Chair

Paulette joined the Board of My Friend’s House in June 2021 after moving permanently to The Blue Mountains. She brings nearly 40 years of experience, beginning her career in information technology and later serving as a senior HR executive supporting organizations across Canada, the United States, and globally. Her international experience has shaped a deep appreciation for diversity, which she credits as a key driver of her professional success.

Paulette is passionate about contributing to the well-being of her community and is proud to support the important work of My Friend’s House. She shares a large blended family with her partner Greg, including seven children and a growing number of grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking, and travelling.

Vice-Chair

Jennifer joined the Board of My Friend’s House in June 2023 and lives in Clarksburg with her husband and their blended family of five adult children. A recently retired philanthropy and marketing executive, she most recently served as Vice President, Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity Canada, where she led national fundraising initiatives and helped advance impactful programs across the country.

Jennifer brings extensive experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, and cause marketing, developed through leadership roles with the CAMH Foundation and leading organizations including Geometry Global, Grip Limited, Mosaic, Panasonic, and Motorola.

With a strong commitment to community service, Jennifer is proud to dedicate her time, leadership, and strategic expertise to supporting My Friend’s House in its mission to provide safety, support, and critical crisis services to women and children in need.

Treasurer

Bob joined the Board of My Friend’s House in June 2022 after many years as a committed supporter. He first became involved in 2016, recognizing the critical role the organization plays in helping women and children escape domestic violence.

A retired partner from a major accounting firm, Bob specialized in business valuation and litigation support, providing expert financial testimony in court. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University, now the Smith School of Business, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator, retired.

Now based in Collingwood, Bob and his wife are active community volunteers. With his not-for-profit Board experience, he is proud to contribute his expertise to advancing the mission of My Friend’s House.Description goes here

Secretary

Kenny joined the Board of My Friend’s House in August 2024 after returning to his hometown of Wasaga Beach. He studied Justice Studies at the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and, for the last 15 years, has worked for the Ministry of the Attorney General's Criminal Law Division. The majority of his career has been spent working on Intimate Partner Violence Prosecutions for the Downtown Toronto Crown Attorney's Office.

Kenny also serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, the governing Children's Aid Society for the region.

Kenny is deeply committed to community service and has volunteered with several organizations, such as the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, MS Canada, and Second Harvest. He brings a strong, informed perspective to My Friend’s House and its work supporting survivors of violence.

Past Chair

Mary joined the Board of My Friend’s House in June 2021 and has been a lifelong visitor to the Collingwood area. She brings more than 30 years of experience in legal, governance, and executive leadership roles.

She recently retired as Chief Administrative Officer of IMAX Corporation, where she held senior responsibilities across legal, HR, governance, and operations. Earlier in her career, she practised corporate securities law at a Toronto law firm.

Mary holds an LLB from Dalhousie University and an ICD.D designation from Rotman School of Management and has served on several nonprofit boards. She is proud to support the mission and vision of My Friend’s House.

Mary currently sits on the board of the Peter Gzowski Foundation for Literature, a national body responsible for the stewardship of an endowment which promotes literacy awareness and adult literacy across Canada.

Member

Nancy joined the Board of My Friend’s House in June 2021 and became a full-time Collingwood resident in 2020 after more than 20 years as a seasonal visitor. She is inspired by the organization’s impact on women and children in the Georgian Triangle and is committed to supporting its mission.

Nancy practised law for over 30 years and most recently served as Head of Legal Affairs and Operational Compliance at Oxford Properties Group. She also served as a Governor of George Brown College and has held leadership roles with Toronto CREW.

Nancy holds an ICD.D designation from the Rotman School of Management and is a certified executive coach. She enjoys golf, travel, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Member

Rick joined the Board of My Friend’s House in June 2023 and has been a long-time supporter of the organization. He and his wife Karen moved to the area full-time in 2009 after many years as seasonal residents.

A Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant, Rick spent his career as a partner in a major accounting firm specializing in insolvency and restructuring. He also holds an ICD.D designation, retired, and has served on multiple boards, including as President and Treasurer of a private ski club.

Rick is committed to supporting My Friend’s House as it responds to the growing need for services for women and children experiencing violence in the community.

Member

Cheryl joined the Board of My Friend’s House in September 2025. She and her family became full-time Collingwood residents in 2021 after many years of visiting the area.

With more than 35 years of experience in senior roles within the airline and banking industries, Cheryl specializes in business transformation, process improvement, and strategic problem-solving. She holds a business degree from McGill University and an MBA from the Ivey Business School.

Cheryl is deeply committed to community involvement and has led fundraising and volunteer initiatives supporting vulnerable populations. She is passionate about contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive community through her work with My Friend’s House.

Member

Crystal joined the Board of My Friend’s House in September 2025, bringing over 30 years of experience in social services and health care, including senior executive leadership roles. She holds a Master of Social Work and has extensive expertise in intimate partner violence, mental health and addictions, and child welfare.

Now recently retired, Crystal remains deeply committed to trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive care. Throughout her career, she has focused on supporting individuals impacted by violence and systemic barriers while leading teams and programs that advance quality, accessibility, and client-centered care.

A long-time resident of the Georgian Triangle, Crystal is deeply connected to the community and is passionate about advancing the mission of My Friend’s House.

Member

Kelly joined the Board of My Friend’s House in 2026 and lives in the Thornbury area with her husband. Since relocating to South Georgian Bay in 2020, they have enjoyed becoming part of the local community and are proud parents of two daughters.

Kelly brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in Human Resources and Operations across the technology, financial services, and not-for-profit sectors. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has built a career focused on fostering strong workplace cultures, developing leaders, and helping organizations achieve their strategic goals through their people.

With a long-standing commitment to community involvement and volunteerism, Kelly has served on several boards throughout her career. Inspired by the impact My Friend’s House has on women and families in the community, she is proud to contribute her experience and leadership in support of the organization’s mission.

Member

Jennifer joined the Board in June 2026, having volunteered at MFH for a few months beforehand.
A journalist by training, Jennifer transitioned to health care early in her career. As a senior health care executive, she worked with a variety of health-related organizations for more than 35 years facilitating mergers, building brands and creating award-winning communication campaigns to drive fund development. 

The pressing need to raise awareness about gender-based violence and increase support for the women and children who experience it, is near and dear to her heart.

Jennifer has a Journalism diploma from Sheridan College, a Business degree from York University and a Masters in Marketing Communications Leadership from the Schulich School of Business.

Prior to joining MFH, she served on the Board of Georgian Bay Forever for six years and currently volunteers at the Mobile Soup Kitchen.  

Originally from Montreal, Jennifer moved to Toronto in the 70s. She’s been weekending here since 2006 and moved to Collingwood in 2024. She enjoys fitness, hiking, cycling, swimming and walks on the beach.