities. They have expertise in working with children and youth with behavioural, emotional and mental health issues. They have a strong skill set in behavior management and are a great resource to the children and youth in care. CYWs see the children on a weekly basis and work one-on-one with them. As well, during the summer they organize and run various weekly programs for the children in Maple Star’s care.
Vanessa Velastegui
Child & Youth Worker
Vanessa holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Seneca College and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. Demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of children and youth, she is dedicated to making a positive impact in their lives. Vanessa actively engages with children and youth at Maple Star on a weekly basis, providing personalized, one-on-one support tailored to meet their individual needs. "I am driven by the limitless potential of every child and youth. My passion lies in providing support and empowerment to enable them to reach their full potential. It is an ongoing commitment to shape futures that are filled with endless possibilities."
Yvonne Eastwood
Child & Youth Worker
Raffaella DeMarinis
Administrative Assistant
Raffaella has a Bachelor of Arts degree (major Sociology & minor Mass Communications) from York University, Human Resources Degree and Payroll Certificate (Level 1) from Centennial College. She worked in the media and communications industry for many years and joined Maple Star in 2019 in the Administrative Assistant role. "I have learned a lot about fostering from Maple Star and our foster families. They have shown what the true meaning of giving a child a safe place to call home, and the foster children always put a smile on my face with their unique personalities."
