2023-24 Muskoka Pride Community - Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Muskoka Pride is a dedicated group of individuals from across Muskoka who volunteer their time to bring visibility and build acceptance and celebration of the 2SLGBTQ+ community of Muskoka. Elections are held every year at the Annual General Meeting held in the fall. Directors are elected to a 2-year term by the membership, and Executive and Lead positions are elected by the Board for a 1-year term.
MERV TAYLOR-MORIN - President
(he/him)
I have been a Registered Practical Nurse since 1974, and worked in nursing in Bracebridge 12 years and in Ottawa for 30 years. I hold an honors BA in sociology from Carleton University, with a queer history and rights focus. I have worked with the College of Nurses of Ontario. I was active with CUPE in human and gay rights. During my last 8 years in nursing, I was an educator and team leader. I revised and delivered the orientation program to all new staff. I was involved in the revision of the provincial resident assessment program, tools and guidelines, and known to be a positive and effective mentor for other homes in eastern Ontario.
Since I am retired now, I will have plenty of time to invest in Muskoka Pride and its Board. I can and will be available to support and assist other members of the Board as requested, and investigate the issues affecting our community.
(he/him)
I have been a Registered Practical Nurse since 1974, and worked in nursing in Bracebridge 12 years and in Ottawa for 30 years. I hold an honors BA in sociology from Carleton University, with a queer history and rights focus. I have worked with the College of Nurses of Ontario. I was active with CUPE in human and gay rights. During my last 8 years in nursing, I was an educator and team leader. I revised and delivered the orientation program to all new staff. I was involved in the revision of the provincial resident assessment program, tools and guidelines, and known to be a positive and effective mentor for other homes in eastern Ontario.
Since I am retired now, I will have plenty of time to invest in Muskoka Pride and its Board. I can and will be available to support and assist other members of the Board as requested, and investigate the issues affecting our community.
GLEN YACULA - Treasurer
(he/him)
I became a member of Muskoka Pride shortly after relocating to Bracebridge in 2014. As a member, I enjoyed attending and participating in several of the scheduled events that were offered throughout the year. I also actively volunteered for the organization, being reliable and dependable. I not only volunteered my time, but offered the skills and expertise I have, with my design background. I was thrilled to be recommended and accepted to be part of the Board in 2016, and then again in 2018. With having the experience of one term under my belt, I am confident to focus my efforts on areas within the organization that I feel would benefit from having a Board member dedicate their time and efforts to advance them from where they were a year ago.
(he/him)
I became a member of Muskoka Pride shortly after relocating to Bracebridge in 2014. As a member, I enjoyed attending and participating in several of the scheduled events that were offered throughout the year. I also actively volunteered for the organization, being reliable and dependable. I not only volunteered my time, but offered the skills and expertise I have, with my design background. I was thrilled to be recommended and accepted to be part of the Board in 2016, and then again in 2018. With having the experience of one term under my belt, I am confident to focus my efforts on areas within the organization that I feel would benefit from having a Board member dedicate their time and efforts to advance them from where they were a year ago.
SHAWN FORTH - Secretary
(he/him)
Shawn is a grade 2 teacher in Bracebridge. He is involved in several community organizations, including: Scouts Canada, the Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario, and Tourette Canada. Shawn was a member of the Trillium Lakelands DSB Positive Space committee. Shawn has been involved with Muskoka Pride since the first picnic back in 2009 and he hopes to help continue to develop a sense of 2SLGBTQ+ community within Muskoka.
(he/him)
Shawn is a grade 2 teacher in Bracebridge. He is involved in several community organizations, including: Scouts Canada, the Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario, and Tourette Canada. Shawn was a member of the Trillium Lakelands DSB Positive Space committee. Shawn has been involved with Muskoka Pride since the first picnic back in 2009 and he hopes to help continue to develop a sense of 2SLGBTQ+ community within Muskoka.
KELLIE LEEDER - Membership Lead
(she/her)
Hello my name is Kellie Leeder, I am a Ally with the 2S-LGBTQ individuals. I believe Love Is Love no matter who you Love. I have been living with HIV for 38 years. I have been volunteering with Muskoka Pride for 6 years on the Muskoka Pride Festival Committee and I am looking forward to connecting with everyone. My position on the Board is the Membership Lead, I am looking forward to connecting with all the members and developing a contact list to keep everyone up to date on volunteer opportunities and up and coming events happening in the Muskoka Area.
(she/her)
Hello my name is Kellie Leeder, I am a Ally with the 2S-LGBTQ individuals. I believe Love Is Love no matter who you Love. I have been living with HIV for 38 years. I have been volunteering with Muskoka Pride for 6 years on the Muskoka Pride Festival Committee and I am looking forward to connecting with everyone. My position on the Board is the Membership Lead, I am looking forward to connecting with all the members and developing a contact list to keep everyone up to date on volunteer opportunities and up and coming events happening in the Muskoka Area.
PAUL FINLEY - Volunteer Lead
(he/him)
This is Paul's fourth year on our board. He is the main point of contact for all of our volunteers. Paul has been a dedicated volunteer with Muskoka Pride for the last 6 years, particularly in his role coordinating Muskoka Drag Royalty.
(he/him)
This is Paul's fourth year on our board. He is the main point of contact for all of our volunteers. Paul has been a dedicated volunteer with Muskoka Pride for the last 6 years, particularly in his role coordinating Muskoka Drag Royalty.
STEPH TAYLOR - Social Activities Lead
(they/them)
This is Steph's second year on our board. Steph is the social activities lead, and they will be helping to coordinate activities and events through the year.
(they/them)
This is Steph's second year on our board. Steph is the social activities lead, and they will be helping to coordinate activities and events through the year.
ELLA FROST - Trans Ambassador
(she/her)
This is Ella's first year on our Board. Ella has taken on the new role of Trans Ambassador. She will be connecting with community organizations and advocating for the Muskoka transgender community within the region.
(she/her)
This is Ella's first year on our Board. Ella has taken on the new role of Trans Ambassador. She will be connecting with community organizations and advocating for the Muskoka transgender community within the region.
GREG TITUS - Accessibility Lead
(he/him)
This is Greg's fourth year on our Board. Greg has taken on the new role of Accessibility Lead. He will be connecting with municipalities and organizations, and working to make Muskoka Pride events more accessible to our community members.
(he/him)
This is Greg's fourth year on our Board. Greg has taken on the new role of Accessibility Lead. He will be connecting with municipalities and organizations, and working to make Muskoka Pride events more accessible to our community members.
DEB DAVIES - Director-at-Large
(she/her)
This is Deb's eighth year on our Board
(she/her)
This is Deb's eighth year on our Board
ROMY MELIS - Director-at-Large
(she/her)
This is Romy's first year on our Board.
