About The Willow Foundation
Who We Are
Established in 2002, The Willow Foundation is a Canadian non-profit registered charitable organization run by a volunteer board of directors.
The Foundation provides support and life enrichment programming to older adults served by the Halton Region Services for Seniors Division. This includes:
Three long-term care homes: Post Inn Village - Oakville, Creek Way Village – Burlington, Allendale - Milton
Three adult day programs: Silver Creek Place - Georgetown, Milton Place – Milton, Friends Landing – Milton
Four assisted living programs: Bonnie Place I & II – Burlington, Wellington Terrace – Burlington, Martin House – Milton, John R. Rhodes Senior Residence – Oakville.
The Foundation encourages and supports further education of the Region’s clinical staff by offering an annual bursary.
Our Vision
We strive to be a dependable, sustained charitable organization, committed to understanding and meeting the growing needs of those we serve.
Our Board
The Willow Foundation could not provide the good works we do in the community without the support and belief in our cause by our dedicated volunteer board of directors and part-time coordinator (paid position).
Chair of the Board
Melody Pitts
Melody’s day to day is working in the family business, Access Abilities, as the Director of Operations. Bringing a wealth of experience from her nine years in the not for profit sector, and combining that with her passion for community, she feels right at home on the Willow Foundation Board, which she joined in April of 2020.
Director
Andrea Pohl
Andrea is the Director of Services for Seniors for Halton Region and joined the Willow board in September 2015. With over 20 years in long-term care, she has progressed from front-line roles to leadership positions. Andrea joined the board to address the evolving needs of seniors in long-term care and adult day programs. Her qualifications include a BA, Long-Term Care Management and Human Service Administration Diplomas, and an MBA.
Treasurer
Matt Vijayan
Matt, an award-winning healthcare entrepreneur, is President and CEO of HolistiQ Inc. and Siddhi Healthcare Inc., soon to be overseeing multiple physiotherapy clinics in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area focusing on seniors' mobility and cognitive support. Inspired by his experience caring for his terminally ill grandmother, Matt joined the board in October 2023 to support aging adults with degenerative conditions. He holds an MBA from Athabasca University and a BSc in Physics from the University of Calicut.
Communications Director
Martin Jackson
Martin is a retired communications specialist with 40 years experience in IT and corporate communications. He joined the board in 2018 to apply his expertise towards a worthy cause that many of us may need as we age. In 2008, Martin earned an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Public Relations from Sheridan College, this led to his annual volunteer work with the Access Abilities’ Veterans Appreciation Luncheon.
Director
Pallavi Devangare
Pallavi is a Software Automation Engineer with previous work experience at Qualitest Canada. Her career spans roles as an IT Technician and Software Engineer, complemented by more than a decade of volunteer work with Brahma Kumaries in India. Pallavi holds an MSc in Information Technology and is constantly eager to learn and evolve. She joined the Willow board in December 2023, driven by a passion for giving back to society and a commitment to personal growth.
Vice-chair
Laurie Hunter
Laurie Hunter is Vice President of Comprehensive Benefit Solutions Limited, an insurance consulting firm specializing in group benefits, group retirement, and individual insurance. Laurie brings a wealth of board experience that includes serving on the Halton Board of Education and a private insurance consulting firm, Laurie brings valuable insights and expertise to her role. Passionate about community service and dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors, she leverages her decades of personal and professional experience to advocate for the well-being of older adults. Laurie deeply values the Willow Foundation's mission to improve the quality of life for older adults, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.
Director
Vanessa Vargas
Vanessa is the founder of PSW to the Rescue, a Burlington-based personal support agency recognized for its compassionate, consistent care for seniors. A certified Personal Support Worker with more than 15 years of hands-on experience, Vanessa leads with empathy and dedication, ensuring families feel informed, supported, and confident in their care decisions. Vanessa joined The Willow Foundation to advocate for family caregivers, elevate the standards of care for older adults and make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve throughout the community.
Foundation Coordinator
Rachel Dam
Rachel is with us on a part-time basis. She is also the customer liaison employee for Access Abilities. Balancing roles as a mom, pet hotel manager, planner, coordinator, and cook, her background is in biotechnology, but family needs and the opportunity at Access Abilities redirected her career. She joined The Willow Foundation to give back to the community and set an example for her kids, appreciating the chance to make a difference as she and those around her age.