Board of Directors

Mike Merko, President & Chair

Michael (Mike) Merko’s career includes over 28 years of distinguished service as a paramedic professional with 18 years serving as a frontline paramedic. Mike has provided paramedic services in Halton Region, Peel Region and Middlesex-London. His career has also included providing critical care air ambulance services with Ornge, Canadian Global Air Ambulance and Paladin Air Ambulance. He has served in multiple leadership positions from supervisor/superintendent to Deputy Chief of Operations. As Operations Chief of the Ontario Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT), Mike provided leadership as the Incident Commander at several high-profile incidents.

Mike has a strong commitment to leverage his experience as a paramedic working with patients in crisis to help those with mental health and he holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Business Administration from McMaster University.

Sarah Gorsline, Secretary

Sarah Gorsline brings over 25 years of experience in medical device sales and marketing leadership, where she is recognized for her strong business intuition and strategic decision-making. With a background as an emergency room nurse and a Master of Science degree, she combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry. Passionate about supporting first responders, Sarah’s commitment is personal—she is married to a paramedic and has firsthand insight into the challenges faced by frontline professionals and their families. Her leadership and experience guide the strategic direction of Frontline Families, ensuring the organization continues to provide meaningful support to those who need it most.

Timothy Clark, Treasurer

Tim Clark serves as the Treasurer for Frontline Families Canada, bringing extensive expertise in financial management and governance to the organization. With over 25 years of experience as an accountant, Tim holds his CPA designation and is a proud graduate of Carleton University. As a Partner at Wilkinson & Company LLP, Tim has built a distinguished career in accounting and advisory services, working with a diverse range of clients to help them achieve their financial goals.

Tim’s dedication to community service is evident through his previous board experience, including his role as Treasurer for the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to excellence, integrity, and strategic planning ensures the financial health and sustainability of Frontline Families Canada.

Tim is especially passionate about supporting frontline families, a commitment that is deeply personal to him as he is married to a frontline widow. He is devoted to ensuring that the organization’s resources are effectively managed to maximize its impact across Canada.

Claudine Aliperti, Director

Claudine Scuccato, has been in education for over 25 years. She currently holds the role of Superintendent of Special Education where she develops and implements anti-racist, anti-ableist and anti-oppressive policies related to special education services and social-emotional learning initiatives across the school district. Within her role as a Field Superintendent, she worked with 25 schools to re-envision education in the District and solidified a framework for systemic change through implementing the board’s system goals and ensuring equitable outcomes and providing equitable access and opportunity for all students and staff to learn, work and develop in a climate that is safe, positive, healthy, accessible and inclusive through continuous progress on achievement and equity. Prior to accepting her superintendency, Claudine was the Coordinating Principal of PDSB’s visionary document, Empowering Modern Learners as well as the Principal of two amazing elementary schools. When not at work, Claudine spends time with her husband and two teenage children, usually on a soccer field, and surrounds herself with family and friends.

Robert Jamieson, Director

Rob Jamieson is a husband, father, and a 30-year police officer with the Ontario Provincial Police. After graduating from Lakehead University Rob joined the OPP in 1995 and began his career stationed in Southwestern Ontario. Rob then spent time in the Biker Enforcement Unit, Crime Unit, was a Platoon Sergeant Team Leader and PSB investigator eventually joining the OPP Academy as a recruit instructor in 2014. During this time Rob was also a Director with the Alumni Association of Lakehead University eventually serving as President of the AALU in 2012-2014.

In November 2015 Rob was elected President and CEO of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, the largest Police Association in Canada. While doing so, the organization was also dealing with a mental health crisis in the OPP, including several officer suicides. The Association’s response to this crisis was the founding of an integrated and comprehensive mental health program called Encompas. Since the launch of Encompas on March 30 2020, thousands of Association members and their families have received unprecedented quality of care.

Rob has been appointed into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces and was recognized by Canada Beyond the Blue with the 2024 Association Advocacy award. Rob is currently serving as a Director of the OPP Association.

Rob Jamieson M.O.M.