Margaret Barrie

President

Margaret has both a clinical and business background in Cardiology as an Echocardiographer. She worked clinically at the Ottawa Hear Institute for many years and then went into the medical device industry working for industry leaders Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard and retired from GE Healthcare as the National Product Sales Manager. Her career gave her the opportunity to present and share her expertise globally.

Throughout her career, education was always a strong focus for Margaret. She went back to school to get a BSc and became a Professor at McMaster University. She went on to develop and coordinate the first and only full time accredited educational program for Echocardiography in Canada.

Scott Barnes

Director

Scott Barnes is a 27 year policing veteran having worked in front line patrol , criminal investigations, supervisory roles and now is a member of the Police Services Senior Leadership Team. Scott originally graduated from the Law and Security Program at Mohawk College and remains a life long learner having recently attained certificates from the FBI-LEEDA Executive Leadership Program and the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Business Police Leadership Program. Scott remains committed to working collaboratively with other community partners to find alternative resources and methods to help our most vulnerable populations with the goal of diverting them away from the Criminal Justice System when avoidable.

Janice Fisher

Director

Janice Fisher attended HBA Ivey Business School, Western University and was born and raised in Elgin County and with her husband have raised their family here. Throughout the years she has lent her expertise to a number of community, church, and sports organizations, as well as working in the seniors and the social service sectors. In 2019 Janice crossed paths with others involved with the Inn and knew when an opportunity to be on the Board came up in 2020 that this was a way she could serve.

Melanie Rowley

Director

Melanie Rowley was a Housing-Based Case Manager through the Youth Homelessness Protocol at the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin before returning to school to complete a Master of Social Work degree from Kings University College at Western University. Melanie is a registered social worker and brings passion for and knowledge of our community through a social work framework, to support the important work of the Inn.

Susan McConnery

Director

Susan McConnery has worked in the accounting field for over 35 years with over 10 years as a CPA. She has worked in various industries including manufacturing, government and health care. Susan has been involved in other community initiatives involving poverty prevention and animal rehabilitation.

Joyce Dittrich

Director

Joyce Dittrich has been legal counsel for the Family and Children's Services since 2004. Through her work with society to support youth, children and families she has learned the impact that coming together as a community can have on improving the lives of others.

Denise House

Director

As retired Director Human Resources (CHRL), Community Living Elgin, Denise has overall close to 30 years in the not for profit sector. Her experience has shown how community partnerships and the dedication of all stakeholders can make a positive difference.

C.J. Allen

Director

C.J. Allen is a graduate of Trent University with international advocacy and community building experience. Having spent nearly a decade living and working overseas in Asia, C.J. has had first-hand exposure to being part of a minority groups and the prejudices associated with being part of the portion of the population that "lives on the fringes". A veteran of the music and entertainment industry turned philanthropist, C.J. is the Chairperson of Good Vibes Community Association Board of Governors (a St. Thomas-based non-profit) and the Managing-Director of Central Station in downtown St. Thomas.