NFF Team
Margarita Pintin-Perez
Community Partnership Leader
Dr. Margarita Pintin-Perez (she/her) is a social worker, researcher, and advocate whose work is rooted in survivor-led, trauma- and violence-informed practice and community-based leadership. She currently serves as the Community Partnership Leader at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC) at Western University, where she leads the Learning Network and Neighbours, Friends & Families, and contributes to national knowledge mobilization efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV). See extended Bio
Christine Wildman
Research and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
Dr. Christine Wildman (they/them) is a queer, critical feminist activist, academic, and community organizer dedicated to addressing gender-based violence. As a critical community-engaged scholar, they center research from the margins and work to foster inclusion and belonging at all levels of society. With a PhD in Sociology specializing in Identities and Social Inclusion, Christine’s research and teaching focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, intimate partner violence, and access to services in smaller communities. Since 2023, they have served as Research and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist for the Neighbours, Friends, and Families Public Education Campaign, where they are deeply invested in making IPV education and services more inclusive for 2SLGBTQIA+ victims/survivors of violence.
Samantha Richards
Communications Coordinator
Samantha Richard (she/her) is the Communications Coordinator with the Neighbours, Friends, and Families Public Education Campaign. She joined the team in 2021 and has contributed to initiatives focused on educating the public about intimate partner violence (IPV), gender-based violence (GBV), and the power that everyday people have to make a positive change.
Samantha holds an MA in Media Studies and a BA (Honours) in Media, Information, and Technoculture from Western University. Her academic background laid the groundwork for strategic and thoughtful communications practices at work, and her lived experiences fostered the passion for advocacy, inclusivity, and justice that is reflected in Samantha’s work.
Honouring Barb MacQuarrie’s Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Barb joined the Centre for Research and Education on Violence against Women & Children in the Faculty of Education at Western University in 2003 and assumed the role of Community Director in 2006. Over her distinguished career, Barb has led numerous provincial and national initiatives to raise awareness about intimate partner violence, including groundbreaking efforts to shape, education, and policy changes in the Canadian workforce. Notably, she spearheaded the largest study of its kind on the effects of intimate partner violence in the workplace, paving the way for transformative change.
Barb’s work extends far beyond Canada. She has been a passionate advocate for people experiencing intimate partner and family violence worldwide, as well as for civilians threatened by military violence in conflict zones. Her efforts have helped advance safety and equity on a global scale.
Through her research, Barb has developed evidence-based education and prevention initiatives in collaboration with community and university partners. She has worked with survivors, researchers, advocates, labour organizations, and employers across North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa to address gendered violence through innovative multidisciplinary approaches.
Among Barb’s many achievements is her leadership in the Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign, which has been empowering communities to recognize and respond to intimate partner violence since 2005.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, in 2015, Barb received the Order of Ontario, the provinces highest honour recognizing individual excellence.
While Barb has retired, her advocacy, leadership, and contributions continue through current projects like Neighbours, Friends and Families, Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence, and Respect at Work.
Barb’s dedication to addressing gender-based violence is matched only by her kindness, generosity, and authenticity. Barb’s leadership and legacy continue to inspire those working towards a safer and more equitable world, and we wish her a very happy retirement!
