Meaford Military Family Resource Centre

Pamela is the Executive Director of the Meaford Military Family Resource Centre (MMFRC), a role in which she proudly wears several hats at once. She works closely with military families, veterans, and serving members, while also collaborating with the Chain of Command and a wide range of community stakeholders. Her work is grounded in connection, problem-solving, and ensuring families feel supported as they navigate the unique challenges of military life.
Pamela has been with the MFRC since 2014 and previously worked with the Transition Group at 4 CDTC Meaford, giving her a deep and longstanding understanding of both the base and the surrounding community. Having lived in Meaford since 2006, she brings continuity, local knowledge, and trusted relationships to her role.

Her background is deeply rooted in lived military experience. As a military granddaughter, daughter, spouse, and parent, Pamela brings a family-centred lens to everything she does. This perspective allows her to understand the realities behind the paperwork and policies, and to meet families where they are with empathy and authenticity.

When people first meet Pamela, they can expect a warm welcome and a genuine smile. What she enjoys most about her work is identifying a family’s needs, helping find solutions, and supporting them as they navigate whatever situation they may be facing.

Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Pamela came to Meaford through a military posting with her former spouse and children. She often encourages families new to the area to give Meaford a chance, describing it as one of the military’s best-kept secrets — a close-knit base within a welcoming community, rich with opportunities to explore, connect, and create lasting memories.

One of Pamela’s favourite parts of living in the area is the breathtaking sunrise visible during her morning commute, a moment of gratitude she never takes for granted. In the winter, she enjoys skiing at Blue Mountain, and in the summer, she can often be found stand-up paddleboarding on the many nearby waterways.
 

Tell us more about your role at the MMFRC and the programs that you are involved in?
As Family Navigator at the Meaford Military Family Resource Centre (MMFRC), I support Canadian Armed Forces members and their families by listening to their needs, identifying strengths, and connecting them to tailored resources, services, and tools. I help plan family events at the facility or local venues to build community and well-being.​

How long have you worked for the MMFRC?
I started working at the MMFRC in 2025.

Tell me about your background (experience, education, etc.)?
I hold a Police Foundations Diploma, training in conflict intervention and de-escalation, and previously held a Mental Health First Aid certification, which will soon be renewed. Previously, I owned AMICI, a local business that has given me a strong network from which I can pull resources, volunteered with Bruce Grey & Perth County Victim Services offering crisis support, served in a local service club, worked as a cook in the mess right here on base, and currently serve as a mortgage agent on my off time. As a mortgage agent level 2, I've honed skills in confidentiality and personalized client guidance.​

What can people expect to see when they first meet you?
People can expect a friendly, approachable professional who's ready to listen without judgment, build trust quickly, and offer practical, culturally aware help tailored to their situation.​

Where are you from and what brought you to Meaford? How long have you lived here?Born and raised here, I couldn't wait to move out after high school but found my way back after several years—it's too beautiful to stay away. I've lived in Meaford the majority of my life, with larger periods of time spent travelling including 10 months learning and working in Italy.

What advice do you have for families transitioning to Meaford?
Take time to explore local resources early, like the MMFRC for personalized navigation, and connect with neighbours, small steps build a strong support network in this welcoming military community.​

What is your favourite thing about living in the area? What is your favourite thing to do in the winter? The summer?
My favourite thing about the area is its natural beauty and outdoor access. In winter and summer, I love hikes, bon fires and spending as much time outside as possible.

I am Nancy, I am usually one of the first people you see when you enter the Meaford MFRC. I love my job, each day is different and filled with interesting goals and objectives for that day.

I use my creative side working on the Coyote Chronicle newsletter and putting together workshops and Youth Connection days. 

I am in tune with Grey/ Bruce through meeting key people and networking.

I have a diploma in Social Service Work and am working on my HR certificate through online courses.

In my spare time I enjoy the gym, meeting friends at a local coffee shop, and being a hockey/ golf mom!!

Can't wait to meet you!

I was born and raised in Meaford, and this community has shaped both my personal life and my  career. As a mother of five, I understand firsthand the importance of safe, nurturing, and engaging environments for children. My passion for supporting families and helping children grow has guided me throughout my career.

I began my work with the MFRC in the late 1990s and remained there until 2008, when our family was posted to Petawawa. During our time in Petawawa, I continued my career with the Military Family Resource Centre, further strengthening my experience in child and family programming. Throughout these years, I supported a wide range of programs, coordinated activities, and built meaningful relationships with families. This work deepened my commitment to creating environments where children feel valued, supported, and inspired.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my kids—especially camping, exploring the outdoors, and snowmobiling. These experiences remind me how important play, exploration, and connection are for children’s development.

As a Supervisor and Program Coordinator, I bring dedication, experience, and a deep love for this community. I am committed to fostering a

Greetings! My name is Beth Patton. I grew up in beautiful Bruce County and I have lived the bulk of my adult life near the shores of Georgian Bay. My husband and I raised our 5 children in Collingwood, and in 2022, with an empty nest, we resettled near Kemble, Ontario. I am a proud Grandma to 5 grandkids.

