Len Lifchus – Chair
With over four decades of executive leadership and community service, Len brings a wealth of experience in governance, strategic planning and nonprofit management. Serving as Chief Executive Officer for multiple United Way organizations across Canada – including Burlington and Greater Hamilton, Peterborough and District and the Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen – Len has consistently championed collaborative approaches to social impact and organizational excellence.
A seasoned board member and chair, Len has contributed his governance expertise to over 30 organizations at the local, provincial, and national levels. His leadership roles include:
- Hospice Palliative Care Ontario – Board Member
- Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant CCAC – Board Member & Chair, Governance Committee
- Peterborough Regional Health Centre – Board Member
- Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough – Director
- Central East CCAC – Board Chair
- Showplace Peterborough Performance Centre – Chair
- Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce – Board Chair
- City of Kelowna Social Planning Board – Chair
- Hamilton Gallery of Distinction – Director
- Peterborough Theatre Guild – Past Chair
- Trent Centre for Community-Based Education – Vice Chair
- City of Peterborough Committee of Adjustment – Chair
In addition to his board governance work, Len has served on numerous advisory committees, accreditation panels, and national award selection groups, including the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards National Advisory Committee and Imagine Canada’s Accreditation Program.
Recognized for outstanding leadership and community betterment, Len is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the United Way of Canada Chair’s Awards for Collaboration and was inducted into the Pathway of Fame in 2018.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UBC and multiple certifications in non-profit leadership and program management, Len continues to mentor emerging leaders and contribute to the advancement of community-based governance across Canada.
John Corso – Vice Chair
As a lifelong nurse with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, John brings a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy and governance to the Board of Directors of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society. His career has been deeply rooted in supporting vulnerable populations, both in clinical settings and through community service. John currently serves as Manager of three units at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, where he oversees staffing, budgets and program development for fifty-six beds.
John’s passion for giving back began with Hospice Peterborough, where he served on the Board of Directors for two terms from 2018 to 2024. He continues to volunteer and contribute as a community representative on the quality committee. This experience has strengthened his understanding of board governance, strategic planning and quality improvement.
Having lived in the Kawartha region for over twenty-three years and raised his three sons here, he is deeply committed to the well-being of our community. He is honoured to support KHCAS in its mission to protect and empower children, youth, and families, and looks forward to contributing his experience and insight to help guide its important work.
Allison Sadowski – Treasurer
Allison is a seasoned educational leader with a distinguished career in public education, marked by her strategic leadership across multiple ministry-funded programs supporting learners of all ages. With a strong foundation in both English and French, Alison has served in various administrative roles within the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB), where she championed innovative programming for alternative, adult, and continuing education, as well as for youth facing long-term suspension and expulsion.
Her tenure as Principal of multiple learning sites and specialized programs from 2015 to 2022 showcased her entrepreneurial insight and fiscal acumen, enabling the successful expansion of services such as Adult eLearning, ESL and Indigenous education. Allison was the first female Principal of Kenner Collegiate and led Kenner through the Peterborough accommodation of schools. Allison also managed five offsite Education Community Partnerships and Programs Classrooms, including the establishment of a program at PRHC that is now offered through the Peterborough Youth Services. Allison’s commitment to equity, student engagement and lifelong learning has been evident in her collaborative work with community agencies and her leadership in initiatives like the School Within a College program and the Local Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Allison’s board-level contributions are extensive. She served on the Board of Directors for the Continuing Education School Board Administrators of Ontario (2018–2022), co-chaired the Central Regional Partnership for Adult Education and represented KPRDSB provincially through Literacy Ontario Central South and ESL Working Groups. Her influence extended to system-level committees including staffing, recruitment and restorative practices, reflecting her dedication to building inclusive, collaborative educational cultures.
A certified International Baccalaureate Administrator and Coordinator, Allison also led Kenner Collegiate through its first IB review and spearheaded literacy and numeracy interventions that significantly impacted student achievement. Since retiring, she continues to support schools as an occasional principal, ensuring safe and effective learning environments.
