COMPASSIONATE OTTAWA - Key Persons
Professor Allan Kellehear, author of the Compassionate City Charter, states that dying is not fundamentally a medical event, rather it is an event that happens in a family and community. If dying is about living, loving and working with a life-threatening illness until one can no longer do so, the longer part of that lifestyle occurs outside formal health care institutions.
Chandra Vaidyanathan, MD, FRCP(C), retired from her work as a Paediatric ER Physician at CHEO in 2020 after 36 years of service. She is an active member of the Association of Indo Canadian Physicians (AICP) and is Secretary of the Indo Canadian Community Centre (ICCC). Chandra is very involved in senior well-being and healthy living.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Retired Economist
Charles Barrett is a retired economist, who was actively involved in policy dialogue in North America, and the Asia-Pacific region in international economic relations, human resources development and capacity building. He has broad research experience and has written extensively on Canadian and international policy issues.
Erica Claus served with the federal government in several leadership positions internationally. In 2012, she founded a personal property appraisal firm. In 2013, she completed a Graduate Diploma in Mediation. Fluent in three languages, she volunteers as a mediation coach, supports refugees, and is a member of Women for Mental Health.
Graham Mayeda has been teaching law at the University of Ottawa since 2005. He also does research in twentieth-century Japanese philosophy. He lived for eight years at a Buddhist monastery in the city. He was on the board of the Income Security Advocacy Centre. He is a mentor for professors and students in equity matters.
Hilary Murray is the Canon Pastor at Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa and Chaplain for Cornerstone Housing for Women. She obtained a Master's degree in Social Work in 1993. She is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and has worked in hospitals, mental health services and as a trauma therapist with CFB Petawawa.
Jack McCarthy was the Executive Director of the Somerset West Community Health Centre, from 1989 to 2016. Passionate about community development, Jack is a former Chair of the National Association of CHCs as well as the Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres in Ottawa.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Honourary Director
Jackie Holzman, Co-Founder of Compassionate Ottawa, was elected to Ottawa City Council from 1982-1997, the last 6 years as Mayor. Prior and since, she has been a volunteer on a variety of health, hospital, rehabilitation and research organizations.
Jean-Pierre Soublière served as President of Systemhouse Canada and International. Jean-Pierre is also a past Board member of several corporations in the private, public and not-for-profit sector, such as United Way Canada, The Ottawa Hospital, and the Hospice at May Court.
Jena Davarajah works closely with volunteers on the various program teams, including the Advance Care Planning, Grief and Bereavement, Faith Communities and Workplace Team, to oversee day-to-day program initiatives and projects, including community workshops and presentations.
Job Titles:
- Chairman Emeritus
- Co - Founder
Jim Nininger, Co-Founder of Compassionate Ottawa, was President and CEO of the Conference Board of Canada from 1976 to 2001. He has served on private sector boards, and has been active in a variety of community organizations.
Louise Hanvey, RN, BN, MHA, has worked with many national palliative care initiatives. She was the Project Director for the Advance Care Planning in Canada Project with the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. As part of her responsibilities, she launched the campaign "Speak Up: Start the conversation about end-of-life care."
Melissa Proulx studied Social Media Marketing and Managing at Humber College. Along with her work at Compassionate Ottawa, Melissa owns a successful jewelry business and is a personal trainer. Melissa believes in providing the best possible support for those dealing with grief, loss, and mental health situations.
Michelle de Courville Nicol was on the Board of trustees of Montfort Hospital from 1990 to 2005 and Chair from 1995 to 2001. She was Chair of the Board of trustees of Montfort Renaissance, a francophone community organization active in mental health, addiction, homelessness and age-related issues from 2006 to 2020.
Monica Patten, former President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada, is well-known for her leadership in Canada's voluntary sector. She has been actively involved in the development of community philanthropy around the world and has received numerous awards for her work. She is a member of the Order of Canada.
Nick Busing is a semi retired family doctor who worked for years in community based clinical care, administration and teaching at the University of Ottawa. Prior to retirement, he headed up the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada.
Paula Campbell ensures that the operations of Compassionate Ottawa flow smoothly. She manages and maintains office procedures and operational activities, including filing and databases, every day financial activities, website and social media maintenance, supports to program evaluation, and supports to the Board of Directors.