Dr. Bennett is a parent of an active young adult with a developmental disability. He is a Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Queen’s University. Brian has served on the Board since 1990 with appropriate breaks as stipulated in Association By-laws. Brian has been an officer on the Board including President of the Association.

Cari Weston is the proud mother of an adult son with autism. “This journey has taught me how to speak up for those who cannot. It has also taught me that perseverance and patience while advocating are a necessity in life. But most importantly it has taught me to slow down and celebrate the small wins as they add up to a lot and can provide the most gains. Thinking outside the box is how I approach most hurdles when a normal course of action isn’t the answer.

I have developed these traits through various educational and life choices. For starters I obtained a Law Clerk degree in 1994. Understanding the logistics of Corporate and Family law has been a useful tool both personally and professionally. I also learned not to undervalue the research to find a legal precedent.

I do also have an extensive background in business ownership. Being a franchisee owner with my husband here in Kingston for over 20 years has given me a valuable perspective on the success and pitfalls running a business. From ensuring the business is financially stable, to employing the right people, to hopefully leaving a positive impression on the community. The best thing about being in business is the ability to give back to the community. I have had the honour to provide fundraising opportunities in Kingston, and to contribute to many charitable organizations.”

Erina Park is a Registered Nurse (RN). She is also an Assistant Coordinator at the Canadian Red Cross and has a passion for human rights and equality. Erina is a strong advocate for humanitarian causes in the community, both locally and nationally. She was first appointed to the CLKD Board in 2018 and has since served in various roles.

Jeff Pogue is father to Joey, an individual who has been supported by CLKD for 25+ years. Jeff is actively involved on the Board of Directors, serving on the Finance Committee and as Treasurer for a number of years.

Jeff is married to Sue and has 3 other sons and 3 grandsons. Jeff has owned and operated numerous businesses over the past number of years as well and managed Industrial Operations.

Karen Cornish is the mother of a young adult woman who has Autism.  Approximately 14 years ago, as her daughter was preparing to leave high school, the family started working in partnership with the Gananoque and District Association for Community Living. Her daughter Jennifer’s goal was always to be as independent as possible and, in the spring of 2019, she was able to move into her own apartment. Jennifer has now celebrated her 5^th year of living independently.

The support and life skills that Jennifer learned from Community Living was an important piece of her reaching that goal. When the Gananoque and Kingston Associations amalgamated, the time seemed right to join the new board of directors.

Karen conveys a “parental / family” perspective to the board and looks forward to learning all that Community Living has to offer to individuals with disabilities and the families that love and care for them.

Krystal is the Director of Unity Child Care Centres, a multi-site childcare organization which strives to provide meaningful opportunities for children of all abilities to bring out the best in one another. Krystal sits on a number of community committees for the benefit of children and youth.  She is the mother of 4 children and has had both personal and professional involvement with Community Living Kingston and District for the past 20 years through her involvement with Preschool Resource Consultant Services.

Linda Lam is a retired chartered professional accountant (CPA, CMA) with over 38 years of experience in public practice, in the municipal sector, and in post-secondary education.

Linda was first appointed to the Board in 1990 and has served several multi-year stints as a valued, contributing board member.

During her tenure on the Board, she served most of that time as Treasurer.  Linda is a member of the Finance Committee of the Board.

More to come…

Robert Hickey is an associate professor of employment relations at Queen’s University. He teaches courses on labour relations, negotiations, and health and safety. Robert’s research examines the impact of technology and industrial changes on employment relations, the quality of work-life, and employment outcomes. One of his current research projects examine work and career experiences in Ontario’s developmental services sector. Robert joined the faculty at Queen’s University in 2006 after completing his Ph.D. at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.

Robert served on the board at Community Living Kingston and District for a number of years. He lives in Kingston, with his wife, Erin, and children Maggie and Evan. Robert currently serves as president of the microboard, “Maggie’s ambitious gaggle for inclusive community” better know as MAGIC. Maggie has led efforts to change policies that discriminated against people with disabilities. Working with Community Living, Maggie helped end barriers for people with disabilities to immigrate to Canada. More recently, Maggie’s featured article in the Toronto Star spurred the Ministry of Health to end the requirement that people with intellectual disabilities lose their independence in order to participate in Family Managed Homecare services.

Vic is the proud father of a neurodiverse young man – Alex.

He was the federal candidate for Kingston and the Islands during the last election. When he was asked why he wanted to run for political office and why the NDP, his answer was not your typical one:

“I want to run because I believe in creating a vision of Canada as a gentler and kinder country. I also believe that the inequity in health status among disabled communities, Indigenous Nations, minority populations, people living in poverty, etc., is shameful. The only way to eliminate these inequities is through fair and just social policies. And politics is a vehicle to do that.”

Throughout his career, he has focused on addressing the health needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations. He has worked closely with various Canadian communities, including Indigenous Nations, Northern and remote communities, and the LGBTQ+ community, to support gender-affirming healthcare and promote equitable health and healthcare access for all.

With experience as a public health epidemiologist, he has played a part in advancing research and evidence-based decision-making in the health sector and has contributed to the betterment of public health practices.

He hopes to do so again as a member of the CLKD board.