Board of Directors
Executive
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Katie Ablett
Board Chair View Bio
Katie joined the Toronto MFRC as a Board member in 2019 in hopes of supporting fellow military families, notably in French, while they are in Toronto. She is a military spouse of an officer who has served in the CAF since 2011, and a mom of a child presently in the Centre daycare. Given her MBA in non-profit management and leadership, and her extensive program management experience, working bilingually (English/French) in non-profit administration at a post-secondary institution since 2001, she is passionate about language training and service delivery in both official languages. She is honoured to serve on the Board. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and volunteering to coach softball.Katie Ablett
Board Chair -
Michael Nemeth
Vice-Chair View Bio
Michael Nemeth
Vice-ChairMichael joined the Toronto MFRC in 2023 as a Board Member in hopes of supporting fellow military families. Michael’s connection to our military community includes his oldest son supporting the cadet program in CIC, his youngest son being a regular forces member in the RCN currently posted to the Pacific fleet and his support as a civilian volunteer within the cadet program for over 18 years.
Michael has recently retired after 40 years of service as a professional firefighter, paramedic, educator, leader and strong believer in lifelong learning. His many years of experience have given him an enthusiastic appreciation for program innovation, development and implementation. Michael’s exceptional interpersonal skills have contributed to his positive approach to progressive concepts and collaboration.
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Peter MacLaurin
Secretary Treasurer View Bio
Peter retired from the Canadian Army after 34 years of part- and full-time service. Highlights of his career include working with dedicated and effective teams and setting the conditions for people to develop and progress as leaders.Peter MacLaurin
Secretary Treasurer
Peter's connection to our military community includes being a parent of a Junior Officer in the RCAF. Son John is currently posted to 4 Wing, Cold Lake where he is an active leader in 409 Squadron. When looking back, Peter will reflect fondly on the support provided by the Toronto MFRC when John benefited from their child care services. As a member of the Board, Peter strives to sustain and strengthen all the services provided by the Centre.
Peter's educational background includes business degrees from McGill and UofT. An avid hockey player, Peter still hangs on to the unrealistic goal of someday playing in the NHL
Directors
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Marilyn Lawson-Dickinson
View Bio
Marilyn is the spouse of a Veteran and a mother of four children. A College Graduate in Developmental Services, she has focused on working with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Throughout the years, she has been on the Board of Directors of Child Mental Health Program, TCHC Tenant Representative for a large community, and is an ongoing Community Police Liasion Committee(CPLC) 55 Division member. She is also a Director in the Toronto Black Watch Association & Toronto Scottish Regimental Association. Her first contact with any aspect of the military was as an Air Cadet in the 70’s until she aged out. Through organizing Town Hall Meeting, Marilyn joined the Legion and became a Colour Guard member & Service Officer. She continues to volunteer in the Royal Canadian Legion at different levels. She has met hundreds of military members, spouses and Veterans since joining the Legion. She is truly proud of the people she has met and assisted with any help required. One of her highlights is as a Legion Member volunteering at the Invictus Games at most of the locations across the city.Marilyn Lawson-Dickinson
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Tahnee Jamieson-Killingbeck
View Bio
Tahnee joined the board in 2019 to support her military spouse and community. With a background in logistics, administration and operations management, Tahnee also brings with her experience in health and safety and union operations. In her free time, she enjoys Zumba, cooking and baking.Tahnee Jamieson-Killingbeck
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Shannon Keown
Director View Bio
Shannon joined the MFRC in November of 2022. She is a Registered Nurse and a proud spouse of a Regular Force member of the Canadian Armed Forces. Her professional expertise in health care, combined with her lived experience as a military spouse, gives her a unique and compassionate perspective on the challenges faced by CAF families.Shannon Keown
Director
With a strong foundation in clinical care and community health, Shannon brings a service-oriented approach to her role on the MFRC Board of Directors. She is passionate about promoting mental wellness, family resilience, and accessible support systems for those navigating the demands of military life.
Shannon is honoured to serve on the board, where she contributes her voice, insight, and advocacy to help ensure that MFRC programs continue to meet the evolving needs of the military community. -
Ann Ward
View Bio
Ann joined the Toronto MFRC in June 2014 as Board Treasurer. She is a military family member, with her dad and 2 of her brothers having served. With a strong financial knowledge from her position with the City of Toronto, and Board experience from serving on the Boards of her sons' daycares, Ann's expertise is an asset to the Centre. She has also served as Treasurer for her son's PTA and Hockey & Ball Associations. In her spare time, Ann loves spending time with family and friends, volunteering at North York Hospital, attending military events, and travelling.Ann Ward
