Meet Our Staff!
Velanie George
(she/her)
Senior Operations Manager
Velanie has been a member of the StopGap community since 2014, beginning as a volunteer while studying Environmental Design at OCAD University. Since graduating, she has enjoyed taking on a variety of roles within the organization, including being a member of the Board of Directors from 2019 to 2021 while working elsewhere as an accessibility consultant.
She is currently StopGap’s Senior Operations Manager, overseeing the Ramps on Request, Corporate Team Building, School Project, and Volunteer programs. Velanie also helps to plan and execute campaigns and events, such as the annual Ramp Up fundraiser (her favourite event of the year!). She is passionate about accessibility and dedicated to the organization’s mission of helping to create barrier-free communities.
Elise Klesmer
(she/her)
Project Manager
Elise joined StopGap Foundation in 2024 as a Project Manager, bringing her talent for creating systems out of chaos and managing complex initiatives. With a background in sustainability and non-profit work, she excels at building relationships and driving organizational efficiency to advance the Foundation’s accessibility mission.
She does a bit of everything, from coordinating recruitment processes to supporting board governance and strategic planning initiatives. Elise holds an MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development from University College London and remains active in community climate initiatives when not focused on her project management work at StopGap.
