Our Team
UNITED IN PURPOSE, UNSTOPPABLE IN ACTION~TOGETHER, WE THRIVE
Our Leadership
At Solutions for Attainable Living (SAL), our leadership team is committed to driving forward our mission and vision. We are fortunate to have dedicated professionals on our Board of Directors and an esteemed Development Advisory Team, both of whom play integral roles in shaping the direction of our organization.
Our Development Advisory Team is comprised of industry experts who provide invaluable guidance and expertise in our strategic planning and project execution. With diverse and essential backgrounds, our team collectively possesses a rich reservoir of expertise. This ensures that our initiatives benefit from well-rounded perspectives and are executed with precision and insight.
Together, our Board of Directors and Development Advisory Team work collaboratively to drive positive change and make a lasting impact in our community.
If you’re interested in joining our leadership team or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Development Advisory Team
Craig Robson, LLB
With over four decades of dedicated service, Craig specializes in Ontario condominium, subdivision, and land development law, excelling in both new developments and conversions. As a founding partner of Robson Carpenter, his leadership has inspired generations with his unwavering work ethic, dedication to clients, and commitment to his team. Craig’s profound understanding of development law has been honed through years of experience, positioning him as a trusted authority in the field. His contributions to condominium law, from shaping legislation to spearheading landmark projects, exemplify his enduring impact on the industry. Craig’s ongoing leadership and dedication continue to set the standard for excellence in the legal profession.
Rakesh Sharma, MASc Eng, P.Eng.
Rakesh has been a prominent figure in the design-build and consulting engineering industry since 1989, bringing extensive experience in water and wastewater treatment, road and stormwater management facilities, and erosion control projects. He has successfully completed asset condition assessments and developed financial plans for both municipal and provincial clients.
Rakesh is a Level IV water/wastewater treatment and distribution system operator. He holds a degree in Engineering from the University of Delhi (1981) and a Master’s degree from the University of Toronto (1984).
Ron Davidson, MCIP, RPP
Patty Wright, Building Official
Ron Davidson brings a wealth of expertise to the table with his extensive background in urban and regional planning. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the School of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Waterloo.
With over 35 years of experience in the field, Ron’s career has encompassed diverse roles, including a decade of service with the County of Bruce Planning Department, followed by 25 years of successful operation of his own consultancy, Ron Davidson Land Use Planning Consultant Inc.
Throughout his career, Ron has demonstrated proficiency in managing a wide array of land use planning projects, with a particular focus on various housing developments. His comprehensive experience and deep understanding of planning principles make him an invaluable asset to our team at Solutions for Attainable Living.
Patty brings 14 plus years of experience as a qualified building official to Solutions for Attainable Living (SAL). She has a passion for finding creative solutions to overcome challenges in the construction industry, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and Ontario Building Code compliant. Patty’s commitment to excellence and her ability to streamline processes make her a valuable asset to SAL.
Don Gibbons, BCIN reg.
Don is the Owner and President of KS Consulting & Design (2013) Ltd., a leading firm specializing in a comprehensive range of services including 3D Rendering, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Drafting, House Plans, and 3D Home Design.
Prior to his ownership of KS Consulting & Design, Don served as a trainer, technical support specialist, and software tester at SoftPlan Systems Inc., where he honed his expertise in solving a diverse array of construction and design challenges across North America. Additionally, Don gained hands-on experience by working part-time with several builders and design firms utilizing SoftPlan software.
With an impressive 35 years of design experience and an equal tenure in SoftPlan, Don brings a wealth of knowledge and support to both his firm and to Solutions for Attainable Living (SAL). His extensive expertise and dedication to excellence make him a valuable asset to our organization.
Brad Benson, P.Eng., Hydrogeologist
Brad is a highly experienced civil engineer with a graduate degree in hydrogeology and over 30 years experience as an environmental consultant in southwestern Ontario. For the past eight years, he has served as Senior Hydrogeologist at GSS Engineering Consultants Ltd. in Owen Sound.
Throughout his career, Brad has conducted water supply studies for both municipal and private clients, evaluation and protection of groundwater resources, and performed environmental characterization of numerous sites. His extensive practical field experience has equipped him with the skills needed to tackle complex environmental challenges effectively.
Brad is known for his focus, dependability, and collaborative approach, consistently striving to find the right solutions for his clients. His dedication to excellence and teamwork has made him a trusted professional in his field.
Adam Lesperance, former Arborist
A member of our Board of Directors, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his former career as an arborist. With a passion for trees and their well-being, Adam’s expertise in arboriculture is invaluable.
Now, as a key addition to our Development Advisory Team, Adam’s insight into tree care, maintenance, hazard tree assessment, and preservation will play a crucial role in guiding our organization’s initiatives towards sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions.
