Shannon Eizenga, Mdiv
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Empathetic, highly-organized and detail-oriented non-profit professional with expertise in relationship development, administration and operations. Skilled communicator and community builder with emotional intelligence, an approach of hospitality and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
NABORS
04.2023 - 12.2025
- Managed all operations and programming for non-profit supporting adults with developmental disabilities ensuring all initiatives are in alignment with mission, vision and values.
- Managed full life-cycle for 50+ staff and 100+ volunteers and developed organization's first comprehensive employee policy and procedures manual.
- Collaborated with legal team on comprehensive operational review, focused on risk-mitigation and brought organization into greater compliance with Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Ontario Human Rights Code and Non-profit Corporations Act.
People & Culture Specialist
Friends of Ruby
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Developed and implemented people-focused HR initiatives for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth mental health organization.
- Redesigned and facilitated recruitment and onboarding processes.
- Provided coaching and recommendations to leaders and employees on how to improve relationships, performance and morale.
- Served as mediator in situations of conflict and supported participants in respectful dialogue.
Manager of People Services
Autism Ontario
01.2021 - 10.2022
- Managed HR programming including full employee life cycle for 75+ staff and supported the recruitment process as part of expanded ministry contract.
- Served as co-chair Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) committee and coordinated organization-wide DEIB assessment.
- Collaborated on design and implementation of mental health staff support survey and organizational health survey to assess employee experiences and morale leading to more effective HR engagement initiatives.
- Created organization's first employee policy manual oversaw the implementation of organization's first HR capital management system, reducing administrative burden and increasing effectiveness.
- Functioned as subject matter expert on employee relations and labour law and as thought partner to leadership team regarding HR and organizational planning.
Executive Director
The Gubbio Project
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Ran grassroots day shelter and drop-in program that served 325 people experiencing homelessness daily - tending to guests' physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs through harm reduction, peer support and spiritual care services.
- Independently managed all HR processes and devised and facilitated training and leadership development for a team of 11 peer staff and 120 volunteers.
- Developed streamlined workflows and implemented new technology to better track, attract and retain donors (salesforce)
- Worked directly with Board of Directors, provided timely reports, financial statements and other materials.
- Coordinated review and revisions to financial protocols, creating greater transparency, clarity.
Coordinator, Administration and Assistant to Dean
Starr King School For The Ministry
05.2017 - 09.2019
- Coordinated day to day operations for graduate academic programs and services for multi-religious, social justice focused seminary.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Assisted in the implementation technology initiatives to support student learning and academic excellence.
- Coordinated general logistics for AGM, faculty meetings and school events.
- Built relationships with diverse community stakeholders, programmatic and organizational partners as well as faculty, staff, students, board members and alumni.
- Served as first point of contact for all visitors and as liaison to the Board of Trustees, supported the strategic planning process and facilitated community stakeholder feedback sessions.
- Coordinated Association of Theological Schools self-study 10-year accreditation and audit process.
- Provided faculty training and support for online and hybrid classes.
Mental Health Outreach Coordinator
Kings View Behavioural Health
01.2013 - 08.2014
- Designed and implemented mental health outreach programs tailored to faith communities countywide focused on reducing stigma and improving service navigation.
- Created and facilitated strengths-based youth mentorship programming for transition age youth.
Project Manager
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
09.2012 - 01.2013
- Developed organizational systems that tracked progress and communication for a team of 30+ designers and zoo staff, streamlining the design process.
- Managed $55 million expansion project focused on conservation education and animal wellbeing.
House Manager
L'Arche Toronto
12.2009 - 05.2012
- Managed effective operational and programmatic functioning of group home centered around adults with developmental disabilities.
- Mentored, trained and managed a team of 12 support staff and volunteers to engage in values-driven, mutually transformative relationships.
Professional Actor
Various
07.2006 - 12.2009
- One of twelve actors selected from across Canada to participate in the Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theater Training in 2006.
- 2006-2007 Acting Company Member at The Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada, North America's largest Shakespeare festival, as well as numerous voice over, commercial and theater roles.
- Performer with Mythic Theater, a community rooted at the intersection of art, faith and social change, focused on spiritual growth and healing.
- Collaboratively produced 'Upstaging Cancer', an Arts Benefit for Princess Margaret Hospital.
- Co-created 'The Grizzle', a multi-media, interactive performance created with Ukrainian orphanages.
Education
Human Resources Management
York University School of Continuing Studies
Toronto05.2023
Masters of Divinity -
Starr King School
Berkeley, CA, USA05.2017
BA (Hons) - undefined
The London Academy of Music And Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
London, UK06.2006
Skills
- Relationship development
- Operations management
- Administrative support
- Organized and detail oriented
- Human resources management
- Volunteer engagement
- Community outreach
Certificates and Additional Training
- FLOW Peer Support Facilitator, Good Grief Network, 2025-01-01
- Workplace Mental Health Law, Osgoode Law School, 2025-01-01
- Certified Human Resources Professional, Human Resources Professionals Association, 2023-01-01
- Anti-Oppressive Leadership, Anti-Oppressive Resource & Training Alliance, 2022-01-01
- Diversity & Inclusion, HRPA & Diversio, 2022-01-01
- The Art of Leadership, Rockwood Leadership Institute, 2021-01-01
- Overdose Prevention Training, The Dope Project, 2020-01-01
- Non Violent Crisis Intervention, Crisis Prevention Institute, 2019-01-01
- White and Awakening in Sangha (Racial Justice Training), East Bay Meditation Center, 2018-01-01
Community Service and Volunteer Work
- Peer Support Facilitator, Good Grief Network, 2025-01-01 - present
- Street Outreach Volunteer, Open Table - Church of the Redeemer, 2020-01-01
- Board Member, Starr King School for the Ministry, 2015-01-01 - 2017-12-31
- Patient and Family Support Volunteer, Hinds Hospice, 2012-01-01 - 2014-08-31
- Wildlife Research Volunteer, Global Vision International, 2009-01-01
- Volunteer, The June Callwood Center for Young Women, 2008-01-01 - 2009-12-31
- Community Organizer, Faith in Community (P.I.C.O), 2012-01-01 - 2014-08-31
Pronouns
she/her
Timeline
Executive Director
NABORS
04.2023 - 12.2025
People & Culture Specialist
Friends of Ruby
09.2022 - 04.2023
Manager of People Services
Autism Ontario
01.2021 - 10.2022
Executive Director
The Gubbio Project
01.2019 - 12.2020
Coordinator, Administration and Assistant to Dean
Starr King School For The Ministry
05.2017 - 09.2019
Mental Health Outreach Coordinator
Kings View Behavioural Health
01.2013 - 08.2014
Project Manager
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
09.2012 - 01.2013
House Manager
L'Arche Toronto
12.2009 - 05.2012
Professional Actor
Various
07.2006 - 12.2009
BA (Hons) - undefined
The London Academy of Music And Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
Human Resources Management
York University School of Continuing Studies
Masters of Divinity -
Starr King School