Our Staff

Walter serves as Executive Pastor at PORTICO Community Church and Executive Director of the PORTICO Care Centre, where he provides strategic leadership in advancing the Centre’s mission of bringing hope and holistic care to individuals and families in the community.
With extensive experience spanning ministry, corporate, nonprofit, and community leadership, Walter is passionate about turning vision into meaningful action, developing leaders, building effective systems, strengthening organizations, and creating environments where people are treated with dignity, compassion, and care. He also serves as Chair of the Board of Regeneration Outreach Community and is the founder of Mesites Family Mediation, where he practices as an Accredited Family Mediator.
Walter holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership and is currently pursuing a post-doctoral certificate in Non-Profit Organizational Leadership at Tyndale University. His leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to serving others and bringing together people, partnerships, and resources to make a lasting difference in the community.
Outside of his work and ministry, Walter enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, nature walks, and following his favourite soccer team.

With over seven years of experience in the healthcare field, Charline Armstrong brings a deep compassion and a heart for service to everything she does. As the founder of Clothed With Love, a registered charity offering dignity-focused Pop-Up Freestores Charline has dedicated herself to creating environments where individuals and families feel seen, valued, and supported during challenging times.
Her passion lies in walking alongside people with empathy and purpose, offering both hope and practical care. As part of the PORTICO Care Centre team, Charline continues to build safe, welcoming spaces where holistic support is more than a value, it’s a lived experience.
Outside of work, Charline enjoys time with family and friends, relaxing near the water, and exploring new destinations through travel. She’s honoured to be part of a community where compassion is lived out every day.

Our Volunteer Leaders

Dr. Krissy Doyle-Thomas brings over two decades of research and clinical systems expertise to her role as Director of Clinical Services at PORTICO Care Centre, where she is deeply committed to advancing equitable, culturally responsive mental healthcare. With a PhD in Medical Sciences and federal research funding, her work focuses on mental health disparities affecting marginalized communities, ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of those most often left behind shape the care PORTICO provides.
Her academic leadership in building health capacity for community-based health professionals is complemented by scientific affiliations with major health institutions in Toronto and her work as a Knowledge Translator bringing mental health education into the community. She also leads research initiatives investigating how race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors influence access to healthcare, walking alongside families and individuals to ensure their stories inform the solutions we create.
Recognized for her impact, Krissy is dedicated to building clinical teams and community partnerships grounded in dignity, cultural humility, and hope. She creates spaces where people feel heard and supported in their healing. Outside of her work, she cherishes time with family and friends, enjoys exploring new places, and remains deeply rooted in her faith and community.

Maril is an experienced senior manager at TD Bank Financial Group with a proven track record in the banking industry. Over his career – including previous roles at CIBC World Markets and Microsoft – Maril has developed deep expertise in leading large teams, strategic planning, business process improvement, and working in agile methodologies.
Beyond his professional work, Maril serves as the Chair of the Elder Board at Portico Community Church, where he, his wife and two children are actively involved.
Maril is passionate about driving successful initiatives that create real value, while also investing in his community and faith.

Zari is a Global Health Professional and passionate social entrepreneur with over twenty-five years of experience working with international organizations, including World Vision International. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of women and creating opportunities for growth, empowerment, and well-being.
Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Zari believes in using her skills and experiences to support and uplift others. She is excited to be part of the PORTICO Care Centre community, where care, collaboration, and compassion come together to make a difference.

Rick Carrol serves as the Senior Pastor at PORTICO Community Church, bringing a unique blend of academic depth, pastoral care, and visionary leadership. With a Master’s degree in Psychology and a strong foundation in ministry, Rick champions a church culture rooted in grace, practical ethics, and multicultural inclusion. His approach to leadership is characterized by compassion, insight, and a profound commitment to serving others effectively.
At the heart of his work is a passion for helping people navigate life with purpose and hope, values that align closely with the mission of the PORTICO Care Centre. Whether he’s teaching, leading, or offering a listening ear, Rick brings both warmth and wisdom to every conversation.
Outside of ministry, Rick is an avid triathlete and enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and finding renewal in nature walks. Rick brings the same spirit of endurance, balance, and joy into every area of his life and leadership.