About Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

Chief Executive Officer

Shelley joined PSSO in 2009 as Coordinator of Special Events, and has been in the role of CEO for the last 8 years.  She has 20+ years in the not-for-profit sector beginning working for Minor Hockey, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, and now Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Shelley has a passion for people, and enjoys the opportunity to build a supportive community for those living with PD throughout Southwestern Ontario.  

In her spare time, Shelley enjoys her family, 4 adult children and 7 wonderful grandchildren.  Shelley loves being outdoors, and enjoys the beach in the summer.  Recently, she has taken on some home renovations and enjoys doing these DIY projects.

Manager, Administration

Joanne first came to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario as a volunteer after her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She worked on the Cut-A-Thon and Tulip Benefit committees helping with marketing and media.  Joanne was then hired full-time as Coordinator of Special Events and Marketing in 1998.

Joanne has had various roles within the organization and currently enjoys her position as Manager of Administration.  

Joanne has continued to be active in the community with her daughters’ hockey (trainer, assistant coach), children’s ministry, Regional Mental Health Care (placement) and more recently at Anova.  In her spare time, she likes to walk, garden, paint and most importantly, spend time with her amazing daughters.

Programs & Services Coordinator

Mandy comes to PSSO with extensive experience in the non-profit sector, supporting and assisting clients through various programs and linking them to other community agency services. Mandy’s work experience has given her a strong understanding of the Social Determinants of Health, and how important it is to have community connections with those walking similar journeys. Although Mandy has only been with PSSO for a short time, she is thrilled to have joined an organization that shares values similar to hers, and looks forward to getting to know all of you. 

In their spare time,  Mandy and her husband  are busy raising their head strong young daughter to be a “world changer.” They love animals and have three fur children who make life a little more fun: Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck are the family’s beloved kitties, and Rosco, the retired therapy dog. Mandy and her family are homebodies by nature, but fortunately have an oversized backyard that sits next to forest, so there are plenty of creatures to explore and learn about.

Special Events Coordinator

Dylan joined the PSSO team in January 2022. As Special Events Coordinator, Dylan is in charge of the planning and execution of fundraising events, including Walk for Parkinson’s and the Parkinson Golf Classic. Dylan recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Sport and Event Marketing from Fanshawe College, where he specialized in all aspects of Event Management. Prior to this, Dylan studied at Laurier University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance.

In his spare time, Dylan performs as a cellist with various ensembles. He is a member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra and has played with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra. Dylan is a film enthusiast, loves to stay on top of new releases, and recently began writing reviews and keeping a film diary on Letterboxd. Dylan also enjoys swimming and golf, and he follows tennis, hockey and Formula 1 racing.

Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator

Meagan has taken on a brand new role at PSSO as Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator.  She has many years of experience in the non-profit sector working with children and youth, and has been coordinating volunteer engagement for the past eight years.  Meagan is very passionate about working with diverse groups of people and creating inclusive spaces in our community.

Meagan and her partner Michael love spending time with their two dogs, Lola and Fitz!  She enjoys the simpler things in life, whether visiting with family and friends, backroad drives, music that soothes the soul, a walk in the park or simply a cup of tea!  Meagan is excited for this new adventure with PSSO and can’t wait to work alongside all of the amazing people that are a part of the organization.

Fund Development Officer

Mark joined PSSO in August 2019, working with our PD clients in Grey and Bruce counties. As a Fund Development Officer, Mark focuses his time building partnerships for grants, writing proposals and working to ensure PSSO has a sustainable way to secure funds to continue it’s important work in the community. Living on the Bruce Peninsula, and on Lake Huron, Mark spends lots of his free time biking, hiking, paddleboarding, and walking his dog, Tripp (Bernese Mountain Dog). He’s a world traveler, having visited 28 countries (so far), and can’t wait to get back in the air!

Manager, Marketing and Communications

Jessica joined Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario as a special event assistant working on the walk and other fundraising initiatives. 

After some time away, working with United Way, Jessica returned with new skills and excitement to be back and part of the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario team. Jessica is now Manager of Marketing & Communications and works to support all the eblasts, newsletters, materials and more that the PSSO team puts out to serve clients! 

On her down time, Jessica enjoys time spent with her husband, daughter and two dogs. 

Manager, Data Operations

Justine has been involved with the nonprofit sector for over 20 years. She began volunteering by raising and training an assistance dog while living in Alberta. When she relocated to Ontario, she began working with the local hospital foundation, and experienced various roles within a nonprofit. Throughout her career she has consistently worked with data and understands that it is essential for maintaining the health of organizations and plays a central role in everything from strategy to daily logistics. When away from work, you’ll find her enjoying time with her family and probably surrounded by animals.