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History

Hearth Place was the inspiration of Carolyn Alexander who, after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, wanted to create a centre that would address the social, practical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of people dealing with all types of cancer... view full story

Board of Directors

Chair
Robert Alexander
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Lawyer
Hearth Place was the dream of my wife Carolyn, who died of breast cancer before Hearth Place opened its doors. However her enthusiasm inspired us to continue her efforts and today we have a vibrant and comforting Centre, where we can all learn to live with cancer. Currently, I am honored to be serving my second term as Chairman of the Board, in association with a diverse and experienced Board of Directors, and a very dedicated staff.
 
Treasurer
Chris Roberts
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Chartered Accountant
Chris has been a Chartered Accountant in public practice in Durham Region since 1971. He has been Treasurer since the inception of Hearth Place and enjoys his association with both the Board and all the individuals who make Hearth Place what it is today.
 
Directors
Lori Armstrong
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Law Clerk
Lori Armstrong has been a member of Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre since 2004 and is a cancer survivor. She has been on the Board of Directors since 2006 and fundraising / event planning committees for the Pink Opal Ball, Dinner with the Snowbirds and 5K on the Runway. Lori is a Corporate Law Clerk with experience in governing not-for-profit organizations.

Julie Bruene
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Special Events and Promotions
Prior to taking a career hiatus to be home with her children, Julie's professional background was in marketing -- primarily within the publishing community. Over the course of approximately sixteen years she held a variety of positions in the areas of marketing, sales, project management and corporate event planning. "Through volunteering at Hearth Place fundraising events, the importance of the centre and it's need in the community became abundantly clear to me and I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the board".

Trallee Fanara
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CFP, CPCA, RRC / Investment Advisor / Financial Planner / Fanara Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities.
Trallee has been a supporter of Hearth Place for many years, and joined the board in the fall of 2010. She is a lifelong resident of the Durham Region, and with a twenty plus year career in financial services extends support to the community and Heath Place members providing advice and guidance on financial, planning, and wealth management issues. She is an advocate for strong social and community values, and is pleased to be affiliated with Hearth Place in providing services to the community.

Dr. Leta Forbes
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Head of Medical Oncology , R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Center
I was born at what was then the Oshawa General Hospital and grew up in Whitby. I spent several years away obtaining an education at the University of Guelph and McMaster but returned to Oshawa to join the new Cancer Centre as a medical Oncologist in 2004. I spend most of my time seeing patients but am also the administrative lead for Systemic Therapy in the Central East region.

Fran Konorowski
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A nurse with over 20 years experience in the fields of Oncology and Palliative Care.

About Us

Andrea Shaw - Executive Director
Andrea has been with Hearth Place since October, 1996. In addition to her administrative duties, Andrea provides grief counselling at the centre and is available for public presentations.

andrea@hearthplace.org
Sonja Shepherd - Member Services Coordinator
Sonja has been with Hearth Place since November 2001. Sonja's roles are to provide individual support to members entering the facility, case management, and to manage volunteer resources to assist in delivery of programs, reception, services and special events.

sonja@hearthplace.org
Susan Viminitz - Member Services Intake Coordinator
Funded by OTF, Susan provides introductory interviews and ongoing case management for new members. She provides support for adolescents who are bereaved or coping with the illness of a loved one.

susan@hearthplace.org
Meredith Shaw - Programme Co-ordinator
Meredith has been with Hearth Place since September 2008. Her responsibilities include researching, planning, coordinating and registration for all programmes that are offered at Hearth Place and producing the bi-monthly calendar and newsletter. In addition, Meredith manages the Web site, in house resources and the use of Hearth Place room assignments for training, programming and rentals.

meredith@hearthplace.org
Heather Earle - Event Coordinator
Heather joined Hearth Place in Jan. 2012. She is responsible for planning, co-ordinating and executing Hearth Place signature events. Heather is the primary contact and administrative support person for third party fundraising events.

heather@hearthplace.org
Janette Berthelot - Parent Navigator, Pediatric Cancer Family Support Programme
Funded by an OTF grant, Janette provides peer support and mentorship for families dealing with childhood cancer ensuring they have access to resources and Hearth Place programmes. Janette provides intake for new members, and co-facilitates, sib-link and family support groups.

janette@hearthplace.org
Carolyn Hoar - Volunteer and Family Support Coordinator
Funded by OTF grant, Carolyn joined us May, 2011 and is responsible for recruitment, scheduling, retention and administration of volunteers. She is also responsible for program and resource development and volunteer management of the Pediatric Cancer Family Support Programme.

carolyn@hearthplace.org