The CSPA Board of Directors is composed of patients, skin-health professionals, educators, and members of industry. The group meets face-to-face once a year at the Annual General Meeting and has regular conference calls throughout the year. Board members are elected and serve a two-year term. Click here to find out more about what is involved.
The board, which has representation from across Canada, sets the mandate for the organization and oversees staff to ensure financial and human resources are allocated appropriately to best serve Canadian skin patients. If you are interested in joining CSPA's board of directors, please contact us.
Jeff Losch, Alberta
Jeff is a lawyer and business executive and a graduate of McGill University and Queen’s University. He has extensive governance experience having served as corporate secretary to numerous companies including dual listed, cross border public entities.
Jeff was diagnosed with psoriasis over 20 years ago. He has participated in clinical trials for biologic and biosimilar psoriatic treatments and welcomes the opportunity to apply his personal experiences to advocate for individuals with dermatological conditions.
Christine Butler, Newfoundland and Labrador
Christine is a retired public servant who now serves as a municipal councillor in her hometown of Conception Bay South. She is a board member with the Conception Bay Family Resource Centre. She is a Big Sister and a community volunteer, but her favourite role by far is being Nanny Christine.
Christine was born with a rare skin disease called recessive congenital ichthyosis erythroderma (CIE). When she was officially diagnosed at age 21 she started on the road of learning all things ichthyosis. She says “I don’t know that I can say I was happy to be born with this rare skin disease called recessive CIE, but I do know I can say that having this disease has made me strong, has made me do things that I might not have otherwise, has made me reach and go beyond goals I might not have otherwise. I have grown to be a confident woman who has had many achievements; in family, work and the community”.
Through social media, Christine shares her story around the world, as do many others. This forum provides support to each other. Patient support is key to understanding their needs; whether it’s skincare, medications and creams, challenges and frustrations, or just a safe, comfortable place to share all things ichthyosis. These needs would be the same for any person with any skin condition or disease. She is presently organizing a future patient forum with the help of her social media friends.
Christine is excited to be part of the CSPA and looks forward to bringing the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan to life!
Barbara-Anne Hodge, Manitoba
Barbara-Anne Hodge is a retired Occupational Therapist with over 25 years of experience working with burn survivors on the Burns and Plastics Unit at the HSC Hospital in Winnipeg, MB. She is a founding member and current Chair of the Mamingwey Burn Survivor Society and the Co-Chair of the Canadian Burn Survivors Community. She served on the board of the Firefighters’ Burn Fund Inc. in Manitoba for 10 years. Barb is dedicated to her volunteer work in order to improve the quality of life for burn survivors everywhere.
Tochi Omoloye, Ontario
Tochi holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting as well as a Master's degree in Management & Sustainability. She is a dedicated professional and is currently writing her exams to become a Chartered Professional Accountant.
As passionate as Tochi is about her work, she is even more passionate about skin health. Not only has she suffered life-long skin issues herself but her sister has also been diagnosed with a rare skin disease.
Tochi knows first-hand how it feels in a world where the stigma of living with a skin disease often outweighs ability in professional and social settings.
Tochi is thrilled to be part of the CSPA team!
Thomas Dornoy, Quebec
Thomas is a Sales Manager and he has over 15 years of project management experience in Biotech/Pharma area. He has served on several boards in health-related domains and has thus acquired substantial governance experience. Thomas holds a Masters in Microbiology as well as a Masters of Business Administration. He joins CSPA to help all those with skin conditions to live better lives.
Ivan Eggers, British Columbia
Ivan is a Manager of Business Applications with the BC Public Services responsible for the internal tools that are essential to the public sector organization’s success. Prior to joining the public sector, Ivan was vice president of Operations for Resonance Software and was responsible for all of the company’s sales and operations, including end-to-end management of sales activities, implementation and support. Ivan holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems and a Masters of Business Administration. Certifications in Certified Business Analyst (CBAP)' and Project Management Professional (PMP). Whenever he is not working, he finds pleasure in trail running and spending his free time with his friends and family.
Nadia Kashetsky
Nadia is passionate about research, education, and advocacy for people impacted by skin, hair and nail conditions, particularly in rural communities. Nadia is an MD Candidate at Memorial University of Newfoundland and holds a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University; she hails from Newfoundland.
Chris Peralta, Ontario
Chris is a Registered Physiotherapist specializing in orthopedic conditions. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Science (Agriculture), a Master’s Degree in Science (Physical Therapy), and a Master’s Degree in Health Science (Health Administration). Chris is also a Certified Associate of Project Management and is currently perusing further training in Lean Six Sigma.
Chris is very passionate about advancing access to quality health services in Canada. He is excited to help Canadians live better lives while living with skin, hair, and nail conditions.
Candace Chartier, RN, MBA, CHE, ICD.D, Ontario
As a senior executive in healthcare across Canada, Candace has held different portfolios and has been responsible for leading and implementing various organizations ongoing commitments to quality and care across the health care continuum. She was responsible for ensuring strong accountability mechanisms focused on operational standards, policy and legislative changes and quality of living for the seniors and young adults. Candace brings more than two decades of experience in Ontario’s and Canada’s long-term care and senior care sectors. Her past experiences have included serving as the President and CEO of Providence Living, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) and Chair of the Canadian Association for Long Term Care (CALTC), Chief Operations Officer of OMNI Health Care, as well as her current position as CEO of Safe Haven Consulting Inc.
Candace holds the designations of a Registered Nurse, Masters of Business Administration, Certified Health Executive and a designation with the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Sana Javed, Alberta
Sana is a senior finance and risk management professional with 15+ years of professional experience in Energy and Banking industries. Sana holds MBA from Cornell University and CPA, CMA from CPA Alberta Canada. She joins CSPA with the aim to help the organization in overall strategy to increase awareness and advocacy to promote skin health and to improve quality of life in Canada.
Mimma Spagnolo
Mimma is a retired executive who has worked in both the private and public sector (municipal, provincial, federal and US). She’s a graduate of Concordia University and McGill University. She has a deep understanding of various governance models, having worked with government and public companies. She’s been volunteering for many years and has been on various committees.
She has Gorlin Syndrome, so she knows what it’s like to have a condition that very few people have heard of. Being on the board of the CSPA, she will bring an experienced voice for those who have the lesser-known skin disorders.