When I am not at work, I volunteer in the church band as a vocalist and occasional worship leader. I enjoy writing (songs and stories) and singing/playing my 12 string guitar, drawing, sewing, reading, hiking, and flower gardening. Oh and big roller coasters! I am a huge fan of all things Irish/Celtic, which is a comical stray from my Mennonite roots!

Children are my greatest source of joy outside of my family. My “teacher heart” believes every child will do their best when they can. And on the days they can’t, we are here to help them. I believe the most important aspect of my role as an Early Childhood Educator is relationships. My philosophy around early childhood aligns with the Reggio Emilia pedagogy, which inspires the emergent curriculum methods being implemented in Ontario. My professional development is weighted in sensory integration, and self regulation.

The bulk of my career experience occurred during my 18 years on staff at Maple Lane Early Learning Academy. I was excited to find the MFRC childcare, a bit closer to our home. As a seasoned preschool teacher, I enjoy creating a warm and rich learning environment for every child.

My greatest goal, whether at work or in my personal life, can be summed up in my favourite quote by Dr. Jean Clinton, “Every child deserves to have someone’s eyes light up when they enter the room”.

Beth Patton, RECE

I am a dedicated Early Childhood Educator with a strong passion for supporting young children’s learning, development, and well-being. I have experience planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children across all developmental stages. I am committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

I have a strong understanding of child development and use this knowledge to tailor learning experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. My approach emphasizes positive relationships, play-based learning, and collaboration with families to support each child’s individual strengths and needs. I am patient, caring, and highly organized, with strong communication and teamwork skills that contribute to a positive learning environment.

Kira joins the Meaford MFRC Board of Directors as part of full circle moment. She was not only aware of our local organization but was employed by it a dozen years ago during her husband’s Meaford posting.

Since that time, Kira has gone on to have great success in a variety of roles through employment with On-Line Support, as well as Family & Children’s Services of Renfrew County. She has worked her way from being a Quality Analyst, to important Supervisory positions in administration and human resources, to currently being the Director of Human Resources.

Kira has taken her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and expanded on it greatly. She has taken several courses in the areas of project management, payroll, team management, and leadership. Kira has extensive experience with working in or leading teams, in compliance assurance, recruitment and retention, labour relations, and relationship building. Her efforts culminated in the completion of her Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation that has allowed her to progress her career to great heights. 

Kira is a military spouse and a mother to two wonderful children. While she will work with the other members of the Board from afar geographically, Kira has the experience to contribute greatly to the collective goals being pursued by Meaford MFRC.

I am a dedicated dental assistant and proud military spouse with over 10 years of experience balancing career, family, and community life. Since graduating from George Brown College in 2015, I have built a career in dentistry and currently serve as Team Lead, Clinical Supervisor and chairside dental assistant at a family-run practice in Owen Sound. In this role, I specialize in patient care, staff training, organization, and leadership, with a strong focus on helping patients feel comfortable and supported.

Beyond my career, I am passionate about advocacy for mental health and sexual assault survivors, and I value the power of compassion, honesty, and kindness in connecting with others. 

As a military spouse, I have experienced firsthand the importance of Military Family Resource Centres, and I am committed to giving back by supporting other military families in accessing the resources and community they provide.

Nadia has been a military spouse for over 15 years. Her family’s first posting was to Petawawa. While her children were young, she volunteered with the PMFRC helping with childcare, general fundraising and administrative duties. This was during the many years of combat deployments to Afghanistan. It was her first time experiencing how strong an individual could be with a community behind them and gave her a good understanding of the needs and resources Military Families require.

As her children grew, they became more and more involved in the military community. Nadia served on the Board of Directors for the Petawawa Gymnastics Clubs as the public relations member. The decision to hand the club over to PSP was based on the high turnover of coaches and board members due to postings. Nadia was fortunate enough that PSP Community Recreation offered her a position. With PSP, she was involved with the recreational side by planning children’s camps, coaching and in community activities, such as color runs and winter festivals. Nadia absolutely loved planning and organizing events for the community. She is incredibly proud of the programs they had and how accessible they were to everyone and is grateful she had a hand in that.

Nadia hopes to bring the same enthusiasm and love for the military community to those with members serving at 4CDTC Meaford.

As a proud military family member, I have a deep appreciation for the unique experiences and challenges faced by those connected to military life. My spouse is a long-serving Army Reservist with 22 years of service, primarily based in Meaford and with the Grey and Simcoe Foresters. Because of his status as a reservist, we do not anticipate relocating and have recently made the Meaford community our home. As someone new to the area, I’m eager to get involved and build meaningful connections within the community.

Together, we have a blended family and value the sense of stability and connection that comes from being involved in our local community. Professionally, I bring over 15 years of experience in public health, with a focus on program evaluation. My work has given me extensive exposure to board-governed organizations, including strategic planning processes from initial development through to implementation and evaluation. This background has equipped me with a solid understanding of governance, accountability, and community-driven service delivery.

Now with more flexibility in my schedule, I’m seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity where I can give back and stay connected to the military community. Serving on the MFRC board is a natural fit with my personal connection to the military and my professional skill set. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing support and enrichment of military families in our region.