About Us

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Executive Committee:  Jeff Losch (co-chair), Christine Butler (co-chair), Barbara-Anne Hodge (secretary),  Tochi Omoloye (treasurer)

The current Board of Directors:

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!

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 moved to Canada from South Africa. He is passionate Project Manager and Business Analyst with 20+ years of experience leading projects in healthcare, manufacturing and entertainment.  Ivan is currently the Vice-President of Operations at Resonance Software (WorkSight). 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).

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. 

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. 

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.

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!

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 conditions, diseases, or traumas.  

 

				Legacy Fund

Principles of Working with the Pharmaceutical Industry 

 

Rachael Manion

Executive Director 

A lawyer by background, Rachael has advised Health Canada on the regulation of health technologies, novel therapies and science policy. She has consistently supported the not-for-profit sector throughout her career, professionally and as a volunteer board member. She has worked on the front lines of healthcare in a community health centre for the street-entrenched population and in a pharmacy. She has a law degree from the University of British Columbia and an honours degree in mathematics from Dalhousie University.

Rachael is excited to be joining the patient advocacy and support community at a time when policymakers are actively recognizing its perspectives and expertise. She is looking forward to strengthening the broader skin patient communities and raising the profile of the challenges faced by patients affected by skin, hair and nail conditions. 

Rachael can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Helen Crawford

Communication Manager

Helen has worked for the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance since 2011 and also works for the Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients. Helen is often the voice you hear at the end of the phone and she is committed to the work of both the CSPA and CAPP. She works alongside the CSPA team to ensure that the needs of all skin patients in Canada are being addressed.  She is responsible for CAPP program management as well as managing the social media and organizational governance portfolios and is the staff lead on the Social Media Committee.  She has a Bachelors degree in Linguistics from Carleton and prior to coming to the CSPA worked for the Royal Canadian Legion, Investors Group and Health Canada. 

Helen is also a proud mother of two teenage boys and is an active community volunteer who sits on two different school Parent Councils, is on the Board of Directors for the Nepean Minor Hockey Association, and volunteers for D.I.F.D, an organization aimed at bringing awareness to youth mental health.  You can contact Helen by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mary Pagnotta

Stakeholder Relations and Fundraising Coordinator

Mary Pagnotta has enjoyed a career in many diverse roles that have helped her to develop broad communications and administrative skills.  Positions with Buffalo’s PBS station and with Brock University’s BrockTV.ca have allowed her to contribute to literacy programming, community outreach, and to collaborate with educators, students, artists, viewers, and community partners.  Additional roles at educational institutions (secondary and college) have allowed her to lead departments devoted to development, public relations, marketing, and recruitment; she has also been a private career college instructor.  

Mary is a proud CSPA team member!  She enjoys supporting our Affiliate Member organizations by promoting and assisting with their various initiatives and by fostering connections between groups.  She additionally collaborates with volunteers, addresses inquiries from patients and the general public.   Mary is pleased to share CSPA’s resources and to assist the needs of all of its stakeholders.  Mary can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sabrina Ribau, R.Kin

Program Manager

Sabrina has a background in case management and health promotion with a focus on mental health initiatives and support for vulnerable populations, including Veterans and individuals with mental health and addiction issues. She commits herself to improving patient advocacy and supporting clients as they navigate health care and social services resources at local, provincial, and federal levels across Canada.

A kinesiology graduate with distinction from the University of Toronto, Sabrina conducted research on social support for family members of Invictus Games participants. She is a Registered Kinesiologist and brings a biopsychosocial approach to supporting and improving client care.

Sabrina is thrilled to be a part of the CSPA community in a time where patient advocacy and patient engagement are gaining traction throughout the healthcare system. She’s working on empowering skin patient communities to access the care they deserve by expanding the tools and resources available to support them in their goals. She is also raising awareness about the barriers facing individuals impacted by skin, hair, and nail conditions, particularly the ways in which health care teams and institutions can work with patients to make spaces more inclusive and accessible for all. Sabrina can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

The CSPA receives funding from numerous organizations which support the work we do to provide education and support to skin patients and their families and to raise awareness about skin diseases, conditions and traumas and the needs of those who grapple with them, amongst those who can affect change and in the general public.

We receive two types of grants – those that are unrestricted and support everything we do, and allow us to function and grow and those that are tied specifically to projects. Without unrestricted support, we would be unable to engage in projects that reach out to patients, provide information on our websites to patients, engage in advocacy, write letters, attend key meetings and liaise with doctors.
Project funding allows us to reach out to patients and the public in targeted ways. Often these projects are of such a scope, like the Canadian Skin Magazine, that we would ordinarily not be able to tackle on our own, without support. These targeted initiatives help connect with skin patients and their families.

We recognize and thank our sponsors for these grants in two categories – Unrestricted and Project- based. It is possible and, in fact, often the case, that sponsors fall into both categories.
Organizations will receive the recognition designation in the year following the donation of funds (i.e. – funds donated in 2011 will be recognized in 2012)

Unrestricted Funding Category

The CSPA greatly appreciates grants that are unrestricted and allow the CSPA to use the funds to meet the organization's mission. This category also includes any in-kind contributions that are not tied to projects supported by project funding (Printing, media support, information distribution) where a value for the in-kind contribution can be estimated. It is important that our sponsors give us an estimate of the value of these contributions.
Levels:

Diamond: $60,000+

Platinum: $50,000 +

Gold: $40,000+

Silver: $ 25,000+

Bronze: $10,000+

Red roses: $100+

Partners over time

Organizations that have provided regular year-over-year funding will also receive a recognition designation of Champion after 5 years consecutive funding in a category level, Patron after 4 years, Benefactor after 3 years and Supporter after 2. For example an organization that had donated $40,000 or more for 5 consecutive years would be recognized as a Gold Champion (2007-2012). Logos /banners appropriate to each designation will be provided to qualifying sponsoring organizations who are invited to display the logo on their corporate websites, in their corporate literature and annual reports. Where sponsors have supported us year over year, but the funding levels has changed, recognition designations will be the funding levels for all applicable periods will be honoured.

Project Funding

Typically project funding helps the CSPA with initiatives where projects have been specifically identified and the sponsoring organization is acknowledged as a sponsor as part of the initiative. Projects like Canadian Skin Magazine, the SKIN MATTERS Conference, media campaigns, the Psoriasis Information Series and more, all help us meet our mission. Many sponsors generously sponsor several projects. This category also includes any in-kind contributions that are tied to the specific project funded (Printing, media support, information distribution) where a value for the in-kind contribution can be estimated. It is important that our sponsors give us an estimate of the value of these contributions.

Again recognition logos are being created for project funding sponsors to use on their corporate websites, in their corporate literature and annual reports

Levels

Diamond: $200,000+

Platinum: 100,000+

Gold: 75,000+

Silver: 50,000+

Bronze: 25,000+

What do our sponsors receive?

In 2012, CSPA's 2011 sponsoring companies will be formally recognized at a special reception at SKIN MATTERS, the CSPA conference being held in Toronto, October 12-14. Representatives from sponsoring organizations will be asked to step forward to receive the award certificates. Additionally, award logos will be distributed in advance of the conference to organizations for their use on their corporate sites.

Finally, our sponsors receive our undying gratitude. The CSPA and the patients we represent know that we couldn't do it without you. We thank you and credit you with helping us build a strong voice for Canadian skin patients.