Alex DeLorey – Member
Alex DeLorey has served with the Ontario Provincial Police and a former Royal Canadian Navy clearance diving officer who brings extensive experience in high-risk operational environments, public-sector systems, organizational oversight, and team leadership. In his current role as a Constable with the Highway Safety Division, he works within a legislated and policy-driven environment, applying regulatory frameworks in complex situations, conducting investigations, and supporting training and development as a Coach Officer. His previous service with the Royal Canadian Navy included leading personnel in demanding operational settings, contributing to planning and risk management, supervising discipline processes, and managing budget oversight of approximately $1 million.
Alex holds a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Library and Information Science from Western University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History from Trent University. His academic background strengthens his understanding of governance, policy, information management, and accountability in public institutions. He also brings practical experience working with individuals and families in crisis, including situations involving addiction, mental health challenges, family instability, risk, and safety.
Through his professional, educational, and lived experience, Alex offers a steady, thoughtful, and accountable approach to governance. He would bring to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society Board of Directors a strong commitment to oversight, sound decision-making, long-term organizational effectiveness, and maintaining public confidence in services that support vulnerable children, youth, and families.
Arnold Taylor – Member
Arnold Taylor is a long-serving Councillor for Curve Lake First Nation, where he has dedicated over fifteen years to advancing the well-being of his community. A passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and youth welfare, Arnold brings lived experience and deep commitment to his leadership roles.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) since 2012, representing Curve Lake First Nation. In this capacity, Arnold has contributed to strategic planning, policy development and governance oversight, ensuring that the voices and needs of Indigenous children and families are heard and respected within the child welfare system.
A survivor of the residential school system and the Sixties Scoop, Arnold has transformed personal adversity into a lifelong mission to protect future generations. His work on the KHCAS Board reflects his dedication to reconciliation, equity and community empowerment.
In addition to his board service, Arnold has participated in regional governance initiatives, including Tri-Council meetings with municipal partners, where he has advocated for education, health services, and cultural preservation for Curve Lake First Nation.
Karen Cummings – Member
Karen Cummings is an experienced educator and school leader with more than two decades of service in public education. She currently serves as Principal of Clarke High School in Newcastle, Ontario, following leadership roles as Vice-Principal at Cobourg Collegiate Institute, Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, and Crestwood Secondary School. Her career has also included system-level leadership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board in assessment and evaluation, adolescent literacy, student success, and teaching and learning.
Karen brings extensive experience in governance, public-sector leadership, policy development, budgeting, change management, and community consultation. She has co-facilitated student trustee and student senate initiatives, supported board-level reporting and leadership development, and contributed to policy revision and implementation. Her work has included accommodation planning, school transitions, health and safety leadership, staff wellness, and collaborative problem solving in complex school and community contexts.
A strong advocate for equity-informed decision-making, Karen has led and supported initiatives related to Indigenous pedagogy, culturally responsive and relevant teaching, anti-racist leadership, student voice, and youth leadership. Her work with local Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups reflects a commitment to listening, collaboration, and meaningful action. She has also helped advance board priorities such as student census and consultation work, Indigenous Voices curriculum development, and positive school climate initiatives.
Karen holds a Master of Arts in Public Texts from Trent University, a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in English Literature and History, and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Her additional professional qualifications include Principal’s Qualifications, Special Education for Administrators, Advanced Placement certifications, and ongoing Supervisory Officer Qualification Program studies.
Through her professional practice and community partnerships, Karen has developed a deep understanding of the systems that support children, youth, families, and communities. She is interested in contributing to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society Board of Directors by bringing her experience in education, governance, equity, public-sector leadership, and compassionate, practical problem solving to support the Society’s mission and the communities it serves.
Margie Rea – Member
Margie’s experience as a results-driven property management professional, brings extensive knowledge in governance, financial oversight, operational leadership, risk management, and other attributes to the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.
With a strong background in condominium and residential property management, Margie has built a reputation for ethical decision-making, transparent leadership, and responsible stewardship of financial and community assets.
In her professional role, Margie advises and supports multiple condominium boards on governance, regulatory compliance, and long-term strategic planning. Margie oversees significant operational portfolios, providing fiduciary oversight, preparing, and managing operating and reserve fund budgets, coordinating financial reporting and audits, leading capital planning, and asset management initiatives, and ensuring effective risk mitigation through careful management of contracts, insurance, and regulatory requirements.
