Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities® Southwestern Ontario About Us

Board of Directors


  • Samantha Parsons

    President

    London Health Sciences Centre & University Hospital

    Samantha Parsons

    President

    London Health Sciences Centre & University Hospital


    I love that RMH provides comfort, support and love during the most challenging times for families. The moment you walk through the doors at the house and the family room you can feel the energy and comfort from all staff, volunteers and other families who support one another in a home-like environment. It truly is the house that love built.

  • Rob Reid

    Past President

    McDonald's Owner/Operator

    Rob Reid

    Past President

    McDonald's Owner/Operator


    What I love about RMH is the ability to positively impact the lives of so many families when they are the most vulnerable. 

  • Craig Campbell

    Director

    Pediatric Neurologist, LHSC

    Craig Campbell

    Director

    Pediatric Neurologist, LHSC


    Dr. Craig Campbell is the Chair of Pediatrics, and the Department Head for the Children’s Hospital LHSC and the medical director of the multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinic based at Thames Valley Children’s Centre and the Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory at Children’s Hospital London Health Sciences Centre.  He is a Professor in Pediatrics, Clinical Neurological Sciences and Epidemiology at Western University and a Scientist at the Children’s Health Research Institute. His training in Pediatrics, Neurology and Epidemiology was completed at the University of Ottawa. 

    The pediatric neuromuscular service at Children’s Hospital LHSC/TVCC has evolved into an internationally recognized site for clinical care delivery, research and clinical outcomes evaluation.  Clinical trial work in DMD patients has been an area of academic activity, and Dr. Campbell is collaboratively involved in many academic and industry initiated clinical trial activities in pediatric neuromuscular disease. He is a member of the Muscle Study Group, World Muscle Society, and recent past chair of the TREAT-NMD Registry Oversight Committee. Dr. Campbell has been awarded the George Karpati Award Researcher of the Year in 2011 and 2015 from Muscular Dystrophy Canada, and the CHRI Scientist of the year in 2019.  The Children’s Health Foundation Endowed Chair in Pediatric Research is held by Dr. Campbell.

  • Michelle Stratton

    Treasurer

    Corporate Controller and Owner at Clintar Outdoor Commercial Services of London

    Michelle Stratton

    Treasurer

    Corporate Controller and Owner at Clintar Outdoor Commercial Services of London


    “I have been volunteering, making dinners, at the House for over ten years. The impact the House has keeping families together; providing support, a warm meal, a smile, and a home away from home is so important at such a difficult time in their lives. I am honored to now serve on the Board and to be a part of this incredible organization.”
     

  • David Thuss

    Director

    Associate Director of Information Technology Services, King’s University College

    David Thuss

    Director

    Associate Director of Information Technology Services, King’s University College


    I am a proud father of two incredible children and husband to a phenomenal woman. Born and raised in the London area, I continue to call London home.

    My governance experience includes serving as Chair of Libro Credit Union’s London Elgin-Oxford North Owner Representative group and co-chairing their recent governance review committee. I am Secretary of the Board for the London Brewing Co-operative and one of its founding worker-owners. I currently chair the King’s University College Professional Administrative Officers’ Association, representing 50 members at the University. I have also served on the Board of Directors for the Old East Village Business Improvement Area and as Chair of the Board at Hillside Community Church of London. David holds a master's degree in political studies from Queen's University and a bachelor's degree in political science and English from King's University College.

  • Nancy Livingston

    Director

    Social Worker

    Nancy Livingston

    Director

    Social Worker


    Nancy is a Compliance & Privacy Officer and Clinical Education Specialist for Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society.

    As a Social Worker, she has a strong admiration for the work done by Ronald McDonald House to improve the health and well-being of children and their families in a time of vulnerability and crisis. As a parent who gratefully benefited from the services of Ronald McDonald House, Nancy's connection is deeply personal. 

    "RMHC provides more than meals and a bed; it offers respite, support and a place to catch your breath. The services provided to families of sick children are tremendously important when they are overwhelmed, afraid and away from their usual support. I am honoured to serve on the Board of Directors and to contribute to continuing to support the values and the mission of RMHC."

  • Jacqueline Malison

    Director

    Manager, Talent Acquisition - Ivey Business School, Western University

    Jacqueline Malison

    Director

    Manager, Talent Acquisition - Ivey Business School, Western University


    Jacqueline is the Manager, Talent Acquisition at Ivey Business School at Western University and a recent part-time faculty member at Fanshawe College.

    With a rich background in the hospitality industry, Jacqueline has gained invaluable experience across Canada, Europe, and Australia. These international experiences have expanded her understanding of both hospitality and inclusive HR practices, strengthening her commitment to delivering exceptional service and creating environments where people feel supported and valued.

    Having personally benefited from the support of the Ronald McDonald Family Room London, Jacqueline is eager to bring her passion for hospitality and service excellence to RMHC-SWO, ensuring that families feel supported during their most challenging times.

  • Daniele Laratta

    Director

    JIM & Co. Advisory and Consulting, Founder

    Daniele Laratta

    Director

    JIM & Co. Advisory and Consulting, Founder


    Daniele Laratta is a strategic advisor, change management expert, and founder of JIM & Co. Advisory and Consulting. With a background leading transformational initiatives across financial services, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors, Daniele has built a career around helping organizations adapt, grow, and achieve meaningful results. He is PROSCI-certified in Change Management and holds an Agile Product Owner certification (ICP-APO), blending structure and innovation to drive sustainable success.

