Staff

Julie Aroz

Hi! My name is Julie Aroz. I have been volunteering at the Clinic since November 2003 and now I am here through a Job Creation partnership. I graduated from the Law Clerk program at Algonquin College in 2000. I am glad to be able to finally use the knowledge I have acquired in a working environment.

Emily Dupuis

Hello, my name is Emily Dupuis.  I graduated from the Legal AssistantProgram at Canadore College in North Bay in
1987.  I started employmentat the Clinic as a Secretary/Receptionist in 1990 following three yearsof work with the private bar in Pembroke and Renfrew.
I have worked here full-time ever since apart from time off along the way for my threechildren.  I took on the Office Manager position in January 2004 and enjoy the challenge.   I was born and raised in Renfrew where I continue to live with my husband, children, Black Lab, English Spot Rabbit and tank of fish.

Melinda Gayda

Hi! My name is Melinda Gayda and I am the staff lawyer who will be with RCLC for one year during Laura Hunter's maternity leave.
I grew up in Belleville, Ontario. I graduated with an Honours B.A. degree in Russian Studies and a minor in International Human Rights from McMaster University. After working and travelling in Russia for a year, I returned to Canada to pursue a law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.
During law school I worked for eight months at Parkdale Community Legal Services in Toronto. I very much enjoyed my time there, learning a great deal about the barriers and discrimination faced by low-income and marginalized clients. My community work focussed on public legal education and community development in assisting immigrant women and children who had survived domestic abuse, law reform on the issue of accessibility of health care and the government's interpretation of privacy laws.
I spent my articling year clerking at the Federal Court in Ottawa and returned to the Federal Court to work for another judge after being called to the Bar of Ontario.
I live in Ottawa with my pet rabbit, Shadow, and my partner, Stuart. In my spare time I enjoy cycling in the Gatineaus and reading novels.

Lori Gutoskie

Hello, I am pleased to be the newest staff member at the Clinic, having started as half-time staff lawyer in September, 2004. Law ia a second career for me and I was called to the Bar in September, 2002 following graduation from Queen's University Faculty of Law.
Prior to attending law school, I worked at the Barry's Bay Home Support Program and was active on many Boards and Committees throughout the County .
I am looking forward to serving the County in my new role as staff lawyer at the Clinic.

Laura Hunter
TBA

Richard Owen

Hi, I came late to the pratice of law, entering lawschool at the age of 37 after careers in music, teaching, social work and horse-shoeing. I was called to the bar in 1987 and was in general practice in Ottawa before joining the Renfrew County Legal Clinic as its Executive Director in 1996.

Felicite Stairs
TBA