BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ABOUT US
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard Hodges, Chairperson

My sister Marilyn has been under the care of Inclusion Selkirk since 2000, shortly after my family moved to Selkirk and she followed with us. I was quite naïve about the system, assuming that she would automatically have a place to live, and I learned a lot at that time about the important role that Inclusion Selkirk played. 

I’ve always been a believer in being involved and giving back to the community. Since Inclusion Selkirk was doing so much for us, I felt that I should contribute, and so, joined the board sometime in the early 2000s. It is great to be part of a caring, capable, forward-thinking organization that provides so much to Selkirk and the surrounding areas, and indeed also to the field of caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  As my children became adults, and I found more free time, I took on the role of Chair of the Board of Directors.

I look forward to continuing to work with our Board of Directors and our staff to continue to provide the services needed and to plan for the future.

Bonnie Singleton, Vice Chair

I have been associated with Inclusion Selkirk for approximately 9 years, initially as a parent transitioning my son from high school and more recently as a board member.

I have always been impressed with the passion, energy and commitment that the staff at Inclusion Selkirk display when doing their jobs. I joined the board to be a part of this energy and to advocate for the people we serve. I am very excited to see what the future holds for Inclusion Selkirk!

“Nothing is impossible; the word itself says I’m possible!”
-AUDREY HEPBURN

Tyler Farrand, Secretary

My family and I live in Selkirk and we know the value and importance of inclusion in our community. I have been teaching in Selkirk and area for over a decade, in a variety of schools and positions. While working at the LSCRSS as a learning support teacher, I saw the important of proper transitions to adulthood for our students with exceptionalities and decided to join the board at Inclusion Selkirk. It has been wonderful supporting the great work that Inclusion Selkirk has done and continues to do in our community.

Caroline Riethoff, Treasurer

Bio coming soon

Linda Paluck, Director at Large

I have been on the Board of Community Living Selkirk, now Inclusion Selkirk, since 1999. My mother was a life member and had been on the Executive from the early 1970’s until the early 1990s when she stepped down for health reasons. The members of that time worked hard to improve the lives of their family members and others – they were an inspiration.

I had a younger brother with an intellectual and physical disability who was a very special part of our family, and he is the reason for my involvement with Inclusion Selkirk.  Terry spent time at St. Amant in Winnipeg and the Manitoba Developmental Centre in Portage la Prairie as there was no support for people with what was considered “severe” disabilities in Selkirk.  Due to Mom’s persistence, along with other members of Community Living Selkirk, he and 3 others came to live in Selkirk in 1984 and were supported by this organization.  They were able to work at ARC Industries and take part in community activities.  They were happy “at home” and lived inclusive lives – a wonderful example of what could be accomplished. It has been truly amazing to see how well our community has accepted and included the people we support.

I have been involved in several facets of the organization through the years and have enjoyed the people I have come to know. I am also pleased with our Board and staff, how well they work together, and how far we have come.  I want to see all people with intellectual disabilities live good lives in their home communities, doing what makes them feel good about themselves and the world around them.

Steve Grahame, Director at Large

I have been a board member for the past 25ish years. My family has had a long history of working with Community Living organizations in Winnipeg and Canada.

My brother John Grahame had austism, and my parents were big supporters in the push for inclusion in both the school and community. As a kid growing up, this was a topic of conversation around the dinner table, and the inclusion philosophy became deeply embedded in my own personal philosophy.

As a teacher, I worked in the regular classroom, as a resource teacher, a special education teacher, Vice Principal and prior to my retirement was the Director of the Lord Selkirk Education Centre.

I have a firm belief that inclusion in all aspects of the community is paramount for a successful community on all levels.

Arlene Bodnar. Director at Large

I am currently retired from a career in education that spanned Early Childhood, ABA Facilitator within the Autism field, Red River College Instructor, and Essential Skills Facilitator within communities and businesses in the Interlake region. 

The 30+ years of working with families, be it as a direct support worker in child development, an ABA Facilitator, or as the Mom to an amazing son who lives with intellectual challenges, has enriched my understanding of the dynamics families face daily.

I have provided mentoring and support to other families in my area and held positions on Provincial and National Advocacy organizations. I am a strong believer in the power of families and an advocate for the right to self-determination and genuine person-centred options within supportive communities.

Inclusion Selkirk has been part of our families’ journey for over a decade as Maria was a major advocate, and wealth of information as we traveled the pathway to our son receiving services that were best fit for him (ICOF). Our story is one that demonstrates this organizations willingness to reach out to families regardless of where services are provided.

Joann Makara, Director at Large

Bio coming soon

Hailey Perchotte, Director at Large

I have been involved with the Rehabilitation Centre for Children since 2010. First as a volunteer, then support staff, and now as the program coordinator. I have been involved in programs within Winnipeg, but have had very few opportunities to engage with my hometown community and support many of the friends that I met while attending elementary, middle, and high school.

I am excited to join the Inclusion Selkirk board and have the opportunity to work with others who share my passion for removing barriers, advocacy, and fun.

Maria Freeman, Executive Director

In 1992, I started working with Community Living Selkirk (now Inclusion Selkirk) as a program coordinator at the day program known as ARC Industries. I was fresh out of the Developmental Services worker program at Red River College.

I left work for a short time after having children and returned to an assistant manager position in the day program in 1995. As the organization restructured over the years, I moved through several roles and have been working as Executive Director for over 15 years. An interesting fact about me is that I was born in Wales, and moved to Canada when I was nine.

I am lucky that a work injury led me to change my path as I had not even thought of working in this sector. Once I became engaged, I found a passion that just keeps growing. My passion for this cause only grows when I see the joy and appreciation that some people have for life, even while they struggle to overcome barriers that many of us never face.

The best part of my job is working with people and seeing the growth and change over the years. I like the fact that I can never get bored – there is always something interesting happening on the horizon.

Join Us!
Please contact us to inquire about joining our Board of Directors.