Board and Leadership

Paul McGowan

Chief Executive Officer

I joined Bethesda in 2001 after an extensive career in various Human Resources roles. From HR manager at General Electric Capital to a position as a labour relations consultant for the City of Toronto, I finally made the career move back to Niagara, where I am from, and began my career with Bethesda in an entry-level role as an HR analyst. After a few years, I became manager and then Director of HR before moving into the role of Chief Administrative Officer, Associate Chief Executive Officer and now Chief Executive Officer. My education has supported my career transition including graduate level studies from McGill University.

I was drawn to Bethesda’s focus on giving back to the local community and making a difference in people’s lives. Coming through HR I appreciated that this organization was all about people. Bethesda walks its talk and cares for people, the individuals we support as well as its staff.

Outside of the office I am an avid golfer, I would golf every day if I could, and I enjoy spending time with my family.

Alyson Wilson

Director, Children and Youth Services

I started my career with Bethesda in Adult Services in 1997 in what was then called the short-term behaviour management program. Supported by my undergraduate in psychology, child and family studies and my masters of social work, I held various roles within Adult Services.  When the Autism Intervention Program came to Bethesda in 2006, I became the Manager of Children’s Services.  In 2009, our programs continued to expand and I moved into a Director role where I have the privilege of supporting a growing team of caring and dedicated clinicians who are committed to providing quality services to children, youth and their families.  I’m passionate about fostering authentic community partnerships that create opportunities to offer innovative services that have a meaningful impact on the lives of people we support.

In my free time, I love to travel, explore local hiking spots and play games with my family. 

Liz Froese

Director, Adult Clinical Services

Born and raised on a tender fruit farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, I graduated from Brock University with an Honours degree in Political Science. I worked in Ottawa as a Legislative Assistant for various Members of Parliament before a career change landed me at the University of Toronto’s Masters of Social Work Program. I love to travel, and found my way to Southern Germany working for the Salvation Army and Seneca College’s satellite school on the Canadian Forces Base in Lahr, Germany. Back in Canada, I then worked at a Children’s Mental Health Centre in Niagara in the areas of family counselling, pre-school services and day treatment programs. Again, my adventurous spirit took over, and I spent three years with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti working with refugee families and street children. Finally, I landed back in the Niagara Region permanently working in Child Protective Services, and now as Director of Adult Clinical Services for Bethesda.

In my spare time, I love cooking and trying new recipes, reading fantasy and mystery novels and recently I have taken up knitting – I long to get back to travelling.

Margaret Lockhart

Director, Administrative Services

I am passionate about equipping teams with the necessary tools to provide excellent service to every individual Bethesda supports. I think if we support and equip our staff, they will in turn be more confident and happy in their role, and will provide the best services possible for the individuals we support; I see the Human Resources department acting as the conduit for that.

My career with Bethesda began in 2003 in a group home before transitioning into HR. My experience at the senior management level in HR within the private sector, as well as my many years working closely with the individuals we support and our team at Bethesda, provided me with the skillset to advance to my current role as Director of Administrative Services.

I am an avid gardener in the summer and love spending time with my family. My husband and I do a lot of physical activities throughout the summer and spring, such as biking and running.

Shelley Mercer

Director, Adult Residential Services

I wore many hats within Bethesda before my current role as Director of Adult Services. Since my 1985 start as a part-time support worker, my focus remains centred on family and providing care and support to those in need. I gravitated toward residential services, spending nine years as a Familyhome provider, working in Day Services and then circling back to support worker positions, all while raising my family. I studied at Niagara College to earn a Developmental Service Worker certificate and an Ontario Management diploma, which prepared me for a position as residential manager. After two years as residential manager and one year as an intake coordinator specific to residential treatment, I accepted my current role as Director.

When not at work, I will be outdoors, gardening, enjoying the cottage and spending time with my husband, sons and grandchildren.