Board Members

SamanthaFeener

Samantha Feener, President

Samantha Feener joined the Board for Marillac Place in 2016 after spending several years as a staff member. Samantha has worked in the social service field since graduating from Fanshawe College in 2006. Since then Samantha has continued her education obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo majoring in Social Development Studies and a diploma from Conestoga College in Paralegal studies. Samantha is a mother of one and enjoys spending her free time volunteering and gardening.

Mary Anne Banks

Mary Anne Banks, Vice President

Mary Anne is a lifetime resident of Kitchener-Waterloo.  She is a CPA and MBA and has spent her career in management finance, leading teams of finance professionals in technology, manufacturing, financial and post secondary institutions.  Mary Anne has served on the boards of Marillac Place and Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region in the past and is an alumnus of Leadership Waterloo Region.  She is recently retired and enjoying the ability to focus her time and energy on community, family, well-being and new adventures.

Michael Malleck, Past President

Michael Malleck is a local entrepreneur and business owner with an interest in helping youth in our community. Michael spent many years serving on the Board of oneROOF and he has been part of Marillac Place’s Board since 2015. He is a 7th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and instructs adults and children. 

Alun Masterton - Headshot - Website Image

Alun Masterton, Treasurer

Alun is a CPA and the Director of Finance at a local insurance company and has been part of the KW community since 1994 with his wife and four children. Four years ago, Alun was looking to give back to my community and through his wife’s volunteer work through St Vincent de Paul, Alun was introduced to Marillac Place and the great work they do. Shortly after joining the Board, the Treasurer role on the board became vacant and Alun put his name forward, after which he was elected. Alun is also part of the Board Governance committee where they develop board education, maintain the board manual and coordinate search for new board members.

Michael G - Headshot - Website Image

Michael Gosselin, Secretary

Michael joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society as a youth, and has been a member for over 15 years. From there, he joined the board of directors for Marillac Place in 2020. Michael recently started a new career as a Realtor in Waterloo Region, and he previously worked in Guelph as an Ophthalmic Technician for over a decade.

AdamLauzon-Headshot

Adam Lauzon, Director

Adam has worked for the last 18 years at a local tech company. Adam had a daughter at 19 and raised her alone for most of her life. They were fortunate to have a good support system and now that she is an adult he is looking to give back to the community and hopes to use his experiences to help the organization. Outside of work, Adam enjoys spending time with family and is an amateur photographer.

Sarah Purton

Sarah Purton, Director

Sarah joined Marillac Place’s Board of Directors in Winter 2022. She is a CPA and has over 10 years of experience working in municipal finance specifically focused on budgeting and long-term planning. Sarah lives in Waterloo Region with her husband and three young children and is excited to be giving back to the community by being part of this worthwhile organization. In addition to spending time with her family, Sarah enjoys running and baking.

Colleen Barbeau

Colleen Barbeau, Director

Colleen joined Marillac Place Board of Directors in May, 2023. Colleen has a diverse background in operations, shared services, customer experience with over 20 years in executive leadership roles with global organizations. She is currently leading her own coaching and consulting service with a focus on the not-for-profit sector. Colleen has 2 teenage boys and has lived in KW for over 25 years and is excited to be able to support her local community.

 

Sarah Bismilla

Sarah Bismilla, Director

Sarah joined the Marillac Place Board of Directors in the Summer of 2023. Sarah works in the Justice Sector serving marginalized and vulnerable populations. She is bilingual in English and French. She also holds a Bachelor of Civil Law, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management. Sarah lives in Kitchener with her partner and their rambunctious toddler. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dance, baking, and gardening.

Julie Walder

Julie Walder, Executive Director

Julie Walder lives in Kitchener with her husband and 3 dogs. She is an accomplished and compassionate professional with a strong background in not-for-profit leadership that has been driven by a genuine passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her previous senior management roles combined with her post-secondary education in psychology and project management, have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of organizational management, program development, and community engagement. By fostering relationships, inspiring teams, and promoting community engagement, Julie aims to drive positive change and work towards building a society that values equal opportunities and social well-being for all.