Board of Directors

Kathryn Pilkington, a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, Brock University and Niagara College, is a lawyer with significant expertise in policy development, government relations and long-term care.

Most recently, as the Director of the Special Projects Branch in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Kathryn and her team led the ministry’s response to the Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of Residents in the Long-Term Care Homes system, which considered the effect of policies, procedures, practices, and accountability and oversight mechanisms.

Prior to this, Kathryn worked closely with long-term care providers as the Director of Professional Services and Health Policy at AdvantAge Ontario, an association representing not for profit providers of long-term care, housing and senior services. Kathryn led the analysis and development of public health policy with a dedicated focus on resident care issues, legislative and regulatory matters, quality and performance, compliance, and risk management.

Kathryn began her career in social services and community based mental health and credits that work for inspiring her desire to be an advocate for seniors’ issues. She has been involved in numerous provincial law reform, policy and seniors’ initiatives and has sat as an expert on several provincial tables, steering committees and advisories to advance the interests of older adults, generally, and long-term care home residents, specifically.

Danette Romard has over 25 years of experience within the healthcare sector, working for both indusrty leaders and major healthcare institutions. She focuses on building collaboration across diverse teams to deliver business solutions. Danette holds a Bachelor of Health Administration from Ryerson University and a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s-Cornell. Her passion is facilitation. Since 2003, she has provided pro bono consultations and led strategic planning workshops in the not-for-profit sector as a volunteer consultant with Management Advisory Services. Through her professional and volunteer activities, she is committed to building sustainability within our healthcare system.

Alison Wesley-James brings both a professional and personal interest to her role as Board Member with Family Councils of Ontario. She has experience as an advocate and caregiver to her two elderly parents as well as over 30 years experience in hospital management and planning new healthcare facilities. Alison has a Masters of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa, is a Project Management Professional and has certifications in Lean and Change Management.

Alison has served on several boards, fulfilling the role of President of MADD Ottawa and President of Sole Responsibility. She is pleased to be part of FCO, helping to support families and residents during this important time for long-term care.

Howard is a Design, Construction and Project Management professional, with over 35 years of diverse and progressive experience and expertise. He has worked for design firms, retailers and consulting firms in a variety of design, construction and project management roles within various market sectors including healthcare over his long-standing career. He works exceptionally well with all levels of management and possesses strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with strengths in coaching and team building. Howard currently leads major construction projects in the GTA.

Howard also serves on the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Montessori School in Toronto and has held this position since the inception of the school back in 1985. He is looking forward to finding ways to serve FCO and by bringing cultural awareness of the needs, concerns and engagement of the Asian communities. When he is not playing with his 3 grandchildren and grand-dog, he can be found biking or out running.

Vicky has a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Public Health from Toronto Metropolitan University. She has worked in various government organizations including the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), and Toronto Public Health. Through her various roles, she has supported Long-Term Care Home staff, residents, and families to implement effective public health strategies to manage outbreaks and decrease disease transmission and to advance the quality of life for those residing in long-term care homes.

Having parents and a mother-in-law who are seniors, Vicky is very excited to join FCO to continue to advance senior’s quality of life in long-term care and in community settings. Vicky currently works at Toronto Public Health to support planning and performance management in the organization with a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making and improving quality and service delivery.

Lynette Mader brings decades of management experience in the non-profit sector to her role as a board member with Family Councils of Ontario. During her career, she was honoured to be appointed to numerous provincial councils and also found time to volunteer on municipal committees, was past president of the London Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Chapter, helped charter a Kinette chapter in Barrie, and was a founding member of the first-ever Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History in Barrie. When her father passed away in long-term care during the pandemic, she directed her energy to finding ways to improve the quality of life for people living in long-term care. She has volunteered in several different long-term care homes and is currently a volunteer at Craigweil Gardens in Ailsa Craig. She also participates in the Policy Advisory Committee of Concerned Friends – a voice for quality in long-term care, bringing her government relations and policy skills to that group.

Marina Vanayan worked in the education sector for three decades, after completing her doctorate in cognitive psychology at the University of Toronto. As head of Educational Research at the Toronto Catholic District School Board, and instructor in various post-secondary institutions, she fostered a research-informed approach to decision-making and applying psychological principles to teaching, learning, and well-being. She is actively engaged in work on a Family Council, and is an adult literacy tutor with the Toronto Public Library. Marina is pleased to join Family Councils Ontario where she hopes to leverage her knowledge and skills to support continuous improvement in the quality of life in long-term care.