Ben Thorek joined BFO-Toronto in 2022. His mother received grief counselling after the death of his twin brother and went on to become a board member herself. Ben was inspired to join after seeing the positive impact the organization had on his mother’s life and others in our community.

Ben is currently Senior Vice-President and a Portfolio Manager at Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd.

Alyson joined the BFO-Toronto Board in Fall of 2020, following the sudden loss of her younger brother Jeff. Alyson has participated in peer to peer grief support groups through other local organizations and has experienced first hand how instrumental these groups are at helping people cope with their grief.

Alyson runs her own international marketing business, with expertise focused on marketing, communications and event planning. She looks forward to becoming more involved with BFO and its outstanding events and initiatives.

John joined the board in 2018, in memory of his wife, Mercedita, who he lost in 2016. After a quick few months, John assumed the role of Treasurer, a role in which he can use his professional accountancy skills to ensure the financial health of BFO-Toronto. When not working as an accountant, you can often find John spending time outdoors and fishing.

Allan was originally on the Board of BFO-Toronto in the 90’s when Marg McGovern was the Executive Director. Allan rejoined the Board in 2015 and has served as a Board Chair. He is the recipient of the BFO-Toronto Founders Award.

Allan has been a Funeral Director for over 40 years and operates MacKinnon & Bowes in Toronto. He and his company have been supportive of BFO and the assistance it provides families in need for over 30 years.

Rena joined the BFO Board and Professional Advisory Committee in September of 2021. Rena became connected to BFO in 1988 following a pregnancy loss and facilitated some groups after completing her own. After a long hiatus, she developed an interest in bereaved children and joined BFO once again in 2009 with the Children’s Program and Infant Loss Program. She has been a group facilitator, professional advisor and an instructor in BFO facilitator training.

As a nurse, rabbi and hospital chaplain trained in grief therapy and with a PhD in Palliative Care, Rena brings extensive experience in counselling, grief theory and knowledge of both childhood and adult grief. She has experienced the loss of numerous family members including her sister and brings the understanding of sibling loss as well.

Rena loves spending time with her husband, children and two grandchildren. She loves golden retrievers, elephants and the Toronto Raptors.

Aimee joined the BFO-Toronto Board in the fall of 2021, in honour of her firstborn daughter, Stella. Aimee’s life changed forever in 2012 when she lost her daughter to a fatal brain tumour. She understands the weight of unimaginable grief and jumped at the opportunity to join forces with BFO–Toronto to help support families like hers, who are trying to find a way forward in the face of the death of a loved one.

Aimee is proud to play a role on this team and is committed to helping the organization continue to provide crucial peer to peer support and services to families. Aimee is currently the Director of Special Projects at Campfire Circle, and brings with her experience in project management, operations and strategic planning. She currently sits on the Fundraising Committee and looks forward to supporting BFO–Toronto wherever there’s a need.

With Stella in her heart, Aimee is happiest when she’s spending time with her kids – Sam, Hugo and Adele.

Peggy-Gail is a Psychotherapist and Adult Educator. She is the Clinic Director at Selah Psychotherapy and Education Centre which provides affordable counselling and education for those experiencing grief, loss or major life transitions. She brings an extensive history working in non-profit organizations as an advocate and educator with a focus on issues of disability, gender based violence, mental health awareness as well as grief and trauma education. She is currently working with individuals and their families of origin and/or families of choice who have been affected by a traumatic event or death.

Peggy-Gail values the long-term and life-changing importance of journeying with children and youth who have experienced a loss. She brings an anti-oppression and equity-seeking lens to her work in grief and bereavement. This includes addressing the impact of transgenerational grief and advocating for policies and legislation that promote and protect the rights of individuals affected by a traumatic event or loss. Peggy-Gail joined the Board to work alongside others who share the same commitment to working with bereaved families and communities.