Community
My service advances inclusion through academic leadership, mentorship, and patient advocacy. At UBC, I lead equity-oriented initiatives in Curriculum and Pedagogy. Beyond the university, I co-founded the HeartLife Foundation of Canada, a national patient-led organization that promotes equitable access to heart failure care and education, with attention to women, Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities.
I also serve on Health Canada’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Cardiovascular Devices and Mitewekan, a national Indigenous health council guiding culturally safe cardiovascular research.
- HeartLife
- Co-Founder · 2016
- YWCA
- Woman of Distinction Finalist
- WHF
- Effective Voice of the Year
- CCS
- Herald Segall Award of Merit
HeartLife Foundation
In 2016, I co-founded the HeartLife Foundation — the first and only heart failure charity in Canada run by patients for patients. Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower people living with heart failure.
HeartLife is a strategic partner with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the Canadian Heart Failure Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Global Heart Hub, and the World Heart Federation. Key initiatives include the HeartLife Academy — a platform bridging the gap between patients, healthcare providers, and the wider community.
Along with co-founders Marc Bains and Dr. Sean Virani (UBC), I received the Dr. Harold N. Segall Award of Merit from the CCS in 2019 and Effective Voice of the Year from the World Heart Federation in 2022.
Roles
Service & Advisory Positions
2016–present
HeartLife Foundation of Canada
Co-Founder & Board Member
Co-founded the first and only heart failure charity in Canada run by patients for patients. HeartLife's mission is to engage, educate, and empower people living with heart failure. Strategic partner with the CCS, CHFS, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Global Heart Hub, and World Heart Federation.
heartlife.com →2019–present
Health Canada
Scientific Advisory Committee on Cardiovascular Devices (SAC-MDUCS)
Ensuring patient and disability perspectives inform national policy and device regulation for cardiovascular devices.
2023–present
Mitewekan
Indigenous Research Advisory Circle
Mitewekan (ᒥᑌᐍᑲᐣ, Cree: "the spirit behind the heartbeat") brings together Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Holders, individuals with lived experience, and researchers to guide culturally safe cardiovascular research across Canada.
mitewekan.ca →2022–present
Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance
Education and Training Committee
Advancing education and training related to women's heart and brain health across Canada.
2017–present
Heart & Stroke Foundation
Heart Failure Mission Critical Area Committee
Contributing to the national strategy for heart failure research and policy through the Mission Critical Area and Women's Heart & Brain Health Research Steering Committee.
2018–present
Global Heart Hub
Heart Failure Patient Council
International patient advocacy for heart failure — representing Canadian patient voices in global cardiovascular policy and research.
2016–present
Cardiac Services BC / PHSA
Senior Patient Advisor
Advising the Provincial Health Services Authority's Cardiac Services Steering Committee on patient-centred care.
2016–present
Government of British Columbia
Public Beneficiary Representative, Medical Services Commission
Representing the public interest on the Medical Services Commission of BC.
Recognition
Awards for Service
- 2025
YWCA Woman of Distinction — Finalist
Community Champion
- 2022
Effective Voice of the Year
World Heart Federation — HeartLife Foundation
- 2019
Dr. Harold N. Segall Award of Merit
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
Publishing
Editorial Roles
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
Associate Editor (Technology)2023–presentJournal of Cardiac Failure
Editor — Education and Knowledge Translation2020–present
Interested in collaborating on patient advocacy or community initiatives?
I welcome partnerships in health advocacy, knowledge mobilization, and community engagement.
Get in touch