Meet the Gatehouse Team
Meet the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to bring The Gatehouse Vision to life.
Maria Barcelos
Paula Cordeiro
Karen MacKeigan
Jasmine Lem
Stewart Thompson
Erin Alexandra
Arthur Lockhart
Brad Hutchinson
Maria Barcelos
Maria initially joined The Gatehouse as a volunteer in 2011 and became a staff team member later that year. In 2016, she became its Executive Director.
Maria is deeply committed to community engagement and believes in the power of community-based responses to address underlying social issues. She inspires, acknowledges, and empowers students, volunteers, and staff to be part of the change they wish to see in the world.
Under her guidance and trailblazing, Maria has elevated the voices, stories, of women, children locally, nationally, globally in ways that are profoundly transformational. Maria has mentored over 300 post-secondary students at the Gatehouse. Just this past semester alone, Maria has supervised 30 college and university placement students. All with a theme of advocacy, inclusivity for marginalized women and children. She has co-organized 14 International Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conferences, which take place yearly at The Gatehouse, bringing together advocates, professionals, survivors, educators to collaborate on best practice approaches to supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Maria holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph-Humber (High Honours), where she was awarded the Virginia Grey Medal for Academic Achievement. She also holds an Honours Diploma in Human Resources Management from George Brown College.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, Maria was honoured in 2025 with the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction (VSAD) which recognizes individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have made exceptional contributions to supporting victims of crime and raising awareness of victims’ issues in Ontario. Additionally, The Gatehouse organization was also awarded a 2024 Victim Services Award of Distinction from the Ministry of the Attorney General in recognition of its impactful work supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and promoting community-based healing initiatives.
Maria generously volunteers her time as a member of the Advisory Panel for the Community Development Program at Humber College Lakeshore Campus; where she also has mentored students completing their Bachelor of Community Development thesis since 2020, guiding them through research and project development that addresses real-world community issues. Maria also serves on The Canadian Centre for Men and Families Family Shelter Advisory Board. She is also a founding member of the Centre for Transformative Social Change, a collaborative initiative between The Gatehouse, Humber College’s Faculty of Community and Social Services, and post-secondary students. Additionally, Maria is a founding member of the Survivors Council of Canada; a grass-roots committee supported by The Gatehouse to bring awareness, prevention, healing and justice initiatives supporting sexual assault survivors. Maria is also a member of the Lakeshore Grounds Coordinating Committee, representing The Gatehouse grounds on this committee to ensure the preservation and use of the green spaces surrounding it; including The Gatehouse Healing Garden and Labyrinth.
In 2025, Maria joined the Toronto Police FOCUS Table for Rexdale as an Ad-Hoc agency representative, helping Toronto’s vulnerable populations connect with community resources.
Maria is also a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice. Maria practices Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy at M&P Psychotherapy and Consulting Services.
Paula Cordeiro
Since 2005, Paula has been involved with various initiatives at The Gatehouse. She first joined as a volunteer in 2005 and joined the staff team in 2013. Paula co-developed and coordinates The Gatehouse Women, Girls, Children, Families & Communities Mental Health Services, and the Child Abuse Investigation Support programs. She also formerly coordinated The Gatehouse 5-Week Young Adult and Partners programs.
Paula is part of The Gatehouse grant writing team; she writes grants diligently and co-organizes fundraisers for The Gatehouse to ensure The Gatehouse continues transforming countless CSA survivors’ lives. Paula is a dedicated mental health services professional committed to supporting CSA survivors at The Gatehouse. She provides ongoing individual counselling and psychotherapy services for CSA survivors.
In 2025, Paula joined the Toronto Police FOCUS Table for Rexdale as an Ad-Hoc Agency Representative, helping Toronto’s vulnerable populations connect with essential community resources. Paula inspires the next generation of empowered leaders and influential change-makers by mentoring and supporting placement students, and staff at The Gatehouse, while also fostering a safe, empathetic and supportive community for everyone at The Gatehouse and the communities that she serves wholeheartedly.
Paula co-developed The Gatehouse Phase 2 Program and revised the Young Adult Group Manuals at The Gatehouse. Paula works collaboratively with and establishes longstanding professional partnerships and positive rapport with external agencies to ensure that The Gatehouse clients are connected to mental health services. She believes in a holistic model that fosters connection, community and inclusion for CSA survivors and everyone she connects with at The Gatehouse.
