CLD is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with varied backgrounds.
CLD Chair and Ithron Vice Chair
I was born in Hamilton Ontario and attended Brock University where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science. In 1997 I started my journey at RTF Global Inc. and over that period of time led a group of employees in the design, manufacturing and distribution of retail display security systems. In 2003 I purchased the company and led it into the UK market where it saw global growth. We now operate offices out of Orangeville and Daventry. In 2016 I became President of SensorMedia Inc. which provides software to wireless retailers.
I also have a passion to create experiences for travellers and operate three unique destinations. One in Mono, another in Adjala-Tosorontio and the last in Nippising. Onthe9 Mono is a 15 acres property just outside of Orangeville which has one of the top Airbnb’s in Canada. The Ketchum House is first an education center for responsible living and conducts Earth Day Tours, every day! It also serves as an ecotourism destination where people can stay as well as learn about sustainable habits and construction. In April 2020 I took possession of a remarkable property three hours north and Onthe9 Wolfe Bay is a natural wonderland of forests, rivers, waterfalls, and sand beaches.
In June 2020 I retired from an active role at RTF and serve as the Chairman of the Board. My main focus now is the Onthe9 experience and the eco journey at Ketchum House. I am excited to be a member of the Community Living Dufferin board and look forward to assisting with the path that the agency currently is on.
CLD Co Chair and Events Chair
I was born and raised in Jessheim, Norway, my parents and two sisters still live there. I studied Physical education at Oppdal College, but became a flight attendant with Sterling Airways logging thousands of hours in the air. It was an exciting career that afforded me the opportunity to travel extensively. Physical education is still a very big part of my life and I remain active on a daily basis.
I moved to Canada in 1994 and proudly became a permanent resident 11 years ago. I met my soulmate Jeff (pilot for Air Canada) 33 years ago and we have been married for 23 years. We live in Thornbury with our two dogs Sally and Betty. I own and show horses with my best friend Shannon and can often be found at her barn when not working p/t at RustiK Local Bistro as a hostess or as a Guest Service Ambassador at Blue Mountain.
I have always been involved in the community and believe in giving back through my volunteering with Big Brothers and Sisters, Orangeville Girls Hockey, Canadian Sport Horse Association, and now the Orangeville Food Bank and Community Living Dufferin.
Ithron Chair and Finance Committee
Mike has had extensive knowledge in the sales and service industry for over 30 years. Mike and his wife Sheila operate The Mullin Group, a very successful real estate company here in Dufferin county. He realizes how precious each and every client is and thus believes in treating them with the utmost care.
Mike is a logical thinker and helps guide you through the process of buying and selling which can be a very emotional experience. Mike deals in residential and commercial markets. With his years of experience and his tough negotiating skills, Mike has consistently earned top 1% in his trading area.
Mike became a member of the board of Community Living Dufferin in 2019 and is the chair of the Ithron board.
Mike and his family are committed supporters of the community through multiple initiatives.
Governance and Events Committees
As a seasoned recreation professional, Sharon brings over 25 years’ experience in recreation and event management to the Board.
The youngest of seven children, Sharon was born and raised in Scarborough, ON and holds a degree in Recreation Geography from Trent University and a Recreation Diploma from Humber College. Sharon is currently the Manager of Recreation & Events for the Town of Orangeville.
Making connections and giving back to the community is important to Sharon. She was looking for just the right volunteer opportunity when she discovered Community Living Dufferin and found herself eagerly wanting to get involved. Sharon joined the Board in October 2019 and has already been assisting with events like the annual Curling FUNSpiel held at the local Orangeville Curling Club.
Sharon moved to Orangeville in 2015 and lives here with her partner Chuck and their 3 children. In her spare time Sharon enjoys camping with her family and gardening.
Finance Chair
Chris is currently retired and lives in Fergus with her husband Ray. Her daughter Barbara lives at Community Living Dufferin’s Hillview home.
Chris’s background was in finance, audit and management. The last 21 years of her career, she was the financial controller and then the general manager of the Canadian division of the Draka group of companies. Chris has a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.
Over the years Chris has served as a Committee Member, Director or Treasurer of several nonprofit and charitable organizations. She was a member of Community Living Dufferin’s board from 2009 to 2018 and also volunteers in her home community with “Curl for a Cause” which raises funds for local charities. Chris is pleased to serve as a Director of Community Living Dufferin, drawing on both her parental and professional experience.
Board Member
Aisha currently works as a Workforce Analyst with the Treasury Board Secretariat and is pursuing the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.
From a young age, Aisha’s persistent community involvement has allowed her to reach leadership roles within various non-profit organizations. These previous roles include: Human Resources Coordinator with Peel Crime Stoppers, and the External Communications Outreach Director on the Social Justice Committee at the University of Toronto. She holds a record of impactful leadership roles and has made a positive impact on her community; through a strong commitment to developing inclusivity and equity within marginalized members of society.
