Leadership

 Ph.D, M.Ed., B.Mus. - Board Vice President

Betty Anne Younker, (Ph.D. Northwestern University, M.Ed. Pennsylvania State University, B.Mus. University of Prince Edward Island) returned to the University of Western Ontario as Dean and Professor of Music Education of the Don Wright Faculty in August 2011; she finished her second term August 2021 and continues as a professor in the music education department. Previous appointments were at the University of Michigan (2000-2011), University of Western Ontario (1997-2000) and the University of Prince Edward Island (1992-1997). Her research interests include various areas across philosophy, psychology, and curriculum. Her work has been published in national and international journals, and chapters in several books and presented at provincial, state, national, and international conferences. With a commitment to serving communities professionally and locally, she has served in a variety of capacities including as President of the Michigan Music Educators Association, The College Music Society, and the London Arts Council, and as a member on several editorial boards and committees across the profession.

Currently she is Chair of the London Kiwanis Music Festival and board member of London Symphonia. She is excited about the expanding opportunities London Symphonia will bring to the cultural life in London.

Ph.D., B.Sc. - Board President

Moira is a recently retired professor from Western University with 40 years experience conducting large research projects and education about research primarily supporting family physicians. Her main topic of research was the relationship between the patient and the family physician. She holds a PhD in Epidemiology from Western and a BSc from Dalhousie University. She and her husband, Tom Freeman, and family live in London and they enjoy a holiday home in Prince Edward Island. She is an amateur percussionist. She brings to London Symphonia a passion for music, music education for all ages and experience in facilitating collaborative ventures.

CPA, CGA - Board Treasurer - Chair of Finance Committee

Carol is a self-employed Chartered Professional Accountant serving clients predominantly in the Rental, Investment, and Land Development industries in the London region. With over 30 years experience, her primary career focus has been the role of Assistant Controller for a well known London Ontario based Housing, Construction and Land Development company. While juggling a career and family has kept her busy, Carol has always found the time for volunteer work. Her belief, that a dedication to volunteerism and leadership within charities and not-for-profits contributes to a life well lived, has led to her involvement with London Symphonia. Carol hopes that her and her husband’s dedication to various charities has served as an inspiration to their children to follow their lead to help build stronger communities through charity work.

Ph.D, MA/BA - Board Secretary & Chair Education / Outreach Committee

Patricia spent 40 years at Brescia University College as a history professor, researcher, writer and public speaker. Majoring in Social Studies she is a BA/MA graduate of Kent State University, Ohio who earned a Ph.D at the University of Alberta. In addition, she served on Brescia’s University Senate, was acting Academic Dean from 1999-2001, chaired the Canadian Oral History Association and edited it's journal. Awarded the June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers Award in 2021, Patricia’s community volunteer service includes 10 years as Manager of the Amabile Boys Choir, decades with McCormick Home, the Grand Theatre, University Hospital, Parkwood Hospital, St. John’s Therapy dogs’ and St. Joseph’s Hospice.

 Ph.D., M.D. - Past President

Beryl practised medicine in London from 1969 until her retirement at the end of 2010. Together with her partner, Dr. Noam Chernick, Beryl pioneered marriage and sex therapy in Canada, motivating colleagues to establish multidisciplinary Canadian associations for professionals in the field. Along with their private practice in London, the Chernick’s travelled globally, enlivening many conferences with humour and ground breaking information on sexual function and relationship communication. Their best-selling book, ‘In Touch’, was first published by MacMillan of Canada. Beryl’s extensive volunteer activity includes committee and Board participation and leadership in several community and professional organizations. In retirement, she has devoted time to learn to play the cello and enjoys duets, with Noam playing the flute. The couple’s passion for the Arts and artists led to their commitment to supporting the burgeoning London Symphonia and to Beryl’s Board leadership.

PhD, LLB, BSc - Director - Chair of Governance Committee

For over 40 years, Janet has combined her professional life with her strong interest in community service. She is a retired lawyer and mediator, and currently past president of the Congress of Black Women of Canada chapter in London, Ontario. From her early academic career as a cell biologist, she transitioned to a legal career, retiring from a practice in Mental Health and Family Law and Mediation with Lerners LLP.

In addition to leading our organization’s Governance Committee and providing a sounding board for any legal issues that may arise, her volunteer interests include support of early childhood education in Jamaica and education related to menstrual hygiene and self-empowerment for teen aged girls in Kenya and Cameroon, Africa.

Ph.D., M.Sc., B. Chemistry - Director

Lina is a professor at Western University, with a research programme centred on skin biology and regeneration. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and an M.Sc. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Alberta, and obtained a Bachelor of Chemistry from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, in Mexico. Through her professional and volunteer activities, Lina aims at supporting STEM education and the arts, linking them with the community at large.

JD, BA - Director

Mark is an Associate in the Business Law Group at Lerners LLP in its London office. He completed his Juris Doctorate at Western University in 2018 where he was the Valedictorian of his graduating class. During his time at Western, he was engaged in the student community as an executive of the Student Legal Society and as president of the Western Chapter of the Black Law Students Association. Mark was admitted to the Ontario bar in 2019. Prior to law school, he enjoyed a career as a musician performing with the Juno nominated group, the McAuley Boys and as a solo act under the name Mac Graham. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for community involvement and contribution.

MA, MPhil, BA - Director

Greg Yantz is currently the Director, Operations and Strategy for the Faculty of Engineering at Western University. He was previously the Dean, Academic Quality & Strategic Integration, Director of the Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE), and the Associate Dean of the Woodstock/Oxford Regional Campus at Fanshawe College.  Prior to Fanshawe, he served as the Director of Administration for the Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University, and for the Ivey Business School as both Director of MBA Recruiting and Admissions and Director of Ivey Publishing.  Greg graduated from New York University (MA and MPhil) and the University of Michigan (BA) having studied political science.  Greg's love for music and education began at an early age as a young trombonist.