Board of Directors
Executive Committee
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Janna Hotson
Chair View Bio
Member since 2018Janna joined the PMFRC Board of Directors as Treasurer in 2018. She has lived in the Upper Ottawa Valley since 2014, and is a mother to three busy military children, ages 18, 15 and 8.Janna Hotson
Chair
Janna is a Registered Nurse and holds a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Regina. She holds a Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders.
Janna is the President and Chief Executive Officer at the Deep River and District Hospital, the North Renfrew Family Health Team and Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home. She brings over fifteen years of experience across healthcare sectors and settings throughout Ontario, focusing on driving forward quality and organizational performance through the implementation of evidenced-based practices, and integrated, person-centered health service and program design.
Janna applies her knowledge of multi-sector care and service delivery along with a person-centered approach to leadership throughout many health-related initiatives, including as a surveyor for Accreditation Canada and with the College of Nurses of Ontario’s Quality Assurance program. As a PMFRC Board member, Janna hopes to use her experience as a military family member and health service leader to support and improve the experience of military families in our local community. -
Stéphanie Gagné
Vice Chair View Bio
Member since 2025Stéphanie Gagné joined the PMFRC Board of Directors in September 2025. She is a lawyer, military spouse, and proud mom who is passionate about supporting military families and strengthening connections within the Petawawa community.Stéphanie Gagné
Vice Chair
Stéphanie holds both a Juris Doctor and a Licentiate in Law from the University of Ottawa. She currently works as Senior Legal Counsel for a national infrastructure and construction company, where she advises on contractual, procurement, and risk management matters for major projects across Canada. Prior to this role, she practiced commercial litigation at a national law firm and worked as a judicial law clerk with the Federal Court of Canada. Her previousexperience also includes legal internships with the World Bank and the Senate of Canada.
As a military spouse, Stéphanie understands both the opportunities and challenges that come with military family life and is committed to helping families feel supported and connected within the community. She values community involvement and strongly believes in the importance of accessible resources and supportive networks for military families.
Outside of work, Stéphanie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. She loves road cycling, golf, kayaking, and exploring nature whenever she can. -
Alex Lister
Treasurer View Bio
Member since September 2026Alex Lister joined the PMFRC Board of Directors as Treasurer in September 2026.Alex Lister
TreasurerHe is a husband, father, and Chinook pilot with 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. He holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, an MBA, and a master's certificate in project management. Alex has been posted to CFB Petawawa since 2018.
Through deployments, exercises, and missions away from home, Alex has learned the vital role the PMFRC plays in supporting military families. He is a firm believer that a strong, supported family is key to military readiness and to the prosperity of the local community.
Outside of work, Alex is involved in the Petawawa community, coaching T-ball and minor hockey. When he is not flooding his backyard rink, he enjoys playing hockey, golf, baseball, and getting out on the Ottawa River with his family.
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Andrea Heuving
Secretary View Bio
September 2026Andrea Heuving
SecretaryAndrea Heuving joined the PMFRC Board of Directors as Secretary in September 2026.
After moving to Petawawa in 2023, Andrea and her partner, a serving Canadian Armed Forces member, had the opportunity to host an international exchange student in their home for the 2024–2025 school year. In 2026, their daughter was born during her partner’s first deployment. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong connection to the local community and a personal appreciation for the support and services provided by the PMFRC. Having experienced that support firsthand during significant life transitions, Andrea is honoured to give back by contributing to the organization’s Board of Directors.
Andrea holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management, a Diploma in Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Management from the Australian Institute of Business. She also holds a Culinary Management Diploma from Fleming College and a Food and Nutrition Certificate from Algonquin College. She is a Certified Nutrition Manager registered with CCPC Global.
Professionally, Andrea is a Human Resources Consultant and Chair of the Staff Association at Pembroke Regional Hospital. She also brings previous experience in Food and Nutrition, having worked in long-term care, hospital, and restaurant settings.
Andrea is pleased to bring her professional experience, community perspective, and personal connection to military family life to the PMFRC Board of Directors.
Members at large
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Stephanie Paulmert
View Bio
Member since 2026Stephanie Paulmert
Stephanie Paulmert joined the PMFRC Board of Directors in September 2026.
She is a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces with over 18 years of service, currently posted in Petawawa, Ontario. A qualified Medical Radiation Technologist (Registered) [MRT(R)] and Certified Registered Generalist Sonographer (CRGS), as well as a holder of a Diploma in Human Sciences, she has built extensive expertise in diagnostic imaging and military healthcare while supporting domestic operations, training exercises, and deployed medical capabilities.