Margie also brings strong leadership and team development experience, supervising and mentoring staff while fostering accountability and operational integrity.
Margie’s expertise in financial stewardship, risk management, policy development, and strategic planning supports responsible oversight and sustainable decision-making. Through her experience working with diverse communities and navigating complex stakeholder matters with professionalism and discretion, Margie brings valuable governance insight to the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society Board of Directors.
Margie is committed to contributing her expertise to the Board of Directors, supporting the Society’s mission to protect children and strengthen families through informed, compassionate, and accountable leadership.
Sandhya Patel – Member
With over 35 years of experience in the healthcare sector, Sandhya brings extensive knowledge in clinical care, education, leadership, and community engagement to the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society Board of Directors. Sandhya’s career has included roles as a Staff Nurse, Instructor at the University of Ottawa, and faculty member at colleges in Hull, Quebec and Ottawa. Sandhya has also shared her expertise as a presenter at national and international conferences.
Sandhya has held leadership roles serving as a Director at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and as a healthcare field consultant. Sandhya possesses a strong insight into healthcare systems, mental health, and the importance of collaborative and holistic approaches.
In addition to her professional career, Sandhya has been actively involved in governance and community service, serving on a variety of different Boards and committees in the healthcare, education, and property management sectors. Sandhya has further demonstrated a commitment to community service through her volunteer work with Women’s College Hospital clinics, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and various fundraising initiatives.
Through this breadth of experience, Sandhya brings a valuable perspective to the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society. Her background in healthcare and mental health supports a strong understanding of the complex needs of children, youth, and families. Her experience in education, diversity, and community engagement strengthens the Board of Director’s ability to consider inclusive, compassionate, and community-informed approaches to child welfare governance.
Sandhya is committed to contributing her expertise to the Board of Directors, supporting the Society’s mission to protect children and strengthen families through informed, compassionate, and accountable leadership.
Becoming a Board Member of KHCAS
The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) is inviting applications with diverse backgrounds and skills to join our Board of Directors. Applicants will bring their skills, experiences and interests in ensuring the welfare of children, youth and families in the communities of Peterborough City and County, City of Kawartha Lakes, Curve Lake and Haliburton County.
With commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation throughout the organization, the primary purpose of the Board is:
- Providing strategic planning and direction.
- Guiding policy and program development.
- Governance including legislative compliance.
- Ensuring accountability in financial, human resource and service areas.
- Hiring, evaluation and supervision of the Executive Director.
KHCAS is governed by a Board of Directors who are representatives of the communities we serve. Board Directors have diverse backgrounds, share a common vision for the well-being of children and maintain the best interests of the organization. The Board of Directors is the governing body. The Board has a responsibility for guiding the organization through policy development, monitoring quality, effectiveness in service and financial performance and strategic directions. The Board of Directors for the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society provides leadership and governance and is critical to the achievement of the Society’s mission, vision and values.
Mission:
Engaging families and the community to protect and support children, youth and young adults.
Vision:
Families and communities that thrive.
Values:
Children and Youth Centred ~ Family Focused ~ Equity and Inclusion ~ Together with Partners ~ Integrity and Accountability ~ Strength Based and Informed Practice
Board Structure
The Board of Directors is comprised of up to twelve (12) Directors that serve as volunteers and are able to dedicate approximately six (6) hours each month on Board-related activities. Board Directors are expected to attend one monthly Board meeting and at least one monthly standing Committee meeting. Participation can be through in-person or by virtual means.
The Board of Directors meet on the second Wednesday of every month from September to June.
Board Terms
Board Members usually serve a three (3) year term.
Prior to appointment, Board Directors are required to provide a Broader Police Record Check and consent to screening through a Child Welfare Record Check.
Board Member Application
If participation as a KHCAS Board of Director feels like a fit for you, please complete the application and send by email to Elke Rutherford, Executive Assistant at elke.rutherford@khcas.on.ca.
Download Board Candidate Application
Download Board Director Information Sheet
Board of Directors – Recruitment