Board of Directors
Darlene DeStefano, PhD, SHMS
Chair
Darlene’s career has traversed diverse paths, encompassing Nursing, Management, and Real Estate, with a focus on the senior health and housing sector. Holding the designation of ‘Seniors Housing Marketing Specialist,’ she brings a wealth of expertise in consulting on land development, project coordination, and sales. Darlene’s extensive experience includes recruiting, training, and supervising staff and volunteer regulated professionals, as well as authoring policy and procedures manuals. She has a knack for developing programs that emphasize mental, emotional, spiritual health, and social integration. Noteworthy projects Darlene has contributed to in seniors housing developments include Elliot Lake Retirement Living, Foxboro Green, Villages of Long Point Bay, Pine Meadows, and Lutheran Lease for Life Apartments, among others. Continuously immersed in researching and analyzing housing market dynamics and related economic trends, including lifestyle communities, senior care facilities, and accessible housing, she remains dedicated to her craft. Darlene’s fervent belief in living one’s best life ignites her passion for making a positive impact and assisting others in reaching their fullest potential. She firmly asserts that we all deserve more than mere existence—we deserve the opportunity to thrive.
Maureen Farkouh, BSc, Msc
Secretary/Treasurer
Maureen, a certified Accounting Technician with over 17 years of experience in corporate bookkeeping and accounts payable, also holds a QuickBooks Online Certification. She is known for her excellent customer service, conflict resolution, problem-solving abilities, keen attention to detail, and superior organizational skills. Maureen is a proactive and energetic contributor who thrives in fast-paced environments, effectively utilizing her exceptional multitasking capabilities.
Regularly recognized for her professionalism, problem-solving skills, and positive demeanour, Maureen consistently excels in interactions with customers, as well as internal and external stakeholders. She is enthusiastic about her role as Secretary/Treasurer and is eager to serve in this capacity. Maureen loves helping small businesses and is motivated to make a significant impact, bringing a positive force to SAL.
Adam Lesperance, Realtor
Director
Born in Wiarton, Ontario, Adam, a local real estate Broker and co-owner of The Terri Hastings Real Estate Group, Keller Williams Realty Centres, has lived, worked, and farmed in Bruce & Grey Counties his entire life. Adam earned his Ecosystems Management Diploma at Sir Sandford Fleming College. Following several management positions with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Parks, Adam started Woody’s Arborist and Yard Services, and Lamblicious (with wife Jessica). Following their tremendous growth, the two firms were sold in 2018 and 2019. In addition to serving on a number of boards and committees, Adam enjoys being active in the community. He is now on the boards of the Wiarton BIA, the Bluewater Education Foundation, and, most recently, Solutions for Attainable Living (SAL).
A Letter from the Board
Dear Esteemed Supporters,
As members of the board of Solutions for Attainable Living, we are incredibly excited to embark on this journey of making a difference in the lives of individuals and families within our community. While we are new to the scene, our passions and commitment to our mission are unwavering, and we are reaching out to you, our readers, to share our vision and invite you to join us in our cause.
At Solutions for Attainable Living, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, access to prompt, quality healthcare, and meaningful employment opportunities.
Our Housing Initiative is poised to provide safe, affordable, energy efficient housing options for low to mid-income seniors, younger generations striving to establish themselves, and those who find themselves without a place to call home. By addressing the critical need for housing, we aim to offer hope, dignity, and stability to those who need it most.
Similarly, our Healthcare Initiative is committed to ensuring that individuals have quicker access to medical and specialist appointments, enabling them to receive timely diagnoses and life-prolonging treatments. Although we are just beginning we are dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and enhancing the well-being and longevity of our community members.
Additionally, our Employment Initiative is focused on empowering individuals through entrepreneurship, job training, and creating better employment prospects. While we are still in the early stages, we recognize the importance of economic empowerment in fostering self-sufficiency and independence. By offering opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship, we are opening doors to brighter futures and economic stability for individuals and their families.
As you learn about our initiatives, we hope that you will share in or enthusiasm for the positive impact we aspire to make. While we may be new, we are driven by a shared vision of creating solutions for attainable living in our communities. Each success story, each individual who finds a home, receives timely medical care, or secures meaningful employment, is a testament to the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we come together as a community.
We invite you to stand with us as we take our first steps towards realizing our vision. Whether through volunteering your time, becoming a member, sponsoring a build, or spreading the word about our organization, your support is invaluable in helping us achieve our goals and transform lives. Together, we can build a community where everyone has to opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for considering our cause and for your support as we embark on this exciting journey together.
With gratitude,
The Board of Solutions for Attainable Living
Darlene DeStefano
Darlene DeStefano, Founder