DOC Training Leadership Certification Program

Joanne Balancio, RPN, Director of Quality & Innovation. Joanne has 15 years of progressive Long-Term Care Leadership Experience. Joanne’s former roles include Nurse Supervisor and Quality Improvement Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing Care (ADOC).

Sue Bailey, R.N., MHScN, has 22 years of progressive long-term care leadership experience. She has also served as a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant (PRC) and, during her recent role with RNAO, as LTC Best Practice Coordinator. Sue has made significant contributions to the long-term care sector as BPSO Coach, Champions Facilitator, Communities of Practice Lead and to projects such as the League of Excellence, LTC Toolkit Development and Guideline Implementation.

Connie Spiece, RPN, ED & LTC Consultant, who has 21 years of combined progressive leadership experience in the retirement and long-term care sectors. Connie’s clinical expertise includes palliative care, wound care as well as leading best practices. Connie has previously held the roles of VP, Clinical Operation, Executive Director and Director of Care.

InderPreet Hundal, R.N., MScN, Professional Practice Lead & BPSO Liaison, Halton Region. Inderpreet has over 15 years of progressive experience in long-term care. She holds her Master of Nursing, with a specialization in Geriatrics. Inderpreet has held the roles of ADOC, Quality Improvement Lead and Corporate Clinical Consultant as well as Associate Professor and Research Guide for Master of Nursing Students.

Zainab Irfan, BHSc, Lean Six Sigma, is a Quality Improvement Specialist who currently serves on Halton Region’s Divisional Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Team, she oversees the development of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) and Divisional Performance Reports. In this capacity, she ensures alignment with the standards and requirements mandated by the Ministry of Health and accreditation bodies. Additionally, she actively participates in various QI projects aimed at optimizing processes within Long-Term Care Homes.

Susan Ash, R.N., LTC Consultant, has 44 years of combined progressive experience in both acute care and long-term care. Susan has held the roles of Director of Care, Corporate Nurse Specialist for the Region of Peel, as well as an Instructor of the PSW Program at Sheridan College.

Heather Woodbeck, R.N., has over 40 years of progressive career experience in healthcare spanning Acute Care, Community Care, Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Oncology and Long-Term Care. Heather has also held the role of Instructor at Lakehead University, School of Nursing Program. For 17 years, Heather held the position of Long-Term Care Best Practice Coordinator with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, helping Northern Ontario Long-Term Care Homes to implement evidence-based care. She led several Communities of Practice (CoP) including the Improving Continence Care Collaborative, the Northwest Falls Collaborative and the Person and Family Centred Care CoP, among others. Heather is passionate about learning environments and has published several articles in a variety of clinical areas.

A Registered Nurse, Kim has over 40 years of progressive experience in long-term care. Her expertise as Director of Care and Executive Director has produced successful outcomes for Residents, Families & Staff alike. Kim’s clinical knowledge, leadership and professionalism has resulted in implementation and integration of evidence-based practice to ensure highest standards of resident care and overall satisfaction. Currently, Kim holds the role of contract Administrator and Consultant for Chartwell and AgeCare’s Long-Term Care Homes where she has coached and mentored many Long-Term Care Leaders to increase their capacity development within the sector.

Althea Stewart, R.N., is a seasoned and creative healthcare leader with over 40 years of progressive experience in healthcare, encompassing leadership roles with the Hospital for Sick Children, William Osler Health Centre and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Althea is known for her exceptional ability in mentoring nursing and inter-professional teams, including training and coaching nursing students. Currently a Lecturer in Health Administration at Conestoga College, Althea is dedicated to evidenced-based practice, leadership development, healthy work environments, and professionalism in nursing.

Deslyn is a seasoned executive healthcare leader with 15 years of progressive experience in the long-term care and health services sectors. Deslyn has had significant experience in the Executive Director role with various Long-Term Care Providers in the GTA. Her extensive work in the healthcare sector includes collaboration with key community partners such as hospitals, client placement agencies and non-profit agencies, government stakeholders and working with teams in preparation of Accreditation through CARF and Accreditation Canada.

Juliet Creary is a Professional Speaker and Business Coach and the Author of the book “7 Life lessons Leading to Your Purpose”. Juliet is also the Founder and Director of My Sisters Our Stories (MSOS) – a platform that empowers women to be mentally, spiritually, physically and financially astute, despite their challenges. Juliet has 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse serving diverse communities in the healthcare sector, where she has progressed through various roles including the role of Director of Nursing. She continues to lead as a Nurse Educator/Support and Consultant in Long Term Care Facilities in the Greater Toronto Area.

Ms. Creary has been recognized for her many community-driven efforts including an endorsement as “one of the 100 Black Women to Watch in 2015” by the Canadian International Black Women; “Woman of Courage Award” by Endless Possibilities and, in 2022, she was recognized among 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women by Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine and her team.

Julienne Latham, Registered Nurse, currently holds the role of Corporate Nurse Consultant with Responsive Management Group Inc., where she is the lead collaborating with Health Excellence Canada and Meaningful Care Matters to implement person centred projects in long-term care. Julienne has over 32 years of progressive experience in the Long-Term Care sector, starting out in the role of care aide and, ultimately, progressing through the roles of retirement home manager, Director of Care, Administrator, Executive Director to her current role as Corporate Nurse Consultant. Julienne is certified in infection, prevention and control as well as long-term care administration.

Mark Brennan, CPHR, SHRM-SCP is an independent People & Culture business consultant, with 15+ years’ of progressive experience in a variety of senior HR practitioner and senior leadership roles, both within Canada and abroad. He holds a B.A. (Honors) from Western University and a Certificate in Labour Relations from Queen’s University. Mark brings a strong People practices generalist background, with specialization in labour relations, employee relations, project management, course facilitation, People and workforce management strategies. Mark has recent past experience working in the Seniors’ care and services industry as an HR Director.

In addition, Mark is a Board Director and Vice-Chair of the Governance Committee for Broadmead Care Society. Broadmead Care is a high quality, not-for-profit senior’s care and services organization that has been operating (and growing) in greater Victoria region for many decades.