H&R MFRC Board of Directors

1. As you know 51% of the Board membership is comprised of military family members so tell us what is your connection to the military community?

I am both a military spouse and daughter. My father is a lifelong Air Force member. My husband is in the navy.

2. What drew you to get involved and volunteer to be a part of the MFRC Board of Directors? What inspires you to continue to be part of the organization?

The MFRC has been a big part of my life for a long time. I played there as a child in Gander, attended programs or volunteered as a youth then was employed in Gagetown, and have been attending playdates and running LLL meetings from the Shearwater MFRC for the last 5 years. It has always been welcoming, supportive, and helpful. I am excited to play a part in that.

3. Tell us a bit about your life experience, education or work background and how it assists in contributing as a member of the Board of Directors.

I was raised in a military household, was an active air cadet, went on to receive a BSc and a BEd in secondary education. I’ve had numerous jobs, including working at the MFRC and in the school system, giving me a number of different skills. For the past five years I’ve stayed home with my children and instead pursued entrepreneurial ventures instead. All this experience has given me work ethic, time management skills, communication skills, and many others that will contribute to my being a member of the board.

Keely is a Navy spouse, the parent to a single serving member, and has a career in Nursing. The Andersons were posted to HRM during the pandemic, & while she hasn‘t yet met the wonderful staff of H&R MFRC, she has used several services from various MFRC’s throughout their time as a military family member. With previous volunteer experience, including in financial & community engagement roles, she is sure to make a strong addition to our Board.

1. As you know 51% of the Board membership is comprised of military family members so tell us what is your connection to the military community?

I am proud to be a military family member and have been surrounded by loved ones who have proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces

for most of my life. My spouse and brother are both current members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and my father is also retired from the RCN after 29 years of service. My family also comes from a long line of serving military members, including my grandparents who served the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II.

2. What drew you to get involved and volunteer to be a part of the MFRC Board of Directors? What inspires you to continue to be part of the organization?

What drove me to get involved and volunteer as part of the MFRC Board is my desire to help give back to a community that has supported me

all my life. I am so fortunate to have been able to see this organization help so many other military families throughout the years, including myself, my family, and close friends. The MFRC does such wonderful work with the military community and when the opportunity came up I was very excited to have the opportunity to join the Board. Being able to be apart of this community of support and help military families is something really near and dear to my heart. I’m inspired everyday by seeing the impact we have on individuals and the community, and seeing

this impact continues to drive me forward in the great work that we do.

3. Tell us a bit about your life experience, education or work background and how it assists in contributing as a member of the Board of Directors.

My professional background has largely been in Human Resources where I was fortunate to work with some large Canadian retailers for 13 years. My portfolio focused primarily on employee relations, recruitment, employment law and talent management. Most recently, I have shifted gears and had the opportunity to join my family’s small business, helping lead and grow the company over the last few years. I believe my professional experiences have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to MFRC by providing a diverse perspective and innovative, out of the box thinking, which I believe has and will continue to allow me to make an impact on the Board’s committee’s. From a more personal perspective, being the daughter and a sister to serving members, I have experienced a lot of the military lifestyle and all the highs and lows that it comes with. As a wife to a serving member and with 2 young children, I have also leaned on the MFRC for support and utilized their programs personally. I feel this gives me a unique perspective and insight, which will allow me to be more effective in my role, providing valuable input and bring new ideas to the Board.

1. As you know 51% of the Board membership is comprised of military family members so tell us what is your connection to the military community?

My husband is a Regular Force member in the Navy. Before meeting him in 2014, I did not know much about the military. I have since learned that it is a unique lifestyle with many challenges and opportunities.

2. What drew you to get involved and volunteer to be a part of the MFRC Board of Directors? What inspires you to continue to be part of the organization?

I was inspired to volunteer on the MFRC Board of Directors because the work that the MFRC provides members and their families is essential, and this was an opportunity to support that work and give back to our military families. I have been able to take advantage of the services that the MFRC offers deployed families, and it has shown me first-hand how important the H&R MFRC is.

3. Tell us a bit about your life experience, education, or work background and how it assists in contributing as a member of the Board of Directors.

I have been working in accounting roles in various industries, with the majority of my time spent in the automotive industry, since graduating from NSCC in 2011. I am currently employed at a RF engineering company in Halifax. Each employment opportunity has allowed me to grow professionally and provided me with more experience in accounting, finance, management and human resources that I am able to bring to the Board of Directors. From a personal standpoint, I am able to bring to the Board of Directors the experience of walking into a new relationship with no understanding how the military works, and learning the ropes (and acronyms!) of day-to-day and deployment life.

Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) James McCarron enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as an Aerospace Control Operator in 2001. He underwent initial occupational training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations. Upon completion, he was assigned to 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron at 22 Wing where he would serve at Canadian NORAD Region and contribute to aerospace surveillance, identification, control and warning for the defence of Canada and North America.

In early 2004, as a Corporal, he was posted to 17 Wing Operations where he would be employed in preparing members for deployed operations. Then, in 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Master Corporal and posted to the 176th Air Control Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska. He contributed to aerospace control within the Alaska NORAD Region’s area of operation.

Upon promotion to the rank of Sergeant in 2008, he was posted to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, where he would fly on the E3 Sentry, commonly known as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), accumulating over 1300 flying hours. During his posting as a member of the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, he deployed on Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in 2010, and once again in 2011.

In 2013, Warrant officer McCarron was posted and appointed to the position of Unit Warrant Officer at Canadian Detachment Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, New York. Then, in 2016, he was posted to Ottawa as Executive Assistant to Canadian Joint Operations Command, Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO).

After promotion to Master Warrant Officer (MWO) in 2017, he was assigned as the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Space Component MWO. In 2018, MWO McCarron was selected for the RCAF Fellowship, where worked to advance initiatives in talent management and diversity. In 2020, MWO McCarron served as Executive Assistant to the RCAF CCWO.

In 2021, following promotion to CWO, he was appointed as the Canadian Element NORAD (CANELEMNORAD) Formation CWO, serving the professionals and their families in NORAD and Space across the USA and Greenland.

In 2025, CWO McCarron was appointed as the 12 Wing Shearwater CWO.

CPO1 Patrick Mackey enrolled in the Canadian Forces as a Signalman (262) in his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland and commenced boot camp on 1 April 1996 at the age of 21. On completion of Basic Training in Saint-Jean, Quebec he attended the inaugural Naval Communicator (277) course in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Upon completion of trades training he was then posted to HMCS Montréal.

From 1997 to 2001 he was posted to a number of different ships including HMCS Provider, HMCS St. John's, and HMCS Athabaskan where he completed two NATOs prior to his first shore posting to Trinity in the summer of 2001.

In January of 2003, he became the first steady state 277 to be promoted to Master Seaman and was then posted to HMCS Toronto where he completed his first major deployment on OP ALTAIR. In May of 2005 he was posted to MARLANTHQ N31 and subsequently promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class where he once again became the first 277 to obtain that rank.

In January of 2007 he was posted to HMCS Charlottetown where he was deployed on OP ALTAIR for a second time. Upon completion of his deployment in June of 2008, he was posted to MARITIME OPERATIONS GROUP 5 as the Information Management Manager where he also attended his 6B course and became the first Naval Communicator to be promoted to Petty Officer 1st Class. During his time ashore, CPO1 Mackey completed the Officer Program of Military Education.

In July of 2010 CPO1 Mackey was posted to HMCS Iroquois as the Senior Naval Communicator until being posted to CANADIAN FLEET ATLANTIC as the Fleet Senior Naval Communicator in July of 2011.

In July of 2013 he became the first Naval Communicator to achieve the rank of Chief Petty Officer Second class where he was then subsequently posted to MARLANT Visits and Protocol. CPO1 Mackey remained at Visits and Protocol until May of 2015 until he was posted to HMCS Halifax as the Combat Chief.

In 2016, CPO1 Mackey was selected to attend the NCM Executive Professional Development Programme at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. His studies mainly focused on Psychology and International Relations. In 2017 he then attended Second Language Training until June 2018.

On completion of French training CPO1 Mackey was selected to be the Executive Assistant to the Royal Canadian Navy Command Chief Petty Officer until July of 2020 until he was appointed as Coxn of HMCS Fredericton.

In July of 2020, CPO1 Mackey was appointed as COXN on HMCS Fredericton where he deployed on OP REASSURANCE. In 2022 he was appointed as COXN of Sea Training Atlantic until his appointment as the Atlantic Fleet Chief in June 2024.

CPO1 Troy Beazley enrolled into the Canadian Armed Forces in Nov 1990. After Basic Training in CFB Cornwallis, he completed his SONAROP training in Esquimalt, BC.

From Oct 1991 to Dec 2005, he was posted to CFB Halifax where he had the distinct pleasure of serving onboard HMC ships TERRA NOVA, GATINEAU, SKEENA, VILLE DE QUEBEC, CHARLOTTETOWN, FREDERICTON and ST. JOHN’S.

During the same period he enjoyed a posting to the Advanced Data Analysis Centre and was among the first group of NCMs afforded the opportunity to complete the Advanced Acoustic Analysis and Passive Oral Listening course in Nowra, Australia.

