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Membership on the Candlelighters Simcoe Board of Directors is comprised of individuals from our community who are committed to helping Candlelighters Simcoe achieve our goals. Our board members are volunteers who give freely of their time to lend their skills and expertise to the accomplishment of set organizational objectives.
Barbara Johnson, Founder
The founder of Candlelighters Simcoe, Barbara Johnson worked as the Parent Liaison from the organization’s founding in February of 1990 through to her retirement in September of 2018. A Pediatric Occupational Therapist by profession, Barb is also a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, and an enthusiastic masters swimmer who hopes to enjoy many more cruises with her husband Al in their retirement.
Allan Johnson, Chair
Allan is a proud parent to three great kids and three fun active grandchildren. His most amazing and challenging experience has been accompanying his wife Barb through their life journey of cancer with their son Trevor, who is a two-time childhood cancer survivor.
Michael McDonald, Director
Mike is the father of two inquisitive young boys. He is an educator, enjoys sports and classic cars. Candlelighters has supported his family through his eldest son’s oncology journey.
Angela Kuypers, Director
Angela is a wife and mother to two boys. Her family’s commitment to Candlelighters was founded when her oldest son Riley was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 6 and after 3 years of treatment, he is now a cancer survivor. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and reading.
Adam Mason, Director
Adam is a before and after school teacher. He is a childhood cancer survivor and dedicated volunteer. He enjoys spending time with family especially his niece and nephews.
Pam Watt, Director
Pamela Watt has always wanted to be involved with children. She is a graduate of a prestigious Nanny College in England and after a few years working she went into nursing. She has her BScN and MHSc and has been at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) for most of her nursing career. She has worked on the oncology unit and presently is a Charge Nurse in the PICU at SickKids. She also worked in London England for a couple of years in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU at the Royal Brompton Hospital in central London England. She has volunteered at Camp Oochigeas, which is now Camp Fire Circle for over 25 years in various capacities as Nurse and a counsellor. Her two loves of nursing are pediatric and cardiac ICU and pediatric oncology. She has been involved with Candlelighters Simcoe since almost the beginning as met Barb Johnson and her son on the oncology unit at SickKids. She has volunteered as a teen group leader and is enjoying the challenges and achievements on the board of directors of Candlelighters Simcoe.
Pam also was the main caregiver for her parents in their Senior years living at home with them. When Pam isn’t working she loves two play with her two smart parson jack Russell’s, she loves to ski, canoe, camping, play her flute, sing in her church choir, work in her gardens, build things around the house, and travel.
Mark Campbell, Director
Mark and his wife Liz are proud parents of Ava, a two time cancer survivor who taught them not to get worked up about the small stuff in life .When Mark’s not working in Real Estate you can usually find him working on his farm in Mono Township or at a horse show cheering on Ava and occasionally, if he’s been real good, on the golf course.
Sarah Parsons, Administrator
My son is a 2 time cancer and Stem Cell Transplant survivor. During our journey, Candlelighters supported us along the way. It made a big difference having an organization know what you are going through. My husband, son and daughter truly benefitted from their support. In 2019, I became the Administrator for Candlelighters, along with my full time career as a Insurance Broker. In my off time, I enjoy outdoor activities like hikes, walks with my dog, snowshoeing and spending time with friends and family.
Lorrainne DeSousa, Parent Liaison
Lorrainne is the proud mother of 3 amazing boys, Cameron, Connor and Cole. She is a devoted wife to her husband Stan. She works as a Registered Nurse on an acute medical floor. Her family became involved with Candlelighters when her son Connor was diagnosed with ALL at 21 months, in 2009 and required a bone marrow transplant in 2011 due to a relapse while still on treatment. Connor is doing well, but continues to deal with late effects from chemotherapy and radiation. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching her boys’ sports.
Erin Thatcher, Director
Cheryl Gotthelf, Parent Liaison
I am a proud mom of 6 kids. My youngest daughter is a childhood cancer survivor. During her treatment, I realized there were many gaps in family support. This led me to join the board at Candlelighters Simcoe in 2005, as they offered much support for our entire family. I have held many roles at the organization over the years, I am currently a Parent Support Liaison, and involved with fundraising. Inspired by my daughter I returned to school and became a nurse in 2015. I currently work as a Cancer and Palliative nurse. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy baseball and golf and am an avid reader.