Paul Randell Chairperson
Originally from Corner Brook NL & Labrador, Paul joined The Flower Cart Group Board in 2016. Paul also Co-Chairs the Building Opportunities Capital Campaign and Chairs the Executive Director Evaluation Committee. Paul moved to New Minas in 2013 just before retiring from the Federal Civil Service as a Senior Technologist. Paul has made contributions to the community through the Rotary, assisting in the creation of a social recreational program for persons with disabilities, and devotes much of his time and energy toward supporting similar causes.
Having two children with autism, Paul is well aware of the roadblocks and issues persons with disabilities have obtaining meaningful employment. The valuable work of The Flower Cart Group in providing employment, training, experience and opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities has a deep personal meaning to him, and inspires his dedication to this organization.
Donna Randell
Director
Donna is the founder and Co-ordinator of Kaleidoscope in New Minas; a participant led program which creates recreational and social opportunities for people with disabilities aged 16 – 68+. Donna is a lifelong champion for people with varying abilities, she has been involved with many organizations that aim to empower and improve the lives of persons with disabilities such as SSENSE, SMILE, and Special Olympics.
Donna joined the Board in 2016 and brings ideas and energy to the Board. Donna is the Co-Chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee and sits on the Policy & By-Law Committee.
Two of Donna’s children also attend The Flower Cart Group.
Pam Shelton
Director
Pam joined The Flower Cart Group Board in in June 2016. Pam spent 36 years as a Speech Language Pathologist with the Annapolis Valley School Board. During that time she often consulted with staff at The Flower Cart Group about the communication needs of participants and provided workshops on several occasions.
After retiring Pam was approached about serving on the Board and she jumped at the chance as she believe so strongly in the organization.
Pam is a past Vice-Chair and currently is a member of the Board’s Executive Director Evaluation Committee.
Lisa Lowthers
Director
Lisa is the Learning Manager and Development Officer for Common Good Solutions – the first Community Interest Company in Nova Scotia. Lisa is a small business consultant and works closely with several social enterprises in the Valley region.
Lisa brings to the Board 30 years experience in community and business development, with several years working at Acadia University.
Lisa joined the Board in June 2016 and is a member of the Executive Director Evaluation Committee.
Ash Despande
Director
Ash is a registered Occupational Therapist and worked in the mental health field for many years.
Ash is a past President of the Nova Scotia Occupational Therapist Association (1989) and a past board member of the Kings County Mental Health Association and Alzheimer Society. In retirement, Ash enjoys golfing and curling.
Ash joined the Board in June 2017 and is a member of the Board’s Executive Director Evaluation Committee.
Holly Thompson
Director
Holly moved to New Minas in 1969 and attended NMES and Horton District High School. She lived in Fort McMurray, Alberta for 18 years when she was first married and moved back in 1999 as they wanted to raise her daughter in a small community.
Holly is currently retired and has worked in nursing, fund development/public relations and office administration. Holly is a lifelong volunteer with Girl Guides Canada holding various positions for over 40 years. She also is involved in local soccer (for 20 years) and is currently the Treasurer of two Clubs and has been a Rotarian for 17 years.
Holly joined the Board in June 2019 and is a member of the Budget & Finance and Nomination Committees. Holly is also a member of the Capital Campaign Committee.
Ramona Jennex
Director
After teaching for 30 years with the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, Ramona served as a Member of the NS Legislature and was a Cabinet Minister, holding a number of portfolios including Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. Ramona was also a member of Treasury Board and Chair of the Council of Minsters of Education.
Ramona officially retired in 2014 dedicates herself to projects and organizations that she is passionate about. She is past President of Tourette Canada and served on the Board of the Valley Honour Choir.
Ramona joined the Board in June 2019 and is a member of the Policy & By-Law Committee and Co-Chairs the Capital Campaign Committee.
Liza Myers
Director
Liza is an associate with Waterbury Newton working out of the Kentville office. She practices in the areas of corporate, commercial, real estate, civil litigation, estate planning and personal injury law.
Prior to moving to Wolfville, Liza lived in Amherst for two years practicing with the firm Creighton Shatford Hibour. She is the former Treasurer of the Cumberland Barristers’ Society. Liza attended Dalhousie Law School and graduated in 2016.
Liza grew up in Windsor, NS, and attended King’s Edgehill School. She pursued her undergraduate degree at Concordia University and also played varsity rugby.
Liza joined the Board in June 2019 and is a member of the Policy & By-Law Committee.
Mandeep Panesar
Director
Prior to retirement, Mandeep worked with two large Canadian Banks in various capacities including commercial account manager, personal banker and branch manager. He spent 17 years working as a senior financial planner with Bank of Montreal and TD.
Mandeep’s volunteer career started in Wolfville in collaboration with the Acadia football team, where he helped raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. He also sat on the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation for over 10 years.
Mandeep joined the Board in June 2019 and is a member of the Budget & Fiance and Nomination Committees. Mandeep is also a member of the Capital Campaign Committee.
Phil Warren
Director
Phil was born in London, Ontario and graduated with a M.S.W. from Wilfred Laurier University. Phil retired from a senior administrative position with the Department of Community Services in 2018, after working in the field of social services for 40 years. He was the owner of a small business in the Annapolis Valley for 23 years and is currently the President of the Kentville Rotary Club.
Phil has lived in the Annapolis Valley for about 30 years, has three married sons with six grandchildren who he enjoys spending time with. Hobbies include, projects around the house, walking, and an occasional game of golf.
Peter Kiefl
Director
Peter Kiefl moved to the Valley with his wife Rita vanVuplen and their two children, Michael and Rachel, in 1997. During his working career in Mental Health Care he held both management and clinical positions. Volunteering has always been a part of his life and he holds positions on the Board of Directors for The Red Door (Kentville) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Truro).
Peter has a strong interest in issues of social justice and ensuring that no one ls left behind and that there is a fair distribution of the resources of our society so everyone can meaningfully participate. He is now retired and active in the community. He has also served on the executive of Kings South New Democratic Party Electoral District Association for many years and as the president for the past four years.
Lydia Ledzinsky
Director
Lydia during her 28-year career in Toronto, as a construction manager and estimator in ICI (industrial, commercial, institutional) and heavy civil general contracting was also part of her company initiative called CETA (Care Enough To Act). Community. These included multiple social community projects which she also managed, secured corporate donors, mobilized volunteers and contractors. She also organized in her company cooking initiatives for the Toronto Ronald McDonald House.
Lydia was also actively involved with the Peel Children’s Aid. She led a company committee for 20 years to fundraise and sponsor approximately 20 children including their families every Christmas.
Lydia relocated with her family from Toronto to Wolfville in 2016 to pursue more personal projects.
Lydia is an active volunteer in her community. She also served in numerous capacities on the Annapolis Valley Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia such as: program committee board director, chapter Walk Chair (largest Provincial fundraiser for Autism Nova Scotia) and group leader for the Adult Social group.