MitoCanada was formed by a group of mitochondrial disease patients, families, caregivers, and friends, with support from dedicated medical professionals, to provide support and practical information that will help to improve the quality of life and sense of community for patients of all ages, and their families.
MitoCanada provides support and awareness to all Canadians affected by Mitochondrial Disease while also supporting the advance of research in the field of Mitochondrial Disease.
MitoCanada hopes to connect Canadians of all ages who are directly and indirectly affected by mitochondrial disease. Our hope is to reach all patients, parents, caregivers and the medical community by providing support and practical information that will help to improve the quality of life and sense of community for patients and their families.
MitoCanada Foundation is an officially registered Canadian charitable organization.
Charitable registration number is: 81258 6667 RR0001.
Our Board of Directors, Advisors, and key committee members are listed below.
Board of Directors
President: Blaine Penny, Calgary, AB
Vice President: Stephanie Roung, St. George, ON
Secretary: Kitty Pryde, Calgary, AB
Treasurer: Ruth McLelland, Milton, ON
Vice-Treasurer: Joelle Pokrajac, Mississauga, ON
Legal Advisor: Duncan Marsden, Calgary, AB
Advisors
Dr. Aneal Khan, SC, MD, FAAP, FRCPC, FCCMG
Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics
Alberta Children’s Hospital, University of Calgary
Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky M.D. PhD. FRCPC
Professor, Department Pediatrics and Medicine, Division of Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic Disorders
McMaster Children’s Hospital, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
Stephen Legault
Principal, Highwater Mark, Strategic Consulting
Vicky Spadoni
Committee Members:
Awareness Committee
Chair: Christine Gowland, Burlington, ON
Janet Wakaruk, Burlington, ON
Support Committee
Chair: Rebecca Daum, Dundas, ON
Lisa Bell, Hamilton, ON
Stephanie Roung, Brantford, ON
Chantel Sharp, Dundas, ON
Joelle Pokrajac, Mississauga, ON
Marion Boucher, Toronto, ON
Jody Poljanski, Campbellville, ON
Adult Support: open
Teen Support: Katrina Acocella, Hamilton, ON
Regional Support Contacts:
Maritimes: Sarah Boucher, Fredericton, NB
Quebec: Lidia Marandola, Montreal, PQ
Ontario: Christine Gowland, Burlington, ON
Central: Keely Schellenberg, Winnipeg Beach, MB
West: Jennifer Halford, Calgary, AB
Fundraising Committee
Chair: Chantel Sharp, Dundas, ON
Vice-Chair: Jody Poljanski, Campbellville, ON
Christine Gowland, Burlington, ON
Stephanie Roung, Brantford, ON
Rebecca Daum, Dundas, ON
Joelle Pokrajac, Mississauga, ON
Michelle Firlit, Burlington, ON
Public Relations & Communications Committee
Chair: Vicky Spadoni, Brantford, ON
Carolyn Scholey, Burlington, ON
Blaine Penny, Calgary, AB
Research Committee
Chair: Dr. Josh Slatkoff
FinanceWorking Committee
Ruth McLelland, Milton, ON
Joelle Pokrajac, Mississauga, ON
IT Working Committee
Ryan Strom, Brisbane, Australia
Ruth McLelland, Milton, ON
Suzanne Gowland, Burlington, ON
