Committees
We have a number of committees that would welcome volunteer members.
Our Board of Directors September 2023
Tom Eagan
In-Term President
Tom was born in 1967, the youngest of a family that has not really moved far in the last 180 years or so. He has always been part of the Tottenham community and Colgan Parish.
He was educated at St. James, Colgan, for elementary school and then attended Sacred Heart High School in Newmarket. After this, he pursued his Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Physics from the University of Guelph. His next step was to take a year off to work on the family dairy farm and supply teach for local schools. Following this, he completed a Masters Degree in Atmospheric Physics at the University of Saskatchewan. It was here that he formally met the Basilian Fathers and started studying philosophy and theology on the side.
From the prairies he moved back to Ontario to formally help with chaplaincy at Western University. While living with the Basilian Fathers in London, he completed his Bachelor of Education degree. After this graduation, Tom moved to San Lorenzo, Mexico, for one year (part of the formation with the Basilian Fathers). That year involved living in community and he would like to say “helping the poor” but he thinks he learned more wisdom and acts of sincere charity than he ever gave back. It was during his time there that he decided to move back to Tottenham and hopefully become part of the community as a teacher.
Teaching for Tom involves a healthy amount of extracurricular activity (science help nights, ball hockey, and cross-country). He has become more open to appreciating different styles of learning, recognizing the variety of effective teaching methods, and most importantly, realizing that every student has the capacity to learn and his job is to take that responsibility with the greatest humility possible.
Mary-Lou Osborne
Vice-President
Mary-Lou lives just outside of Loretto, is married and has two boys. Her younger son, Bryan lives with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and developmental delay, and has been a client of CLASS since pre-school.
After Bryan’s diagnosis, Mary-Lou left a busy, creative advertising career to stay home and care for her sons. Since then, she has worked for many years as a supply teacher, Special Education teacher, and Educational Assistant, all on a part-time basis. Her years of specialist appointments and therapies with her son, extensive research, and experience working with young people with different exceptionalities has made her a determined advocate for those who cannot do so for themselves.
After her family settled in Colgan in 1973, she attended St. James School, Banting Memorial High School, York University, and the New York Institute of Art and Design. She now pursues a part-time career as an Interior Designer, working mostly with local builders.
Bryan started receiving services from CLASS as a young pre-schooler, after it became apparent that intervention was needed during pre-school. He had a Children’s Services Worker that facilitated in the classroom, and also came to the house to provide structured play/therapy.
During the school years, Bryan’s involvement with CLASS was much less, mostly receiving programs for summer camp activities and the occasional March Break camp.
Since turning 18, Bryan has turned to CLASS for day supports. He now participates in the Passages Pay-for-Service program three days a week in Alliston. He loves the activities and is very enthusiastic to be in the company of his new friends and facilitators.
Alan Dresser
Treasurer
Alan lives in Tottenham, Ontario, where he owned two pharmacies since 1992. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Alan was a high school science teacher for 10 years and a pharmacist for 30 years. He holds degrees from University of Windsor, Queen’s, Saskatchewan and the Schulich School of Business at York University.
In the past, Alan served on the finance committee of the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association and on the Board of Directors for Pharmasave Ontario. Previously Chair of the Quality and Governance & Nominations Committees and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stevenson Memorial Hospital.
Alan enjoys semi-retirement in Tottenham with his wife, Aileen.
Benjamin D'Souza Secretary
Ben lives in Caledon and is married with 2 children. He worked at CLASS from 2000 to 2004.
Ben is presently the Assistant General Manager at a Magna International Company in Brampton where he has worked at for the past 19 years. Ben is a Mechanical Engineer and also holds a Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A) and Masters of Laws (LLM) degrees.
Ben’s family migrated to Canada 27 years ago from the United Arab Emirates, and both of his parents along with one of his siblings have worked at C.L.A.S.S in the past. His sister, Bianca who is developmentally delayed is a current attendee at C.L.A.S.S’ remote zoom program, which was started during COVID.
CLASS has been an extremely important and special organization in the hearts of Ben and his family since they migrated to Canada. He hopes to use his experience to give back and add value to the organization.
Kirsten Buligan
Director (Appointed)
Kirsten Buligan is an accomplished public service leader with a career spanning over 25 years. After transitioning from military and banking sectors, she focused on public service and has since made significant contributions in the fields of public safety, community relations, and inter-agency collaboration. Kirsten currently holds an executive leadership position where she is responsible for the development and oversight of innovative programs designed to improve public safety and strengthen community partnerships within the Ontario Public Service.
