Our Team
Our leadership structure brings together the Provincial Board, State Counselors, Area Chairmen, and Chief Counselors. Working collaboratively, they support local Circles, oversee program development, and uphold the traditions and values of the Squires program in Ontario. Together, these leaders ensure consistent communication, provide guidance to youth and counselors, and help create meaningful opportunities for service, leadership, and personal growth across the province.
The Team Consists of :
Fr. Branden Gordon, S.D.B. was born in Etobicoke, Ontario. After earning degrees in philosophy and education at York University, he served as an occasional teacher for the TCDSB. It was during this time that he responded to a call to consecrated life and priesthood. He started formation with the Society of Saint Francis de Sales in 2013, and in 2015 made his first profession of religious vows. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2023. He now serves as youth minister at Saint Benedict's Parish in Etobicoke while pursuing a licentiate in patristic studies at Saint Augustine's Seminary part-time.
Rev. Fr. Branden Gordon - Provincial Father Prior
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Aidan Persaud-Watton is a Grade 10 student from Toronto, Ontario, and member of Squires Circle 5217, St. Dominic Savio’s, for nearly seven years. Aidan has earned awards including the 2022–2023 Top Ontario Recruitment Award, Squire of the Year Runner-Up, and 2024–2025 Provincial Board Member of the Year. He has served as Provincial Spiritual Chairman, Provincial Bursar Squire, and now Provincial Chief, providing leadership, organization, and dedication to the program. This year, Aidan is focused on strengthening the Provincial Board, running the Squires Caucus, building relationships, and introducing events for all Circles across Ontario. A committed Squire, Aidan strives to serve others while growing as a devoted disciple of Christ.
Aidan Persaud-Watton - Provincial Chief Squire
Kyle D’Costa is a 17-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario, who has been involved in the Squires program for seven years. He has served in multiple leadership roles in his home Circle, St. John Berchmans, including Sentry and Notary, and on the Provincial Board as Spiritual Chairman, Sentry, and Notary. Kyle has now been elected Deputy Chief Squire for the 2025/2026 fraternal year. A Grade 12 student at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School, Kyle is passionate about engineering, mechanics, and challenging himself. His dedication, outgoing personality, and strong faith have guided his Squires journey, where he has found both personal growth and purpose. Outside of Squires, he enjoys sports, fishing, reading, and working on cars. Kyle looks forward to fostering stronger connections between Circles and supporting the growth of the program across Ontario.
Kyle D’Costa - Provincial Deputy Chief Squire
Jason is currently serving his second term as Chief Squire of the St. John Berchmans Circle in Mississauga. A dedicated member of the Squires for nearly six years, he has also held various other executive roles within his circle. At 16 years old, Jason is entering Grade 11 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School, where he has maintained honor roll status for the past two years. He previously served as a sea cadet for three years with RCSCC Haida. Jason is an avid athlete and musician. He has been playing baseball for over a decade, including AA rep-level play, and currently competes in a U-18 league. He also plays rep basketball, a sport he has pursued for five years. In addition to sports, he enjoys playing the piano and guitar. Jason is committed to growing in all areas of his life—faith, academics, athletics, and music—and continues to dedicate himself to the Squires program and his personal development
Jason Lobo - Provincial Notary Squire
Aidan Noah Mathews is 16 years old and is currently in the 11th grade at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, Whitby. He has been part of the Squires program for the past 6 years, and is going into his 7th year, and is currently serving the Oshawa Circle #4742 as their Chief Squire. He won the Outstanding Student Award and was the Valedictorian in his 8th grade year. Along with being a Squire, he is an Air Cadet at 151 Chadburn Squadron, and does weekly piano lessons. He loves to play video games, sketch, and collect comics. He pursues music on the side, creating beats and learning new instruments in his free time. The Squires program has helped develop his faith and has shown him multiple ways to serve his community, and how humbling and enriching the experience can be. Last year, Noah was the Membership Chairman for the board and helped develop the Provincial Board Instagram account. Using his 1 year experience on the board, Noah is ecstatic to serve as the Provincial Bursar and is excited to help others join the Squires program and develop their faith
Noah Mathews - Provincial Bursar Squire
Shailan is a 17-year-old from Mississauga and has been a dedicated member of St. John Berchman Circle #5570 for the past several years. He attends John Fraser Secondary School, where he will be entering Grade 12 this September. This past fraternal year, he served on the Provincial Board as the Spiritual Chairman, helping to lead faith-based initiatives across the jurisdiction. A passionate car enthusiast, he enjoys learning about and working with vehicles in his free time. He also serves his parish, Merciful Redeemer, as a lector and altar server. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, traveling to new countries, and trying new foods. Shailan is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Provincial Board and looks forward to continuing the mission of service and brotherhood.
