Shely Polak, PhD, MSW, RSW

Shely Polak, PhD, MSW, RSW, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus and the founder and director of Mackenzie Clinic, providing clinical and forensic services for families involved in separation and divorce. Dr. Polak is a renowned clinician recognized for conducting parenting plan evaluations, family mediation, reintegration therapy, voice of the child reports, parenting coordination, family therapy, expert witness services, and litigation consulting in family law matters. The combination of her clinical expertise and academic scholarship situates her as a leading contributor to the field of family law and high-conflict co-parenting. She is former president of the AFCC Ontario Chapter.

Former Presidents

Michael A. Saini, PhD, MSW, RSW (2024-2025)
Stacey E. Platt, JD (2023-2024)
Hon. Linda Fidnick (Ret.) (2022-2023)
Mindy F. Mitnick, EdM, MA (2021-2022)

Larry S. Fong, PhD (2020-2021)

Matthew Sullivan, PhD (2019-2020)
Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman (2018-2019)

Annette T. Burns, JD (2017-2018)

Marsha Kline Pruett, PhD, ABPP (2016-2017)

Hon. Peter Boshier (2015-2016)

Richard Altman, JD (2014-2015)

Nancy Ver Steegh, JD, MSW (2013-2014)

Arnold Shienvold, PhD (2012-2013)

Linda Fieldstone, MEd (2011-2012)

Robert Smith, JD, MDiv (2010-2011)

Hon. Emile Kruzick (2009-2010)

Robin Deutsch, PhD (2008-2009)

Hon. William Fee (2007-2008)

Mary Ferriter, JD, MPA (2006-2007)

Hon. Hugh Starnes (2005-2006)

Leslye Hunter, MA, LMFT (2004-2005)

Hon. George Czutrin (2003-2004)

Jan Shaw, MPA (2002-2003)

Hon. Denise McColley (2001-2002)

Hon. Arline Rotman (2000-2001)

Phil Bushard, DPA (1999-2000)

Christine Coates, MEd, JD (1998-1999)

Hon. Alastair Nicholson (1997-1998)

Linda Hahn, MS (1996-1997)

John Kydd, MSW, JD (1995-1996)

Hon. Douglas McNish (1994-1995)

Robert Tompkins, MA (1993-1994)

Gerald Lecovin, LLB (1992-1993)

Hon. Susan Snow (1991-1992)

Russell Schoeneman, PhD (1990-1991)

Hon. Thomas Bishop (1989-1990)

Hon. Lawrence Kaplan (1988-1989)

Hugh McIsaac, MSW (1987-1988)

Donald Moir (1986-1987)

Anthony "Tim" Salius (1984-1986)

Jay Folberg, Esq. (1983-1984)

Hon. John VanDuzer (1982-1983)

Hon. Frank Orlando (1981-1982)

Hon. Nancy Holman (1980-1981)

Hon. Betty Barteau (1979-1980)

Hon. Marvin Holz (1978-1979)

Hon. Irwin Cantor (1977-1978)

Meyer Elkin (1976-1977)

Hon. Norman Fenton (1975-1976)

Hon. Solie Ringold (1974-1975)

Hon. Betty Vitousek (1973-1974)

Hon. Robert Hunter (1972-1973)

Hon. Byron Lindsley (1971-1972)

Hon. Melvin Cohn (1970-1971)

Hon. Victor Baum (1969-1970)

Hon. William MacFaden (1968-1969)

Hon. Timothy O'Reilly (1967-1968)

Hon. Laurens Henderson (1966-1967)

Hon. James Cunningham Sr. (1965-1966)

Hon. Frank Blum (1964-1965)

Hon. Verne Warner (1963-1964)

Hon. Roger Alton Pfaff (1963)