As a proponent of ongoing self-care measures, Paula is a Lead Meditation Training Facilitator at The Gatehouse, where she provides moving meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery meditation training sessions. In addition to her work at The Gatehouse, Paula is also a Registered Master-Level Trainer for Living Works Education in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). Paula co-delivered suicide prevention training for Indigenous communities.
Paula is a Registered Psychotherapist, practicing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-Informed, mindfulness-based therapy at The Gatehouse and in private practice at M&P Psychotherapy & Consulting Services.
In addition to her professional work, she often contributes her time on a volunteer basis in the community, including having volunteered at the Etobicoke Children’s Centre Walk-In counselling services, and previously volunteered with the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Canada (MCSCSC) in the Probation and Parole sector, the United Nations – Toronto Branch, and Legal Graffiti Art Mural projects in the community. Paula is often a guest speaker on behalf of The Gatehouse at various post-secondary presentations about our programs and services and the impact of childhood sexual abuse. She delivered Women’s Empowerment and Stress Management groups with The Etobicoke Children’s Centre.
Karen MacKeigan
Karen first joined The Gatehouse team as a placement student in 2020. Since 2021, Karen joined the staff team as a Program Assistant with The Gatehouse, helping with the coordination of intake processes, and the Phase 2 program at The Gatehouse. She is a Registered Social Service Worker with a vast academic history. Karen completed her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She has attained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Psychology with York University. Karen is also a graduate of Centennial College with both an honours diploma in Early Childhood Education and a high honours diploma in Addiction and Mental Health Worker programs. Additionally, she completed a certificate program in Children’s Mental Health with Durham College. Karen believes wholeheartedly in the sentiment that what we put out comes back to us. Furthermore, she believes that empathy, a genuine sense of compassion, and overall love for one another as individuals each braving their own storm are key elements in creating change and healing. In Karen’s personal time, she focuses her time on completing her poetry self-transformational book; playing musical instruments; and spending time with her dog. Karen is a recipient of a LAMP CHC Community Services Award for her work with CSA survivors at The Gatehouse.
Jasmine Lem
Jasmine first joined The Gatehouse team as a placement student in 2020. In 2021, she became a staff member, taking on the role of Program Assistant and supporting the coordination of various programs. Jasmine now serves as the Program Coordinator for the Phase 1 Women, Phase 1 All Genders, and Young Adult Programs. She is deeply committed to supporting survivors and believes in the resilience of every individual and their capacity for positive transformation.
Jasmine is continually inspired by the strength and courage of the people she meets through her work at The Gatehouse and feels grateful to be a part of their healing journeys. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, with majors in Psychology and Criminal Justice Legal Studies, and a minor in Sociology. Additionally, she holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Community Social Services, as well as a Diploma in Social Service Work from the University of Guelph-Humber.
Jasmine is passionate about lifelong learning and is always striving to grow by engaging critically with new information. She is also the proud recipient of a LAMP CHC Community Services Award for her work with survivors at The Gatehouse.
Stewart Thompson
Since 2011, Stewart has been connected to The Gatehouse, first as a program participant and then as a volunteer peer support facilitator. In 2021, he became a staff member, joining the team as a Program Assistant. Stewart is a thriver and an advocate. After completing The Gatehouse programs, he was given the opportunity to give back the same care and love that he had received by becoming a facilitator. Since then, he has facilitated both individual and group peer support programs.
In his own words, he describes his journey at The Gatehouse:
“The first thing I learned at The Gatehouse was that I was not alone. Second, I had to help myself (do the work), and third, if I didn’t do the work, I would stay stuck in my past—never giving myself a chance at bettering my future. By doing so, I’ve gained a new outlook on life moving forward. Finding my voice has been a big part of my journey, including sharing my story in Deb Maybury’s book Unlock the Door: Beyond Sexual Abuse. Speaking of finding my voice—I never saw this coming. I started a podcast called Personal Transformation in 2014 because I wanted to share my story and healing journey, and offer others the same platform, including healing practitioners. There’s nothing wrong with a little help when we need extra support in the process of moving forward.
I’ve also shared my story with the World Health Organization in the documentary Survivors of Child Violence Tell Their Stories, taking my voice and others around the world in this educational initiative. In 2022, I became one of the founding members of Survivors Council Canada, where I now serve as Co-Chair, helping to amplify survivor voices across the country. Over the years, I’ve had the honour of speaking at colleges and universities about my healing journey, and I will continue to do so whenever given the opportunity. Today, I continue to support others, hoping they can find value in themselves, as I have. Peer support has been a vital part of my story, and I truly believe in its power—I’ve seen it help many others. Thank you for being part of my journey!”
