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.

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.

Shelley Challenger is the Vice-President of Operations for the New Haven Funeral Centre Inc. with a 25+ year career as a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer. Shelley was born and raised in Toronto, Canada to a parental blend of Antiguan and Jamaican heritage. Her love for the culture has been instrumental in her morals and values instilled in her by her family. Prior to her current role, Shelley worked for one of the largest funeral organizations in Canada, Arbor Memorial Inc. for 16yrs. In 2005, Shelley became the 1st Black Canadian-Caribbean Woman to manage and operate a funeral establishment in Canada. Shelley has truly applied her innovative skills to pave the path for others in the industry. Shelley earned her designation as a C.F.S.P (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner) from the Academy of Professional Service Practice and since has been a trailblazer achieving countless accolades. Among the recognition received, Shelley has been the recipient of the 100 BWFS International Leadership Award (2013), 100 Black Women in Funeral Service (2011), recipient of the Jamaica 60 Toronto Game Changer award and is a current board member of the Ontario Association for Cemetery & Funeral Professionals (OACFP) board member (since 2020) . This year she has been nominated as a top 35 Outstanding Black Women in Canada. Shelley continues to mentor the black/minority funeral graduates, local elementary and high schools in the greater Toronto area. Shelley has been a voice in the black and Caribbean communities by her staple radio commercial ads that have drawn families to personally request her services.