Rental Rescue Team

Our team brings together expertise in housing, finance, and community development, united by the belief that housing is a human right. Together, we work to preserve affordability and build inclusive communities where people can thrive.
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Krystal Valencia
Founder and CEO

Krystal is a housing advocate and fundraising strategist who pairs deep compassion with sharp financial insight. With millions raised in social impact; she blends community-centred leadership with technical skill to advance equitable housing solutions rooted in dignity, data, and justice.
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Justin Rain, PhD
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations

Justin brings a strong background in both academic research and strategic policy implementation. He is committed to developing sustainable solutions to the housing crisis through inclusive policy development, collaborative leadership, and evidence-based innovation. At Rental Rescue, Justin leads strategic initiatives that support the acquisition and stabilization of affordable housing, while supporting the organization’s internal processes and strategic planning to ensure operational excellence.
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Andre Ng
Governance Strategist

Andre is a strategist with expertise in guiding organizations through technology and governance transformations. Drawing on a blend of corporate experience and forward-looking vision, he helps Rental Rescue advance its mission and navigate complex challenges. Beyond his professional career, he has also contributed significantly to social impact causes, reinforcing his commitment to driving meaningful change.
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Brittany Thomson
Resident Relations Coordinator

Brittany is an experienced people manager with a community organizing background. She believes firmly in empowering tenants to build community and take back control over their living spaces. Rental Rescue's mission will set a new gold standard for landlord-tenant relations in the market and beyond!
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Chloe Hsy
Founders Associate

Chloe supports Rental Rescue’s leadership through research, internal operations, and communication management. She contributes to project work while gaining experience in organizational processes. With a detail-oriented approach and a focus on effective systems, Chloe helps to strengthen the structures that advance Rental Rescue’s mission.
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Rania Phillips
Marketing & Research Intern

Rania supports the Rental Rescue team through graphic design and visual asset management, having developed the current logo and contributed to research and systems administration. With a background in finance and urban planning, Rania is passionate about Rental Rescue’s mission to facilitate affordable, sustainable housing through building partnerships across communities, non-profits, and the private sector.

Realtor Team

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Jason Barry
Jason Barry Realty

As a Commercial Realtor® with expert knowledge of the Hamilton and surrounding area, Jason specializes in multi-family and mixed-use property acquisitions and dispositions. Jason is driven by a commitment to help address the critical need for affordable housing by guiding clients towards investments that strengthen our community.
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Robert Cekan
Urbanicity

Robert Cekan is a Realtor® with 11 years of experience and over 900 transactions completed. He is also the owner of Urbanicity—Ontario’s only media-driven real estate platform that brings together local news, things to do, and homes for sale in one place.
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Tyler Jenson
ΓEA⅃ Broker Ontario Ltd.

Tyler is a commercial Realtor® specializing in multi-family, mixed-use, and new development opportunities. He bring an extensive network and strong research skills to uncover the right options in the Hamilton and surrounding areas. Whether you’re expanding a portfolio or securing land for development, Tyler can help guide smart, strategic decisions.