Lorris Herenda – Executive Director

Lorris Herenda, M.Sc.(Psychology) and currently working on her MBA, is the Executive Director of Yellow Brick House operating in its 36th year. She joined Yellow Brick House in 2004 and has led the agency through a capital expansion with an addition of a second shelter and outreach counselling program, doubling the number of women and children served on yearly basis.

She is responsible for the overall operation of the organization with 40+ employees serving over 6,500 women and children a year through the two shelters, outreach counseling team, and second stage housing unit. In addition, Lorris is greatly involved in the community, serving on various local and Provincial advisory committees that address systemic issues facing abused women and children.

Lorris is the co-chair of the York Region Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee and is a tremendous advocate for the rights of women and children. In 2013, recipient of the Attorney General Victim Services Award of Distinction. In 2012 and 2008, she won the Province of Ontario award “Leading Women, Building Communities” for her exceptional community leadership to improve the lives of women and girls in Ontario.