Gift from the Heart
Board Of Directors
Our board of directors are dental hygienists, educators, lawyers, dentists,
business owners who volunteer their time and expertise to grow the
Gift from the Heart organization. Their passion, dedication and commitment
to our mission extends beyond our meetings.
Brent Parsons
Board Chair
Brent is one of the creative forces behind Dewmill Events & Hitched Games, alongside his wife, the visionary mind shaping the company. With a passion for bringing people together through memorable events, Brent has carved a niche for himself in the Quinte West area.
As the proud global ambassador of The Burnt Chef Project, Brent is not just a business owner but a compassionate advocate for mental health within the hospitality industry. His commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the kitchen has made him an influential figure, striving to create a healthier and more supportive environment for chefs worldwide.
Recently, he was honored to join the Gift from the Heart Board of Directors. In this role, Brent contributes his skills and insights to further the organization's mission of bringing joy and support to those in need.
In addition to his culinary and event planning ventures, Brent is the owner of Hitched Games, a creative project designed to bring people together through unique and fun interactive experiences. Whether he's orchestrating seamless events with Dewmill, running Hitched Games, or championing mental health and charitable causes, Brent's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and purpose in the hospitality world.
Brent is also a current board member on the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce. In this role, he actively contributes to shaping the business landscape of the community, bringing his entrepreneurial spirit and culinary expertise to the table. Brent's involvement with the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce adds another layer to his diverse portfolio, showcasing not only his culinary prowess but also his commitment to fostering economic growth and community development. His strategic insights and passion for collaboration make him an asset in driving initiatives that benefit local businesses and residents alike.
SHAWN LAUZER
DIRECTOR
Shawn has been the Operations Manager for Trinity Fire and Security since 2015, when he first moved to Quinte West. A graduate from the University of Ottawa in Anthropology, Shawn’s passion has always been towards Culture and Community Development. Driven to make a better community for his young family, Shawn is excited to join the Gift from the Heart Team and their community initiative.
Recently completing three terms on the Board of Directors for the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, Shawn brings a wide range of experiences and skills to GFTH; having worked with the local business community and on various committees like the Young Professionals and Government Affairs. Shawn hopes to bring fresh energy to the board to work with all the other people there.
Lori Lawrence RDH
Director
Registered Dental Hygienist
With 40 years of experience in dental hygiene, Lori Lawrence is the proud owner of Smile Sensations Independent Dental Hygiene Clinic, which she opened in 2008. Over the past 14 years, she has built a successful business and has been a trailblazer in the independent practice movement, advocating for future generations in the field.
Lori believes in a holistic approach to oral health, understanding the interconnectedness of the mouth and body. Always seeking to stay current with the latest scientific research, she regularly attends conferences and courses. Lori connected with Bev and Gift From The Heart in 2008 and has been inspired by their passion for giving back to underserved communities. She now joins the board to share her knowledge and help drive the organization forward.
Janet Munn
Director
Retired Dental Hygienist
With 25 years of experience in dental hygiene, Janet Munn retired from her role as a professor and Dental Hygiene Coordinator at Algonquin College. During her 12 years of teaching, she managed clinic operations, coordinated student programs, and initiated a successful dental hygiene service program at St. Vincent’s Long-Term Care Centre, which has been running for over five years. Janet has also planned and led mission trips for dental professionals to Nicaragua and organized a student volunteer trip to Tanzania in 2014.
In addition to her career in Canada, Janet worked in New Zealand and traveled extensively, including a five-week canoe trip through South Africa and Zambia. With a passion for helping others and sharing her experiences, Janet looks forward to contributing to the Gift from The Heart Board.
Candy Clancy
Director
Candy enjoyed the opportunity to explore her passion for science under the tutelage of the late Dean Swift, the founder of Micrylium Laboratories. As a Divisional Manager and finally the General Manager, she worked with Mary Swift, the President of Micrylium Laboratories to donate Micrylium disinfectant products to Gift from the Heart.
Now retired, she is bringing her passion, public speaking, fundraising and organizational skills to GFTH in support of the initiative. Having worked with individuals who due to their circumstances were unable to either navigate the subsidized programs available for dental care or were hindered by fear or lack of knowledge and direction she realized there is a great need for advocates to provide guidance and reassurance to those who are underserved.
It is her firm belief that our most vulnerable members of society need and deserve good oral health. Changing lives one smile at a time!
Tyler Sandes
Director
Tyler works for RBC as a Relationship Manager – Business Markets where he has been employed since September 2021. He works happily with small business owners in the community to help grow their operations.
Prior to that Tyler has worked for various levels of Government doing everything from policy analysis to law enforcement. He is passionate about serving others and cares deeply about result.
Although new to the area, Tyler is extremely keen to participate in the community he now calls home and has networked tremendously with many business owners. He looks forward to helping the community prosper.
Tyler is outgoing, loves to speak up and welcomes new experiences. He is excited to spread the awareness of GFTH's mission to the business community he calls home.
