OUR PROJECTS

POAO has been dedicated to offering professional development opportunities and providing its members and the public with education and learning related to our profession and wellness. Here are some of the projects we have worked on.

House of Commons Submission!

Probation Officers Week, May 2-8 2022

#DoSomething

POAO at Parliament Hill, Ottawa

POAO at City Hall

Annual Gathering

POAO Guests, Symposiums, Workshops, Education bursaries

DR. JAMES WORLING

Context: Who We Are

Established in 1952, the Probation Officers Association of Ontario (POAO) is a voluntary non-profit organization representing the professional interests of the Probation Officers and Probation and Parole Officers across the Province of Ontario.

Mission:What We Do

POAO endeavors to speak with credibility on issues in criminal justice, facilitate increased understanding of the specialized role of the Probation Officer, provide representative perspectives on legislative issues to policymakers

Vision: What We Aspire To Be

POAO aspires to increased professional development opportunities for members, an augmented profile in the greater community, and specifically with criminal justice stakeholders, stronger ties with our justice partners.

OUR BOARD

The Board is a dedicated and passionate group of Probation Officers who are responsible for all functions of the Association, including policy administration, public and professional relations, financial management, educational program planning and support of colleagues across the province.

Justin Leale

President

Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Nipissing University. He has been a Probation Officer since 2021 and has worked in three offices across Northwestern Ontario, providing services to remote/fly-in communities. Justin also worked at Project DARE prior to its closure. He joined the POAO as a member in 2021 and served as the Youth Policy Director for 2024.

Kate Gutoskie

Vice-President

Kate holds a Bachelor of Professional Arts (Honours) in Criminal Justice from Athabasca University. She began her career as a volunteer in 2015. She has been a Probation and Parole Officer since 2016 and has worked in five different offices across the Eastern region. Kate Joined POAO in 2018 as a member before the role of Membership Director with POAO from 2022-2024.

Nirmala Muthyala

Secretary

Amy Onoriode

Membership Director

Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) in Criminal Justice from Ontario Tech University. She began her career as a volunteer in 2023. She has been a Probation and Parole Officer at the Scarborough office since January 2024. Amy joined POAO in 2024 as a member before the role of Membership Director in 2025.

Susanne Narciso

Treasurer

Provincial Executive Board:

President – Justin Leale

Vice President – Kate Gutoskie

Membership Director – Amy Onoriode

Secretary – Nirmala Muthyala

Treasurer – Susanne Narciso

Directors:

Adult Policy Director – Vacant
Youth Policy Director – Vacant
Training and Events Director – Vacant
Media Director – Vacant
Membership Outreach Director – Vacant
Special Project Director – Vacant

#MEMBERSHIPMATTERS

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