Hon. Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Education

Thursday | April 22, 2010

Leona Dombrowsky was sworn in as Minister of Education on January 18, 2010.

Previously, she served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (2005-2010) and Minister of the Environment (2003-2005).

Ms. Dombrowsky was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1999, and currently represents the riding of Prince Edward-Hastings. Known throughout her riding as the "Walking Woman," Leona is recognized as a vocal advocate for local residents and communities.

Prior to serving in government, Ms. Dombrowsky served in the education sector. She was elected as a trustee of the Hastings and Prince Edward Roman Catholic School Board in 1985, served as board chair from 1991-1996, and became the first chair of the newly amalgamated Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board in 1998.

As a trustee, she served as a director of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association. She was also a member of an advisory committee to the Education Quality and Accountability Office.

Ms. Dombrowsky is a graduate of the University of Toronto, and lives in Tweed with her husband Helmut. Since graduating from post secondary education, their four children have left "the nest of home" and are employed in various cities across Ontario.


Doon Wilkins
Author and Motivational Speaker

Friday | April 23, 2010

Doon’s personal mission is to uplift the spirit and resources of people who serve others. He has been presenting at conferences, professional development days and workshops since 1992. Doon Wilkins has spoken to more than 100,000 people on the subjects of resilience, creating an inspiring work environment, life balance, management coaching and humour in the workplace.

He is the author of Stumbling Toward Enlightenment – a pathway to better and a contributing author of Awakening the Work Place, a book for leaders who wish to stay inspired, build staff cohesion and build a learning organization.

Doon Wilkins’ education includes a bachelor of education degree, and a graduate diploma in educational psychology. Doon worked in education for twenty-two years as a teacher, counsellor, program developer, staff developer and administrator of high needs programs. He is also an independent businessman, having created and managed a speaking services business since 1994.

His keynote address is entitled If Life is a Maze, You Are Amazing. Building resilience translates to more laughter, more spirit, more trust, more collegiality, less absenteeism, better staying power and greater alignment to organizational goals. Over the long grind, educators need real and conscious practices in order to stay engaged, inspired, embrace our own professional development and maintain our connection to the big picture.

How will an evening with Doon Wilkins change your life? His address will: