Elisabeth was Executive Director of the National Ovarian Cancer Association before initiating a merge with Canada’s only other national ovarian cancer organization, based in Vancouver, BC. In 2007, in recognition of her change leadership, Elisabeth was appointed CEO of the new Ovarian Cancer Canada.
Elisabeth’s previous roles include Regional Director of the Neonatal Follow-up Program for the Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai and North York General Hospital and founder and Executive Director of AboutFace International. Born in Montreal, she has a solid background in program development, public awareness, and fundraising. She holds an Honours undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master's of Science in Health Administration.
Elisabeth has been honoured with several awards including WXN’s Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award (honoured on three occasions), the Order of Ontario, Parent/Patient Leadership Award from the Cleft Palate Foundation, the Harold Livergant Award and the Robert Wood Johnson Award, both from the Department of Health Administration, University of Toronto.
Elisabeth comments, "My role at Ovarian Cancer Canada is compelling – and a challenge which I welcome. Each day I am meeting women my own age who are battling this dreadful disease – and I am determined to contribute to the cause so that Ovarian Cancer Canada can make a difference in the fight against it. As a much-neglected issue, there is a limitless scope of opportunity for awareness, which will lead to both increased education for women, and increased allocation of dollars to research. Building partnerships to make our vision a reality is an important stepping stone."
Cailey Crawford joined Ovarian Cancer Canada as the Ontario Regional Director in 2014. She is responsible for building awareness among key stakeholder groups, promoting and implementing Ovarian Cancer Canada’s support and education programs and connecting with the oncology, health, ovarian and cancer communities in Ontario. Cailey’s education and work experience combines her love for both education and health care sectors and she strives to raise awareness about important health issues in ways that are engaging and motivating. Cailey’s previous roles have included positions at the Canadian Education Association, Trillium Gift of Life Network, and Roots of Empathy.
Marilyn Sapsford has been with Ovarian Cancer Canada for 9 years and is currently the Manager of National Programs. In this role, Marilyn is responsible for all national support programs, ensuring that women and their families have the information and resources they need to manage their journey with ovarian cancer. Prior to this role, Marilyn was the Regional Director for Ontario responsible for all aspects of ovarian cancer support and education in the Province. Marilyn’s commitment to the disease is not only professional, but personal, as she is an ovarian cancer survivor and has been cancer free for 12 years.
Marilyn’s background is in social services and business management and she has been on the board of several non-profit organizations. She is also a trained Compassion Fatigue Educator and offers presentations and workshops on this topic.
Alicia joined the Ovarian Cancer Canada team as Scientific Advisor in May 2019, and became OvCAN Project Manager the following November. Her deep well of experience in the ovarian cancer field includes a Ph. D. in ovarian cancer biology from the University of Toronto, postdoctoral studies in ovarian cancer genomics at B.C. Cancer Agency, and more than seven years as Scientific Associate in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Alicia is driven both by a desire to learn, and to make a real impact on women’s lives. In her dual role, she works with the top ovarian cancer researchers and oncologists in Canada to find new treatments for women living with ovarian cancer through OvCAN, and arms women across Canada who may be at risk for ovarian cancer with the information and resources they need to access genetic testing and risk-reducing surgery.
Alicia enjoys spending time with her son Finnegan, husband Carl, and family and close friends in her hometown of Collingwood, as well as snowboarding, skiing, hiking, cooking, reading, colouring, and training for half-marathons.
Emilie joined Ovarian Cancer Canada in 2011 as the Regional Manager for Atlantic Canada. She is looking forward to spreading knowledge and awareness of ovarian cancer in her region. Emilie will be working with volunteers, community groups, healthcare professionals and corporations throughout Atlantic Canada. “When more people are aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer it is more likely that lives will be saved,” she says.
Emilie holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. Her background is in the biotechnology sector, and she also has experience in marketing, health promotion and fundraising.
Stephanie joined Ovarian Cancer Canada in 2014 as the Regional Manager for Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Stephanie has a background in Marketing and Communications and has worked as a leader in the not-for-profit industry for over 10 years. She is a passionate and loyal person and is committed to informing and creating awareness of Ovarian Cancer in her region.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia, and brings with her expertise in communications, project management and client/volunteer relations. "I truly believe that open, honest communication is the key to success in all we accomplish and overcome in our lives.”
Tracy joined Ovarian Cancer Canada as Regional Manager for BC, Alberta and the Territories. She directs all aspects of the delivery of ovarian cancer education, awareness and support initiatives in the West and North.
