Staff

Rina DeDonato
Council Director

Rina De Donato is a professional project manager and comes to GOTR Greater Toronto Area with 22 years of professional private sector and municipal government experience in project coordination, administration, and event planning. She is a dedicated wife, and dedicated mother of 2 teenaged daughters who has resided in York Region for over 40 years

Erika Bojc
Program Co-ordinator

Erika earned her Bachelor of Business Management degree from Ryerson University and for 16 years had worked extensively in various capacities for a major bank.  She had also spent the past 5 years working closely with students in both elementary and high school settings.  Working as a Program Coordinator for Girls on the Run is "by far the most rewarding job" she has had the pleasure of holding.  Dedicated to raising her own three daughters has given her a special interest in educating and preparing girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.  Erika is also an active runner who challenges herself by training for her next race. 

Board of Directors

Jody Martin
Director & Chair Nominating Committee

Jody Martin is married and has 3 children, ages 5, 7 and 11. Jody understands the program from the ground level as she has spent the last two years coaching the Girls on the Run program. She brings the perspective of a parent, school council member and a coach to the Board. Before dedicating herself full time to raising a family, she was an emergency cardiac nurse.

Mary Anne Arthur
Director

In “the early years”, Mary Anne earned an Honours Co-op B.Math degree in Computer Science and Information Systems from the University of Waterloo.  She spent twelve years in information technology consulting and management before moving on to her second career.  In April 1998, she became a full-time mother and has spent the last 10½ years dedicated to the development and growth of her 2 girls.  In this most rewarding career, she has found herself increasingly interested in the education of children and continually looking to pursue opportunities in this area.

While at home, Mary Anne obtained certification in Early Childhood Montessori education from the Toronto Montessori Institute and worked part-time for a local Montessori training organization.  She is an active volunteer.  She was president of the local mother’s group, published the local school newsletter, and is now the Co-Chair of School Council. 

“Both of my daughters have been involved with Girls on the Run and I can’t speak highly enough of the program.  It has provided both of my girls with valuable information on real-world, and often difficult, topics like drugs and peer pressure at an age when they are receptive.  In addition, it has provided them with a view of themselves that has increased their self confidence and self worth. I am thrilled to be involved with such a wonderful organization.”

Eva Pettinella
Director

Eva Pettinella is a professional Certified Management Accountant, who comes to Girls on The Run with over 20 years of professional private and public sector experience, with a strategic focus on positioning organizations for success. As a member of an organizations management team, Eva helps to develop total business solutions, identifies new business opportunities and protects / maximizes shareholder value.

When she is not working or volunteering with GOTR, Eva enjoys spending time outdoors: hiking, biking, training for her next charity run with friends and travelling with her husband.

“I’m excited to be part of a program that enriches the lives of young girls and women, by providing them an environment that allows them to reach their full potential on a physical, mental and emotional level.”

Nella Damaso
Director

Nella Damaso is a Ryerson graduate with over 20 years of strategic planning, project management and event planning experience.  After staying home for 8 years to raise her children, Nella has re-entered the workforce and is currently working for a non-profit organization.  Getting involved with GOTR is a way of “being part of something bigger than myself” and a way of giving back to the community; an important lesson she shares with her two children who have both been involved in GOTR.