Meet the Team
The dedicated leaders and community advocates behind our programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, and community impact.
Colin Grimmond
Coordinator, Professional Skills & Entrepreneurship
Colin leads the Professional Skills & Entrepreneurship portfolio and oversees the Windsor Hub of SWOBEN.
Colin is a distinguished thought leader with over 20 years of experience in Career and Employment Advancement. His expertise includes designing innovative curriculums, programs, and strategies that support career and entrepreneurial development.
He has held roles such as Program Coordinator, Leadership & Employment Services, Professional Staffing Coordinator, Employment Specialist and Job Developer, and Staffing Manager.
Colin is also actively engaged in community service through his involvement as a Board Member of Habitat for Humanity Windsor and the Afro-Caribbean Business Network.
He is deeply committed to anti-oppression and anti-Black racism program development, ensuring trust, morale, and integrity in his work with clients and partner agencies.
His dedication to meaningful impact drives every aspect of his work.
Joan Simpson
Social Worker & Community Advocate
Joan has served Windsor-Essex for 17+ years, focusing on equity, inclusion, and supporting marginalized communities.
A Jamaican Canadian, Joan has called Windsor home for over 35 years. Her education spans anthropology and social work, holding degrees from Western University and the University of Windsor.
She has worked extensively with marginalized groups, particularly those from BIPOC communities, addressing systemic barriers and advocating for meaningful change.
In 2020, Joan co-founded Beauty is Me (BiM), a transformative program that nurtures cultural identity and promotes self-love among Black and biracial youth.
Through partnerships with WECAS, Black-owned salons, and community organizations, she supports caregivers in caring for Black children's hair while fostering confidence, belonging, and cultural pride.
Joan continues to champion inclusion, cultural empowerment, and community-driven initiatives across Windsor-Essex.
Latosha Miller
Financial Assistant
Latosha brings energy, precision, and heart to her role as Family Fuse’s Financial Assistant, keeping the numbers in harmony behind the scenes.
Latosha Miller brings energy, precision, and heart to her role as Family Fuse’s Financial Assistant. Working closely with the organization’s accountant, she keeps the numbers dancing in perfect harmony—managing bookkeeping, balancing budgets, and tracking finances with skill and confidence.
A passionate parent and dedicated professional, Latosha loves using her talents to uplift and empower others. Her work is fueled by care, community, and a genuine desire to see people thrive.
Being part of the Family Fuse team is more than a job for her—it’s a source of pride and a meaningful way to serve the community she loves.
Nicole Clark
Disability Support Worker & Family Advocate
Nicole is a devoted mother of five and Disability Support Worker who empowers individuals and families to navigate daily life and complex systems with confidence.
Nicole Clark is a devoted wife and mother of five young men. As a Disability Support Worker (DSW), she provides essential care and support to individuals with disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives each day.
In addition to her role as a DSW, Nicole is a passionate advocate for families and youth, guiding them through the complexities of the school system and helping them navigate challenges with confidence.
Her dedication to uplifting others shines through in both her personal and professional life, making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.
For more information or to connect with Nicole, email familyfuseadvocacy@gmail.com or call 226-506-1097.
Christie Nelson
Program Manager & Co-Founder
Christie Nelson is a Program Manager and Certified Life Coach who provides strategic leadership, administrative coordination, public relations support, and community advocacy for Family Fuse. She helps shape programs, strengthen partnerships, and ensure families receive clear, culturally grounded guidance as they navigate education and community systems.
Her work with Family Fuse is rooted in advocacy for Black parents, guardians, caregivers, and youth, amplifying their voices, removing systemic barriers, and creating spaces where families feel informed, supported, and empowered. Christie’s multidisciplinary background spans journalism, documentary production, community engagement, and coaching, allowing her to blend storytelling, systems navigation, and operational excellence in service of families.
She has contributed to organizations such as Windsor Essex Compassion Care Community, The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County, Legal Assistance of Windsor, Community Living Essex, Project Push, and Windsor Police Auxiliary. In 2026, Christie was recognized nationally as one of Canada’s 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women for her leadership, advocacy, community impact, and commitment to strengthening outcomes for families and youth.
For more information or to connect with Christie, email infofamilyfuse@gmail.com or call 226-506-5872.
Clarese Carter
Outreach and Advocacy Consultant & Co-Founder
Clarese Carter is the Community Facilitator, Advocate, and Co-Founder of Family Fuse, where she empowers Black parents, guardians, and caregivers through culturally responsive support.
Clarese Carter is the Community Facilitator, Advocate, and Co-Founder of Family Fuse, where Clarese dedicates her work to empowering Black parents, guardians, and caregivers. With a strong commitment to equity, wellbeing, and culturally responsive support, Clarese specializes in helping families navigate systems, overcome barriers, and access the tools they need to thrive.
Clarese is a trained professional bringing more than a decade of experience working directly with children, youth, and families in educational, community, and social service settings. Her background includes:
• Facilitating trauma-informed, therapeutic, and skills-building workshops for families and community groups.
• Advocating for equitable access to services, supports, and opportunities for Black families.
• Supporting parents and caregivers in navigating complex school, health, and community systems.
• Collaborating with organizations, educators, and service providers to improve culturally safe engagement practices.
• Designing and leading community outreach initiatives focused on family wellbeing, youth empowerment, and anti-oppressive practice.
Clarese weaves therapeutic value into every session and ensures participants feel heard, supported, and connected. She excels in building trust, fostering community, and linking families to meaningful resources that support their long-term success.
Clarese’s passion for community empowerment is rooted in her belief that families thrive when they have the knowledge, advocacy, and culturally affirming support they deserve.
For more information or to connect with Clarese, email admin@familyfuse.ca.
Salem Berhane
Co-Founder
Salem is a Co-Founder of Family Fuse dedicated to supporting families and strengthening community connections.
Salem Berhane is a Co-Founder of Family Fuse who thrives on connecting with community members seeking support for their families.
Her work focuses on understanding the issues facing Black families and collaborating with parents, guardians, caregivers, and youth to create solutions.
Salem has worked as a Change Your Future Counselor with the Greater Essex County District School Board, spent 15 years advocating for youth, and has also served as a parole officer.