Shailan Fernandes - Provincial Marshal Squire
Ethan Crasto proudly serves as the Ontario Provincial Sentry Squire for the 2025–2026 fraternal year. He is an active member of St. John Berchmans Circle #5570, where he previously held the position of Bursar Squire. At 16 years old, Ethan attends St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School and is involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Air Cadets, DECA, and Conquest. He has a strong passion for aviation and enjoys playing guitar, basketball, and video games in his free time. Ethan looks forward to fulfilling his responsibilities with dedication and enthusiasm, and to serving his fellow Squires throughout the fraternal year.
Ethan Crasto - Provincial Sentry Squire
Rowan Dias is an 11th-grade Advanced Placement student from Toronto. A natural strategist and leader, Rowan is dedicated to driving the growth and modernization of the Squires program across Ontario. Since joining the Provincial Board, Rowan has spearheaded several key initiatives to strengthen the organization. He authored the landmark Provincial Volunteer Hours Guideline, allowing Squires to earn a minimum of 125 volunteer hours yearly, creating a new, marketable value proposition for members. To drive sustainable growth, he has architected a provincial outreach campaign targeting over 30 parishes and schools, which will be supported by a new recruitment video he is currently producing. As the board's Director of Media, he has led a full-scale revitalization of the provincial brand, transforming its digital presence and launching new content series like the "Squires Advantage" to showcase the real-world skills Squires develop. Rowan is a multi-talented student who plays ten instruments–primarily piano, violin, and trumpet–serves as a weekly cantor at his parish, and is on track to complete the Gold level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. An avid cyclist, he regularly completes 40km rides, with his longest pushing nearly 70km. At De La Salle College, he holds multiple leadership positions, including Co-Captain of the AV Club and 2 faculty-selected roles – DEL Outreach Committee and Link Crew Leader. A trusted leader within his school, he is frequently selected to represent the student body at official events and has been professionally contracted to run AV production for nationally recognized performers. He brings a blend of strategic vision, creative energy, and a relentless commitment to excellence to his role, and is focused on building a stronger, more connected, and more dynamic future for the Squires of Ontario..
Rowan Dias - Provincial Membership Chairman
Edward Stumpf serves as the Ontario Provincial Spiritual Chairman for the 2025–2026 fraternal year. He is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Circle #1002 at Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish. Since the revival of his home circle, Edward has held the role of Chief Squire and will continue in this position for one final year before graduating from Michael Power – St. Joseph Catholic Secondary School. In his free time, Edward enjoys playing video games and makes it a daily habit to give thanks to the Lord each morning and night for the blessings of a new day. He is currently discerning a vocation to the priesthood and is exploring the path of seminary formation, drawing spiritual strength and guidance from his fellow Squires and the Knights of Columbus. Last fraternal year, Edward was honored with the Squire of the Year award for his dedication and leadership in re-establishing his circle, an effort made possible with the support of his Grand Knight Romey, of his parish’s Knights council. As Provincial Spiritual Chairman, Edward’s mission for the year is to strengthen the faith of every circle through initiatives such as Novenas, retreats, and lessons from the Baltimore Catechism. He looks forward to working with the Provincial Board to usher in a new century of faith, commitment, and spiritual growth, always with a hand in the Father’s hand.
Edward Stumpf - Provincial Spiritual Chairman
Cristian Galan Quinteros is a proud fifteen-year-old who has 3 years of experience being a squire in St. Dominic Savio, circle #5217, located in Rexdale. Cristian’s ethnicity is El Salvadorian and Canadian. He has shown his faith in two different churches, St. Benedict's and Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church, truly showing his devotion to God. At his local circle, he currently serves as their sentry squire and last year, he served as their marshal. Christian is in Grade 10 and currently attends Monsigneur Percy Johnson, where he stays engaged in both academics and extracurricular activities. He is part of the chaplaincy team, the robotics club, the cross-country team, and more, always striving to learn and grow! This fraternal year, Cristian aims to better participation within circles, encourage squires to be the best they can be in a fraternal brotherhood, and, on a more personal level, grow within the squires while making it a better organization alongside the Provincial Board.