A part of her health promotion responsibilities has included the development of innovative partnerships with health authorities, educators and stakeholders. Her collaborative approach has extended valuable information on ovarian cancer to remote and rural communities in the region and facilitated the support of women and their families who have been touched by the disease.
Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario. She brings expertise in resource and policy development as well as program implementation, having lead diverse work teams within both the non-profit and corporate sectors.
Esteban Bongiovanni joined Ovarian Cancer Canada as the Regional Director for Quebec in August 2019.
He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Quebec in Montreal, as well as a second-cycle University certificate in Communication and Health, and brings expertise in public relations, fundraising, and business development. He has led the strategic positioning of various organizations within both the philanthropy and corporate sectors.
Esteban has worked as a leader in the not-for-profit industry for over 10 years and is now committed to all aspects of the delivery of community engagement, innovative partnerships, and support initiatives for ovarian cancer across the province. He believes that every single partner can become an ambassador and make a significant difference for social impact, and the wellbeing of women and families touched by ovarian cancer by creating awareness and being part of the women’s health movement.
Esteban likes to spend time with his kids and support their activities – from Legos and drawing to playing soccer with them.
Valérie Dinh joined the Ovarian Cancer Canada team as the Quebec Regional Coordinator in March 2020. With her career experience in community engagement, communications and project management in the not-for-profit sector, Valérie hopes to help build and strengthen the OCC community in Quebec. With a passion for fostering partnerships and implementing prevention and support programs for diverse populations, she has previously worked with international, governmental, public and community organizations, at home and abroad.
- Support Resources and Programs, please contact Marilyn Sapsford, Marilyn Sapsford, Manager of National Programs, msapsford@ovariancanada.org, Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 x 231
- Events, please contact Tara Frotten, Community Engagement and Events Manager, tfrotten@ovariancanada.org, Toll free: 1 (877) 413-7970 x 235
- The Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, please contact Jesse Wiesblatt, Community Engagement and Events Associate, Email: jwiesblatt@ovariancanada.org, Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 x 236
Mapy Villaudy is Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Development at Ovarian Cancer Canada. She is responsible for inspiring support for this important cause by shining a light on how the organization and the community it represents are affecting bold changes that save lives.
Mapy’s career in philanthropy spans more than 25 years, during which she’s furthered numerous local and international social causes. Most recently, her focus has been on the health sector. Driven by her passion to make a meaningful impact, Mapy believes in the power of relationships and community. At Ovarian Cancer Canada she is proud to work alongside generous donors, volunteers and corporate partners who take a direct role in helping women with this disease to live fuller, better and longer lives.
Mapy aims to honour the journey and legacies of women and families who have been touched by this disease. She’s determined to share their stories and secure funding to fuel research and improve survival rates for thousands of Canadian women living with ovarian cancer.
Having started her career at Ovarian Cancer Canada, many moons ago, Janice rejoined the organization in 2014. As Director of Communications, she strategizes and delivers messaging that is focussed on the impact of work underway across the country to overcome ovarian cancer. Bringing previous experience from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Janice has been rooted in the community for many years and is deeply committed to making a difference. Importantly, she aims to honour the journeys and legacies of women and families who have been touched by this disease by sharing their stories with the wider public, working with media and our mighty volunteers to reach as many people as possible.
Abigail Brown has always loved telling a good story and brings over 15 years of experience in writing and editing, communications strategy, media and public relations, and issues management for corporate and non-profit organizations. This includes her work with a global publishing house, one of Canada’s largest banks, a Toronto shelter for homeless youth, an advocacy organization for people living with disabilities, and a leading Canadian NGO and humanitarian agency. She has always held a particular passion for social justice causes, including causes related to vulnerable women and children. She’s an active volunteer within her church community and also enjoys curling up with a good mystery book (hence her healthy collection of Agatha Christie books).
Irma started with Ovarian Cancer Canada as a volunteer in 2012. Coming in with over 10 years of experience in senior IT positions, as well as an event planner certification and a degree in English and Communications, not to mention a great will to make a difference for the organization; one thing lead to another and Irma has been a permanent staff member since 2016. Irma is looking forward to many challenges ahead and to meeting and helping many people that are affected by ovarian cancer.
Tara comes to Ovarian Cancer Canada with over 16 years of experience in events and fundraising, including peer-to-peer fundraising, signature events as well as supporting a wide range of community and 3rd party events. Many of the women in Tara’s life have been affected by different types of women’s cancers and this fuels her passion for her work.
