2025-2026 Board of Directors
Officers of the Corporation:
Derek Antoine (Board Chair)
Derek spends his time thinking about better housing outcomes in Canada. In the federal public service, he works to advance housing programs through Canada’s first-ever National Housing Strategy and currently leads a national team delivering on joint federal and provincial housing investment worth $15.2 billion. Derek is a resident on CCHC’s catchment area. He holds a doctorate from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communications, is fluently bilingual, and brings experience in non-profit community services, strategic
planning, corporate governance, public policy, and communication.
Cara Bowman (Vice-Chair)
Cara has lived in the Carlington area twice – first when she moved to Ottawa 20 years ago, and most recently since 2017. A data enthusiast, she brings to the Board over 2 decades of research and analytic experience. The last 16 years she’s conducted health services research for a local not-for-profit organization, and before that she was a
public health epidemiologist with the federal government. She’s also experienced in program evaluation and knowledge translation. As a result of her varied experience, she’s able to view issues from multiple perspectives. But she loves working with people even more than working with data, and in her spare time teaches yoga and volunteers at a local hospice. In both her personal and professional life, her focus is now on doing work that matters and has a positive impact. She is passionate about using her skills and
advantages to remove the barriers others face. “We lift as we climb.”
Dan Farris (Treasurer)
Dan has extensive experience in leadership roles, both at the strategic and operational level, and passion for giving to his community. As a former member of the Armed Force (CAF) Health Services, over a 35 year career he had the opportunity to lead a clinic, as well as to lead at
the network-level, coordinating across all Canadian Forces clinics across Eastern Canada, finishing his military career coordinating all Health Services for the Canadian Armed Forces. He has a knack for clear communication in addition to being bilingual. . Dan is involved in the community through his long-standing Volunteer Search and Rescue role, where he is currently seeking out greater responsibilities as a Team Lead.
Sue Beardall (Secretary)
Sue is a resident of the CCHC catchment area, retired from Indigenous Service Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch. Sue is bilingual, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master of Health Sciences, with a specialty in Community Health and Epidemiology. Her education and experience in her current role, as well as having worked as a staff nurse in hospitals both in Canada and the UK, have given her an in-depth understanding of the health care system, the social determinants of health, the challenges of newcomers to Canada and the barriers faced every day by BIPOC and other marginalized communities. Sue’s goal is to continue advocating for marginalized and racialized people and communities into her retirement, and feels that participation in the Board of Directors at CCHC will partially fulfil this commitment.
Board of Directors:
Tamara Brown
Tamara is a health policy professional with experience in primary care quality improvement, government relations, health service provider funding, and stakeholder engagement. In her current role at Health Canada, she leads a team focused on health system modernization, engaging with health system leaders across Canada to modernize the health system. She brings a wealth of experience in governance and organizational oversight, a solid understanding of community health governance and a strong understanding of financial oversight and resource allocation in the healthcare sector. Tamara is a mom to two young boys, enjoys volleyball, skiing, and has recently taken up golf. Tamara is a bilingual, non-resident of Centre’s catchment.
Terry Campbell
Terry has been a resident of the CCHC catchment area for more than 30 years. She recently retired from an extensive career as a bilingual executive in the broader public sector, in the areas of health, education and research. Immediately prior to her retirement Terry held the role of Assistant Vice-President, Research Services, at the University of Ottawa where she was responsible for management and accountability of the university’s research portfolio, strategic planning, performance monitoring and its equity, diversity and inclusion in research strategy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor Degree of Science from the University of Illinois. She is a strong advocate of the community health care model and its focus on health equity.
Deirdre DeJean
Deirdre is an interdisciplinary researcher with a strong background in health policy and health research methodology. She is currently the Lead of Health Technology Assessment and Deliberation at Canada’s Drug Agency, where she supports committees in developing recommendations about publicly funded health technologies. She has demonstrated skills and expertise in navigating complex challenges, engaging diverse groups, and leading strategic initiatives. Deirdre moved to Ottawa (and the Carlington area) in 2016 become a research associate at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Health Law, Policy, and Ethics, where she engaged in several topics related to health law and policy, including financing for long-term care and artificial intelligence in health care. In addition to her MSc and PhD in Health Research Methodology, she holds a BSc in Psychology from McMaster University, and a BA in English Literature from McGill University. Deirdre is passionate about health equity and social justice and is eager to contribute her energy and expertise to organizations dedicated to nurturing health and well-being in the community.
Alana Esty
Alana is an employee of a provincial healthcare government agency, focused on implementing oncology patient-reported outcome measurement tools that empower patients to share their experiences and symptoms, enabling clinicians to provide more responsive, person-centered care. She has demonstrated dedication to fostering inclusion and collaboration through volunteer experience as the Health Equity Advisory Chair, for the Better Outcomes Registry Network at CHEO. Her skills include quality improvement measurement, health equity advocacy, and community engagement. Alana is a resident of Centre’s catchment area.