Cristian Galan Quinteros - Provincial Circle Chairman
Vivaan Dsouza is a 14-year-old from Mississauga and has been a proud member of St. John Berchmans Circle #5570 for the past three years. For the 2025–2026 fraternal year, he will serve as his circle's Bursar and is also taking on the role of Provincial Service Chairman. Vivaan is entering Grade 10 at St. Francis Xavier Secondary School. He is passionate about swimming and is working toward earning his lifeguard certification this year. A brown belt in Taekwondo, he also enjoys playing tennis and video games in his spare time. Vivaan is enthusiastic about promoting service within the circle and hopes to show how meaningful service events can help us grow as leaders and individuals.
Vivaan D’Souza - Provincial Service Chairman
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Kévod-Yoël Kouamé is a 18-year-old Catholic young man of African descent, born in early 2007 in Brampton, Ontario. He later moved to the southern regions of the province, where he spent most of his childhood and early teenage years. He was invested into the Columbian Squires at 10, joining Father Henry Masse Circle 3453 in Comber. Over the years, Kévod took on several leadership roles within his circle—serving as Sentry, Bursar, Deputy Chief Squire, Notary, and eventually Chief Squire. He now holds the title of Immediate Past Chief Squire. Kévod is currently studying at University in Ottawa, where he continues to grow academically, spiritually, and as a leader. He hopes to pursue a future career in law, aspiring to become an expert in the field and a respected lawyer. In his free time, he enjoys making music and playing sports such as soccer, baseball, and wrestling. Above all, he remains a proud Columbian Squire, now Knight, strongly rooted in the Catholic values that shape his service and leadership.
Kévod-Yoël Kouamé - Immediate Past Provincial Chief Squire
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THE PROVINCIAL BOARD
STATE COUNSELLORS
Robert is a past Grand Knight and former District Deputy. He brings over 30 years of youth ministry with Parish youth groups and as a facilitator at Mount Alverno retreat centre in Orangeville. Robert is a realtor for over 30 years and is active in parish life and a catholic speaker focusing on Christ's forgiveness.
Robert Pella - State Squires Director
Joshua Dinshaw serves as a District Deputy for District 24 in Ontario and as Assistant State Squires Director. He became a DD at the age of 19, making him the youngest District Deputy in the history of the Ontario Knights of Columbus. Before becoming a Knight, Joshua was a devoted member of the Columbian Squires, where he served as Chief Squire and Bursar of Circle #5217 St. Domenic Savio. His commitment and leadership extended beyond the local level; he was appointed as the Circle Chairman and then the Spiritual Chairman on the Ontario Provincial Squires Board, playing a key role in helping guide and revitalize youth engagement across the province. Joshua’s work with youth ministry continues today through his role supporting Squires Circles as part of the State Squires leadership team. His passion for mentorship, faith formation, and Catholic leadership has also been recognized at the international level through his involvement with the Supreme Council’s McGivney Fellowship, as part of a select group of young leaders from across the Order. Now serving District 24, Joshua is especially honored to once again be working with 2 active Squires Circles. As a former Squire himself, the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation of Catholic leaders is deeply meaningful. With a leadership style grounded in faith, service, and fraternity, Joshua remains committed to strengthening the presence of the Knights and the Squires across Ontario.
Joshua Dinshaw - Assistant State Squires Director
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Enzo has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 15 years. He helped re-institute Gerald Emmitt Cardinal Carter Circle in his Mississauga Parish at St Patrick’s Church in 2011. In 2016, Enzo joined the Ontario Provincial Board as Area Chairman for Metro West. Enzo focuses on circles strengths and coaching executive teams to be more efficient in their roles. Enzo’s passion for the Squires program is to see Squires and Circles strive for excellence and well growth. Enzo is married to his wife Karen, who helps Enzo in supporting the Squires program by allowing him to make circle visits and attend board meetings. As the Ontario Squires Program is expanding into new parishes called “Circle Branching”, this has become well successful in the Metro West Area, mainly Mississauga with a growth of 100 Squires within two Circles. Enzo’s focus this year is continuing Circle Branching into Toronto, Eastern, Northern Ontario and South West Regions. Enzo is looking forward this year and has goals and strategies in making circles successful in Ontario.
