From coast to coast to coast, the Centre’s program managers are at the heart of our work, supporting community housing initiatives through funding, partnerships, and strategic guidance. With diverse expertise spanning co-operative and non-profit housing, land trusts, policy, homelessness support, and partner engagement, they bring invaluable leadership to their regions.
Following our first round of featured portraits, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on five more dedicated individuals this month.
Get to know them, their experience, and find out what they’re working on!
Amanda R. Knight, Program manager Nova Scotia
Amanda joined the Centre in June 2024. In previous roles, she has been instrumental in recruiting tradespeople to Nova-Scotia, addressing housing challenges for essential workers and collaborating with municipalities and various levels of government to develop small-scale housing projects. Alongside her work at the Centre, she is dedicated to restoring underutilized properties, leading extensive rehabilitation efforts to turn neglected homes into attainable and inviting housing options.
As a program manager for the Centre, Amanda is responsible for supporting projects under the Nova Scotia Community Housing Capital Fund (NS-CHCF) which she finds essential for protecting existing affordable housing and ensuring that tenants can continue to live in stable, community-driven housing for the long term.
Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, and has been recognized for her ability to develop and mentor cross-functional teams while maintaining a client-centered approach.
Before joining the Centre, Amanda has previously contributed to the Centre’s work as a member of the selection committee for the Planning and Pre-Development stream of the NS-CHCF.
Jonathan Fleury, Program manager Quebec
Jonathan joined the Centre in January 2023. Based in Gatineau, Quebec, Jonathan has been involved in community and territorial development for several years, contributing to projects in food security, sustainable transportation, citizen engagement, and youth mobilization.
Passionate about fostering livable, human-scale environments, Jonathan views a strong community and social housing sector as essential. In his current role, he actively contributes to initiatives that strengthen community housing across the Quebec.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from ESG UQAM and a graduate diploma in territorial planning and local development from UQAM. Currently, he is pursuing a part-time master’s degree in territorial development from the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO).
In 2024, Jonathan supported projects in rural areas, including NIDAZO | Cohabitat Frelighsburg, which specifically focuses on developing equity and tenant coops accommodationin the Eastern Townships.
Kerri Flemming, Program manager Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick
Based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Kerri joined the Centre in March 2024. With a strong background in program management, Kerri is deeply committed to advocating for affordable housing and social impact.
Originally from the Maritimes, Kerri began her career in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside where she dedicated herself to supporting vulnerable youth, both as a foster parent and through community work. Her diverse experience spans education, advocacy, and frontline services, including teaching future human services workers and leading supportive housing programs.
Kerri has extensive experience in the non-profit sector and has firsthand knowledge of the Centre, having been a grant recipient in the past. In her previous role, she successfully oversaw a housing development project and has experience in program development and operation.
Kerri studied Child and Youth Care at the Outlon College, and she is also the vice-president of Child and Youth Care Association of New-Brunswick since 2013.
Kerri oversees projects under the Sector Transformation Fund and has highlighted the Killick Ecovillage, a cooperative project in Newfoundland and Labrador serving as a model of the co-op experience in the province.
Olufolake Matuluko, Program manager Nova Scotia
Folake joined the Centre in august 2024. Residing in Nova Scotia, she has a rich history in program coordination within the non-profit housing sector.
Folake has a strong understanding of the NS community housing sector, gained through her role as Programs and Membership Coordinator at the Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association (NSNPHA). She established 4 regional networks for non-profit housing providers, facilitating knowledge sharing, advocacy, and resource mobilization, while strengthening strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-profits, and private sector partners.
Prior to this, she worked as a training coordinator with the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, where she built relationships with trade unions and streamlined Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and accessibility strategies.
In 2023, she completed her Project Management Professional course and is currently pursuing a Human Resource Management qualification at the University of Winnipeg. Folake is also an active volunteer in the mental health sector.
Folake handles projects that are funded through the Nova Scotia Community Housing Growth Fund. Her role involves assisting these organizations with their grant applications and providing crucial support to B3 organizations (Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving). This work is essential for ensuring their growth and sustainability, ultimately contributing to the increase of affordable housing options and fostering innovation within the community housing sector.
Renée Hébert, Program manager Canada
Based in Moncton, New Brunswick. Renee is at the Centre since 2020.
She began her career with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Moncton, initially in service delivery before advancing to the executive director position.
In 2006, Renée joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada as the regional executive director for the Atlantic and Québec regions.
Renée later assumed the role of national director, quality assurance & effectiveness, overseeing the implementation and development of the National Accreditation Program and Standards.
She has been a long-time volunteer with Imagine Canada, initially serving as a peer reviewer and currently as a member of the Imagine Canada Standards Council.
Renée holds a degree in Child Study from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.
Renée currently overviews all programs across the country, and she highlighted a project related to new affordable community housing designed and led by minority Francophone seniors, under the Sector Transformation Fund.