Maria Gruending
Maria Gruending is a bilingual health policy professional with 17 years of experience in the federal and Ontario governments. She is currently the Assistant Director of Policy for the Canadian Dental Care Plan at Health Canada. She previously held roles at Ontario’s Ministry of Health managing policy for home and community care, and in Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, including developing and implementing the first-ever provincial information system for child welfare. Maria is passionate about health policy and delivery, and is dedicated to supporting access and integration of health and social services. Maria is the mother of two young children. Although originally hailing from Saskatchewan, her career and family life is rooted in Ontario. She and her family moved from Toronto to Ottawa in 2021 and live a short walk from Carlington Community Health Centre. Maria appreciates the many opportunities for outdoor activity in the Ottawa area, and spends her free time jogging, cross-country skiing, and playing softball.
Sandra Marsat
Sandra is a Francophone who has resided in the Centre’s catchment areas for more than 14 years. As a lawyer and strategic advisor with over 20 years of expertise in private practice, in-house, and within a Crown Corporation supporting Canadian exporting companies, Sandra has acquired strong communications skills and significant experience in strategic planning, governance and government relations. She has a collaborative and solutions-focused mindset and long standing experience providing strategic and dynamic advice with respect to the planning, development and implementation of various business and legal initiatives, in collaboration with a variety of internal, external and governmental stakeholders. Sandra is now at a point in her life where she has time to dedicate to helping and supporting her community and hopes to lend her skills and experience in service of helping the CCHC fulfill its important mission of providing quality health and social services to all members of this community.
Janet, Morris
Janet is an experienced, innovative and dedicated leader, with extensive administrative and clinical experience in health care and long-term care, who is committed to achieving excellence in care and service. Her career focus has been on achieving person-centered care, unique to the individual’s needs. She has experience working with Boards of Directors and sitting as a Director, working at a strategic level in strategic planning, performance monitoring and measurement as well as fiduciary responsibility and within legal obligations. She is skilled at developing working relationships with provincial and federal governments, employees, unions and clients. Janet has been a client of CCHC for close to 30 years.
Jean Nelson
Jean is a licensed lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario with extensive experience in health care and association management and not for profit governance. She holds the Institute of Corporate Directors’ ICD.D designation. Jean worked with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), acquiring extensive knowledge of the Canadian health care sector and was the executive sponsor for the CMA’s staff directed Reconciliation, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Committee, spearheading initiatives to enhance education and training for the CMA Board and staff. She also worked with indigenous students at the Program of Legal Studies for Aboriginal Students. Jean is a bilingual resident of Centre’s catchment area.
Eva Slawecki
Eva is an accomplished senior executive leader in Canada’s non-profit sector, with extensive experience in global health, international development, and association leadership. As former Executive Director of the Canadian Society for International Health and Health Systems Global, and past board member of CanWaCH, she brings significant expertise in non-profit governance, organizational transformation, finance, and strategic planning. Having worked around the world on various health systems strengthening initiatives, Eva has a deep understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization. She has a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and B.A. from Carleton University; she is a multi-lingual non-resident of the Centre’s catchment area. Eva offers valuable insights rooted in a strong understanding of broader community needs and a dedication to equitable health outcomes.
Stephanie White
Stephanie White is a planning specialist that brings more than 10 years of combined experience in strategic management and other business consulting roles. In addition to her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, she is a holder of the Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation and has intimate knowledge of enterprise risk management practices. She possesses an understanding of the inner workings of a non-profit governance board and places importance on community involvement and engagement. Stephanie is a resident of the Centre’s catchment area.
Ex-officio, non-voting Members:
Nadine Valk (Past Chair)
Nadine is a resident of the Centre’s catchment area and has over 30 years of experience working for health charities and organizations. Nadine is a full-time certified coach specializing in working with caregivers, care providers, and care teams and a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on health policy. Nadine served on the Carlington CHC Board from 2008-2011 and was elected again in 2019. She has retained her passion and commitment to the Community Health Centre Model.
Yacouba Traoré (Executive Director)
With over 25 years in the health and social services sector, Yacouba is a dedicated champion for health equity and community well-being. Since 2022, he has led Carlington Community Health Centre as the Executive Director, focusing on addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Previously, Yacouba transformed the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre as Executive Director, establishing a Community Hub, launching social enterprises, and creating a Youth Employment and Business Incubator. Yacouba is also a seasoned expert in nonprofit funding, with seven years of experience as a Program Manager at the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canada’s largest Public Funding Foundation. A foreign-trained physician with management education from McGill University, Yacouba blends clinical expertise with strategic leadership. He co-authored Understanding and Using AI: A Resource for Nonprofit Leaders, and co-founded the Russell Raiders Soccer Academy to support youth talent. Bilingual in English and French, he is committed to fostering healthier, more equitable communities.