    Daniele’s approach is rooted in a deep belief that organizations thrive when they align people, purpose, and performance. His work is distinguished by a commitment to client-centered strategies, operational excellence, and building cultures of resilience and growth.

    Daniele is proud to join the Board of Ronald McDonald House Charities, where he is committed to helping advance the organization’s mission of providing comfort, care, and community for families in need.

  • Graham Casson

    Vice President

    Country Director, Applied Medical

    Graham Casson

    Vice President

    Country Director, Applied Medical


    I dedicate my volunteer work to children’s charities that make an impact on both patients and families, and RMH delivers truly impactful gifts at a time when they are most needed by patients and families. I can only imagine the challenges families and patients go through during long hospital stays, and I’m so proud the RMH helps ease that terrible burden.

  • Jennifer Diplock

    Secretary

    Senior Director, The Salvation Army

    Jennifer Diplock

    Secretary

    Senior Director, The Salvation Army


    I grew up with 10 brothers and sisters and know the healing power that family connections can have.  When my dad got sick and passed away during the Covid lockdown our family was separated by borders and couldn’t be together.  It was then that I decided to devote myself to serving families in their most vulnerable moments by helping to bring them together.  RMHC is making such a significant difference in the lives of families and enabling the healing power of connection.  This is exactly the kind of work I want to take on and the kind of impact I want to be a part of. 

  • Mike Malleck

    Director

    Clintar, Owner

    Mike Malleck

    Director

    Clintar, Owner


    In May 2006, my first son Max was born with several complications.  Ronald McDonald House quickly became our home away from home just steps away from Children’s Hospital.  RMHC provided not only a roof over our head and hot meals but also the amazing support of volunteers, staff and the fellow guests that knew exactly what we were going through at the time.  We spent 10 weeks at Ronald McDonald House and the impact this incredible organization had on my family is something I will never forget.  In memory of Max, I will do whatever I can to help carry out the mission of keeping families close at their most trying times.

  • Trevor Calhoun

    McDonald's Appointee

    Director of Operations, IIWII Foods Inc.

    Trevor Calhoun

    McDonald's Appointee

    Director of Operations, IIWII Foods Inc.


    Trevor has been a long-time supporter of RMHC, serving on the Golf and Curling committees and assisting the house on countless occasions arranging food, product, or volunteer support for RMHC fundraising events. 

  • Diane Chantler

    Director

    Rotary, CHRM

    Diane Chantler

    Director

    Rotary, CHRM


    To me, RMH is about a lot of little things that make such a difference in the lives of our families. It is the hot meal waiting, coffee and treats, a smile or a friend waiting to listen. It is so many small acts of kindness that mean so much to every person who is living in the house or using the Family Room. They touch the hearts of every staff member and volunteer who cares and wants to be part of this amazing place.

  • Bryan Wakefield

    Director

    Director, Facilities Operations, Western University

    Bryan Wakefield

    Director

    Director, Facilities Operations, Western University


    As a new father, I have a great appreciation and awareness of how fortunate we are to have access to world class health-care in our community. I am overwhelmed by the impact a seriously sick child has on parents and the entire family. I’m passionate about giving back to our community and as a parent, I understand the importance of supporting families through difficult times and providing a safe and comfortable home away from home. RMHC is an exceptional organization and I look forward to contributing to the mission by helping give sick children what they need most… their families and this is why I love RMHC.

  • Dave Ward

    Director

    Director, Forest City Sport and Social Club

    Dave Ward

    Director

    Director, Forest City Sport and Social Club


    I love RMH because it provides something so fundamentally important to families at a time of their greatest need - but more importantly it does it with caring and the utmost respect for the dignity and individuality of the families served.

  • Martin Smith

    Director

    Startup Advisor, TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario

    Martin Smith

    Director

    Startup Advisor, TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario


    Martin has experience in commercialization as a tech transfer professional and corporate strategist at major institutions across Ontario. "I love the Ronald McDonald House because it brings smiles to children and families exactly when a smile is needed the most."

  • David Sklash

    Director

    Vice-President, Green Shield Canada

    David Sklash

    Director

    Vice-President, Green Shield Canada


    My wife and I stayed in the London Ronald McDonald House for three weeks after our firstborn son Evan was born prematurely at 26 weeks. Despite being the most difficult period of our lives, we’ll never forget the distinct moments of RMHC’s magic. From walking in the front doors to the smell of fresh lasagna to waking up to the scent of French toast, to the Christmas celebrations, the staff and volunteers always brightened our dark days. Once we left the house, my lifetime commitment to give back to RMHC in Evan’s memory began.

  • Jonathan Greenway

    Director

    Director of Field Service, MRCL

    Jonathan Greenway

    Director

    Director of Field Service, MRCL


    RMHC believes when families are together, they cope better. I couldn't agree more, having benefitted from the programs and services RMHC provides. I appreciate the dedication RMHC has in making a positive impact on the lives of those who are going through difficult times.