Board of Directors

Lynn is married with 2 boys now in university, and has enjoyed a 30 year career as a marketing strategist. She loves to travel and be active outdoors. She has lived in the same house in Westboro since moving to Ottawa over 20 years ago.

” I joined the Board to learn and to give back to community. My family has been a long-time client of DRA: playgroups, playground, skating, swimming lessons and camps for the boys; spinning classes for me.

I am inspired by the DRA culture and the talent of the people working for and with DRA including employees, fellow Board members, partner. They are collaborative, client-focused,  and have a “can-do” attitude.

I believe in the DRA mission of building a healthy, active and engaged community through recreation. I’m proud of my contributions to the Community Development committee:  enhancing our understanding of the community and with plans to address need gaps.

I’ve also learned about what it takes to make significant change eg implement a new registration software, survive a building expansion, the benefits of diversity of thought and power of networks and strong relationships. More recently, I have learned about managing ambiguity and resilience in times of crisis (pandemic).

I’ve made new connections and friendships and feel more like an active member of the community.”

Originally from small-town Ontario, Jenny moved to Ottawa in 2016 after living in Toronto for nearly 20 years. She is a mom of two, and she works in one of the city’s many great Museums.

“Why did I join the DRA? When I moved here in 2016, Dovercourt became a hub for our family life. Immediately it was clear that it offered a different and more community-minded environment than the usual recreation centre. Dovercourt community events were a big part of our first year in the city, and helped to get our family oriented in Westboro.

Once I joined, I realized DRA’s mission and impact extends far beyond what I realize, such as through its commitment to inclusion, the extension of subsidies to families in need, and its network of community partners. The Board values different skill sets and there’s room for people of all professional backgrounds. I joined because of my personal commitment to equitable recreation services.

Like Anick, I think the Board is a great group of laid-back yet highly committed community members.”

I am a mom of twins, wife, former Recreation Therapist at CHEO-OCTC, a former member of the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team as a guide for one of Canada’s top blind skiers (top-ranking 2nd in the world) and now Executive Director of Abilities Centre Ottawa. 

I grew up in Westboro as a DoverKid (sports programs, swimming lessons and camps) and then Dovercourt became my first place of employment (coached T-Ball & softball, became a lifeguard and swim instructor).  I was lucky enough to have John Rapp as my first “big boss” and I continue to be grateful for his guidance as one of the most recognized leaders in the community. As a teenager, I developed so many new skills (vocational skills and life skills with the support of all the Dovercourt staff (some of whom are still part of the team)!

I wholeheartedly believe in Dovercourt’s mission and the ways in which they accomplish it (within the walls, outside the walls and as a collective team with the community).

I believe the success of a community is strengthened by inclusivity, acceptance and equitable access for all.

Why I joined DRA:

I no longer live within the Dovercourt catchment and, therefore, hold one of two positions on the board that are permitted from outside the catchment area.

I was honoured to join the board in 2018 as it was an opportunity for me to give back to an organization that gave me so much as I was growing up.

Dovercourt is so much more than a recreation centre.  It is a place that many people and many families see as the core of the community, a place they call home.  It is also an organization that gives back in more ways than you might think. Dovercourt is a Charitable organization that ensures that our diverse population has access to the many programs and services they offer and they also support the work of other social service organizations and agencies through partnerships, collaborations and in-kind support. 

The Board of Directors at Dovercourt is a wonderful group of talented individuals who all have similar visions for the centre, the community and the future. I have gained a lot of knowledge as well as new friends/colleagues through the relationships I have gained with other board members, as well as the fabulous Dovercourt staff.

Everyone has value to both offer and to gain when it comes to volunteer opportunities.  If you have ideas and knowledge to share, if you want to have a positive impact in your community (and beyond) and if you have some time to spare on a monthly basis, we are welcoming new members to the team!

Dovercourt is very much a hub of our community. It is much more than a recreational Center. It is a people’s Centre and being a part of the Board, among other things, is a way of staying connected and of giving back —all-important during these times. 

There are so many benefits to joining the DRA Board. First, you are part of an amazing organization with a super-talented and all-heart staff. The Board does meet regularly and there is some time required for Committee work but it is all worth it. You also get to meet and work with a multifaceted team of Directors who all have the same passion: community. 

I live in the neighbourhood with my husband and two kiddies. We enjoy so many of the Dovercourt-run programs including the parks and SJAM and camps, of course.

I am a lawyer by trade and I am hopeful that my background as a lawyer has helped Dovercourt navigate legal questions as they arise in any similar organization.

As an aside, I recently completed a culinary degree and created Julianna Banana. Together with my daughter Julianna,  we teach Culinary classes to kids and families. Pastry anyone? 

Jonathan is originally from Ottawa but has only lived in the Westboro area for the last 7 years. He recently retired after working both internationally and on international economic and financial issues. He has been on the DRA board since 2020.

“I’m getting back to my roots: I was last involved with parks and recreation in Ottawa some 40 years ago (managing parks & wading pools, rinks and beaches)

Why did I join the Board? I wanted to learn more about my community and to contribute to the community through volunteer work. I knew little about Dovercourt but a number of old friends encouraged me to become more involved there.

Like many other institutions, Dovercourt has been challenged by the pandemic but I’ve learned that Dovercourt is a much-cherished institution in our neighbourhood. I want to help to make sure Dovercourt emerges from the pandemic ready to provide the level of service many have come to enjoy in the past. It’s often when we no longer have something that we truly appreciate it. 

I’ve learned more about the needs and interests of our community. I’ve met new and interesting people in our community who share a strong commitment to the success of  Dovercourt. As I learn more about Dovercourt, I realize it has much potential to contribute to a strong sense of community.”

My name is Alison, and I joined the Dovercourt Board of Directors in 2021. We have lived in Westboro for over a decade and during this time Dovercourt has been such an amazing resource for our family. I am passionate about fitness (as a slow but dedicated runner!), and I joined the Board to help support opportunities for our community to stay active and to champion Dovercourt’s leading approach for inclusion. I’ve learned so much during my time on the Board – not just about Dovercourt and the breadth of their community and charitable activities, but also about the business side of a non-government organization. It has been a lot of fun getting to know the other Board members and staff, and Dovercourt makes participating really easy!

The success of this great social enterprise is thanks to a long history of community leaders volunteering their time to help guide the Dovercourt Recreation Association. I feel privileged to collaborate with incredible board members who share the same passion for recreation and community building. 

The board is a diverse group of individuals who bring thoughtful perspectives to the challenges facing the DRA. I enjoy spending a couple of hours every month with them and I always learn something new. 

My family and I have taken advantage of so many of the activities available at Dovercourt. The inclusive programming and the amazing staff are what draw us in. It’s particularly important to me that the DRA continues to thrive and create quality jobs, opportunities, and experiences for our youth.