After CPO1 Beazley completed his Under Water Warfare Directors course in 2006, he was posted to HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN for the second time and deployed as part of Task Force Artemis in 2007. He was then employed at the Canadian Forces Naval Operations School, Canadian Fleet Atlantic and the Personnel Coordination Centre Atlantic.

Completing a year of Second Official Language Training in 2015, he moved on to a year of academic training at the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON for the NCM Executive Professional Development Programme. A quick move to Ottawa followed with a year in the Joint Projects Cell at Chief Force Development.

Promoted CPO1 in May 2017, he was posted to Director Military Careers as a Career manager followed by the exceptional opportunity to serve as Coxswain of HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN and then a TPULT appointment to Director Senior Appointments as the Naval Environment CPO1 Career Manager.

Following the personnel management lines, he was appointed to a PTLT where CPO1 Beazley had the privilege of being the Naval Strategic Readiness CPO1 and RCN Succession Manager – NCM.

Most recently appointed to his current position as Base CPO for CFB Halifax, CPO1 Beazley is excited to serve the Base to the best of his ability and humbled that the RCN has entrusted him with this important position.

Dani Alarie is a Registered Social Worker, she holds a Bachelor in Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa and a Masters in Social Work from Carleton University. She has almost a decade of experience working with Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families. Dani is presently a Clinical Social Worker at the Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic. She is also an RCMP spouse and mother of a toddler.

Desiree Tan is a military spouse of a RCAF member based in Shearwater, NS and mother of a one-year-old son. Her family has had the benefit of attending H&R MFRC programs, classes and events, experiencing firsthand how beneficial these supports are for military families. Desiree is a lawyer who has been practicing law since 2012, having practiced in three provinces: Manitoba, Alberta and Nova Scotia. She has served on boards and committees throughout her legal career and is looking forward to serving on the H&R MFRC Board of Directors.

Ellen is a Navy spouse, living in HRM and currently on maternity leave from her Communications position with Halifax Regional Police. With a background in communications, graphic design, and event coordination, we thought Ellen’s passion for projects, recognition, and engagement could bring a fresh perspective to the Board table.

Q. 51% of the Board membership is comprised of military family members, so tell us, what is your connection to the military community?

A. Emilee is a dedicated and passionate Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University, where she specializes in disability health equity. Her research focuses on health disparities, discrimination, and stigma. Emilee holds a Master of Education from Queen's University and a Bachelor's degree from Dalhousie University.

Q. What drew you to get involved and volunteer to be a part of the MFRC Board of Directors? What inspires you to continue to be part of the organization?

A. In 2015, Emilee enrolled in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves in Halifax, Nova Scotia, serving five years. She is the fifth generation in her family to serve (between the British and Canadian Armed Forces) and has been a military spouse for nearly a decade.

 

Q. Tell us a bit about your life experience, education or work background and how it assists in contributing as a member of the Board of Directors.

A. Emilee was driven to join the MFRC Board of Directors by her deep personal connection to the military community. Her experiences in the Canadian Armed Forces, both as a service member, military spouse, and mother, along with her research work with veterans, provides her with unique insights into the challenges and needs faced by service members and their families. Ultimately, her decision to join the board is a blend of her personal dedication and professional commitment to supporting a community she knows and loves.

Jordan Elliott is a Reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces, in the Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service as a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer. She is currently working full-time with the Cadet Program as the Public Affairs Officer for the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Atlantic). Originally from Halifax, N.S., Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and History from Mount Allison University and a Certificate in Indigenous Studies from Dalhousie University. She has been working in the field of communication since 2017. Jordan is the proud mother of a busy toddler (currently enrolled at the Shearwater Childcare Centre) and wife of a Lt(N).

Kate Pinsent has over 15 years of experience as a human resources logistics officer in the CAF and is currently employed as a liaison officer with the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre. She volunteers with Couch of Hope, a local non profit aimed at providing mental health resources to Nova Scotians, and is working towards obtaining her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Kate grew up on military bases as the child of CAF members, and her husband is a retired military cook. She has two amazing children, ages 4 and 8, and is very excited to put down long term roots with her family in Nova Scotia.

1. As you know 51% of the Board membership is comprised of military family members so tell us what is your connection to the military community?

I have a strong connection to the military community as both my wife and I are serving members in the Regular Force. Being a military service couple, along with raising children in this environment, adds a unique perspective to understanding the needs and challenges of military families.

2. What drew you to get involved and volunteer to be a part of the MFRC Board of Directors? What inspires you to continue to be part of the organization?

