Our Committee

Catherine Harrison

Catherine brings a career in corporate communications, public relations, and community engagement to her role with Volunteer Elgin. She has worked across the public and private sectors, including in senior communications leadership with the City of Markham and in communications, investor relations, and freelance advisory roles supporting retail and small-to-mid-sized organizations.

After moving to Elgin County eight years ago, Catherine retired to Port Stanley in 2024 and quickly became involved in the community, volunteering with the 200 Trees initiative during the village’s bicentennial year. When she began looking for further volunteer opportunities, she discovered Volunteer Elgin and recognized the potential of a strong, county-wide volunteer centre to connect people and strengthen community life.

Having seen firsthand the impact of an established volunteer centre during her time in Markham, Catherine is committed to supporting the continued growth of Volunteer Elgin and to helping build a stronger, more connected volunteer infrastructure across Elgin County.

Dakota Smith is the Manager of Programming and Outreach at St. Thomas Public Library, where she leads the development of inclusive programs, events, and outreach initiatives that reflect the diverse needs of the community. With a strong focus on building meaningful partnerships and fostering a sense of belonging, Dakota is passionate about creating opportunities for all residents to connect, learn, and thrive.

She believes deeply in the power of volunteerism to strengthen communities, foster connection, and empower individuals to make a meaningful impact. As a member of the Volunteer Elgin Committee, Dakota is excited to support the development of inclusive, collaborative volunteer opportunities that contribute to a more connected and vibrant Elgin County.

Susie is the Manager of Parks & Recreation for the Town of Aylmer and has worked in the municipal parks and recreation sector for many years in various capacities. Working in a small rural community, volunteers play an integral role in providing programs and services to the community, alongside municipal services. Engaging the community to become involved locally and regionally by volunteering keep citizens involved in the community. Social connections, the promotion of active living and making a difference in your community are amazing benefits of volunteering. I hope that you consider lending your time and talents to volunteer. Reaching out to one of our member agencies is a great place to start.

Megan is the Manager of Volunteer Engagement and Public Education at the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, where she has been employed since 2021. After spending several years working in the field of Autism, Megan decided to pivot her career in 2019 and pursued a certificate in Volunteer Management. Her passion for volunteering has always been a driving force in her life. It was through volunteering in a Kindergarten classroom that she discovered her initial passion for working with children with Autism, which led her to a fulfilling career in the field for nearly 10 years. Over the years, Megan has actively volunteered with numerous fundraising events, including serving as the Community Engagement and Hope Lead on the CIBC Run for the Cure Planning Committee for three years. A strong advocate for giving back to the community, Megan believes that volunteering not only has the power to positively impact others’ lives but also has the potential to transform our own. Inspired by this belief, she was motivated to take on a larger role in supporting others in their volunteer journeys. Megan is excited to be part of the Volunteer Elgin Committee and hopes to be able to connect you with a volunteer role where you to can make a difference in your community!

I have been a community volunteer for most of my life. My journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters began in my 20s, where I first served as a Big Sister, helped create group activities for kids and later joined the board of directors. Today, I’m proud to contribute to the organization as a staff member, continuing to support its impactful mission. Over the years, I’ve also volunteered with the YMCA, Junior Achievement, the Canadian Cancer Society, and numerous area running races, where I’ve had the chance to connect with inspiring individuals and causes. Volunteering has always been a core value for me—it’s a way to give back to the community that has given me so much. I believe we all have the power to make a difference, one step at a time.

My name is Mary Giesbrecht and I am Human Resources with MCS. Our organization is a non profit charity that assists newcomers to the area. Our programs include settlement services, employment services, an ethnic radio station, family support programs such as Mom & Baby and the Aylmer Thrift Store. We assist newcomers with everything from immigration services to furnishing their new home. We depend on volunteers in every aspect of our work. We have the help of volunteers in our driving and interpretation programs, radio programming and our thrift store. Volunteerism is a wonderful way to connect to community, engage with and make new friends and support those in need. Connect with us to start your volunteer journey with us.

Tifanie Smith serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for VON, where she has been involved in promoting volunteerism in the community for several years. She has a background in social work and mental health which informs her approach to managing volunteer programs.

Residing in St. Thomas, Tifanie balances her responsibilities as a coordinator with her role as a mother of two. In her position, she focuses on creating opportunities for individuals to engage in volunteer work that supports both personal growth and community development. Tifanie has played a key role in fostering an inclusive environment for volunteers, helping them feel valued and empowered. Her efforts aim to encourage community involvement and enhance the overall impact of volunteerism in the area.

Tifanie actively collaborates with local organizations to identify areas where volunteers can make the most significant difference, ensuring that their contributions are both meaningful and impactful. Her dedication is evident in the numerous successful initiatives she has spearheaded, each designed to bring communities closer together and address local needs effectively. Through her work, Tifanie not only highlights the importance of volunteerism but also demonstrates how collective efforts can lead to lasting positive change in the community.

Kristina Pringle is the Community Support Services and Volunteer Coordinator at West Elgin Community Health Centre. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she previously served as the Manager of Volunteers and Training at United Way Elgin Middlesex, where she remains an Impact Speaker. Kristina strongly believes that a vibrant community is built through the engagement of its citizens. In addition to her professional role, she actively volunteers with the Optimist Club of West Lorne and the West Elgin Economic Development Committee. Kristina is also a proud mom of three, a homesteader, and a small business owner in West Elgin.