Board of Directors
Supporting and guiding GAIHST, the volunteers serving on the board of directors ensure the proper functioning and representation of the organization. These members come from both the public and private sectors and from various fields.
Jennifer Boucher
President
A graduate in criminology, Jennifer Boucher has worked at CAVAC since 2009 as a worker with victims of crime.
Having completed her internship at GAIHST as part of her studies in criminology, she then remained there as head of the Help and Information Department from 2007 to 2009. Always having the mission of GAIHST at heart and wishing to get involved for the cause, she joined the board of directors in 2019.
Having completed her internship at GAIHST as part of her studies in criminology, she then remained there as head of the Help and Information Department from 2007 to 2009. Always having the mission of GAIHST at heart and wishing to get involved for the cause, she joined the board of directors in 2019.
Valéry Kovalenko
Vice-president
Lawyer at the firm Municonseil Avocats, Valéry Kovalenko primarily practices municipal law and labour law.
Committed to social causes, she has worked with several organizations supporting victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment, including the United Nations Department of Safety and Security.
She has been a member of the GAIHST Board of Directors since 2020.
Committed to social causes, she has worked with several organizations supporting victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment, including the United Nations Department of Safety and Security.
She has been a member of the GAIHST Board of Directors since 2020.
Sonia Vallières
Treasurer
With a degree in Criminology and a certificate in Victimology, Sonia Vallières began her professional career with an internship at GAIHST in 2009, then as a counselor in the Help and Information Department from 2010 to 2020.
Since 2020, she has been working at CAVAC de Montréal, where she assists victims of crime through the legal process. Passionate about GAIHST’s mission, she decided to become more involved by joining the Board of Directors in 2024.
Since 2020, she has been working at CAVAC de Montréal, where she assists victims of crime through the legal process. Passionate about GAIHST’s mission, she decided to become more involved by joining the Board of Directors in 2024.
Emily Lapointe-Carpenter
Secretary
Emily Lapointe-Carpenter works as a consultant and investigator-lawyer in a firm specializing in the prevention and management of workplace harassment and conflict. Prior to this, she practiced as a litigation lawyer in a Montreal-based firm, particularly in cases involving human rights, labour law, family law, and youth protection. Emily also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology. After several experiences working with youth, their parents, and victims of criminal acts, she chose to redirect her career toward law.
During an internship at GAIHST in 2019–2020, she discovered how legal practice could be used to support more vulnerable individuals. Her desire to contribute to the continuation of GAIHST’s unique mission led her to join the Board of Directors in 2023.
Maria Allaham
Administrator
Maria Allaham works as a public policy manager in international affairs at Lyft Canada. She has also worked at Bombardier as a Senior Government Affairs Advisor, focusing on government relations and engagement with stakeholders in the aerospace and business sectors. Prior to that, she served as a senior policy advisor to federal and provincial ministers and Members of Parliament, including ministers responsible for environment, women and gender equality, and transport. She has also worked in academic and community settings.
Ms. Allaham holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from Concordia University. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Young Chamber of Commerce of Women of Quebec and has been a member of the GAIHST Board of Directors since 2022. She has also been an active volunteer with various organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross.
Xavier Girard
Administrator
Xavier Girard is a lawyer and investigator with a firm specializing in the prevention and management of harassment and conflict in the workplace. He has also worked in disciplinary law and civil and commercial litigation.
His interest in the community and justice led him to become involved with GAIHST.Xavier has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2024.
His interest in the community and justice led him to become involved with GAIHST.Xavier has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2024.
Catherine Lafontaine
Administrator
Lawyer by training, Catherine Lafontaine has over 15 years of experience managing issues related to harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence within large organizations and an international company. She has led specialized teams focused on prevention and intervention, and has overseen strategic initiatives aimed at creating respectful and safe work environments.
She has notably contributed to the implementation of new regulations, the development of policies and training programs, as well as the creation of risk assessment tools. She regularly shares her expertise at conferences and panels (including the CRHA Congress, Infonex, and FETCO), addressing emerging trends and complex workplace challenges.
Driven by values of social justice and dignity at work, she is committed to building environments where everyone can grow in respect and equity.