Leah is a lawyer and works in private equity. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and experiencing new places and foods.
In late fall of 2020, Karen joined the Board of Directors with a goal of supporting the various committees the Board encompasses. She has become interested in moving forward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices within BFO-Toronto and well as contributing to the Professional Advisory Committee which helps ensure that BFO-Toronto operates within its mission, mandate, strategic direction, goals and beliefs.
Professionally, Karen has utilized a nursing background to oversee a clinical research program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre focusing predominately on prostate cancer. She also plays the piano, is an avid reader and consumer of theatre, and bakes for her colleagues as a stress reliever.
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.
Catherine joined the board in 2014 and is passionate about fundraising to ensure that BFO can continue to provide its much-needed support. She leads the Golf Tournament Committee and Co-Chairs the Fundraising Committee.
Outside of BFO, Catherine works in data analytics.
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.
Anjali is an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist working at both Michael Garron Hospital and SickKids. She is a mother of two and enjoys yoga and reading.
She and her family have used many bereavement supports in the community through the years to move forward with the knowing that a proactive approach to healing is what will create a healthy and fulfilling future. She believes that the supports they received changed the way they processed their grief and has given her and her children skills that help to understand their grief, process it, and connect with others who get it, which made them feel less alone.
She and her children run an annual charity golf tournament in her husbands name that has raised over $20,000 for bereavement support. She also has been invited to speak at multiple events to share her story as inspiration for others and fundraising opportunities to support the grieving community.
In her professional life, Carlayne is a Personal Performance Coach and founder of The Worthy Way, where she posts regular content on social media platforms to inspire and support those in grief. In her coaching practice one of her specialities is helping widows and widowers thrive after loss.
With Stella in her heart, Aimee is happiest when she’s spending time with her kids – Sam, Hugo and Adele.
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.
When Isabel is not at work she enjoys volunteering, spending time with her family and outdoor activities.
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.