Board of Directors
President - Doug Thomas
Doug Thomas is a life long Agnostic who has been involved directly in the Humanist movement since 2002. As president of the Society of Ontario Freethinkers and also of Secular Connexion Séculaire, a national advocacy and networking organization for Canadian Humanists, Doug actively advocates for the rights of Humanists and for clear separation of Church and State in Canada through Open Secularism. He owns Keltoi Publishing; is the editor and publisher of Canadian Freethinker Magazine; an internationally published Humanist writer and a published novelist specializing in Canadian Historical Fiction.
Vice President & Marketing Director - Kathy Meidell
A passionate humanist activist since 2002, Kathy kick-started a number of initiatives that boosted awareness of SOFREE and humanists across Canada, e.g. designing newsletters, press releases, brochures, posters, creating and maintaining websites, developing event planning and public relations strategies, and managing the first and only humanist camp in Canada for children. As Executive Director of Humanist Canada (2007-2010) she initiated marketing campaigns that helped boost membership, organized a gala event honouring journalist and philanthropist June Callwood in 2007, organized the largest humanist convention in Canadian history in August 2008 (included award-winning speakers from across North America), designed the Lifetime Achievement Award for Dr Henry Morgentaler, and the poster for the organization's first national advertising campaign, “You Can Be Good Without God”, that was displayed in a busy Toronto subway station. Her experience in marketing, administration, and editing, combined with her design skills, and positive approach to life, round out her SOFREE role. Licensed as a Humanist Officiant since 2004, Kathy has performed humanist ceremonies across Ontario and is executive editor of Canadian Freethinker magazine.
Secretary - Inka Glick
In addition to her many years experience in business administration, Inka has also managed customer service departments, and worked extensively in human resources and training departments. She is also multi-lingual, speaking English, Polish, French and Spanish, and has been a freethinker for most of her adult life. Now retired, Inka is enjoying a number of volunteer opportunities, and is finally able to devote as much time as she wants to her beautiful garden. We are pleased to have Inka as SOFREE's Secretary.
Treasurer - Isobel Taylor
Isobel rejected a belief in God not long after being told there was no Santa Claus! She has a B. Math. from the University of Waterloo and is a regular attendee at the Perimeter Institute lectures in Waterloo. She worked for 34 years in the insurance industry. Her last position was Senior Legal Analyst doing research, a monthly internal newsletter and special projects. Isobel is now happily retired and enjoying the activities she loves: travelling, dancing, Aquafit, Tai Chi, attending lifelong learning lectcures, reading, watching movies and attending SOFREE's famous brunches! Isobel was born in Scotland, but is "bilingual" - she can turn her Scottish accent on and off. She also studied French and Spanish at university. Another interest is archaeology which takes her to far-off places.
Book Club Coordinator - Larry Wayne
Larry runs SOFREE's Freethinkers Book Club. Join the Book Club if you are interested in socializing and discussing books related to humanism, freethought, skepticism, atheism, or religion.
Director at Large (Waterloo) - Ted Spicer
A retired professor after teaching at Conestoga College for 40 years, Ted’s courses included Environmental Science, Political Science, Social Psychology, and Communications in Reasoning and Clear Thinking. A father of two, and grandfather of six, Ted’s community service has included municipal offices, and school board trusteeship, while volunteerism includes active participation in the Confederation Club of Waterloo Region, curling, and military support group with a stepson having served two tours in Afghanistan since 2006. His Humanist views sprouted in childhood, rejecting myths like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy early on, and his rural upbringing, supplemented by Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Waterloo, lead him to his teaching career where freethinking was paramount. Although he supports his family in the traditions of a very moderate church life that has served as a community support system, he remains a humanist. Ted advocates for the separation of church and state, the importance of secular education, and totally rejects fundamentalism in any religion.
Director at Large (Niagara) - David Fowler
David is a retired chemistry teacher and has been a humanist activist for many years. He does a great deal of volunteer work in the Niagara community, as he believes it is a human being’s moral obligation to do what one can to help our fellow human beings. He has been a licensed Humanist Officiant since 2004 and is presently a member of the Ceremonies & Officiant Committee of Canada.
Fellow and Advisor - Christopher diCarlo
Past Visiting Research Scholar at Harvard University and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Christopher has spoken at many national and international conferences and has written scholarly papers ranging from bioethics to cognitive evolution. His latest book, How to Become a Really Good Pain in the Ass: A Practical Guide to Thinking Critically, was published by McGraw-Hill. As an outspoken activist for freethought, humanism, and secularism, Dr diCarlo is a lifetime member of the Society of Ontario Freethinkers, an advisor to Freethought TV, an annual workshop presenter at Camp Quest Ontario, and has given many enlightening talks at numerous humanist events across the country. His lecture tour We Are All African has been presented across North America and has helped raised awareness of evolutionary theory and funding for the Masai for Africa, an HIV awareness program in Lesotho, Africa.