Board of Directors

Dean Demizio

President 

Dean joined our Board of Directors in 2015 serving as Vice President and in the role of President since 2021. He is a father, businessperson, and local small business owner. Dean was president of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve as a member. Dean is a well-connected and a well-respected member of our community who believes strongly in volunteering and giving back to the community. Always innovative and forward thinking Dean is a true asset to Community Living – Fort Erie. He is a great board member who is always happy to be an ambassador for our organization, sharing the mission and vision with personal and professional connections.

Betty Talbot

Vice President 

Betty was a member of the Board of Directors 2011-2021 Acting as President during part of this term. After a one-year hiatus, Betty returns as our 2022-23 Vice President. Betty is an Independent Mortgage Broker with CENTUM Omni Mortgage Corp. Betty’s experience with charitable organizations is not limited to Community Living. She has also been involved with Big Brothers & Sisters, Women and Children’s Crisis, Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie and the Lion/Lioness International. We are excited to have Betty return and appreciate the many leadership qualities she brings to our Board of Directors.

Maureen Murphy

Treasurer

Maureen Murphy joined our Board of Directors in 2021 Maureen was also a valued Board Member of the Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce. She works as a Financial Service Specialist at PenFinancial Credit Union. She has been involved with several local community charity events. With a personal interest in mental health, she is an active ambassador with CMHA. We are grateful to have Maureen remain a Director and appreciate the many leadership qualities she brings to our team!

Ray Rosettani

Born and raised in Fort Erie, Ontario, Ray has specialized in the sale of new and existing homes for 30+ years. Ray has always been a firm believer in giving back to his community. Ray has been a member of the Board of Directors for the past six years. Ray and the ReMax team work hard to make a difference in our community by creating events that benefit vulnerable people and animals in Fort Erie.  Our organization is grateful that Ray will be continuing as a Director on the 2022-2023 Board. His passion, non-profit experience and social network presence are a few of his characteristics that make him a true asset to our team.

Rebecca Parton

Rebecca has supported people with intellectual challenges for over thirty years as an Educational Assistant with the DSBN. She is also a Health & Wellness Coach. She has been involved in many community volunteer projects, including Food for the Soul in Fort Erie, the Terry Fox run and Stair Climb for Cancer for over 20 years, as well as being a Rick Hanson Medal Bearer. Recently retired from the DSBN, she continues to support people with intellectual challenges in our community and around the Niagara Region.

Bobbie Paonessa

Bobbie joined the Board of Directors in 2020. She is a very strong self-advocate who was a member of the Advocates in Motion Committee for 6 years acting as Vice President for two terms. Bobbie is also a valued member of the Community Living Fort Erie volunteer fundraising team. Bobbie has been a strong leader and advocate for people with developmental disabilities for many years and is excited to remain a member of the CLFE Board of Directors.

Susan Doan

Sue is a parent advocate who has a son that has been receiving service for the past 25 years. As a toddler her son was diagnosed with Autism, this began her relationship with Community Living Fort Erie. Sue previously served on the Board of directors for 10 years. After a two year hiatus Sue returned as a Director in 2021 Prior to Covid-19 Sue was the co–chair of our fundraising committee for 8 years. She feels her son has always received wonderful support and this has led her and her family to give back to our agency in many wonderful ways! Sue’s experience and insight as a parent is truly valued by our organization and are grateful that she will be continuing as a member of our Board.

Sandy Leemet

Sandy has been with Community Living for the past 35 years. She has worked progressively into senior executive leadership roles throughout her carrier and has gained extensive knowledge in the Developmental Services Sector.  As part of the Board of Directors, she brings her passion for our mission of inclusion. Her strong leadership and strategic thinking skills will ensure future  growth for our organization.