Our Team
Our team brings a variety of different backgrounds, approaches and perspectives to the table. Our leaders work collaboratively together to continue meeting the varied needs of those we serve.
Our Founder
Franca Damiani Carella
Franca Damiani Carella founded the Vitanova Foundation in 1987 with a simple but powerful mission: “…helping put lives back together again.” Over more than three decades she built Vitanova from a small counselling service into a comprehensive, compassionate addiction treatment centre serving thousands of individuals and families — all at no charge.
A tireless advocate, compassionate leader, and true pioneer in addiction treatment in the York Region, Franca’s vision shaped everything Vitanova is today. She passed away in 2020, but her legacy lives on in every client we serve, every family we support, and every life we help rebuild.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of committed volunteers responsible for fostering the long-term success of the Vitanova Foundation by articulating and advancing our vision, while ensuring accountability to our community.
Board listing updated annually following the AGM
Photos and the full current listing of board members will be published here after the Annual General Meeting. If you are interested in serving as a director of The Vitanova Foundation, please contact us to request an application form.
Meet Our Team
Cindy Cepparo, MSW Registered Social Worker
Cindy has been with Vitanova since the very beginning — the first person hired by our late founder, Franca Carella, over thirty-five years ago. She holds a Master of Arts in social work, and oversees the day-to-day planning and operation of the Foundation.
Under Cindy's leadership, Vitanova has grown into a comprehensive addiction treatment centre serving thousands of individuals and families across Vaughan — all at no charge.
Dalu Ndlovu , MHSc Certified Health Executive
Dalubuhle is a community leader and nonprofit professional with extensive experience across the health and social services sectors. Passionate about health equity and community engagement, he has helped organizations strengthen operations, achieve accreditation, and secure funding to expand their impact.
As Strategic Initiatives Director at Vitanova, he oversees the day-to-day operations of programs and supporting functions, ensuring quality, compliance, and financial accountability. Passionate about health equity and community impact, he works to strengthen services that improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
Jessica Malynyk , MACP Registered Psychotherapist
Jessica has been an addictions counsellor at Vitanova since 2014. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Psychology, and a Social Service Work diploma.
Jessica brings deep clinical expertise and genuine compassion to her leadership role, ensuring our programs reflect the most current and effective approaches to addiction recovery.
Tony Carella , BA (Hons), FRSA
Tony was a founding director of Vitanova in 1987 and has served as a volunteer ever since. A former teacher and editor, Tony was a member of Vaughan City Council for 22 years and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts.
Tony's deep roots in the Vaughan community and lifelong commitment to Vitanova's mission make him an invaluable bridge between the Foundation and the people it serves.
Cosimo Schiafone
Cosimo has been with Vitanova since 1992. Besides facilitating day-program groups and the evening aftercare group, he looks after the entire facility including as co-chair of the Joint Health & Safety Committee.
Cosimo's three decades of dedication to Vitanova and its clients embody the Foundation's spirit of long-term commitment to the community.
Rosanna Di Rosa
Rosanna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a Social Service Work diploma. She has been an addictions counsellor and group facilitator with Vitanova since 2012, specializing in a range of evidence-based treatment modalities.
Rosanna brings warmth, clinical skill, and deep dedication to every client she works with, helping guide individuals toward lasting recovery.
Maryann Di Paola
Maryann has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from York University and a graduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from Durham College. She facilitates the Tuesday evening support group for families and friends.
Maryann's compassionate approach and expertise in both harm reduction and family support make her a vital resource for clients and their loved ones on the path to recovery.
Join Our Team
We are always looking for compassionate professionals and dedicated volunteers. If you share our passion for helping people rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you.