Who we are

The Willow Foundation enhances the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities living in Halton Region’s three long-term care homes through a variety of programs and activities. From weekly ‘Artist Corner’ to Zumba classes, from our annual Strawberry Social to Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony we bring our residents a variety of social, arts and physical fitness programs.

Established in 2002, The Willow Foundation is a non-profit registered charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Your generous donations directly support the many activities that The Willow Foundations provides to enrich the lives of our residents.

We appreciate the kindness of the many individuals who give to The Willow Foundation and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone much for their generosity that benefits the lives of many seniors and adults with disabilities. We simply couldn’t do this without you. The staff at each of our homes and adult day programs provide a lovely and nurturing environment for their residents and are to be commended for the highest quality of care they provide.

Are you interested in giving back to your community? We are looking for people motivated to enrich the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities to join our team of volunteer board members: “Board of Directors Posting.pdf”

Our Board of Directors

Melody Pitts, Chair

Melody Pitts spent nine years as the Senior Development Officer at The Dorothy Ley Hospice, a volunteer-based community service organization offering compassionate care to people living with the challenges of a life-limiting illness or loss. Throughout her career, she has also provided event and community relations support for Access Abilities, a family owned licensed medical devices establishment with locations in Oakville and Etobicoke.

Melody joined the board in April 2020. She believes that enriching the lives of older adults in our community is vital to their ongoing health and well-being and feels honoured to have this unique opportunity. 

Melody joins the board with a proven track record of meeting annual fund-raising goals at the Dorothy Ley Hospice. She has also worked in the home health care sector at Access Abilities where she’s worn various hats including ten years in customer support and recently providing events and community relations support.

Melody’s recipe for a perfect day is being surrounded by family and friends.

Michelle Markovic, Director

 Michelle Markovic is a Home Medical Equipment Account Manager for Medline Canada. Medline is a global manufacturer and distributor of medical products with patient-centered solutions, services and expertise across the continuum of care.

Michelle became a board member in May 2019, because of the impact that the services the Willow Foundation provides, have on the residents. Michelle says the foundation enriches the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities.

Michelle has a Diploma in Marketing and more than 15 years experience in the medical device business.

As her day is normally very busy, Michelle says the perfect day for her is just spending some quality and memorable time with her family.

Kristin Courtney, Vice Chair

Kristin Courtney and husband David have been owners of Access Abilities (formerly MEDIchair) since 1988. Access Abilities is a licensed medical devices establishment with retail stores in Toronto and Oakville. Kristin feels it’s very important to give back – she has been a board member since December 2007.

Kristin says every day can be a perfect day when we’re alive to celebrate it and live by the golden rule.

Wendy Moraghan, Director

Wendy Moraghan is a 30-year veteran of Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS). She has served on the Willow Foundation board for more than six years. As Elder Services Coordinator for HRPS, Wendy realized funding was critical to maintain programs such as music and art therapy. She joined The Willow Foundation to help fulfill this important mandate.

Wendy’s illustrious policing career included uniformed patrol in Halton Hills and Milton, teaching the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program, working in the C.O.A.S.T unit (Crisis Outreach and Support Team), Elder Services Coordinator, Domestic Violence Investigator and assisting in the Homicide Unit.

Wendy describes her perfect day as hanging out with any or all of her nine, soon to be 10, grandchildren.

 Andrea Pohl, Director

Andrea Pohl is Director of Services for Seniors for the Halton Region. She became a member of the Willow board in September 2015. Andrea has worked in long-term care for more than 20 years, starting on the front-line then moving into various leadership positions.

Andrea joined the board to help support the changing needs of seniors at our long-term care homes and adult day programs. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Long-Term Care Management Diploma, Human Service Administration Diploma and is currently working on completing an MBA.

Andrea’s perfect day is when her efforts make a positive difference in the lives of residents, families and staff.