OAFE Governance

Board of Directors

PRESIDENT
Shanyn Godward
Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services

E: shanyn.godward@richmondhill.ca
T: 905-780-2907

Shanyn is the Public Education Officer with Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services, and has been with RHFES since 2008. She has been involved with the OAFE, and it’s predecessor the OFLSE, since moving into public education in 2011. Throughout her time in public education she has been involved with the Fire & Life Safety Educators of York Region as a member, Secretary and Chair, and is currently a Director with NFPA’s Fire & Life Safety Member Section.

Her passion for risk reduction, problem-solving – and knowing that we can make a difference drive her to keep pushing for herself, and public education in Ontario.

DIRECTOR 
Teagan Knowles
Brantford Fire Department

E: tknowles@brantford.ca
T: 519-752-0540 x 5844



Teagan began her career in emergency services in 2017 as a Communicator with the Brantford Police Service. In 2019 she decided it was time for a change and she joined the fire family as a Communicator with the Brantford Fire Department. Since then Teagan has stepped into the role of Fire Safety Educator (FSE) and has held the position since 2021. Although she enjoyed her time serving her community as a 9-1-1- operator Teagan values being able to take a proactive approach to protecting her community by teaching about fire and life safety in her role as FSE. Teagan holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Guelph and loves applying sociological concepts in her pursuit of Community Risk Reduction. She is currently pursuing further education in leadership. She is proud to be serving as a Director on the board of the Ontario Association of Fire Educators (OAFE). Outside of her fire service career Teagan has a passion for food and beverage. She enjoys spending her time cooking, trying new restaurants and working part-time at a casual fine dining restaurant.

VICE PRESIDENT
John Majik
New Tecumseth Fire Rescue

E: jmajik@newtecumseth.ca
T: 705-415-3056

I’m John Majik, Fire Prevention Officer with New Tecumseth Fire Rescue. I got started in the fire service in 2014 as a volunteer firefighter, and started in the prevention division in 2018.

Prior to starting my career in the fire service I worked in the trades doing electrical, then transitioned into private industry fire protection, before getting hired with Richmond Hill in 2021.

Fire prevention and public education have always been a passion of mine. I attended Seneca College and took the Fire Protection Engineering program.

DIRECTOR
Jessica Buczynski
Cambridge Fire Department

E: buczynskij@cambridge.ca
T: 519-621-6001 x 2226

Jessica Buczynski is not just a firefighter and public educator; she’s a firm believer that public education is the cornerstone of fire prevention. With her role in the Cambridge Fire Department and Puslinch Fire and Rescue Service, Jessica tirelessly advocates for community safety and awareness, understanding that knowledge is the best defense against fire hazards.

As a proud member of Fire Service Women Ontario, Jessica actively contributes to mentoring firefighters in the fire service. Beyond her professional commitments, Jessica’s heart belongs to her three fur babies, enriching her life with their companionship and love.

While Jessica’s dedication to her work is unwavering, she also finds solace and joy in the great outdoors. Whether hiking or biking through lush trails, she cherishes every moment spent in nature, rejuvenating her spirit and fostering a deep appreciation for the world around her. With her passion for public safety, advocacy for the next generation, love for her furry companions, and connection to the outdoors, Jessica Buczynski embodies resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in both the firefighting community and the community at large.

DIRECTOR
Jason Benn
Centre Wellington Fire Rescue

E: jbenn@centrewellington.ca
T: 519.846.9691 x 265

Jason is a Deputy Fire Chief and oversees Community Risk Reduction Division of Centre Wellington Fire Rescue. With 23years in the fire service, he started out as a firefighter and has worked up the various ranks and positions throughout his career. He has a loving wife and 5 wonderful children, and his passions are travel, love history, an avid Philatelist, & spending quality time with family/friends, as life is too short!

Jason is very passionate when it comes to fire safety education as it plays a vital role in safeguarding lives, property, and communities from the devastating consequences of fires and other hazards. By raising awareness, providing practical knowledge, and promoting preparedness, it contributes to a safer and more resilient society.

So together let’s promote, prevention of fire, protection of life, property, community resilience, legal compliance, and empowerment; by taking these proactive measures we can protect each other from potential fires or hazards.

TREASURER
Michael Ross
Georgina Fire and Emergency Services

E: mross@georgina.ca
T: 905-476-2332 x 4224

SECRETARY
Brianna Varsamis
Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services

E: brianna.varsamis@townofws.ca
T: 905-640-9595 x 6266

Brianna started as a co-op student with Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services in February of 2016 in the Fire Prevention/Public Education Division. After quickly finding her passion for public education, an opportunity arose and she started as a fulltime Fire Prevention Inspector/Public Educator in September of 2016. She has sat on her local fire & life safety educators committee in both Secretary and Vice Chair positions and has been a Secretary with the OAFE since April of 2023. She is very excited to continue her role with the OAFE and to work with other educators who share the same passion. She is grateful for this opportunity and look forward to what we can accomplish in the upcoming term.

DIRECTOR
Donna Naulls
Brampton Fire & Emergency Services

E: donna.naulls@brampton.ca
T: 647-202-9370

Hello, my name is Donna Lynn Naulls, and I am a proud member of the OAFE’s Board of Directors.  I’ve had the pleasure of working as both a career and volunteer firefighter AND now I fight fires in the community through public education as a Fire Life Safety Education Officer at Brampton Fire & Emergency Services.

I’m also thankful for my other non-fire background in both the public and private sectors because I draw on these skillsets everyday.  I’m here to serve the Ontario Association of Fire Educators members along with this AMAZING Board of Director TEAM!

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Board Terms of Reference

View the OAFE Board of Directors’ terms of reference in PDF format.

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