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OUR TEAM
S.H.I.F.T. Board of Directors
Meet the people that take their time
to make a difference
Co-Chair of the Board
Andrew Mackenzie
Andrew is a life-long resident of the Alliston area, and a self-employed farmer. He has been involved with S.H.I.F.T since the planning stages and has overseen all renovations and maintenance of the building. Andrew continues to look after maintaining the building, performing yearly renovations and space improvements to better the use of the space.
Co-Chair of the Board
Ken Marsh
Ken has lived in New Tecumseth since 1997, with his wife and kids and is passionate about his community and giving back.
He has over 30 years of experience working in low-rise home building and is currently the Director of Construction for Yorkwood Homes.
Using his passion for the community, along with his skills and knowledge in the construction industry, Ken headed up a Habitat for Humanity build in Wasaga Beach in 2006. He also started a fundraising committee called "Think Awareness", whose purpose is to speak out about domestic violence and fundraise for more resources for victims of domestic violence.
Ken leads S.H.I.F.T.'s Planning & Development Committee, and is using his skills and knowledge to help S.H.I.F.T. find our permanent home.
Treasurer
Caroline Ruffolo
Caroline has lived her whole life in Tottenham. As a mother to two fabulous children, Caroline truly appreciates the benefits of small town living as she now lives in her childhood home with her parents raising the kids as part of the community she herself grew up in.
Caroline graduated from Humber College with honours in Business Management and currently works in Bolton full-time.
Wanting to give back to her community, Caroline began volunteering with S.H.I.F.T. in 2021 by joining the CNOY fundraising team and serving at the community dinners. When the opening for Treasurer became available Caroline's background in bookkeeping was quickly utilized and she was voted into the position. Caroline loves her new role as Treasurer and appreciates all the new and wonderful people she has met so far.
Secretary of the Board
Jenna Dollin
Jenna and her family have lived in the Adjala-Tosorontio area for several years. She has always believed in the importance of being involved in her community and giving back where she can.
From 2019-2020, Jenna worked the frontlines as a member of the S.H.I.F.T. team and her experience as both an Intake Worker and Outreach Coordinator has helped her to become passionate about the work that S.H.I.F.T does. In 2021, she completed her master’s degree in Social Work focusing on Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency and currently works as part of the Social Work team at Matthew's House Hospice. Jenna currently leads our Advisory Committee, assisting to gain valuable insight, ideas and advice from key stakeholders and community members, for the future of S.H.I.F.T.
Director
Melissa Marshall
A Nova Scotia transplant and newer resident of Alliston, Melissa has lived in the community since 2015. She is completing her MBA through Carleton University and works for Georgian College as the Manager of Strategic Growth and Development facilitating collaborative partnerships with public, private, and non-profit cross-sector organizations enabling sustainable and successful growth. Melissa has previously acted as S.H.I.F.T.’s Treasurer and has been the Chair for various non-profits in her home province.
When not at work or performing her duties for S.H.I.F.T, Melissa can be found on the baseball diamond, in her garden or playing with her two beautiful boys. A lover of people, and a strong believer in social-responsibility, Melissa is grateful to volunteer her time for S.H.I.F.T.
Director
Maggie MacMurchy
Maggie has been involved with S.H.I.F.T. since 2019. She started her involvement by leading the Highland Hikers at our very first Coldest Night of the Year annual fundraiser event. From there, she joined the meal serving team for the Community Dinner program, and shortly after became a Shelter program volunteer and the Outreach program. Maggie is very passionate about the work that S.H.I.F.T. does and continues to actively volunteer in various capacities behind-the-scenes.
Maggie grew up in Alliston and continues to live in the community she loves, with her husband and 2 daughters. She owns her own Highland Dance studio and is a successful full time real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty. Maggie is also a member of our Planning & Development Committee, and is actively involved with the hunt for a new long-term home for S.H.I.F.T. The importance of finding a home and shelter for her clients and S.H.I.F.T. participants, while giving back to her hometown community is a passion she holds close to her heart.
Director
Myriam St-Hilaire
Myriam brings a unique blend of wellness passion and business expertise to SHIFT. As the founder and a yoga teacher at OM Yoga Studio in Alliston, she has guided many on their path to mindfulness and balance. Though no longer the owner, she remains dedicated to fostering community through her teaching as well as her own practice.
By day, she’s a Business Development Manager at National Bank, where she goes beyond helping fellow professionals achieve their financial goals. Myriam is also involved in marketing and high-level strategy for the residential financing business line, contributing innovative ideas and strategic direction.
Her commitment to giving back to her community is at the heart of everything she does, making her excited to bring her skills and energy to SHIFT’s mission of tackling homelessness and food insecurity in South Simcoe.
Director
Devin Roshan
Devin is a life-long resident of Innisfil with a deep commitment to community service. He holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences, specializing in Child Health. He began his career as a Live-In Youth Worker and Program Director for a children's residence. He then transitioned to the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, where he now serves as an Investigator in the Licensing and Compliance division, bringing expertise in regulatory compliance to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young-persons in Ontario.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Devin will use his skills to support planning, development, and review activities. He strongly believes in the power of community support and is passionate about contributing to S.H.I.F.T.'s mission to provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for those in need.
