About Our Charity
Noah's Club House
Created in Honour of Noah Roche
Noah Roche and his identical twin brother, Nicholas, were born prematurely on July 12, 2003. Complications shortly after birth, including a stroke, left Noah with a profound hearing loss as well as a diagnosis of severe cerebral palsy. As Noah grew older and bigger, his family became aware of the challenges of raising a child with special needs. His mother, Brigitte Berneche, always thought there should be more financial resources available to families with children with special needs.
On February 12, 2011, Noah passed away suddenly at the young age of 7. Brigitte felt she needed to turn this tragedy into something positive. In 2014, she created a fund in Noah’s honour with the purpose of providing financial assistance for families with children like her son. In January 2017, Noah’s Clubhouse received its charity status.
Our Purpose
To promote health by providing children affected by cerebral palsy with financial assistance for therapies to manage the conditions of cerebral palsy, the costs of which are not covered by government or other service agencies.
We have provided funding of over $172,000 to 350 families in Ontario since 2018!
To see how your money is being spent, please feel free to review our financial statements on the CRA website >
Our Staff
Noah’s Clubhouse is managed by the founder on a volunteer basis. Student volunteers also assist during various fundraisers during the year.
Our Board Of Directors
Tyler Alden
DIRECTOR
Tyler is a recent graduate of McMaster University with a Bachelor of Commerce, and an aspiring CPA who works for an accounting firm in Markham. In his free time, he enjoys being active, or spending time at his cottage all year long, whether it be floating in the water, fishing on the ice, or even making maple syrup in the spring. Playing competitive hockey throughout his youth set the foundation for his love of sports and teamwork.
When possible, he enjoys volunteering for charities, particularly ones that benefit children. He is beyond excited and privileged to be a part of Noah’s Clubhouse!
Brigitte Berneche
FOUNDER
Brigitte is the proud mother of identical twin boys, Nicholas and Noah. Her son Noah had severe cerebral palsy and is the inspiration for the creation of Noah’s Clubhouse. Her heart is set on making a difference in the lives of families with children living with cerebral palsy.
Brigitte is a CPA, CA and has worked in both public companies and large accounting firms, specializing in corporate tax. She currently sits on the boards of a few junior mining companies. She holds an Honours B.A. (Specialist Management Programme) from the University of Toronto. She has earned the CPA Canada's Audit Committee Certificate.
She is fluent in French and English and has a working proficiency in Spanish.
Sonia Jacobs
DIRECTOR
Sonia Jacobs is a healthcare executive with extensive leadership and governance experience. With a background in quality and patient safety and a passion for enhancing patient/client experience, Sonia’s professional experience includes leadership in hospitals and community agencies, as well as in local and provincial healthcare planning and supporting organizations.
Sonia’s volunteer experience includes serving 11 years on the Board of the Bernard Betel Centre for Senior Living and 3 years as a non-Board member of the Board Service Excellence Committee at Community Living Toronto. She also served 6 years on the Executive Committee of the GTA Chapter of the Canadian College of Health Leaders.
Sonia holds a Master of Health Science (Health Administration) from the University of Toronto and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from York University. She is married, with 2 adult children.
Sue Ross
DIRECTOR
Sue has been a CPA, CA for over 30 years and has worked in large public companies, not for profits including life sciences and education and in professional services. She is now a fractional CFO for small and medium sized businesses providing guidance and experience as they grow and reach their strategic goals.
Sue graduated from Western and then did a Diploma in Accounting at Laurier before starting her career in Toronto. She has earned the CPA Ontario Certificate in Non-Profit and Charity Financial Compliance and Strategy. Her passion for children and wanting to give back led her to be a board member for Noah’s Clubhouse.
Her background in finance, tax and operations enables her to assist the Board in its purpose of funding therapies for children with cerebral palsy. As a mother of 2, being able to help children thrive and reach their potential is very important and it is a privilege to be part of this organization.
Mackenzie Todd
DIRECTOR
Mackenzie is a dynamic and collaborative professional, with a passion for non-profit work. Her involvement in various non-profit organizations across Ontario has allowed her to gain relevant experience through active work. With a multifaceted role as Campaign Director for the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation and Executive Director of the Anderson Family Foundation, Mackenzie orchestrates impactful initiatives that resonate deeply within her communities.
With a blend of strategic acumen, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serving others, Mackenzie epitomizes the transformative power of philanthropy and community stewardship. Mackenzie is thrilled to be part of the Noah’s Clubhouse organization and looks forward to working together to achieve ambitious fundraising goals to serve more children and their families.
Jo-Anne Weltman
DIRECTOR
Jo-Anne is a physiotherapist with 30 years of experience working with children and the co-founder of DMI Therapy. Her objective has always been to provide the best services to the children that she works with.
After spending several years working in government based services, she started working in private practice, where she could provide a more specialized approach to the children that she worked with.
Jo-Anne opened S.M.I.L.E. (Sensory. Motor. Integrated. Learning. Experience) Therapy for Kids in 2017, a private practice that specializes in child development, to meet the demand for physiotherapy in children. Jo-Anne’s other side interests include being involved with various paediatric charities and organizations supporting children with special needs. Jo-Anne is currently working with the University of Toronto, Queens University and Dalhousie University, Physiotherapy departments to host students.
Jo-Anne is an advocate for children with special needs and their families and works hard at trying to make changes in many areas to help these children.
