Tania Vrionis joined Ovarian Cancer Canada as CEO in August 2021. She brings to the role more than 20 years of diverse leadership experience in the charitable sector. Tania is deeply passionate about empowering and mobilizing communities to achieve impact, affect change, and truly make a difference in the lives of Canadians.
As CEO, Tania looks forward to building on the strong foundation already in place at Ovarian Cancer Canada, and is keen to continue the momentum of recent years. As a mission-driven leader, the urgent need to improve outcomes and shine a spotlight on this important women’s health issue fuel Tania’s determination to ensure the future is full of hope and progress for the community of people affected by this disease.
Tania is a graduate of Western University and her previous roles have included leadership positions at The Kidney Foundation of Canada, St. Clair College, John McGivney Children’s Centre, Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation, and the MS Society of Canada. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Tania currently lives in Surrey, British Columbia with her husband and two teenaged sons.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Rehnuma Kamal joined Ovarian Cancer Canada as Quebec Regional Manager in August 2021. Dedicated to strengthening our community impact by way of meaningful programs, she believes in the power of relationships and community. Rehnuma has a passion for making a difference and brings years of experience in health care organizations. She is committed to ensuring the future is full of hope for women who are affected by ovarian cancer.
- Support Resources and Programs, please contact Alison Ross, Director, Disease Information and Education aross@ovariancanada.orgg, Toll free: 1 (877) 413-7970 Ext. 237
- Events, please contact Tara Defoe, Community Engagement and Events Manager, tdefoe@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
As Director, Disease Information and Education, Alison works closely with her colleagues across Canada to ensure that we share the very best disease and treatment information with the community. She provides support to those diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and plays a key role in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of patient education and outreach to the community.
Alison holds a PhD in Health Studies from McMaster University. Her research work centralizes insights from diverse communities to inform the development of medical programming and to advance people-centered strategies. Additionally, she comes to Ovarian Cancer Canada with over 10 years of professional experience in higher education as Professor and Academic Coordinator in the Centre for Health Sciences at George Brown College. Alison’s first experience in the cancer care community was as a Research Associate in the clinical Cancer Survivorship Program at the University Health Network.
Alison is proud to join the Ovarian Cancer Canada team as we work together to drive research, care, and advocacy.
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.
Talin joined Ovarian Cancer Canada in November 2020. She supports projects connected to Ovarian Cancer Canada’s OvCAN research initiative (led by the OvCAN Project Manager & Scientific Advisor), and assists with other research connected to our organization’s strategic priorities. Prior to joining the team, Talin was a research assistant at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Women’s College Hospital, focusing on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. She graduated from Queen’s University in 2018. Talin is proud to be part of a team that is so driven to make a positive impact on women’s lives.
Email: tboghosian@ovariancanada.org
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.
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.
Heather joined Ovarian Cancer Canada in December 2020. In her role as Philanthropy Manager, she is committed to building meaningful relationships that will sustain the mission of Ovarian Cancer Canada and make a difference for women living with ovarian cancer.
Heather brings to this role her experiences as a fundraiser in a national health organization, an entrepreneur working with women, as well as leadership roles in the community. Over the course of 17 years, she facilitated workshops, supporting women affected by cancer, and also served as a national board member.
Heather is thrilled to be working alongside this dedicated team of volunteers and staff, with a passion for creating a future of hope for the women and families in the ovarian cancer community.
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.
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.
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.
Hailing from Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Katie MacLennan joined Ovarian Cancer Canada in 2021. With a background in marketing and graphic design, she’s most recently been focused on making a difference in the not-for-profit sector. Katie brings campaigns to life through audience connection and engagement in both the virtual and physical world. Driven by the strength and resilience of the ovarian cancer community, Katie is eagerly looking forward to continuing to help connect people to this important cause.
Outside of the office, Katie enjoys reading, thrifting, road trips, and is always up for exploring new adventures with her family.
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.
Lise Johnston joined Ovarian Cancer Canada in 2020. A professionally designated accountant, Lise is responsible for oversight of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s finances and reporting. In addition, she provides leadership in planning and budgeting, payroll, and human resources, and manages the audit process.
Lise’s diverse career path began with a degree in Early Childhood Education at McGill University in Montreal, but her love of numbers and financial systems led her to obtaining her CPA designation. After working in finance-related roles in the private sector, Lise made a meaningful move to the charity sector with a transformational role at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. She is inspired by the community surrounding Ovarian Cancer Canada, and is excited by the opportunity to help women live fuller, better, longer lives.
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.