About Us: Our Team

Hardy Steinke
Executive Director

I am passionate about living with our minds and hearts always expanding! I love to learn by reading, webinars, podcasts, and conversations. It all has something to do with our evolving spirituality, relationships, the beauty of being alive and making the world a more loving place for everyone.

In addition to beaches and beautiful gardens, my other favourite places would be cafés where we can go heart-to-heart about what we’ve been thinking, feeling, and doing lately.

Married to Cindy, we have 3 adult children with partners, all amazing, and 5 darling grandchildren!

Madia Sidiky
Community Engagement and Volunteer Manager

I am what they call a textbook extrovert. I love being around and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds with diverse perspectives. I believe everyone has something to teach me and I am here to listen, learn and connect. I enjoy new experiences more than anything, so I am always open and eager to try new things whether it be an activity, hobby, book, art, music etc.

I am a recent graduate with a master’s degree in Social Work. I am excited to see where I will find myself in 20 years. Wherever my career takes me, I am dedicated to serving my community and hope to make a positive difference.

Christine Bennett
Executive Advisor

I am a life-long resident of Mississauga. Growing up, the only shopping areas were in Cooksville, Applewood and Port Credit, and only 25 years ago, there were cows in a field just a few miles from where I live now and horses were pastured near the Square One location. My how things have changed! My favourite thing about living here is the diversity found not only in my neighbours but in the food, culture, arts and shopping available here.

I like to stay current with local, national and international news, and love being involved in my local community. I have a special interest in issues surrounding mental health. I caught the travel bug early and like to explore new cities and countries – it doesn’t matter where in the world I go – any place new is exciting. In my spare time I like to do yoga, garden, read, paint and attend live theatre.

Jennifer Blas
Events and Community Programs Manager

Growing up in a very giving culture, I experienced how demonstrating acts of kindness in any form makes a tremendous difference in our lives, especially in the lives of those who never experienced this. It’s wonderful to be able to work with an organization that spreads kindness to a diverse community that is so deserving.

A life-long learner and health advocate, I enjoy meaningful work that can connect me to people who share the vision of building community. I started as an artist, taught Fine Arts for many years, and now I get to share my learnings in my community.

When I’m not working, I am hanging out with my loving family and friends, teaching art, enjoying the outdoors, enriching my creativity, and cooking delicious recipes from around the world.

Holly Bennett
Marketing Coordinator

I grew up in Mississauga and now live in Toronto. I hold a BA in Sociology from Toronto Metropolitan University and have a 10+ year career in marketing and communications. I am passionate about community engagement, affordable housing, harm reduction and mental health.

I love working with Heart Comonos because I know we make a difference in the lives of Cooksville residents - providing spaces to connect with others, learn new skills, share passions and foster wellness. I love using my communications and marketing skills to make the world a better place, starting locally.

In my spare time I enjoy staying active with weight-lifting, hot-yoga and walks. I also travel whenever I can. I love exploring new places! I also like abstract painting and am a foodie who loves trying new cuisines.

Nicole Bonder
-In Memoriam

Our very loved Nicole Bonder - our friend, co-worker and Project Coordinator for two years, passed away on January 14, 2023.

Quite simply we cannot find words to express the depth of our sadness and loss.

We only know that somehow, her love for people and the Cooksville community will live on.

Rest in Peace, dear one.

Heart Comonos is people coming together in the Cooksville-Mississauga and surrounding area to share their ideas, gifts, skills, knowledge and life experiences. We partner with individuals and organizations to create projects and activities that support the multiple dimensions of personal and community wellness.