Our Team

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nancy brings more than 30 years of leadership and consulting experience in the association and not-for-profit sector to our board.

Throughout her career, she’s played a key role in establishing several national associations and one international organization. She retired from full-time association leadership at the end of 2024 and continues to provide consulting services on a part-time basis.

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Nancy is a trained facilitator and holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) professional designation.

Her commitment to the Dementia Society is grounded in personal experience.

For the past 15 years, Nancy and her siblings have supported their mother through her dementia journey. She was also a key caregiver for an aunt who lived with dementia and passed away in 2025.

These experiences have given Nancy a deep awareness of the toll dementia can take on caregivers, relationships, and personal health. She is pleased to serve an organization that provides programs and services to help ease that burden.

Nancy also serves on the planning committee for the annual Strokes for Stroke Golf Tournament. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, outdoor activities, volunteering, and spending time with her grandchildren.

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.

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.

Stephanie is a retired financial professional and public servant who now focuses her time on supporting nonprofit organizations and giving back to her community. With a career grounded in financial governance, policy, and strategic planning, she has spent years helping leaders make informed, responsible decisions and brings that same practical, steady approach to her board work

She spent over a decade on the Board of Directors of The Good Companions Senior Centre, including serving as Board Chair, where she was actively involved in governance, strategy, and building strong connections across the organization. Stephanie is especially passionate about supporting seniors and health-focused nonprofits, and is known for her calm and collaborative style and supportive leadership.

Her commitment to this space is also very personal. Stephanie has supported her family through the realities of dementia caregiving, regularly traveling to Newfoundland to help provide care and give her family some much needed breaks. That experience inspired her to get more involved with the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, where she now contributes on the Investment and Finance Committees.

Until retiring in December 2024, Joanne was the CEO for a community-based charity serving rural seniors and helping them age in place through 24/7 assisted-living and other essential community support services. She currently serves as chair of the Renfrew County and District Public Health Unit Board of Directors, and is also a member of the board of the Killaloe District Housing Corporation. As a member of the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County (DSORC)’s board of directors, Joanne supports and contributes to its ongoing mission to help create a more dementia-friendly community.

“Both personally and in my work role, I have seen friends, family members and individuals dealing with dementia. My 40 years of working in Renfrew County and District have fueled my passion for rural services and the importance of innovation, collaboration and compassion in achieving more together with a goal that respects individuals in their choices and supports aging in place.”

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.