Board and Staff
Board Members
Alison Rogers (Chair)
Alison Rogers is a mother, lifetime Islander, Toronto Raptors fan and entrepreneur. Prior to owning and operating her business, Ms. Rogers was a sole- practitioner lawyer practicing criminal, family, and commercial marine law. Alison cherishes time with her family and enjoys writing, debating policy, and above all, spending time outdoors – preferably in a tent, far away from highways.
Alison spends much of her spare time participating in community initiatives and organizations such as serving on the executive of the Toronto Island Community Association, volunteering for various organizations, and lending a hand at St. Andrew-by-the-Lake.
To her work with the Trust, Ms. Rogers brings a passion for public service and a particular interest in governance, education, and communications.
Ms. Rogers is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and she holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from Concordia University. Further, she has trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution at the University of Windsor Law School.
Frances Ford (Vice Chair)
Frances (Fran) Ford has lived, worked and played on Toronto Island for over 45 years – as a mother whose son attended the Island Public School (IPS), as a recently retired teacher at the IPS Outdoor Education program, as an almost daily swimmer in the chilly waters of Lake Ontario, and as both a professional and recreational sailor.
Her community activism has been considerable over the years, representing the community on numerous stakeholder committees, most recently the new ferry design SAC and the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal redesign. In addition, she has served as an executive member of the Toronto Island Community Association (TICA) and on its transportation committee which liaises with the city ferry docks.
As an active and engaged member of the community, and recognizing the important and collaborative role that the TIRCT plays in community governance, Fran is delighted to represent the community on the Trust board.
Karen Rothfels (Treasurer)
Karen Rothfels is a project manager and scientific associate at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, with an academic background in biochemistry. Karen grew up on the Island and was very happy to move back with her family in 2014, giving her kids the opportunity for a special Island childhood as well. Her recent community involvement includes serving as an executive member of the Toronto Island Community Association. Karen believes that the Trust strengthens and enhances the Island for residents and members of the public alike by promoting stewardship, advocacy and good governance.
Allyson Woodrooffe
Allyson Woodrooffe is the co-founder of The Embodied Present Process™—a workshop and training program that is taught around the world. She has trained as a doula and is certified as a Co-Active Professional Coach. For over 25 years she worked as a graphic and web designer. She has lived on Toronto Island since 1989 where she continues to be inspired by all aspects of the community. Over the years she has been a community volunteer in numerous capacities, but most recently as a member of the TIRCT board.
Staff
Amanda Street-Bishop, Manager
Amanda has been with the Trust since November 2012 and joined the organization after spending 12 years in non-profit management in the areas of sport and education. She is a graduate of Seneca Colleges Library and Information Technician program and worked for 12 years as a librarian for various special libraries in the fields of geology, mining, health and finance.
A great lover of the Toronto Islands and its community, Amanda enjoys not only the unusual commute to the office (who else gets to take a boat to work!), but the people who live and work on the Island. “It is quite a community of volunteers, who are passionate about where they live. I think that is why I love this job so much”.
When not working for the Trust, Amanda enjoys sailing, reading and travelling with her family to her other favourite Island, Eleuthera.
Allegra Jones, Administrative Assistant
Allegra Jones is a fourth generation Islander. She has a passion for health, nutrition, photography, outdoor adventures, fashion, art & design. She is currently pursuing an education in Holistic Nutrition. The Island has always been her home, helping cultivate a love for outdoor adventures, and environmental awareness. The Island community she grew up in is responsible for shaping her values and has served as her extended family.