Board of Directors

Helen MacKinnon, President

I have lived in Chelsea and been an active volunteer in the community for over 30 years. My work experience has enabled me to engage in a bilingual environment in event planning, exhibition and project management at both the local and national museum level. My work at Maison Fairbairn House, Wakefield, a local not-for-profit organization allowed me to share my skills with the community. As a Board member at the Health Foundation, I hope to play a key role in broadening impact in supporting quality healthcare in our area.

Gail Hawley-McDonald, Director

We are thrilled to welcome Gail back to our board. Gail began her career in health and social services at the Conseil régional de santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais, holding various roles over 18 years, including Senior Program Officer and complaints commissioner. Since 2008 at Dialogue McGill, she has focused on language training, the retention program, student bursaries, and community partnerships.

Gail is also a dedicated community contributor. She is past President and current Board member of the Quebec Association for Independent Living (QUAIL) and past President of the Des Collines Health Foundation. Additionally, she has served on the Des Collines Advisory Committee and the Provincial Advisory Committee for Access to Health and Social Services in English.

Dr. Kristin Horsely, Director

Dr. Kristin Horsley is a Clinical Health Psychologist in the Community Mental Health Program at The Royal Mental Health Care Centre in Ottawa. She received a PhD in Clinical Psychology from McGill University and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McMaster University, and is a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and l’Ordre des Psychologues du Québec. Dr. Horsley is also a member of the Public Health Agency of Canada Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS) Mental Illness Working Group and past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative. She joined the Chelsea community in 2021 and is excited to strengthen her connection to the region through her role as Director to the Board of the Fondation de Sante des Collines.

Sheilagh Murphy, Director

I have lived in Chelsea for 35 years and have always been an active community volunteer, including the area of access to health and social services. I have served on committees and boards at the local and provincial level and was President and then Vice President of Connexions Resource Centre for several years. Professionally, my 34-year career focused on Indigenous and northern affairs with the federal government, including over 15 years at the senior executive level. As a Board member I look forward to supporting the Foundation in the critical and tangible role it plays in improving the quality of healthcare and social services for residents of the region.

Frederic Parizeau (CISSSO), Directeur du RLS des Collines-de-l’Outaouais.

M. Parizeau is the representative from CISSS de l’Outaouais for the Des Collines Health Foundation.

Maureen Fehr, Director of Operations

Maureen became part of the Foundation team in the summer of 2022, jumping right into the mix. Since then, she’s been working closely with the Board of Directors, our partners at CISSSO, and the incredible volunteers who step up to lend a hand in executing the Foundation’s fundraising events and shaping and the long-term Strategic Plan.

Her day-to-day responsibilities? They run the gamut from managing office tasks like the database, charitable receipts, and financial reconciliations, to handling project requests, fostering community engagement and spearheading publicity. Basically, she keeps the Foundation running smoothly.

When she’s not at work, you’ll find Maureen enjoying life in Chelsea with her adventurous dog, Skoki. Being part of an organization that makes a real difference in the community is what keeps her inspired.