Passionate about her profession, Stephanie enjoys teaching, mentoring, and supporting the professional development of others. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strong leadership, planning, and coordination skills while working within multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality healthcare support to Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
As the spouse of a serving military member whose career has included service in both the Australian and Canadian Armed Forces, and as the mother of two energetic boys, Stephanie understands firsthand the unique challenges and rewards of military family life. Along with the family’s energetic Aussie Cattle Dog, these experiences have given her a deep appreciation for the resilience, adaptability, and support networks that help military families navigate challenges and thrive.
Stephanie is honoured to serve on the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre (PMFRC) Board of Directors and is committed to helping strengthen the programs, resources, and support networks that contribute to the well-being and resilience of military families.
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Michelle Hamilton
View Bio
Member since 2026Michelle Hamilton
She joined the PMFRC Board of Directors in September 2026.
Michelle is a Talent Development Partner with more than 12 years of experience in Human Resources and Learning & Development, with experience spanning both the technology and hospitality sectors. She currently works at a Canadian technology company, where she supports talent development initiatives and helps create meaningful learning and development experiences for employees.
Michelle holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, with a double major in History and Social-Cultural Anthropology, as well as postgraduate certificates in Human Resources and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about helping people learn, grow, and feel supported within their organizations and communities.
As a military spouse, Michelle understands the unique opportunities and challenges that come with military life and frequent relocations. After moving to Petawawa with her family, she experienced firsthand the value of the PMFRC and the sense of connection and support it provides to military families. She is excited to give back to an organization that has played an important role in her family's transition to the community and to contribute her professional experience to supporting the PMFRC and the families it serves.
Outside of work and volunteering, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their dog, supporting local businesses, practicing yoga, reading, and discovering live music. She also enjoys exploring the Ottawa Valley and getting involved in her local community.
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Kamaldeep Gill
View Bio
Member since September 2026Kamaldeep Gill joined the PMFRC Board of Directors in September 2026.Kamaldeep Gill
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Nicole Walters
View Bio
Member since 2023Nicole and her husband, along with their 3 boys have called Petawawa home now for 17 years. Since moving to Petawawa Nicole has held several positions with PSP Petawawa, and for the past 11 years has worked as a Realtor helping military families with their transitions to and from Petawawa.Nicole Walters
Throughout her career in real estate she has served on many planning committees and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Renfrew County Real Estate Board. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, jewelry making, yoga and spending time in nature. -
Elizabeth Urso
View Bio
Member since 2022Elizabeth joined the Board of Directors in September 2022 as a member at large.Elizabeth Urso
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Laurentian University, a law degree from the University of New Brunswick, and a post-graduate certificate from the Humber School for Writers. She is a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Toronto MFRC.
Elizabeth and her husband, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, are enjoying their first posting to Petawawa. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her dog Harriet (the Spy). -
Simon Brooks
View Bio
Member since 2024Simon Brooks became a member of the PMFRC Board of Directors in December 2024.Simon Brooks
Simon is a father to 3 adult children and grandfather to one child. He resides in the Town of Petawawa.
Born in Kingston, Ontario, Simon has deep family roots in London, England. Simon spent 12 of his early years developing through the British education system. He returned to Canada in 1992. Simon's 2 sisters continue to reside in England. His younger brother relocated to California.
For 20+ years, Simon has served his community through the Town of Petawawa Fire Department. He began his career with the fire department as a volunteer firefighter in January 2003. He currently holds the title of Assistant Deputy Chief/Chief Fire Prevention Officer. Simon is the face of education and inspections within the schools and local businesses. His motto is, "Prevention is Our Intention".
Simon values honesty, integrity, and dedication to hard work. In his spare time, Simon enjoys playing pickleball, cycling, and a scoop or two of Mount Molson Ice Cream. -
Denver Hilland
View Bio
Member since 2025As a way of giving back to the PMFRC for supporting her family through their first posting, Denver joined the board in September 2025 as a member at large. She moved to Petawawa with her partner, a serving CAF member, in 2022 while 5 months pregnant. Since then she has had two wonderful boys and is enjoying finding her community in Petawawa.Denver Hilland
Denver holds a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Physical Education from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Master of Arts in Health Promotion from Dalhousie University, and is in the middle of completing a Master of Business Administration through the University of Fredericton.
Currently, Denver works as a Health Promotion Specialist with the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. She brings a wealth of experience from the Health Promotion field including program development, evaluation, strategic planning, data analysis and community liaising.
In her spare time Denver loves spending time outdoors, reading, and perfecting her barista skills.