Her leadership has been marked by her ability to build and foster collaboration among diverse sectors, and she has played a pivotal role in developing programs that enhance community well-being. Beyond her professional achievements, Kirsten has been a dedicated volunteer for many years, serving as a board member for CLASS (Community Living Association South Simcoe) and participating in various other community boards and initiatives. Her commitment to local community development is further underscored by her three-decade residency in the area.
Kirsten is passionate about using her experience to continue serving her community. She is eager to bring her knowledge of public service, leadership, and community relations to the Board of Directors for the Community Living Association South Simcoe, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact in improving services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Dana De Sante
Director
Dana was born in Toronto and grew up in St. Catharines. Dana and his wife chose to retire to Alliston in 2020 where he enjoys golfing and gardening with his wife.
He obtained a degree in English Literature at the University of Toronto and his law degree from the University of Ottawa. After being called to the bar in 1985, he practiced for four years at a law firm in St. Catharines primarily in civil litigation. In 1989 he joined the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) in Toronto, part of the Ministry of the Attorney General. He practiced there in the Charitable Property Program until his retirement in 2021. At the OPGT, Dana inquired into complaints from members of the public about the alleged mis-use of funds by charities and allegations that charity directors had breached their fiduciary duties. Dana also conducted policy work and legislative drafting involving charitable matters. He is a past member of the Charity and Not-for-Profit Section of the Ontario Bar Association where he has presented numerous papers.
Dr. Matthew Myatt
Director
Dr. Myatt is a Physician in Alliston and is a member of the Alliston Family Health Team where he maintains his family practice. Dr. Myatt is also an active member of Staff at Stevenson Memorial Hospital where he is Chief of the Emergency Department. He has taken a significant role in Physician Leadership at the hospital as an executive in the Professional Staff Association. Dr. Myatt continues to contribute academically as a medical student and resident supervisor through the Rural Ontario Medical Program.
Dr. Myatt received his Undergraduate degree from The University of Toronto in 2002. He completed a Masters Degree in Public Health at St. Georges University School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine in 2004 and received his Medical Degree from St. Georges University School of Medicine in 2008. Dr. Myatt competed his Residency in Family Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in 2011.
Dr. Myatt and his Wife of 15 years, Nicole, choose Alliston in 2011 as the community where they wanted to make their home and raise their children. Those living with developmental disorders and disabilities are near and dear to their heart as they have 3 young children, 2 of whom have autism spectrum disorder.
Taylor Oliver
Director
Taylor grew up in Bradford and currently lives in Cookstown. She completed her Bachelor of Music with Honours Specialization in Music Education and minor in French Studies at Western University. She continued her studies at Nipissing University, achieving her Bachelor of Education, qualifying in Intermediate and Senior Music and French.
She continues to be a lifelong learner through Continued Education courses such as intermediate physical education, special education part 1, and vocal music.
She is a teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas in Tottenham, currently working as the Special Needs Resource Teacher (SNRT), and is enjoying participating in the school community through coaching and supporting clubs.
This year through encouragement and support, many of her students have gotten involved in athletics and clubs this year, ensuring they are getting the full High School experience they would like, and deserve!
Marc Ronan
Director
Marc was born in 1961 and grew up in Colgan Ontario with his 6 brothers and sisters on a family farm. Marc’s family came from Ireland in the mid 1840’s and homesteaded in Colgan with a group of Irish settlers. Marc’s father’s grandfather was the first Warden of Simcoe County. Marc went to school at St James in Colgan and Banting Memorial High School in Alliston. He received his Real Estate Licence in May of 1982 at 20 years old. Marc was married and blessed with 4 children before his 30th birthday. He now also has 3 beautiful Grandchildren.
Marc’s Real Estate career has been very rewarding allowing him to be the #1 Realtor in Canada for his brand on many occasions throughout his 40-year career including the Canadian ambassador award for Canada. He has served as a Director of the Tottenham Chamber of Commerce, the York region real estate Board and presently acts as the contracted Real estate Consultant for the Town of New Tecumseth. He also sits on the Simcoe County Economic Advisory committee for our area.
When not working he enjoy his Grandkids and farm in Adjala Twp. He was also blessed to be able to share one of his kidneys in the year 2000 with amazing results allowing them both to live blessed lives with their beautiful families.
If you would like more information or would like to speak with a board member please contact us.
