Our Team

When my father was diagnosed with dementia, it became a journey for our entire family. I have committed to volunteer with the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County so that persons diagnosed with dementia, and their loved ones, will be able to gain knowledge and get support. No one should face dementia alone.

Karla joined the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) in 2014, bringing a wealth of health care leadership experience and a unique mix of expertise in research, marketing, communications and building key stakeholder relationships in the private, non-profit and government sectors.

Karla lost her father to dementia in January 2024 and is acutely aware of the need for community services to support both those living with dementia and those in their broad circle of care. The family encouraged in memoriam gifts to the DSORC and has been involved in raising funds through the Walk for Dementia to support DSORC ever since.

Witnessing my mom going through various stages of dementia was very difficult. It started with calls informing me that mom had wandered off from her residence to witnessing her become violent with caregivers and my dad. Educating families on what to expect on the typical phases of dementia would go a long way to easing family distress.

As a cardiologist, I spent my career looking after vascular disease. My mother had dementia and I am very grateful for all the support, programs and expertise of the dementia society. She was fully supported in French, her mother tongue. I joined the board because I wanted to give back in any capacity that I can.

My dad had dementia for seven years, and the dementia society was a huge help for our family. I want to do as much as I can to help other families in ottawa who are going through a similar experience.

Like many who volunteer with DSORC, I have experienced the impact of this disease on family members who have lived with dementia. The care and services that DSORC provides to our community are invaluable, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Board. I am inspired by the idea that many forms of dementia are preventable through lifestyle choices – it underscores the importance of education and building awareness in our community.

Dementia has an impact on caregivers supporting loved ones; friends trying to remain connected and present; and anyone interacting with people with dementia. I hope to support our community through my contributions to the DSORC board.

Joe graduated from Carleton University in 1988 and from the University of Western Ontario in 1991.  He was an instructor for the Ontario Bar Admission Course and an instructor at the University of Ottawa Law School.  He is a Will and Estate Advisor with a Canadian financial institution. In his spare time he enjoys golfing with his family.

“I have not had direct family experience with people living with dementia.  However, as a lawyer I have had many clients from all walks of life who have been impacted by dementia.  I joined the board to give back to the community.”

Born and raised in Ottawa, I completed a Bachelor of Nursing at the Toronto Metropolitan University, a Master’s of Nursing Degree at the University of Toronto, and a Health Leadership Certificate from Ottawa University

Both my mom and father-in-law have both received services from The Dementia Society. I’m glad to have the opportunity to give back and help other families access increased support and services as my family once did.

As a stroke rehabilitation specialist, I have always been interested in the connection between vascular health and cognition. My work surrounding strokes naturally overlaps with dementia care, and I wanted to lend my expertise to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County to help support individuals and families navigating the challenges of dementia.