In 2025, Stewart also joined the Toronto Police FOCUS Table for Rexdale as an Ad-Hoc agency representative, helping Toronto’s vulnerable populations connect with community resources.
Stewart is active on X @gottogetoutof and on Instagram @thisismestewart.
Erin Alexandra
Communications Assistant
Erin is a dedicated and compassionate professional with experience working with children and youth in the daycare setting. She is currently in her final semester and will be graduating with a Diploma from Social Service Work in April 2025. Erin is then pursuing her bachelor’s degree in social work. She is passionate about working with children and youth, especially those who are neurodiverse. Erin brings her lived experience with neurodiversity and understanding to her work.
She is finishing her placement at The Gatehouse, where she provided one-on-one support sessions and demonstrates her effectiveness and capability in helping others. Erin is also completed ASIST training, equipping her with skills in suicide intervention. Passionate about making a positive impact, Erin is committed to supporting the growth and well-being of children, youth, and neurodivergent individuals.
Arthur Lockhart
Arthur Lockhart, Order of Ontario, is a distinguished leader, educator, and advocate with over 46 years of experience in social justice, education, and community service. He has held pivotal roles, including Professor and Chair of the School of Social and Community Services, Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of The Gatehouse, Coordinator of the Advanced Justice Studies Certificate, and Senior Development Manager at the Ministry of Correctional Services.
A founding member of several transformative organizations, Arthur has been instrumental in initiatives such as the Survivors Council Canada (2022), the Gatehouse Global Poetry Movement (2021), the Canada Centre for Transformative Social Change (2014), and The Gatehouse (1998). He has also co-founded impactful projects, including the Annual International Transforming Trauma Into Triumph Conference and the Laser Eagles Art Guild. Arthur has also authored the books: Community Lost and Found-A Conversion Between Two Dreamers (2004); Dynamic Balance: The Tao of Personal and Social Transformation (2023), and lastly the film: Five Steps The Gatehouse
Arthur’s contributions to education and restorative justice are reflected in his published works, including Community Lost and Found-A Conversion Between Two Dreamers (2004); Dynamic Balance: The Tao of Personal and Social Transformation (2023), Transformative Justice (2022), Why We Bully: A Transformative Response (2018), and Restorative Justice: Transforming Society (2005). His co-productions and documentaries, such as Illuminating Silence and Into the Light and the film Five Steps: The Gatehouse, spotlight stories of resilience and transformation.
Recognized for his exceptional impact, Arthur has received numerous awards, including Canada’s Top 50 Champions of Change, the Community Builder Lifetime Achievement Award, and Humber College’s Inaugural Distinguished Community Service Award.
Arthur provides training and consultation locally, nationally, and internationally, focusing on trauma transformation, the power of the human spirit, and transformative social change. His work continues to inspire and empower communities worldwide.
Brad Hutchinson
Brad Hutchinson is an award-winning community leader, author, and international speaker known for his resilience, compassion, and dedication to personal and social transformation. Infusing lighthearted humor into his presentations, Brad addresses sensitive cultural topics with authenticity and insight.
As a Black Sash teacher of Shaolin Kung Fu, Brad integrates Eastern philosophy with Western practicality to empower others. He has served as Executive Director of The Gatehouse, working to dismantle stigma in challenging areas, and as a LivingWorks Master Trainer of ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), teaching life-saving techniques with empathy and care.
A passionate community advocate, Brad has held numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Mississauga Library Board, Co-Chair of the Leadership Peel Curriculum Committee, and foster parent for Puppies for Dog Guides Canada. He co-founded and chairs the Canada Centre for Transformative Social Change (cctsc.ca) and volunteers with organizations such as Special Olympics Ontario.
Brad’s impactful work spans education, social services, and corporate training, helping individuals and groups manage stress, heal from trauma, and realize their potential. A two-time cancer survivor, Brad’s personal experiences enrich his ability to connect and inspire.
He is the author of four books, including The Engaged Mind: Your Creative Call to Action and Dynamic Balance: The Tao of Personal and Social Transformation, reflecting his commitment to fostering growth and resilience in communities worldwide.