Director
Your Name Here
S.H.I.F.T. is actively recruiting Board members to join our team.
Are you passionate about helping others?
Do you have experience on Boards?
Do you want to make a difference, locally, in the lives of those at-risk of our experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity?
Connect with us to learn more:
Or complete the nomination form for yourself or someone you think would make a great addition!
Executive Director
Jenifer Pergentile
Jenifer is a life-long resident of New Tecumseth, having grown up in Tottenham and now residing in Alliston. With a strong understanding of the importance of community service, she spent five years in a remote Alberta community, gaining invaluable experience in addiction, mental health, and social services. A proud mother of three, her children are actively involved in competitive dance and recreational sports. Jenifer remains deeply engaged in her community both personally and professionally.
Holding a BA in French and History, a BA (Hons) in Sociology with a minor in Criminology, and a post-graduate certificate in Addiction: Treatment and Prevention, Jenifer brings over 20 years of experience in social services to her role. Passionate about supporting vulnerable populations, she has been instrumental in the growth of S.H.I.F.T. from its humble beginnings as Alliston Out of the Cold and its initial planning stages, through the pandemic and a major rebranding to the comprehensive organization it is today.
As Executive Director, Jenifer leads strategic and operational decision-making for the organization’s programs and mission expansion. She is very hands-on, managing a range of responsibilities including partnership development, financial management, grant writing and fundraising, human resources, and program development. She actively participates in the organization’s activities and frontline operations, ensuring that the mission is carried out effectively. Her deep commitment to the community is evident in her leadership and dedicated service.
Development Officer
Candace Gordon
Candace is a proud mom and life-long resident of Simcoe County, deeply rooted in her community through her early involvement in the local horse racing scene. Over the years, her work in the non-profit sector has given her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and the profound effects poverty can have on housing stability.
Currently pursuing her CFRE designation, Candace also holds diplomas in Public Relations - Corporate Communications and Event Management. She leverages her skills in resourcefulness and problem-solving to ensure that S.H.I.F.T.'s shelves are stocked and the meal program runs smoothly. Passionate about supporting those in need, she is committed to raising awareness of S.H.I.F.T.’s mission and engaging the South Simcoe community to get involved in making a positive impact.
As Development Officer, Candace oversees the promotion of S.H.I.F.T.'s mission, coordinates fundraising initiatives, and fosters meaningful relationships with individual and corporate donors. Candace believes that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the power to make a difference, and she invites community members to connect, share stories, and build lasting relationships that strengthen the community.
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Program Coordinator
Shelter/Drop-In Centre
Courtney Holmes
Courtney recently moved to New Tecumseth and is thrilled to be a part of a community that values its residents. She holds a degree in criminology with a minor in sociology and has a heartfelt passion for Indigenous issues and justice. With over five years of experience in social services, Courtney has worked extensively in group homes and emergency shelters, primarily focusing on youth and male populations.
Her commitment to homeless services is evident in her holistic approach, which addresses the complex challenges faced by service users that can impede successful transitions to stable housing. As the Program Coordinator for S.H.I.F.T.'s Emergency Overnight Shelter and Daytime Drop-In Centre, she plays a vital role in developing supportive workshops and fostering strong partnerships with local social service providers.
Courtney’s efforts have significantly contributed to improved case management and more positive housing outcomes for those in need. She is dedicated to ensuring that everyone who engages with S.H.I.F.T.'s onsite programs feels safe and supported as they work toward their housing goals. Through her work, Courtney embodies the values of compassion and community support, striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Program Coordinator
Street & Community Outreach
Lee Theron
Lee, originally from South Africa, has proudly called New Tecumseth home since 2017. A devoted mom of three, her children's involvement in extracurricular activities keeps her closely connected to the community outside of work.
With over 16 years of experience in the social services sector, Lee is deeply passionate about empowering and equipping vulnerable individuals. She first joined S.H.I.F.T. as a volunteer in the Emergency Overnight Shelter program and now serves as the Outreach Program Coordinator. In this role, she ensures that the Outreach team provides life-saving supplies, essential resources, and comprehensive support to individuals across South Simcoe, helping them make meaningful progress on their housing journey.
A tireless advocate for service users, Lee is a strong proponent of harm reduction, understanding its crucial role in promoting safety and well-being through education and prevention. She has also played a key role in developing and advocating for encampment enforcement protocols in partnership with local law enforcement, bylaw officers, and municipal departments, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness receive adequate support before eviction efforts are initiated.
Operations Administrator
Sarah Simpson
Sarah holds a degree in theatre studies but has gained diverse experience over the last 15 years in fields such as insurance and administration. Growing up across Canada, Sarah was exposed to serving vulnerable populations from an early age, shaping her deep sense of community engagement. Since 2011, she has lived in Alliston with her husband and three daughters, where she has been actively involved in various community initiatives, from youth ministry to the arts, continuing to nurture her passion for theatre.
At S.H.I.F.T., Sarah brings a strong passion for operational excellence, with a focus on governance, adherence to sector standards, and ensuring smooth program and administrative operations. Her role is pivotal in maintaining the essential functions of both operations and human resources, acting as a key link between administration, program leadership, frontline staff, and external stakeholders. Sarah’s comprehensive approach ensures the organization runs efficiently behind the scenes, supporting its mission and staff.