I’m grateful for the support of people who have worked with me, served alongside me and come to know how I approach leadership, problem-solving and community involvement.
Their words mean a great deal to me, and I’m honoured to share them here.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with Dawn Stilwell in a number of roles through Lambton County Developmental Services. Whether as an employee, a Foundation Board member, or now as she prepares to join the LCDS Board of Directors, Dawn has consistently impressed me with her thoughtful leadership and commitment to serving others.
What stands out most about Dawn is how she approaches people and issues. Dawn is someone who listens to learn. She takes the time to understand different perspectives, asks insightful questions, and contributes in a way that helps move conversations forward. Rather than arriving with all the answers, she approaches issues with curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to find the best path forward. She brings a collaborative spirit to every conversation and has a natural ability to build consensus while keeping the focus on what matters most.
Dawn’s contributions at the board level have always been informed, respectful, and constructive. She is someone who prepares, participates, and genuinely cares about achieving positive outcomes for the organizations and communities she serves.
I am confident that Dawn would bring that same dedication, integrity, and collaborative approach to Petrolia Town Council, and I am pleased to support her candidacy.
Nick Salaris
Executive Director, Lambton County Developmental Services
I have known Dawn for several years (approximately 8 years) now in many capacities.
Dawn is currently the President of our Board of Directors for Kiddies Korner Co-op Nursery School for the past 5 years where I have been the Executive Director for nearly 14 years. Dawn has guided and supported Kiddies Korner during all of our expansion schools over the past 5 years. Kiddies Korner has opened THREE new sites (Courtright, Brigden and Wyoming) since 2021. In her capacity as President, Dawn provided tremendous leadership in all areas of Ministry of Education requirements need to open our expansion schools from finances, policies and procedures, staffing requirements to fundraising.
Dawn is a consummate professional. She is a mother, grandmother, entrepreneur and a friend.
As a small business owner who lives in Petrolia, she has a tremendous professional and social network. She has gained the respect of everyone that works with and for her. Her IT skills and writing skills are superior. Dawn’s pleasant nature and sense of humour add to her extensive skill set that she will bring to the table.
I do not have any hesitation in supporting Dawn as a political candidate, she will serve Petrolia well!
Penny Kearney
Executive Director
Kiddies Korner Petrolia, Brigden, Courtright and Wyoming sites
I am pleased to strongly endorse Dawn Stilwell for Petrolia Town Council. Dawn brings integrity, dedication and a practical approach to leadership that would serve our community well.
Dawn and I connected more than five years ago, and I quickly came to know her as someone with a genuine love for community. She has been involved with multiple boards, committees and community organizations, building strong personal and professional connections along the way. Her experience, commitment and passion for Petrolia would make her a strong addition to Council.
Our connection has also grown through our professional work together. As the founder of No One Stands Alone, I have relied on Dawn for website development and ongoing support, as well as behind-the-scenes work helping create and prepare mental health resource books and materials. Through that work, I have seen firsthand her reliability, attention to detail, thoughtfulness and commitment to helping important community initiatives move forward.
I believe Dawn has the experience, perspective and practical leadership skills to represent Petrolia well, and I am proud to support her candidacy.
Debb Pitel
Petrolia Town Councillor and
Founder, No One Stands Alone
I am proud to support my friend Dawn Stilwell in her decision to run for Petrolia Town Council. I know Dawn as a friend, but I also know her as a business owner, author, volunteer and someone who genuinely cares about the community she calls home. She brings a wealth of life experience, creativity and practical knowledge to everything she takes on, along with a willingness to listen, learn and consider different points of view.
What I appreciate most about Dawn is that she cares about people. She believes in community, in making sure people feel heard, and in looking for ways we can make Petrolia an even better place to live — not just today, but for the generations who will call it home in the future. Municipal government needs people who are willing to listen, ask questions, bring new ideas to the table and then do the work required to turn those ideas into action. I believe Dawn has those qualities. Petrolia is fortunate to have people who care enough about our town to step forward and serve. I believe Dawn would bring a thoughtful, compassionate and practical voice to Town Council, and I am very pleased to give her my support.
Mary Johnson Van Den Berge
Author & Host of Being Mary, Petrolia, Ontario
Dawn is organized, efficient, intelligent and an excellent listener. I honestly cannot think of anyone who could listen, organize and plan at a higher level. She would be a huge asset to the community, and I do hope she wins a seat on council.
Jim Douglas
Retired teacher
I’ve worked with and known Dawn for the past seven years. She is extremely dedicated to her work and when she sets her mind at accomplishing a task, she is not afraid to do the work necessary to achieve that goal. She is always willing to learn, able to listen before deciding if the information is worthy of further inquiry which is crucial in my opinion, in helping a municipality. Dawn is rare, in that she is running for public office when she is extremely competent at what she does. Giving back to her community is vitally important to her at this stage in her career. I would recommend her without reservation and believe the citizens of Petrolia will be well served by electing her to council.
Henry J. Svec Ph.D.
Retired psychologist | long-time professional client