A highly motivated senior leader, change agent and integrative thinker, passionate about ‘connecting the dots’ and cultivating ideas that create strategic pathways. More than two decades shaping the future of healthcare through progressive career roles (including more than a decade providing healthcare directly) with a focus on innovation and transformation through digital health. Experienced in managing complex stakeholder contexts within public and private sectors, thriving in dynamic, cross-functional team environments and in dealing with ambiguity. A persuasive, positive, compassionate, and diplomatic, certified health informatics professional with strong conflict resolution skills.
How long have you been a member of Digital Health Canada?
13 years
Why do you want to join the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors at this point in your career?
I have been honoured to sit on the Digital Health Canada Board for the past two years, assuming the role of Vice-President in 2021. I have appreciated the opportunity to actively contribute to and influence the development and advancement of the Canadian digital health industry by ensuring that Digital Health Canada remains a strong and respected organization. The value offered to our members through Digital Health Canada’s focus on engagement, provision of learning programs and resources, as well as thought leadership and industry influence are critical for advancing issues and priorities for positive change. Digital Health has gained so much attention in the last 2-3 years. It is more important now than ever that we have a strong national association. I believe that Digital Health Canada members have given the Board a strong mandate and expect it to deliver through its strategic foundations of connection, empowerment, and inspiration, and I would like to continue to be part of this advancing journey.
How does your experience align with the Digital Health Canada strategic plan and mandate?
The 2020-23 Digital Health Canada strategic plan is based on a foundation of connection, empowerment, and inspiration. In my capacity as Vice-President of the current Board, I have actively participated as a member of the Executive Committee and sought to provide support for the overall strategy planning process. I have spent more than two decades shaping the future of healthcare through progressive career roles that have taken me from the bedside as a Registered Respiratory Therapist to my current tenure at Canada Health Infoway, shaping health care with a focus on innovation and transformation through digital health. Through my time on the Board, I have also benefitted personally and professionally through connections with other Board members and members of our association, demonstrating and witnessing the commitment to Digital Health Canada’s strategic values of innovation, collaboration, diversity, education, integrity and service.
What unique skills, perspectives and contributions would you bring to the Digital Health Canada Board?
I am a highly motivated change leader known for effectively ‘connecting the dots’ and integrating ideas into strategy execution. I am passionate about driving the future digital health strategy and with 25 years in healthcare / digital health covering many roles, am experienced in managing complex stakeholder contexts within public and private sectors. I thrive in dynamic, cross-functional team environments and have full appreciation for the true collaboration that is needed to continue progressing the digital health agenda in support of health system transformation. Our Association members are critical for driving this necessary change! I believe this recognition, alongside my skills, collective experiences and the perspectives enabled through my current national role, can help to continue to shape the future directions and support for members that deliver on the promise of the opportunities that lie ahead.
Do you or have or have you ever had any direct patient care experience (clinical)?
Yes, as a Registered Respiratory Therapist
What segments within the Digital Health Canada community do you feel you will best represent? Select all that apply.
- Executives/CIOs
- Telehealth
- IM/IT Practitioners
- Leaders
- National eHealth Organizations
With which Digital Health Canada committees, task groups or activities have you volunteered in past five years? Describe your most significant contributions to Digital Health Canada’s mission.
I have been an active member of Digital Health Canada for many years and have been involved in various capacities from mentorship to working groups and steering committee participation. My most recent engagement is as the Vice-President of the Board, during the second year of my term. I have also been involved with the National eHealth Conference, our industry’s showcase event, since 2013. My broader volunteer engagements with Digital Health Canada over the past 5 years includes:
- Digital Health Canada Board, Director (2020/21); Vice-President (2021/22)
- National eHealth Conference. Steering Committee member. 2013 – Present
- National eHealth Conference. Logistics Committee member. 2013 – 2020
- National eHealth Conference. Co-Chair / Lead of Apps Challenge / Hacking Health / Design Jam. 2013 – 2020
- Digital Health Canada. Working group member. ‘Patients in Tech’ Community of Action Working Group. 2018/19
- Digital Health Canada. Speed-mentoring. Toronto. 2017
- Digital Health Canada. Instructor – CPHIMS-CA Program. 2015 – 2017
What other board appointments or relevant leadership experiences have you had in the past five years?
- Digital Health Canada Board of Directors, 2020 – 2022 (Vice President, 2021/22)
- Skills for Change – Advisory Board (2019 – 2021); and Guest Lecturer (2018 – present)
- Centennial College – Health Information Technology Program Advisory Committee. 2019 – present.
- Cancer Care Ontario / College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario. Citizens Advisory Committee – Quality Management Partnership. 2016 –2019.
- Ontario Lung Association. Committee member – Respiratory eHealth Committee. 2016 – 2019
- National eHealth Conference. Steering Committee member. 2013 – Present
- University of Toronto. Instructor – Change Management Course. Masters, Health Informatics Program. 2016.
- Digital Health Canada – Instructor – CPHIMS-CA Program. 2015 – 2017
Please tell us why you feel Digital Health Canada members should vote for you.
I have been a member of Digital Health Canada for thirteen years and have personally benefited from the networking, connection, education and resources that the organization provides. I believe passionately that we, as digital health professionals, are in the best position to advocate for digital health. As an organization, Digital Health Canada can amplify our voices and continue to offer programming and services that support our growth individually and as a collective industry. I have a national network, broad knowledge of initiatives from across the country, clinical experience, and am passionate about the difference that digital health can make to improving health care in Canada. I would welcome the opportunity to continue my contribution to this effort.
Do you currently hold the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems – Canada (CPHIMS-CA) credential?
Yes
What is your educational background? Please list all degrees and designations.
- CPHIMS-CA
- Masters, Health Science – Health Administration
- Respiratory Therapy Diploma
- Bachelor of Science – Life Sciences
