Board of Directors

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board consists of members of the community at large, including a representative of Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and a member who has a dual role as board member of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies’ Board and our own Board.

Tim McLaren, President
Tim is a father of two children and a resident of Peterborough.  He has an accounting background and is currently the Planning Leader for Quaker Peterborough and Trenton plants of Pepsico Foods Canada.  Tim has been on the Board of Directors since 2008 and was elected President in 2010.

Julie Brown
Julie currently works as a Mental Health Clinician for the Greater Peterborough Family Health Team. She is originally from Peterborough, but studied at the University of Victoria for her Master's in Counselling Psychology. She also has a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Therapy. In the past, Julie has worked as a therapist at PRHC, Fleming College and Trent University. Julie joined the KHCAS board in 2008 and has found her board involvement to be an enriching experience, both professionally and personally.

Jonathan Bennett, Past President
Jonathan Bennett joined the KHCAS board in 2006, and currently holds the position of Past Chair. He is the Director, Marketing and Communications for MRSI Benchmarking. A father of two, he has held senior positions in the health care and the non-profit sector. Also a widely published novelist and poet, as well as writing teacher, he is the author of five critically acclaimed books. Jonathan lives in Keene.

Deborah Jacobs
Deborah is appointed by Curve Lake First Nation as their representative on the Board of Directors.  She is a mother and member of Curve Lake First Nations.  Deborah works for Curve Lake Health and Family Services.  Deborah joined the Board of Directors in 2010.

Deirdre Thomas
Deirdre is the Superintendent of schools for the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, and as such brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with her in the area of child welfare in our scholastic system.  Deirdre holds a master in Education from (Ed. Administration) the Univ. of Toronto, a Bachelor of education (in-service) from York University, and a Bach. Of Arts from McGill.  She has been with the KHCAS Board of Directors since 2009.

Susan Fairs
Susan has nursing background with management experience as branch manager of Para Med Home Health Services in Scarborough, Director of Nursing, Kawartha Quality Care, and Administrator of Peterborough Manor to name only a few.  Susan also has previous Board experience with Peterborough Hospice.  Susan has been with the KHCAS Board of Directors since 2009.

Kathryn Moher
Kathryn is a probation officer who works with young people under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.  She has a masters of Social Work degree from McGill University and is a mother of two.  Kathryn has a sound knowledge of provincial and local children service system.  She has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2009.

Susan Bacque
Susan is the Manager of the Housing Division of the City of Peterborough with experience in the coordination of Homelessness Initiatives, Shelter, Housing and Support with the City of Toronto.  Susan was the Director of Housing Program at MMAH.  Susan participated in Ministry level activities and led legislative and regulatory changes to the Municipal Act and Social Housing and Reform Act.  Her educational background includes a Masters from UoT and a BSc from Trent University.

Merla McGill
Merla comes to us from Community Living Kawartha Lakes where she has been employed since 1991, currently as the Director of Client Services. Merla, a mother of two grown children, holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education from George Brown College and certification through Queen’s University School of Business.  Merla’s extensive experience working with pre-school children will enhance the Board’s ability to provide guidance on related matters.

Diane Wingett
Diane is the Quality Coordinator, Canadian Operations for SGS Environmental Services in Lakefield, ON. Diane holds a Bachelor of Education (UOIT), Bachelor of Science (Trent), and a diploma in Advanced Biotechnology (St. Lawrence College) as well as training in leadership development. Diane is a parent who also has a professional affiliation with the Ontario College of Teachers. Diane brings diverse experience that will contribute to many facets of the Board of Directors’ activities.

Peter Smith
Peter currently holds a position as IT Manager at Chemfil Canada and is a Part-time Instructor with Fleming College. With a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Windsor and background strong in technical computer skills, Peter brings knowledge and experience that will greatly assist in the Board of Directors as it seeks to guide the KHCAS into a new era of upgraded electronic data-technology and growth. Peter resides in Haliburton, ON with his wife and two children.