Jonathan Kahane is the Chair of the Board of Directors at Northstar. In this role, he supports governance, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability, working closely with fellow board members and senior leadership to advance Northstar’s mission of serving youth and families across Durham Region. 

Jonathan brings a multidisciplinary background in research, communications, and community advocacy, with a strong focus on public education and evidence-informed decision-making. He holds a BA (Hons.) in Forensic Psychology from Ontario Tech University, and an MSc in applied neuroscience from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London. His graduate research focused on the brain–gut axis in forensic mental health, examining how butyrate-producing gut bacteria and butyrate may influence inflammation, stress reactivity, brain function, and psychiatric symptoms in justice-involved populations, with implications for assessment, risk-relevant behaviours (including emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and aggression), and potential intervention pathways. 

During his time at Ontario Tech, Jonathan worked with Durham Family Court Clinic and was responsible for creation of literature review entitled “On a New Durham Youth Gang Strategy – A Literature Review and Assessment of Needs for Northstar,” which included research regarding youth in conflict with the law, anti-gang strategies, victimology, community safety and wellbeing, and criminogenic factors contributing to violent crime, to provide recommendations in service of the next Durham Youth Gang Strategy. 

In addition to his board leadership, Jonathan contributes as a writer and commentator on issues related to public policy, international affairs, and community engagement. He is committed to strengthening Northstar’s capacity to deliver ethical, responsive, and client-centred services that meet evolving community needs. Jonathan feels honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of holding a seat on DFCC’s board of directors and is committed to employing a person-centered, community-based, equitable approach in order to best serve the youth of Durham Region.