I was drawn to volunteer for the MFRC Board of Directors by my connection to the military community as a serving member with a young family. What inspires me to continue is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of military families, leveraging my unique perspective and experiences.

3. Tell us a bit about your life experience, education or work background and how it assists in contributing as a member of the Board of Directors.

As a professional musician in the Canadian Armed Forces, I’ve had the privilege of serving in the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy, with experience in both the Primary Reserve and Regular Force. My career has included heavy involvement in military sports, affording me the opportunity to connect with military members of all ranks, occupations, and elements. My background includes earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Dalhousie University, and additional studies at Humber College. I’ve had the opportunity to perform on the BBC and CBC as well as with countless musical ensembles across Canada such as Symphony Nova Scotia and the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra. Furthermore, administrative roles throughout my military career in public and non-public finance further equip me to contribute effectively to the Board of Directors.

Sarah is a Navy spouse & local entrepreneur, based out of HRM. Currently running her own incorporated business as CEO & Mortgage Broker. Sarah has used many services from the H&R MFRC over the years, volunteers with other community organizations, & with her varied background including sales, marketing, evaluation, training, fundraising, & non-profit management (to name a few), we are excited to bring her experience to the Board.

Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Derek Godin was born in Winnipeg Manitoba but grew up in a military family with postings across Canada. He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Ottawa in 1994 as a Naval Combat Information Operator (NCI Op). His first posting was to HMCS St. John’s where he also deployed for the first time as a part of Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL). In 1999, he volunteered for the Submarine Service and was posted to HMCS Ojibwa and completed subsequent posting to HMCS Corner Brook, HMCS Chicoutimi and HMCS Windsor.

In 2007, at the rank of PO2, he was posted back to HMCS St. John’s for a second tour, this time as the Operations Room Supervisor. In 2010, he was promoted to PO1 and posted to HMCS Halifax as the Senior NCI Op and led the department through the Halifax Class Modernization.

He completed the year long French course in 2015 followed by a promotion to CPO2 and a posting to HMCS Fredericton as the Operations Chief. Here, he deployed on Operation Reassurance. After the deployment, he was posted to Naval Fleet School Atlantic as the Operations Division CPO2.

In 2018, he was promoted to CPO1 and posted to Director General Military Careers (DGMC) as the Career Manager for NCI Op, SONAR Op, and NES Ops. In 2020, he was selected as Coxswain of HMCS Charlottetown. After his Coxswain tour, he was appointed as the Unit CPO1 of the Naval Training and Development Centre Atlantic, and in 2022 he was appointed as the Naval Strategic Readiness CPO1 and NCM Succession Manager. In 2023 he was appointed to the new position as the MARLANT Formation CPO1.

CPO1 Derek Godin is a graduate of the Senior Appointment and Executive Leadership Programs. He is a Keystone Fellow and holds a Defence and Security Certificate through Algonquin College.

He is an avid cyclist and F1 racing fan and is a devoted husband to Kirsty, and father of two tremendous children, Callie and Gabriel.

Shelley Hopkins joined the H&R MFRC in 1994, (called the Shearwater Community Resource Centre at that time). The Centre had just opened and Shelley played a key role as the coordinator for a variety of programs, many of which are still successfully running today, including: youth programming and opening of the Henderson Sweetman Youth Centre, Casual Care Program, Summer Camp, the Before and Afterschool Program and Shearwater Children’s Centre. Shelley moved on to be Assistant Director and then Director of Shearwater Children’s Centre, expanding the license capacity to from 14 spaces in 1994 to 161 spaces by 2008. When the Shearwater Military Family Resource Centre and the Halifax Military Family Resource Centre amalgamated (known as the H&R MFRC), Shelley increased her role and became the Site Manager of the Shearwater site MFRC. In December 2017, Shelley was the successful candidate for the Executive Director position.

Shelley has a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Studies from Mount Saint Vincent University. The study of children is inclusive of the family, making family support and the MFRC a perfect fit to apply her educational background. She has worked with thousands of military families, and is committed to quality programming and learning. This is evident in her participation on several national working groups including Child Care, Respite and Emergency Child Care, Special Needs, and most recently the Veteran Family Program, which are all opportunities for Shelley to inform policy makers about the local military family experience.

Shelley, grew up surrounded by the military community, including a parent in the CAF, as well as three cousins, one still actively serving. So walking into an MFRC felt like a perfect fit not only professionally but personally. As Executive Director, Shelley is dedicated to families viewing the H&R MFRC as their community centre and using a family centred practice approach to engage families to influence the programs and services offered. She values inclusive practice, reflective practice and positive workplace culture as well as building partnerships with community agencies, civilian and military, so military families are supported in the community in which they live.