Board of Directors

Board of Directors

FTP is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of individuals who have a broad range of experience and a commitment to ending violence in our community. Their strategic leadership will help focus efforts that support the agency to meet the changing needs of our community, while simultaneously ensuring that FTP’s mission and values are front and centre.
 
Interested in joining our Board? Click HERE for more information.
Family Transition Place Board of Directors and new executive director, Lynette Pole-Langdon

2024-2025 Board of Directors
Back row L–R: Jennifer Innis, Rapinder Kaur, Sharyn Ayliffe, Sheralyn Roman, Denyse Horner, Christina Zurowski and Tony Maxwell
Front row L–R: Jocelyn Johnston, Lynette Pole-Langdon and Laura Bryan Kirk
(Not in photo: Laura Cameron)

Sharyn Ayliffe

Sharyn Ayliffe

Board Member

Sharyn is delighted to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for Family Transition Place. She has worked in the not-for-profit sector for a decade and is currently the Executive Director of Theatre Orangeville. Sharyn strongly believes in the transformative impact of the arts, particularly in youth, and loves building programming and community partnerships that can provide support, experience and expression opportunities for all. Having lifelong roots in the Orangeville area and an irrefutable passion for advocacy and the furthering of equity, diversity and inclusion, Sharyn feels an immense privilege to contribute to the work FTP so tirelessly undertakes in the effort to end gender-based violence, and create a more compassionate and equitable world. Sharyn is a lifestyle photographer and visual artist, and is very grateful to be living her very own happily ever after with her wife and kids here in Orangeville.

Laura Bryan Kirk

Laura Bryan Kirk

Interim Board Chair

Laura was born and raised in Orangeville, then attended Acadia University for her undergraduate degree before pursuing a post-graduate certificate from George Brown College. With a passion for events, she launched her career in the industry, gaining valuable experience over a decade working with The JUNO Awards. As life unfolded, Laura and her husband embraced the joys of familyhood, becoming proud parents to two wonderful children. Transitioning into a new chapter, she joined her father and brother in their family business, Bryan’s Fuel, a cornerstone of this community for 100 years. Together, they continue to uphold the legacy of service and commitment to Orangeville. Beyond work and volunteering, she cherishes moments with her loved ones, relishing good food, and exploring the outdoors. Laura is proud to serve on the Board of Directors for Family Transition Place.

Jennifer Innis

Jennifer Innis

Board Member/Chair of Governance Committee

After years of advocacy and support for Family Transition Place, Jennifer is delighted to continue her efforts in a different capacity, by joining its Board of Directors.

Jennifer has more than two decades of public service experience and has served at multiple levels of government.  She was honoured to represent the residents of Caledon with the Town and the Region of Peel as a municipal councillor for eight years, where she focused on women empowerment, community building, waste management, and our natural heritage. Jennifer currently serves as a Member of the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Her two daughters are the 6th generation to be raised on their family farm in Caledon.  Along with her partner, Jennifer enjoys squash, family time and hiking with their dog.

Jocelyn Johnston

Jocelyn Johnston

Board Member/Vice-Chair of Governance Committee

Jocelyn is an accomplished arts and culture professional with over 15 years of experience in managing performing arts venues and cultural programming. Currently serving as a Manager in Cultural Services for the City of Brampton, Jocelyn oversees the artistic vision, operational leadership, and community engagement efforts across multiple venues, including The Rose Brampton. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to creating inclusive, accessible cultural spaces that foster connection and celebrate diversity.

As a 10-year resident of Orangeville, Jocelyn is dedicated to giving back and making a meaningful impact within her community. She actively serves on Orangeville’s Economic Development & Culture Committee, supporting initiatives that strengthen local culture and economic growth. A mother to a spirited three-year-old, Jocelyn values nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose in her personal and professional life.

Her leadership is grounded in a genuine passion for uplifting communities through strategic partnerships, community-focused programming, and advocating for equity and inclusivity. Jocelyn looks forward to contributing her expertise to causes that resonate with her commitment to positive, transformative change.

Judy La Penna

Judy La Penna

Board Member

Bio to come.

Tony Maxwell

Tony Maxwell

Board Member

Tony Maxwell is a writer and communications professional who has been involved with FTP over the years in several capacities, focusing in particular on raising awareness among men and boys that violence against women and girls “is a men’s issue.” As part of MENtors, a group of local men supporting the work of FTP, he has organized fundraising events for FTP, including WALK IN HER SHOES (pink heels) walks, poster campaigns, and spoken to service clubs and churches. Tony has worked in communications in the House of Commons, at Queen’s Park and now in the municipal sector, at the Town of Caledon. He is owner of Headwaters Media, a local communications/marketing company. For many years he has been a minor hockey referee in Caledon and Orangeville.  He enjoys fitness, dog-walking, photography and reading.

Catherine McLean

Catherine McLean

Interim Vice-Chair

Catherine is a long-time resident of Caledon who has dedicated her career to public service and community building. She is proud to serve on the Board of Directors for Family Transition Place where she supports the organization’s mission to provide a safe and supportive environment for those affected by gender-based violence. Her commitment to advancing equity, safety, and dignity for women and families reflects her deep passion for community service and social impact.

Her interest in governance and board leadership was first cultivated during her years at McMaster University, where she was actively involved in student government and chaired several boards and committees. That passion continues today through her board work and her active involvement as a parent volunteer. Catherine raised three children in Caledon and supported their education, programs, and sports organizations, working closely with local groups to strengthen collaboration and community connections.

Priya Ralhan

Priya Ralhan

Board Member

Bio to come.

Tania Rooney

Tania Rooney

Board Member

Born and raised in Orangeville, I have been fortunate to call this community home my entire life. With over 25 years of experience in the Child and Youth Counselling (CYC) field, I have dedicated my career to supporting the well-being of children, youth, and families.

I currently work as a Child and Youth Counsellor in a local elementary school, where I help students develop social-emotional skills, navigate challenges, and build positive connections. Prior to this role, I spent 16 years working in the youth justice sector, supporting young people through periods of significant transition and growth.

I joined the Board of Directors at Family Transition Place because I deeply believe in the organization’s mission to create safety, healing, and empowerment for women and their families. My professional experience has shown me the importance of accessible, compassionate support services, and I am honoured to contribute my perspective to this vital work.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our preteen twin boys, exploring the outdoors and staying involved in our community. I am proud to support an organization that plays such a meaningful role in strengthening and uplifting the lives of others in Dufferin County.

Debbie VanWyck

Debbie VanWyck

Board Member

Debbie has been a licensed realtor for almost 30 years and raised her family in the Dufferin County area. A lifelong advocate for women and a strong voice in the fight against gender-based violence, she has dedicated her time and energy to many local organizations, including Bethell Hospice, the Orangeville Northmen community, Family Transition Place, the Orangeville and District Real Estate Board, Children’s Breakfast Club in Shelburne, and the Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee of Shelburne. This is her first time serving on a Board of Directors, and she is honoured to support Family Transition Place in any capacity she can. When not working or volunteering, Debbie enjoys travel, golf, painting, and spending time with her family.

Christina Zurowski

Christina Zurowski

Board Treasurer / Chair of Finance Committee

Bio to come.

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