Board of Directors
Omer Vandevyvere, Past Chair
As a social worker with more than ten years’ experience providing support to the most marginalized members of our community, Omer’s role as the Regional Coordinator of Acquired Brain Injury Services at St. Joseph’s Health Care London always helps him to identify and address gaps in service that may hinder appropriate and meaningful participation. The Alice Saddy Association embodies the values and philosophy around inclusion and respect that are foundational in his approach to his life and his work.
Lisa Favell, Chair
Lisa lives in London Ontario where her husband and she have raised two children. Lisa recently retired from Cancer Care Ontario after 33 years of service, the majority of her career was spent managing the provincial capital cancer expansion program. She participated in the planning of new facilities as well as the expansion of existing centres across 14 Ontario hospitals. She has also had the opportunity to provide cancer planning services to other Canadian provinces and other countries through various consulting roles.
Mary Jeanne Edgar, Treasurer
Mary Jeanne recently retired from managing the Clinical Trial research group in the Division of Nephrology at University Hospital in London, Ontario. She was born and raised in London and is an alumni of both Fanshawe College and Western University. She is a mom and a wife and she is honoured to support the Alice Saddy Association’s mission to bring the community and the individuals supported by the Association closer together.
Wanda Litwiller, Secretary
Wanda has been involved with Alice Saddy Association for many years. She likes to keep busy and enjoys volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society, Collective Kitchen as well as many different committees and events at Alice Saddy.
Bill Morley
Bill has been involved with Alice Saddy Association for many years. He likes being on the Board so his opinions can be heard. He promotes Alice Saddy Association and is a valuable community member.
Perry Gelakis
More information coming soon!
Brenda Ross
Brenda comes from Ontario Public Service where she held a variety of positions including project management, community management and capital infrastructure development. She managed a facilities team in the closure of Southwestern Regional Centre, within managed time frames and budget requirements. Brenda also participated in the downsizing and closure of other provincially-operated developmental service facilities by working with various payment transfer agencies across the province. Outside of developmental services, she worked collaboratively with various provincial architects in the development of new child care centres and women's shelters. In addition, Brenda managed operating budgets within the non-profit sector and facilitated provincial working groups.
Amir Afsharpour
Amir is a Medical Sciences student at the University of Western Ontario and is strongly passionate about the field of healthcare. He strives to be an active member of his community by volunteering for different organizations and taking on student-focused leadership roles. Amir believes that his forward-thinking, strong work ethic and adaptable problem-solving skills aid him as a board member and help the Alice Saddy Association carry its mission.
Executive Team
Deb Roukema
Director of Service
Gail LaFreniere
Director of Finance
Cathy Smith
Director of Community & Family Supports
