Gift from the Heart
Executive Team
Our executive team are committed to making a difference in the lives of everyone facing barriers to accessing oral health care
Bev Woods, BSc, RDH
Executive Director, Gift from the Heart
Bev Woods is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 36 years of experience and the Executive Director of Gift from the Heart (GFTH). Driven by a passion to eliminate barriers to oral health care, Bev founded GFTH by opening her Trenton dental hygiene clinic to provide free services to those in need. Today, GFTH operates nationally, offering preventative care to underserved communities through mobile outreach and special events.
Bev has held leadership roles with the ODHA, CDHO, and currently sits on the CDHA Board. She was instrumental in launching the Dental Hygiene Program at Maxwell College and has managed dental programs for both community health centres and public health agencies. Her work has always centered around access, advocacy, and community impact.
In 2019, Bev was honoured with the L’Oréal Women of Worth Award, recognizing her dedication to giving back.
Bev believes no one should be denied care because of financial hardship. Through GFTH, she is saving lives—one person at a time.
Kareen McKinnnon
Deputy Executive Director
Kareen McKinnon is a compassionate leader whose career has spanned continents, industries, and causes. Her guiding principle has always remained the same: even helping one person can change the world.
With a background in psychology, corporate development, real estate, and healthcare, Kareen brings a unique blend of heart and strategy to every role she takes on. Throughout her diverse career, she has never lost sight of the people at the center of every mission.
Kareen believes that kindness, purpose, and persistence can reshape lives and communities. She holds a strong belief that impact does not have to be loud to be meaningful. It just has to be real.
