Meet Our Team

We strive to achieve a seamless integration for our children into the society, protecting their rights, stop discrimination, ensure fair, equal and humane treatment; diversity of cultures, education, disabilities and life experiences.

President & Founder

Sheila Ngoli Akputa

started her career as a personal banking analyst with one of the leading banks in Nigeria and brings a wealth of experience and expertise on one-on-one relationship with the youth and women especially the unserved and unbanked. She has a great knowledge with community level engagement, creative and innovative strategies related to planning and development as seen with portfolios she has handled in the past.

Sheila is soft spoken, loving, and passionate and hates to see the next person suffering or in pain, her Passion for children living with disabilities is personal as she has watched her 6 years old son go through several procedures from 2 weeks of his birth and is still holding up and believing to walk and run on his 2 feet like other kids do some day. She has also lost 2 cousins to sickle cell and still remembers the pain this untimely loss brought on the entire family.

She is currently working with government body as a Business Analyst and serves as the Welfare Officer with Forever Canadian Diamonds Association and the Director for Finance at Hearts Alike initiatives. Her other past volunteer experiences include customer relations with Agincourt Community Services Association and new immigrants/shelter coordinator under the RCCG Jesus House Scarborough.

In recognition that so many families require help and assistance with their challenged children, Sheila is motivated and determined to help advocate and foster knowledge to build the confidence of these children to aspire to win and see their great abilities in their disability.

She has won several awards from various organizations for involvement in community engagement, the most recent is the Top 100 Black women to watch 2023, a yearly award program by CIBWE that recognizes the impact black women are making in Canada space.

Vice President

Peachman Akputa

Peachman is also a motivational Speaker and a minister of the gospel. He is an accountant and a Project Coordinator within the Project Management Office in an international Organization in Toronto, Canada and brings his expertise in understanding the daily challenges faced by parents or caregivers who navigate busy work lives and caring for their loved kids. Prior to the initiative of PESBODS, Peachman had a culture of setting aside funds from his salary just to meet the needs of the less privileged. He so delighted in putting smiles on people’s faces and always have a slogan on his lips “YOU ARE BETTER THAN THIS”.

Peachman is a supportive dad who is happily married to Sheila the President of PESPODS and is blessed with 2 kids. He is also an award for an “outstanding man of the year”.

Community and Outreach Director

Simone Hughes

She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion with over 10 years of experience championing positive change and inclusivity in various communities, where every individual feels valued and acknowledged. Simone applies a compassionate and all-encompassing approach to her work, effectively linking clients with beneficial resources whilst advocating for policies that endorse equity and opportunity for everyone.

Simone brings a unique perspective to understanding the obstacles faced by marginalized communitiesSimone encountered specific difficulties in the educational sphere due to her visual impairment, and in university, she was also diagnosed with a learning disability. Simone’s drive led her to continue her education and she went on to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree despite her struggles.

Her own experience of living with both visible and invisible disabilities support her passion for aiding people with disabilities. She found her most fulfilling role teaching accessible technology to students with learning disabilities and advocating ongoing for those who are vulnerable in today’s society.

Director, Strategic and Community Outreach

Mercy Itohan Osayi

Mercy is a communication expert and career personality with a mission for developing women and building better families.

She has a wide study in Mass Communication, having her diploma at the Auchi Polytechnic; Bachelors at the Delta State University and Masters from the University of Lagos, Diploma in Community service and Human Resource Management

Her work experience stands out in public relations, customer protection and Counseling. She has a Public Relations experience at The Quadrant Public Relations as a trainee Executive. She Worked at First Bank Nigeria and LAPO Microfinance Bank as Group Head, Client Protection and Support. She has a wide Volunteering knowledge with Culture Link community services, Salvation Army and New Circles community services all in Montreal and Toronto, Canada. Mercy Holds the Canadian Retail and Customer Service certification, Canadian Workplace Essentials, Customer Service Excellence Certificate and START Customer Care Program Certificate.

Mercy has earned lots of awards and recognition for her positive steps to community growth and tireless contribution to families and Women, such as Community Leadership Award from Seneca College. Mercy is the founder for WODI (Women of dignity International), an organization that works towards ensuring a life free from inequality and discrimination for every woman.

Mercy is married to Onaiwu Osayi and blessed with lovely children: Idiakhosa, Eloghosa, Osarefe and Osaruese.

Secretary & Project Coordinator

Dubem Oraka

A certified project management professional with over five years of hands -on experience in coordinating all phases of project management and corporate environment. He is best known for hard work, collaboration, and as the ability to multitask with exceptional attention to details and focus on building a positive environment through effective communication. Dubem’s passion for a positive environment drove him to join the PESBODS team to foster care to children with disabilities within our community and lend a voice of advocacy.

Director of Fundraising

Lorraine Simpson

Lorraine Simpson, distinguished in her field of financing and consulting for over 20 years, sets an inspiring standard as a woman of vision She intuitively sees the threads of opportunity that wind through an organization, brings them together into a coherent whole, and helps others extend their thinking. Recognized for her astounding capabilities and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others, Lorraine’s expertise spans across a broad range of fiscal disciplines. Her remarkable career has seen her involved in some of the most substantial business opportunities. But it’s not merely her proficiency in finance that sets her apart.

She believes in the power of serving the community, giving back and making dreams come to life. She takes an active role in the upliftment of various nonprofit organizations and churches in her vicinity. As an accomplished banker, consultant and business owner.

She has also demonstrated her exceptional ability to navigate the complexities of financial strategies and negotiations all the while maintaining a keen focus on the benefits for her clients.

Her burning passion for service has led her to use her skills to drive initiatives that genuinely make a difference. Being more than just a financier. Lorraine Simpson is a role model, a community activist, and an agent for positive change.

Director of Finance

Vipul Nair

I am deeply committed to the vision and values of PestBods. Our collective efforts can lead to lasting positive change.I also serve as a dedicated member of the business faculty and the International Team at Northern College Timmins. This dual role allows me to bring a unique blend of practical experience and academic knowledge to my contributions at PestBods.

Before moving to Canada, I served as an Education Support Volunteer for Make A Difference, India’s largest voluntary organization. In this capacity, I had the privilege of working with children aged 10 to 13 years, catering to their unique needs and fostering their growth.

In addition to my role as an Education Support Volunteer at Make A Difference, I also served as a Finance Fellow within the organization. This multifaceted role allowed me to contribute to the organization’s financial stability while directly impacting the lives of the children we serve.

I hold a Master’s degree in Finance, which has equipped me with a solid foundation in financial management and strategic decision-making. This academic background has been instrumental in my role as a Finance Fellow at Make a Difference and as a member of PestBods’ Board, where financial stewardship is crucial to our mission.

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Our Aims

To work with children with disabilities and their families as peer-supporters and advocates for change. We promote good practices and provide a forum for dialogue among stakeholders, and mobilize resources to support our cause.