Outside of work, Tara is an active volunteer in her community, giving back in many ways including fundraising and managing a youth AA hockey team. When she’s not in the office or on site at an event, you will likely find Tara in an arena cheering loud and proud for her boys.
With a passion for storytelling and content creation, Julie joined the team at Ovarian Cancer Canada determined to call attention to this important women’s health issue and connect with those affected by the disease. Julie works closely with internal and external audiences, and uses a variety of platforms to communicate the organization’s mission and advocate on behalf of the community.
As a certified Public Relations practitioner, accompanied with an honours degree in Communications: Media, culture and society, Julie brings a diverse portfolio built via roles in the agency, corporate and non-profit world. Her track record includes executing integrated marketing communications plans for community and support programs, managing influencer programs for lifestyle brands, leading board-wide rebrands, organizing large scale events, garnering media attention for a variety of causes, and more.
Todd has been managing online content since the job was called “webmaster,” and has created and executed digital strategies for a wide range of companies and organizations.
In addition to his digital experience, Todd has also worked as a journalist and a high school teacher. He is motivated by a strong desire to make a positive and lasting impact on people's lives, and strives to inject authenticity and empathy into every aspect of his work and life.
Todd is proud to be a part of the team at Ovarian Cancer Canada. His role includes management of content and user experience on this website, and curating and amplifying resources and stories connected to OvCAN.
Ashley joined Ovarian Cancer Canada in 2014 as the Regional Coordinator for the Ontario Region and has recently assumed the role of Community Engagement Associate. With several years of experience in community outreach and engagement in the non-profit sector, she joined the Ovarian Cancer Canada team to raise awareness throughout the region, work closely with volunteers, and support community events in Ontario.
Ashley has an academic background in International Studies and Political Science and has experience in a variety of roles including programming focused on HIV and AIDS education and awareness and, more recently, wish coordination for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Ashley is enthusiastic about working with Ovarian Cancer Canada volunteers to help expand the outreach of our programs and fundraising initiatives throughout the province.
Jesse joined Ovarian Cancer Canada in January 2020 as the Community Engagement and Events Associate. She brings to the team several years of experience in event management, community fundraising and communication within the non-profit sector. Jesse has an academic background in Childhood and Social Institutions, and holds a master’s degree in Public Relations & New Media and a certificate in Digital Marketing.
Jesse is passionate about making a difference in peoples lives, and looks forward to connecting with the Ovarian Cancer Canada community and supporting events of all of shapes and sizes, including the national Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope.
Bo Wang-Frape is a financial specialist with experience encompassing the not-for-profit, corporate sector, and overseas experience in a large government agency. Prior to her current position as Vice President of Finance and Administration at Ovarian Cancer Canada, Bo was a key member of the leadership team at Ontario College of Family Physicians and LaunchLife International Inc. Bo holds an MBA from Laurentian University as well as a CPA, CGA designation.
Although Bo's primary expertise is in financial management, she has a particular interest in change management, specifically in the area of systems design and implementation through upgrading and streamlining information technology systems.
Bo has been actively involved in volunteer activities over the years. Until recently, Bo held the position of treasurer and Board member for Sierra Club Canada Foundation located in Ottawa and AIDS Committee of York Region.
Bo is proud to be part of Ovarian Cancer Canada!
Delphin has worked with a number of non-profit organizations in Congo, publishing French materials on HIV/AIDS, cholera and other diseases. Delphin brings five years of experience in administration and customer service. He speaks English, French, Swahili and Lingala. He holds a Master's degree in Techniques and Information.
Kamarah joined the Ovarian Cancer Canada team in July 2020 as the Business Manager. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Economics from Brock University, and brings experience working in both finance and accounting, as well as administration and office management. Kamarah is currently a part-time MBA student at Schulich School of Business specializing in Strategic Management and Accounting, and is passionate about helping her community by focusing her career goals in the charitable sector. Her hobbies include reading, volunteering, hiking, and travelling, and she loves animals and meeting new people.
Raj is an IT professional with over 30 years of database management experience. As Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Database Administrator, he brings sound knowledge in Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge and Luminate. Raj is proud to be part of a team that helps women with ovarian cancer, and enjoys road trips and other travel, and getting to know history, culture, and vegetarian food.
Lily joined the team in February 2019. She has a background in real estate administration, fundraising, and customer service. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, as well as a Master’s in Socio-Legal Studies. In her time at OCC, Lily has developed a strong sense of devotion to the community and is passionate about helping the organization continue to make a change.