Our People

Patricia Streich, Chair of the SPCK&D, is a housing specialist and advocate on housing issues locally.  She teaches courses on housing at the Queen's School of Urban & Regional Planning.  Patricia has served on several local community boards over many years.

Vice-Chair

Devin Ruttan-Stokes

Devin Ruttan-Stokes is an active human services professional working in employment services. Receiving a Bachelor of Psychology and Philosophy in 2026 (Queen’s University), he endeavours to support underserved and disadvantaged populations through volunteering, research, and employment. With significant experience in event facilitation, delivering skills-based workshops, and one-on-one job search support, Devin aims to empower others by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to achieve their goals. Devin also volunteers at The Mood Lab, which specializes in the etiology, pathology, and phenomenology of depression. Recently appointed as Vice-Chair, he is eager to serve the SPCK&D throughout his time in Kingston. . 

Leslie Benecki is a semi-retired healthcare executive.  She has a Bachelor of Science (Purdue University), and an MBA and Master of Health Services Administration (University of Michigan) and is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. She’s held progressive managerial roles at Alberta Health, a research centre at Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College, and two Community Health Centres. Leslie actively supports community development and social justice initiatives. She volunteers at Kingston Grand Theatre. Leslie enjoys reading, hiking, and attending sporting and cultural events with her family.

Turner Gazeley is excited to serve on the Board of Directors for the Social Planning Council of Kingston. With over 10 years working in Parks and Recreation, Property Management and as a Real Estate Agent, Turner brings a professional background rooted in strong organizational skills and a deep understanding of community dynamics. A proud graduate of Laurentian University at St Lawrence College in Kingston and a former Walt Disney World Cast Member, Turner has honed a strong work ethic and a dedication to delivering positive experiences. Passionate about making a difference, they are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone in Kingston. Turner’s love for Kingston and desire to contribute meaningfully to its growth and vibrancy motivate their work on the council. Through their role on the Board of Directors, they aim to support initiatives that build a stronger, more connected community while championing the council's mission of promoting equity and well-being for all.

Alice Gazeley is a retired teacher who enjoyed students in P.E.I., N.S., PQ, and ON. Alice's family of nine children lived in a small farming village nestled closely to a fishing village in Miminegash, P.E.I. She graduated from St. Dunstan's University, P.E.I. and completed her Master's Degree at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.  During her childhood, she watched her parents live the golden rule, "Love thy neighbour as thyself". Teaching gave her an outlet to expand her understanding of their example, and since retiring she has been able to advocate for justice, with a special focus on affordable housing.

Mary is a retired teacher after many years with the ALRCSS Board and has always been a strong advocate for Social Justice. Since retirement she has been able to commit more fully to issues in our Community in this area. For about fifteen years she coordinated Spiritual services at one of Kingston Senior Citizens Homes on a weekly basis. She has been the principal organizer for the collecting and delivering food baskets. This involves 50 families referred from Salvation Army plus others in need (60). She has organized and worked to help Habitat for Humanity organization and their workers and recently received the 50 years of service pin from the Canadian Cancer Society. 

Holly is a born-and-raised Kingstonian who recently graduated from Queen's University with a Master of Urban and Regional Planning. Currently she works for Arcadis, providing a range of planning services to both non-profit and private sector clients. She is passionate about affordable housing, community, and mental health. She brings her unique range of volunteer experience to the SPCK&D board, including four years (and counting) devoted to raising service dog puppies with Kingston 4 Paws Service Dogs. Through both her professional and volunteer work, she strives to learn what can be done to make Kingston a more equitable city for all. 

Alessandro recently earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Queen’s University, where he also completed his undergraduate degree and built a strong connection to the Queen’s and Kingston community. As a research intern with the council, he analyzed service policies and community-based solutions to address gaps in housing, social, and health services. Alessandro has assisted in the coordination of two internship terms following his. Now specializing in digital and cybersecurity policy, he enjoys soccer, tennis, and spending time outdoors. 

Mary-Jo is passionate about family, faith, community, life-long learning, and pastoral care. For the past six years, she has been the Coordinator of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Kingston. She represents the Archbishop on the Justice & Peace Commission and on multiple outreach programs.  Concurrently, for the past 18 years, she has been actively involved in Prison Ministry both professionally as a Chaplain at Collins Bay Medium and Maximum Security Institution and as Chair of the Prison Volunteers’ Committee. Mary-Jo has a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Queen’s University, Kingston, a Master’s Degree in Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Saint Thomas University, Fredericton. Originally from Cape Breton, NS, she has lived across Canada and Europe and presently resides with her husband in Bath, ON, and close to their three children.

Michelle Schwarz is a semi-retired Developmental Service Worker who enjoyed a 30+ year career as a Residential Counsellor at Ongwanada Hospital. She provided support for adults with dual diagnosis of a psychiatric delay coupled with a developmental delay of varying degrees.   She has continued to assist in this role during a staffing crisis in the Developmental Services Sector. The past several years, she has been involved in several initiatives to help address critical issues faced by the homeless/precariously housed.  She lives a life style dedicated to being kind to the environment and happily educating others to do the same. She and her husband enjoy visiting and spending time with their adult children, whom are both very in tune with today’s environment and culture.

Liam is currently completing a Master of Planning Degree with the School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP) at Queen's University. Liam completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph in Landscape Architecture. His planning interests include urban design, real estate planning, and environmental resource management. He worked for the Council last summer as a research intern, looking into the viability of small ownership landlords in Kingston's rental market. Liam grew up here in Kingston, and his hobbies include playing sports, walking my dog, and camping outdoors.  

Cooper is a fifth-year Political Studies student at Queen’s University and joined the SPCK&D in April 2024. Since then, he's been part of projects such as our report, “The State of Tenant Displacement Among People with Disabilities in Kingston” and the webinar on rental housing in Kingston in October 2024. He hopes to complete a master’s degree in planning and pursue a career in the field. Some of his favourite things to do are cooking, watching sports, and going on walks. 

Liam is a proud Montrealer, currently pursuing a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning at Queen's University. With an academic background in both planning and psychology from Concordia University, Liam is particularly interested in the ways in which urban environments influence/interact with mental health. This interest has led Liam to pursue research on supportive housing initiatives in Kingston. Liam is eager to explore the topic of housing for those facing mental illness and addiction with the Social Planning Council of Kingston. 

Bio coming soon!