Board of Directors – Robbie Dean Centre

Board Chair Donna Stokell

Donna joined the Board of Directors in 2018 and then accepted the role of Chair in 2019. She brings to the role creativity, resourcefulness and her passion for collective action through strategic governance.

As a community builder Donna continues to focus her efforts building strong networks to encourage community-based mental health services and programming that reflect the vision, mission and values of the Robbie Dean Centre.

Prior to joining the Board Donna spent her career working in HealthCare Administration for over 25 years. During this time Donna managed million dollar budgets, negotiated collective agreements, worked as a Project Manager for the redevelopment of the Civic Hospital providing her with a vast experience in business management.

Throughout her career, Donna has excelled at motivating and organizing people through passion and purpose. Spending a meaningful part of her career working with a myriad of stakeholders to resolve issues through respectful dialogue and consensus, while strengthening relationships between members of the organizations.

Secretary Cynthia Lloyd

Cynthia has always been passionate about mental health and wishes that everyone could unlock their potential for maximum growth. She eagerly joined the Board of Directors team in early 2019. As a mother of 2 young adults, she has a deep rooted desire to see the well-being of the next generation flourish in Renfrew County and beyond. She believes it is fundamental for everyone, regardless of age, to guard and nurture their mental health so that their personal and professional life can thrive.

For 20+ years, Cynthia has been one of Renfrew County’s most trusted Real Estate agents. Her unmatched dedication to clients has given her a strong reputation for being professional, motivated and trustworthy. Cynthia believes in supporting her community and gives a portion of every closing commission to local charities on behalf of her clients. She is dedicated to working, living, and supporting her community every step along the way!

Director Maureen Thompson

In 2017 Maureen retired after a career of 42 years in Banking, where she held various management positions.

Maureen has dedicated many years helping others through her involvement in various Service Clubs and Charities.

During Maureen’s involvement in charities, she has held the position of Chair for the Canadian Cancer Society; Jail & Bail, was on the Board for The Canadian National Institute for the Blind, “World’s Worst Art Auction” and currently serves on the Festival of Trees (Child Poverty Action Network) Committee.

Maureen joined the Board of Directors of the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre in 2021.

Maureen’s experience in managing and organizing has positioned her to accept the role as Bingo Champion of the MY FM Radio Bingo, a fund-raising activity of the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre.

Director Bob French

Bob joined the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre Board in 2014 and has served as Board Chair and Vice-Chair. He is currently an active Board member. He brings a wealth of experience from a lengthy career as an educator, administrator and consultant in both Public and Private Education (Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and Switzerland).

Following his retirement in 1998 he has served in many volunteer leadership positions in Renfrew County, Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, Northern New York State and Internationally (Ghana West Africa, El Salvador, Vladivostok).

Leadership positions:

Board Chair, Deep River and District Community Foundation
Board Chair, Renfrew County Unit Canadian Cancer Society
Board Chair, Renfrew County United Way
Board Chair, West Champlain Healthy Community Organization
Rotary District 7040 Governor 2003-2004
Charter President Rotary Club of North Renfrew, Deep River (2006-2007)
Board Chair, West Champlain Family Health Team.

Awards:

Service Above Self, Rotary International (2006-2007)
The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year (2012)
Senior of the Year Municipality of Laurentian Hills (2013)

Director Melissa Siegel

A Red Seal Chef and former local restaurant owner- Melissa’s path led her to join the local radio station where she works with a fantastic team to help make this community stronger.

Melissa has always had a passion for being involved in her community, organizing many fundraisers and events over the years.

Her love of organizing events and raising money has helped her thrive with her position on the board of directors for the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre where she strives to create relationships and fundraise much needed dollars to help sustain the day-to-day operations and launch new programs needed in our community.

Vice-Chair Ian Kuehl

Born and raised in the Ottawa Valley, Ian is a graduate of Queen’s University (B.A. Hons.) and the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor (J.D.). Immediately after graduation, Ian returned home Pembroke, Ontario to article with a well respected law firm in Pembroke and was thereafter called to the bar in 2011. Ian’s law practice, with offices in Pembroke and Cobden, focuses primarily on residential and commercial real estate, drafting wills & powers of attorney, administering estates, municipal law and corporate & commercial law. Ian is a member of the Renfrew County Law Association (RCLA), the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) and the Canadian Bar Association (CBA). Ian has also served as a member and Vice-Chair of the Pembroke Police Services Board and on the executive boards of the RCLA and the Pembroke & Laurentian Valley Handi-Bus.

Treasurer Sean Crozier

Sean joined the board in 2021 as Treasurer and brings with him experience in senior management and finance as he is employed at the Township of Whitewater Region as Treasurer/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.

Sean moved to Pembroke in September 2020 and once settled in, wanted to get involved in his community. When the possibility arose to be involved with the Robbie Dean Centre, Sean jumped at the opportunity.

Sean graduated from Neumann University in Aston, PA in 2013 with bachelor of science degrees in Business Administration and Accounting and is currently enrolled at Carleton University’s Masters of Accounting program. Sean enjoys playing tennis and going on long walk with his dog Lucy.

Director Louise Hermitte

Louise met Monique in 2017 and knew at that moment that she wanted to be part of the Robbie Dean Centre and quickly became a board member. Louise brings a great amount of enthusiasm to the board and especially when it comes to fundraising and organizing evens. She has also become very involved in the weekly bingo fundraising.

Before joining the board, Louise and her husband owned their own small business for 20 years while keeping quite connected in the community. Louise was a Chamber of Commerce Board member, a member of the women in business group, and a communities in bloom member.

Louise has always had a passion for helping people who are less fortunate and was a big sister for many years. Her experience in working in a psychiatric walk-in clinic while living in Edmonton led her to see the many just very ordinary faces of mental health and those who were in immediate crisis. Her experience working in a funeral home also has helped to see a side of true grief and compassion.

Director Jodie Brumm

Jodie joined the Robbie Dean Centre board in 2019 as a Community Ambassador. Jodie believes in the Center’s mission and philosophy and takes pride in giving back to her hometown Community. In her current capacity, Jodie assists in developing community fundraising strategies. Her strengths in relationship building, adaptability, innovation and problem solving serves her well in this role. Jodie states ” this has been an amazing experience meeting so many wonderful people in the Community while making a difference in people’s lives”

Director Marianne Minns

Marianne’s passion is to fundraise for her Community. For over two decades she has been extensively involved in fundraising and takes great pride in helping organizations work towards and achieve their ongoing goals.

Marianne joined the board in 2017 after hearing Monique’s story and why the counselling Centre was formed. Marianne has a special interest in mental wellness and is a strong advocate in the Community.

Marianne was employed at a local bank and then went on to work with her husband in his insurance business. Careers never changed her passion for fundraising. In addition to being a board member of the Robbie Dean Centre, Marianne has ongoing involvement with the Miramichi Lodge Board, Hospital Gala Committee, Columbus House and the Pembroke Petawawa Community Foundation.

Her passion as a mental health advocate and powerful fundraising skills have continuously assisted in the sustainability of the organization.