Our Team
No kid should be left behind
A small, but dedicated group of individuals who all have a passion for sports and are committed to improving the Windsor-Essex community.
Updates from the Board
(Windsor, Ontario, Oct. 21, 2025) - ASSIST - Putting Kids in Sports is entering a new chapter in
its history as Mike Dugal has decided to step down after a lengthy term as president.
At tonight’s annual general meeting, Tony Pella was elected as the organization’s new
president.
Pella, who has served as the organization’s vice-president, thanked the other members of the
board for expressing their confidence in him and praised Dugal, the organization’s first and only
president since its inception in 2007.
Dugal has “worked tirelessly to ensure that every kid in Windsor-Essex who wants to play sports
has the opportunity,” Pella said. “Hundreds of families in our community have benefitted from
Mike’s commitment to removing the financial barriers that prevent kids from joining local sports
associations. Mike’s philosophy is simple: every kid deserves the opportunity to be a kid, and it’s
that philosophy that has guided this organization to where it is today.”
In Pella’s place, Stephen Fields will take over as vice-president and manager of public relations.
Other members elected to the board are:
Treasurer - Mario Pennesi
Secretary - Dawn Pearson
Registrar - Jessica Boismier
Bingo Coordinator - Jackie Rivard
Fundraising Coordinator - Jeff Charron
Director at Large - Steve Rycroft
Director at Large - Micayla Pella
President
Tony Pella
Joined ASSIST in 2009
Details to come
Vice President and Public Relations Coordinator
Stephen Fields
Joined ASSIST in 2009
"I've seen first-hand how belonging to various sports and activities organizations has benefited my own children and their friends and want to make sure that other kids don't miss out on those opportunities due to financial barriers. Providing kids with a sense of belonging is one of the most important things we do."
Treasurer
Mario Pennesi
Joined ASSIST in 2025
“In 2005, I became Treasurer of the Windsor Minor Hockey Association and that is when I met Mike Dugal who at that time was Vice-President of the Windsor Minor Hockey Association. Over the years, I appreciated the volunteer work by Mike and respected the vision he brought to the WMHA, and for those reasons it made it easy to accept the role of Treasurer for ASSIST.”
Founder and former President
Mike Dugal
Founded ASSIST in 2008
Details to come.
Secretary
Dawn Pearson
Joined ASSIST in 2025
Details to come.
Registrar
Jessica Boismier
Joined ASSIST in 2007
Details to come.
Bingo Coordinator
Jackie Rivard
Joined ASSIST in 2009
"I was raised in a family where sports was a huge part of our life. My parents always volunteered and I was blessed to be able to do whatever sports my parents could afford. I've been involved with Windsor West Little League for 35 years and have seen the difference sports can make in the life of a child. I am honoured to be part of this organization!"
Fundraising Coordinator
Jeff Charron
Joined ASSIST in 2024
"I joined ASSIST because I believe that every young athlete deserves the chance to compete and enjoy the rewards that sports offer regardless of financial barriers. As Director of Fundraising, I'm passionate about aligning the energy of sports with the power and generosity of giving."
Director at Large
Micayla Pella
Joined ASSIST in 2023
"I've played sports for as long as I can remember, and I know firsthand how much they can shape confidence and belonging. I've also been volunteering since a young age, which is why ASSIST's mission is so meaningful to me. I am dedicated to helping youth in our community access the same opportunities that helped shape my own life."
Director at Large
Steve Rycroft
Joined ASSIST in 2025
“I joined the Assist to support youth sports because I’ve seen how being part of a team can shape character, create community, and open doors for young people.
I was involved in the AKO Fraternity for over 20 years, supporting junior sports, and am glad to be part of another great organization.”