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, Gift from the Heart
Brent Parsons is a distinguished entrepreneur and community leader recognized for his innovative contributions to the events and hospitality sectors in Quinte West. As co-founder of Dewmill Events and owner of Hitched Games, Brent has demonstrated a commitment to fostering connection and engagement through uniquely crafted experiences that bring people together.
In addition to his business ventures, Brent serves as the global ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, a prominent initiative focused on raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health challenges within the hospitality industry. His advocacy work has positioned him as a compassionate leader dedicated to promoting healthier and more supportive environments for culinary professionals worldwide.
As Board Chair of Gift from the Heart, Brent lends his strategic vision and leadership to furthering the organization’s mission of providing care, joy, and support to vulnerable populations. His role involves guiding governance, supporting fundraising efforts, and strengthening community partnerships to expand the impact of GFTH.
Brent also contributes his expertise as a board member of the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, where he actively supports local economic development and business collaboration. Through this role, he works to enhance the business climate in the region, ensuring sustainable growth and opportunity for residents and entrepreneurs alike.
Brent’s diverse background in entrepreneurship, community service, and mental health advocacy exemplifies his dedication to making a meaningful difference both locally and beyond.
Laura Iorio, BSc, RDH
Vice Chair, Gift from the Heart
Laura Iorio is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 38 years of experience specializing in periodontics. She has served as an instructor at the University of Toronto and dental hygiene programs at Oxford and Durham Colleges. Laura is highly skilled in advanced periodontal instrumentation and infection prevention.
Her expertise extends beyond clinical care into the dental, medical, and animal health industries, where she has helped develop safer and environmentally friendly infection control solutions. Since joining the GFTH Board in 2017, Laura has overseen logistics and used her extensive dental industry connections to secure donations and support for events. She has been instrumental in the success of donations for the GFTH Week of Giving Event, a national initiative with a huge ripple effect that helps our most vulnerable communities all across Canada.
Passionate about oral health equity, Laura is dedicated to advocating for vulnerable Canadians and raising public awareness about barriers to accessing care.
Cindy MacKinnon, BSc, RDH
Secretary, Gift from the Heart
Cindy MacKinnon is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 36 years of experience and a degree in Oral Health Promotion. Her diverse career spans pediatric and hospital dentistry, oncology, orthodontics, long-term care, and education. She has taught at Algonquin College and held leadership roles with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO), including Vice-President and President.
Cindy has been deeply involved in dental regulation and policy and is passionate about breaking down barriers to oral care. One of her most meaningful accomplishments was opening a dental clinic for the homeless in British Columbia.
Now retired from clinical work, Cindy is proud to support Gift from the Heart, bringing her leadership and advocacy skills to serve vulnerable communities across Canada.
Dan Guerreiro, CPA
Treasurer, Gift from the Heart
Dan Guerreiro is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a strong foundation in business and financial management. He graduated from Conestoga College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Accounting, Audit, and Information Technology. In 2018, Dan successfully completed the Common Final Exam, earning his CPA designation.
Dan began his accounting career at Wilkinson & Company LLP in 2017, where he gained experience across a wide range of audit roles. Throughout his time at Wilkinson, he has worked with diverse industries, including not-for-profit organizations and charitable foundations—giving him valuable insight into the financial needs and responsibilities of mission-driven entities.
Dan joined Gift from the Heart with a strong desire to give back to the community where he was raised. He is passionate about promoting good health and healthy living for all and brings his financial expertise to support GFTH’s continued growth and sustainability.
As Treasurer, Dan plays a vital role in ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic oversight, helping to ensure every dollar raised goes directly to improving access to care for those who need it most.
Shawn Lauzer
Director, Gift from the Heart
Shawn Lauzer has served as the Operations Manager for Trinity Fire and Security since 2015, the same year he relocated to Quinte West. A graduate of the University of Ottawa with a degree in Anthropology, Shawn’s passion lies in culture, community development, and building stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods.
With a desire to create a vibrant future for his young family, Shawn is proud to join the Gift from the Heart board, inspired by its mission to deliver compassionate oral care to those in need.
Shawn brings a wealth of experience to GFTH, having completed three terms on the Board of Directors for the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce. His involvement with key committees—including Young Professionals and Government Affairs—has given him a strong foundation in local business engagement and community advocacy.
Eager to bring fresh energy and ideas to the board, Shawn is excited to collaborate with fellow directors and contribute meaningfully to GFTH’s continued impact across communities.
Lori Lawrence, RDH
Director, Gift from the Heart
Lori Lawrence is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 40 years of experience dedicated to advancing oral health and access to care. In 2008, she founded Smile Sensations Independent Dental Hygiene Clinic, where she has built a thriving practice rooted in innovation, compassion, and client-centered care.
As a pioneer in the independent practice movement, Lori has spent over a decade advocating for the next generation of dental hygienists and promoting professional autonomy within the field. Her commitment to a holistic approach to oral health—recognizing the vital connection between the mouth and overall wellness—continues to shape her work and influence her ongoing education through regular conferences and continuing education courses.
Lori’s journey with Gift from the Heart began in 2008 when she first connected with Bev and the mission to deliver compassionate care to underserved communities. Inspired by GFTH’s purpose and impact, Lori now proudly serves as a Director, bringing her clinical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for giving back to support the organization’s growth and outreach.
Janet Munn
Director, Gift from the Heart
Retired Dental Hygienist
Janet Munn is a retired Registered Dental Hygienist with 25 years of experience, including a distinguished academic career as a professor and Dental Hygiene Coordinator at Algonquin College. During her 12 years in education, she played a key role in managing clinic operations, coordinating student programming, and launching a successful dental hygiene service initiative at St. Vincent’s Long-Term Care Centre—an impactful program that continues to serve residents more than five years later.
Janet’s dedication to global oral health has led her to organize and lead multiple mission trips for dental professionals to Nicaragua, as well as a memorable student volunteer trip to Tanzania in 2014. Her work has been guided by a commitment to serving others, both locally and internationally.
Her adventurous spirit has taken her far beyond the clinic—working in New Zealand, and even embarking on a five-week canoe journey through South Africa and Zambia. Janet brings a unique blend of experience, compassion, and global perspective to her role as Director with Gift from the Heart. She looks forward to continuing her mission of helping others by supporting GFTH’s outreach and community care initiatives.
Candy Clancy
Director, Gift from the Heart
Candy Clancy brings a deep passion for science, advocacy, and community care to her role as Director at Gift from the Heart. She began her journey in the dental industry under the mentorship of the late Dean Swift, founder of Micrylium Laboratories. Over the years, Candy advanced from Divisional Manager to General Manager, working closely with President Mary Swift to support charitable efforts—including the generous donation of Micrylium disinfectant products to GFTH.
Now retired, Candy is dedicating her time and talents to advancing GFTH’s mission. With strong skills in public speaking, fundraising, and organization, she is a valuable asset to the team. Her experience working with individuals who struggle to access dental care—whether due to financial hardship, fear, or a lack of information—has shaped her commitment to advocacy and support for the underserved.
Candy firmly believes that everyone deserves good oral health, especially our most vulnerable. She is proud to help change lives “one smile at a time” through her work with GFTH.