Enzo Caterina - Former Director & State Squires Advisor
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Joe became a Knight 22 years ago when he joined St. Joseph the Worker Council 9989 in Oshawa. After serving as Council Recorder for 2 years, he felt he was being called to work with the youth in the Oshawa parish communities. In 2001, he initiated and helped start the Sir Knight Leonard T. Smith District 36 Circle 4742 in Oshawa so that all the young men from the 7 churches could join their Circle. After holding the position of Chief Counsellor for 10 years, he is still an active Counsellor with his Circle. The great team in Oshawa of fellow Counsellors and Squires encouraged him to become involved with the Provincial Board. With the support of his wife Tricia, Joe served as an Area Chairman, New Circle Development Chairman and State Squires Director. Presently he holds the position of Ontario State Treasurer and was honoured to be assigned as the State Squires Liaison. This position allows Joe to participate in Provincial Circle meetings/events to keep the State Board informed on the success of the program. Watching young men grow spiritually through the Squires program has been a blessing as it ensures the future success of the Knights of Columbus in Ontario and increases the faith of all counsellors involved in the program.
Joe Bodnar - Former Director, State Secretary & State Squires Liaison
Nicholas Quadrini serves as Area Chairman for Metro East and Eastern Ontario. In this role, he supports Stouffville, Trenton, and Oshawa Circles in membership growth and overall circle excellence. Nicholas is a Past Chief Squire of St. Mark Circle 5486 and has held many roles in the Knights, including Counselor, Grand Knight, and District Deputy. He is currently District Deputy for District 1 (Downtown Ottawa).
Nicholas Quadrini - Area Chairman Eastern Ontario
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Romey Sebastiampillai - Area Chairman Northern Ontario
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Ted Richardson - Area Chairman Southern Ontario
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Warren Fernandes - Area Chairman Western Ontario
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Matthew Dekold served as a Squire for eight years and now acts as the Retention and Recruitment Chairman for the Ontario Provincial Board. In this role, he helps oversee the operations of the circles in the Southwest region and works closely with them to support growth and strengthen membership.
Matthew Dekold - Recruitment and Retention Team Captain
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CHIEF COUNSELLORS
Mark Watton is the Chief Counsellor of Circle 5217, guiding members toward spiritual growth📿, increased membership👥, a fun and social atmosphere🏐, and active community service💌. He provides a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free environment for all members. Esto Dignus!
Mark Watton - Circle #5217 St Dominic Savio
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Lorenzo Calabrese first became a counsellor for the Colombian Squires 16 years ago when his eldest son, Matteo, joined. Shortly before Matteo aged out, his second son, Noah, followed in his footsteps. Now serving as Chief Counsellor of Circle #4827 at Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter, Lorenzo is deeply committed to guiding young Squires to grow into responsible, caring adults, cherishing the opportunity to be part of their journey.
Lorenzo Calabrese - Circle #4827 Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter
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Jonah Glajch serves as the Chief Counsellor for Constable John Atkinson Circle #5147 in Kingsville, Ontario. In this role, Jonah provides leadership and guidance to the circle’s executive team and membership, ensuring the circle functions effectively and remains focused on the four pillars of the Columbian Squires program — leadership, faith, service, and fraternity. He works closely with the Chief Squire, supporting him in the planning, execution, and achievement of the circle’s goals and initiatives. Jonah’s commitment to mentorship and to fostering positive experiences for all members strengthens the circle’s impact within the local community and the broader Ontario Squires organization.
Jonah Glajch - Circle #5147 Constable John Atkinson
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Stephen Zealand has been a Counsellor for Oshawa Circle #4742 for over 20 years and has served as Chief Counsellor since 2018. He provides guidance and mentorship to ensure the circle thrives while supporting its pillars of leadership, faith, service, and fraternity.
Fun Fact: Stephen became a Knight of Columbus after his son, Craig, became a charter member of the Oshawa Squires in 2012, so that he could join the circle as a counsellor. He is extremely grateful for the support of all eight counsellors of the Oshawa Circle
Stephen Zealand - Circle #4742 S.K. Leonard T. Smith
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