The Fondation de Santé des Collines is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to improving healthcare in our community. Their leadership, expertise, and passion help drive our mission forward, ensuring we continue to support essential health initiatives in the region. We are grateful for their commitment and invaluable contributions. Together, we strive to make a lasting impact on the well-being of those we serve.
Meet our 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.
Ned Ellis, Vice President
I have been working for fourteen years to improve health care in the Hills. It has been both rewarding and a lot of fun. A lot of good has happened. There are new challenges ahead as health care transforms itself over the next ten years.
Amanda Dexter, Treasurer
I have lived in Wakefield since 1994 and been a volunteer with local community organizations for most of that time. I have served on numerous local boards as well as being the Wakefield school commissioner for many years. I have also worked in the nonprofit sector for most of my career. I believe the Des Collines Health Foundation is a crucial part of our community fabric and I am committed to helping them support rural healthcare in our region.
Secretary, Stay tuned as we update the details. 🚀✨
Barbara Gagné, Director
As a long-time resident of Chelsea, I am deeply committed to our community and the organizations that enhance the quality of life in our region. Service has always played a central role in both my professional and personal life. My background in both the federal government and private sector, including roles such as Labour Relations Manager, has equipped me with valuable leadership skills. For over 20 years, I volunteered with the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, including chairing the Cathedral Hill Foundation from 2016 to 2020. During my time there, I helped develop land surrounding the Cathedral to secure long-term revenue streams. Additionally, I have served in various leadership positions and committees for the Parish of Chelsea Lascelles Wakefield. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the health services sector, which I know is facing significant challenges but also immense opportunities to improve care for our residents.
Carol Wiebe, Director
As a family physician, chamber musician, and former hospital executive, Dr Carol Wiebe uses her broad training and experience to design opportunities and spaces where people can find meaning and heal. Carol studied music performance (piano, flute) before becoming a family physician and continues to enjoy performing. Her medical career shifted from HIV primary care to elder care, with a gradual transition into leadership, including several years as Vice President of Medical Affairs at Bruyère, a large healthcare organization in Ottawa.
In 2021, she completed a GEMBA-HLS (Global Executive MBA in Healthcare and the Life Sciences) at the Rotman School of Management, using the opportunity to develop and launch Radical Connections.
Dr. Wiebe co-founded ConcertDocs in 2017 and Radical Connections in 2021, with both programs bringing the arts and a great deal of joy into healthcare.
Dominique Bergeron, Director
I have lived in Cantley for 30 years and am well-rooted here. I am excited to join the Foundation and to collaborate with individuals who strive to support their community. I have 35 years of experience in managing services to the public and in communications for federal institutions in heritage, cultural, protocol and tourism areas. I believe in the collective benefits of civic engagement. Health Care deserves our community involvement.
Margaret Van Amelsvoort, Director
I have been a resident of Chelsea for 32 years and raised my daughter in this wonderful community. I retired from the Federal Public Service in 2018 after 35 years, 30 of those in human resources. Since retirement, I have done some consulting, coaching and training. My passion these days is yoga, walking and I dabble in stained glass as a hobby.
Pierre Le Bel, Director
I have lived in Chelsea for over two decades and have served on several local boards including Treasurer and President of the St. Stephen’s Parish Fabrique. Professionally, I have an extensive background in strategy and planning, risk management, and business operations management with such organizations as the Bank of Canada, EDS, MD Financial Management and, more recently, as an independent risk management consultant. As a Board member of the Foundation, I am especially keen to share my skills in enhancing the region’s healthcare all while learning more about this tremendously critical service.
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.
Shelley Reid, Director
Shelley brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Des Collines Foundation as a newly appointed Director on the Board. With a decade of dedicated service as a Registered Nurse at a pediatric hospital, followed by over twenty years in a leadership role at a Community Health Centre in Ottawa, Shelley has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving community health and well-being.
Having lived in Chelsea for a long time, Shelley is deeply connected to the local community and is eager to contribute to its health initiatives. Outside of professional endeavors, Shelley enjoys spending time with horses, skiing, hiking, and cherishes time with Chris and their Potcake, Sadie
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.
The Des Collines Health Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board holds nine regular meetings per year and calls its Annual General Meeting at the end of March. Members are also involved in regular committee meetings