Aisha is serving as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Army Cadet League of Canada where she engages in recruitment and training of volunteers. Aisha continuously strives to create a meaningful relationship with her community through the use of her knowledge and experiences.
She uses leadership qualities to inspire others to create a safe space hence is looking forward to supporting those with intellectual disabilities at Community Living Dufferin.
When not in the office, Aisha loves spending quality time with family and friends along with nature photography.
Board Member
Will is an Articling Student at McCarthy Tétrault in Toronto. He completed his Juris Doctor degree at Osgoode Hall Law School in 2022. Will also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from McGill University.
While at Osgoode, Will worked as a research assistant for the Indigenous Environmental Justice Project, sat on Osgoode’s Admissions Committee, and participated in two national moot competitions. He interned at a law and tech NGO located in Myanmar. Prior to law school, Will worked as a Legislative Assistant for a Member of Provincial Parliament at Queen’s Park. Will is committed to investing in the growth of communities. In particular, Will has used his training and knowledge to collaborate and assist vulnerable communities. During his academic and professional work, he provided support to trans individuals in attaining governmental identification services and contributed to the work of various Indigenous organizations and causes.
Will joined the Board in 2022. He will bring his passion for community activism and strong sense of service to the position. He is inspired by the existing work of Community Living Dufferin and will contribute to the further success of the organization. Outside of work, Will enjoys reading biographies and fantasy, cooking, and travelling.
Board Member
Julie Elsdon-Height was born and raised in Orangeville. In 2002, she and her husband Bradley returned to Orangeville to raise their two daughters, and Julie has been an active member of the community since.
As a current student at Laurentian University, studying Indigenous Social Work, Julie is committed to making a positive impact in her community. In addition to her studies, Julie is also employed as a Supervisor at Dufferin Child & Family Services, where she works at the Headwaters Family Visitation Center. Julie is also the co-owner of SJ Consulting, a marketing agency, and holds professional certifications as a life coach and recovery coach.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Jule volunteers in various capacities within the community, including being a member of the Youth Justice Committee, and the Overdose Awareness Committee and holding a seat on the Celebrate, Your Awesome board of directors. With a background in mechanical engineering, management system development, and health and safety management, Julie is skilled in problem-solving and systems design.
Julie is dedicated to promoting wellness and recovery in all areas of life. Having been in recovery from substance use disorder since 2010, Julie committed to using her experiences and skills to help others.
Ernie Lynch
Board Member
Ernie and his wife Angela have been happily married for 44 years. They have two adult sons Gavin and Andrew, and a growing team of grandchildren.
They divide their time between Etobicoke, and Mulmur Township where they own and operate The Forty Sustainable Farms. The farm is treated as a nature conservancy to protect wildlife and literally everything that grows. They have an interest in sustainable farming, soil regeneration, solar and geo-thermal energy and organic produce that can be grown year-round with a zero-carbon footprint.
Ernie and Angela left the corporate world to begin their own business; Lynch Fluid Controls it was operated from their home and incorporated in 1987. From there they have grown to become the Lynch Group of Companies consisting of Lynch Fluid Controls, Lynch Dynamics and Lynch Electronics. www.Lynch.ca
Their client base consists of notable names such as NASA, Cirque du Soleil, Disney, Universal Studios, Curtis Wright, Tigercat and many more. They ship to over 70 countries and maintain offices in Canada, USA and Germany.
His first love and profession was as a musician, but he knew that travelling and living on the road was not conducive to getting married and raising a family. Angela is an accomplished artist. They both look forward to one day making the farm their principal residence.
Ernie has immersed himself in community and board work and has been involved with a long list of companies and nonprofits over the years.
We look forward to Ernie’s contributions to Community Living Dufferin through his work with the Board of Directors.
Carrie-Anne De Caprio
Board Member
I live, work and play in Orangeville and my goal is to support Dufferin County’s future population growth and economic development while advocating for inclusion for all.
While raising 3 beautiful children with my husband Bob, I have been able to champion many local charities and fundraisers over several years, leading teams and raising awareness for the citizens in need in our community and supported local political candidates in their pursuit of creating an environment that is welcoming and safe for all.
I recently joined the Orangeville Food Bank as the Warehouse Coordinator.
I look forward to being a part of the Community Living Dufferin Board and working with my fellow members to implement the new Strategic Plan.
Gifts from donors like you provide opportunities for people we support to actively participate in their community.
We would like to respectfully acknowledge that Dufferin County resides within the traditional territory and ancestral lands of the Tionontati (Petun), Attawandaron (Neutral),
Haudenosaunee (Six Nations), and Anishinaabe peoples.