Who We Are
SRL Solutions works to strengthen leadership across Canada’s not-for-profit sector.
We focus on a challenge many organizations experience but few systems address: supporting Executive Directors so they can lead effectively, sustain their work, and guide their organizations through change over time.
Our work builds the practical leadership infrastructure not-for-profit leaders need: the shared tools, operating systems, and peer networks that help organizations function well and sustain their impact.
Ultimately, our goal is simple: to make Executive Director leadership possible, sustainable, and repeatable across the not-for-profit sector.
Sara Roach Lewis she/her
Founder of SRL Solutions, Creator of ED Academy
Sara Roach-Lewis is the founder of SRL Solutions and the creator of the ED Academy. With more than 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, her career reflects the progressive leadership path common in the sector, culminating in serving as an Executive Director in two separate organizations.
Since founding SRL Solutions in 2017, Sara has worked with more than 150 not-for-profit organizations across Canada, providing strategic planning, governance support, leadership training, and executive coaching.
Known for her thoughtful facilitation style and background in mediation, Sara helps not-for-profit leaders navigate complex conversations, competing priorities, and organizational change. She created the ED Academy to provide the kind of leadership support and infrastructure she wished she had when she was a new ED.
Liz Struijf Mandishora she/her
Facilitator, ED Academy Nova Scotia
Liz is a fundraising and strategic management expert with 20+ years of experience leading successful campaigns and strengthening impact organizations. As Founder of Quiora Consult, she works closely with executive leaders to build fundraising systems, develop strategic plans, and enhance operational capacity.
With a track record of managing major campaigns and multi-stakeholder fundraising efforts, Liz understands what it takes to drive results. As Director of Revenue Generation at United Way Halifax, she led high-impact campaigns and played a key role in organizational strategy.
A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and experienced facilitator, Liz is known for making complex concepts clear, actionable, and practical. She is passionate about equipping leaders—especially those in impact-driven organizations—with the tools, confidence, and strategies to build strong, financially sustainable operations. Committed to equity and inclusion, she ensures that strategic planning and fundraising efforts reflect the values and realities of the communities they serve.
Annabelle Babineau she/they
Facilitator, ED Academy New Brunswick
Annabelle Babineau is a multidisciplinary artist with community non-profit experience and special expertise in serving the disability and 2slgbtqia+ communities.
A strong event planner, facilitator, and teacher, her work is guided by kindness, empathy, and professionalism.
Committed to equity and inclusion, she ensures all her work reflects the values and realities of the communities she serves.
Katie Baker she/her
Director of Operations
Katie oversees the day-to-day operations of the ED Academy across the Maritimes, and brings deep experience in leadership development, facilitation, coaching, and program design. She ensures the programs run with clarity and care, from participant experience and partner coordination to the details that ensure the program achieves its mission.
A former captain of the Canadian Women’s National Field Hockey Team, she combines high-performance leadership with a relational, people-centred approach. She previously served as Programs Director at Minerva BC, where she led operations and cultivated strong partnerships to advance women’s leadership.
At the ED Academy, Katie is committed to creating structured, supportive spaces where Executive Directors feel cared for, connected, and confident as they strengthen both their leadership and their organizations.
Sarah Jane Lenart she/her
Assistant/Project Manager
Sarah Jane is a versatile and innovative professional with a rich and varied entrepreneurial background. She is instrumental in coordinating activities, supporting clients, and ensuring the smooth operations of multiple projects.
Her diverse skill sets allow her to approach projects with a unique perspective, understanding both the high-level strategy and the granular details of implementation.
Hélène Scott she/her
Creative Director
Hélène has been a creative professional for over 25 years, starting as a visual artist and graphic designer, then adding web design, and later moving into creative and brand director roles within design firms & small businesses.
Her expertise lies at the intersection between brand, design, marketing, operations, and the customer journey within service or product environments. She is highly trained and tuned to delivering innovative programs, products, services, and experiences that delight clients and align with their organizational vision and values.