The people behind The Simplify Life Project.
From our founder to every volunteer who shows up, this work is carried by people who choose to show up for others.
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Camirand is the Founder and Executive Director of The Simplify Life Project, leading the vision and development of a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families through complex life transitions.
Through both lived experience and her work supporting clients during moves, downsizing, and major life changes, Sarah saw firsthand how overwhelming and isolating it can feel to start over, especially when support is difficult to access or navigate. Recognizing a critical gap within existing systems, she built The Simplify Life Project to work alongside community agencies, providing practical, hands-on support that removes barriers and helps people rebuild with stability and dignity.
Sarah's leadership is rooted in empathy, clarity, and action. She is committed to creating support that is not only available, but truly accessible, human, and effective in real life. She continues to lead with a clear vision: to transform how support is experienced, making it more connected, more compassionate, and easier to navigate, so no one has to start over alone.
Chief Administrative Officer
Jennifer Smith is the Chief Administrative Officer at The Simplify Life Project, bringing strong organization, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to service to everything behind the scenes. With over 20 years of customer service experience and hands-on knowledge managing the warehouse side of the project, Jennifer helps keep programs running smoothly so support reaches the people who need it most.
Her connection to the work is personal. Jennifer has walked through the realities of addiction and recovery in her own family and understands what it means to need support. Today, she’s deeply grateful for her husband’s long-term sobriety of over 10 years and feels honored to pay it forward by helping build something that truly strengthens the community.
Housing & Support Case Manager
I am a Housing and Support Case Manager with Trillium Health Partners. I provide Case Management to clients with severe mental illness who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or transitioning to independent living in the Mississauga/South Etobicoke area. I work in partnership with clients to develop the skills and support they need to live successfully in the community. I support clients by visiting them in their home, in the community or in the office.
My main responsibilities include: completing assessments that outline individual psychosocial needs. Engaging individuals in the Recovery process through goal oriented, skills-based approach. Monitoring individual's wellness, assessment of risk and overall progress in their Recovery. Liaising with their treatment team, including physicians, and external community resources.
Psychoeducation is a big passion for me. How we cope looks different for everyone, but what we all have in common is a complex human story. Compassion without judgment is essential to my work. I make sure people feel seen, not reduced to their problems. Helping someone feel less alone is my purpose. Being a part of someone's recovery journey is a tremendous honor and privilege. Emotional well-being is not just about treatment - it's about connection, belonging and hope.
Board Member
Clifford Burke a versatile leader with over 25 years of experience across the financial and media sectors. His career is defined by a commitment to operational excellence, strategic growth, and fostering strong professional relationships.
Clifford spent a decade in the financial sector, notably serving as a Trading Representative on the floor of the Montreal Stock Exchange. He later transitioned to a 14-year career as a Technical Director and Operator of On-Air Master Control Operations for CFTO/CTV Bell Media. A lifelong learner, he was recently honoured as Valedictorian for his continuing education studies with the DDSB.
Driven by his recent five-year journey now as a cancer survivor. A primary family caregiver for loved ones facing dementia and post-polio, Clifford brings a unique blend of high-level professional acumen and deep personal empathy to this new venture. He is dedicated to leveraging his skills in accountability and efficiency to drive meaningful impact for the cause.
Board Member
With a career spanning more than 15 years as a Human Resources professional, Christine Southwood combines operational expertise with a heart for community service. Her background in governance includes a tenure on the Board of Directors for Girls Inc. of Durham, reflecting her dedication to fostering local leadership and social equity. Christine is known for her ability to align organizational goals with community needs, making her a powerful asset to the non-profit sector.
The heart of The Simplify Life Project
Our volunteers are at the heart of The Simplify Life Project. They are compassionate, dedicated individuals who choose to show up for others during life's most difficult moments, bringing not only their time, but their care, empathy, and commitment to making a difference.
Whether they are helping prepare homes, organize essential items, support programs, or offer a steady presence, our volunteers play a vital role in helping us deliver practical, meaningful support alongside our community partners.
Their generosity makes our work possible. More importantly, it helps create spaces where people feel supported, respected, and not alone, restoring dignity, building connection, and bringing hope when it's needed most.
Working together for lasting change
Through your support, The Simplify Life Project can continue to grow, working alongside community agencies to reach more individuals and families who need stability, guidance, and hope. Together, we can create meaningful change by removing barriers, strengthening support systems, and helping people move forward with dignity and confidence. Whether you choose to get involved, give, or share our mission, you become part of something bigger, a community built on compassion, connection, and real impact.