Ontario Caregiver Coalition
The voice of family caregivers
Board of Directors
Lauren Bates
Chair, OCC
Chair, Research & Advocacy Committee
Lauren has been a Member of OCC since 2018, and joined the Board in 2020. She brings over 30 years of experience in policy analysis and development to OCC. Her background as a lawyer gives her a strong understanding of legislative and policy frameworks, while her history of community connections grounds her in the lived experience of law and policy, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized communities.
While at the Ontario Human Rights Commission, she championed and led a major project on the human rights of family caregivers (“The Cost of Caring”). At the Law Commission of Ontario, she led law reform projects on ageing, disability, legal capacity, and the end of life that were designed to include the experiences of caregivers. As Director of Policy at Wellesley Institute, she supported projects that centered the under-examined experiences of culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse older adults and their family caregivers. In her own life, she has provided care and support to several family members. Lauren says, “I know well that much of our society rests on the invaluable but all-too-frequently taken-for-granted efforts of family caregivers, and that it is a role that brings both joy and difficulty. I also understand that the struggle of women for equality is deeply entwined with the recognition of and support for family caregiving.”
Liana Sikharulidze
Co-Chair, OCC
Liana has been a member of OCC for 6 years. She is a Registered Nurse and brings over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Liana is currently the Executive Director at Qualicare North York and Toronto, where she is responsible for overall operations and business development.
Liana is passionate about senior care delivery, caregivers and palliative care. In 2016 she became a full-time caregiver to her grandparents, who both had Dementia / Alzheimers. Liana ended up being a constant advocate and navigator for her grandparent's health.
As a result of her personal and professional engagements, she has developed a strong understanding of healthcare challenges from the perspectives of both caregivers and clients. Liana says ”I am very passionate about making an impact in our healthcare system. I understand what caregivers and clients are going through, and am committed to the OCC values and vision”.
Daniel Nowoselski
Vice-Chair, OCC
Chair, Communications and Awareness Committee
Member, Research & Advocacy Committee
Daniel currently serves on both the Research & Advocacy and the Awareness & Communications Committees at OCC. He is currently working as the Advocacy Manager (Hospice Palliative Care) for the Canadian Cancer Society, where he is responsible for, among other things, supporting their advocacy work regarding palliative care, financial supports for people with cancer, and supports for caregivers.
Before taking the position at the Canadian Cancer Society, he spent eight years in various MPP and Ministers’ offices in the Ontario government and managed and worked on a variety of political campaigns. He believes this experience, where he worked closely with a variety of volunteers and limited resources to affect change, will serve him well as a board member for the OCC.
Lastly, and most importantly, Daniel said “I am passionate about this work because of the losses I have experienced and because of my loved ones with chronic illnesses. The work the OCC does is personal to me and I have a deep personal commitment to seeing the OCC fulfill its goals.”
Keena Naik
Treasurer, OCC
Chair, Membership and Governance Committee
Keena brings over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families find solutions to continue living at home and within their communities while they manage challenging health conditions.
In addition, Keena was the primary decision-maker when caring for her father and grand-father. These personal experiences allow her to empathize and relate to challenges and triumphs of family caregivers.
Keena has held various leadership positions at Bayshore Healthcare since 2001. Her deep knowledge of the homecare sector across Canada as well as networks within this space allows her to bring valuable insights to the Ontario Caregiver Coalition.
Dr. Adriana Shnall
Director, OCC
Chair, Partnership Committee
Adriana Shnall, PhD, MSW, RSW, has been an active member of the Ontario Caregiver Coalition since 2016. Adriana serves as the Program Director of the Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Family Caregiving at Baycrest in Toronto. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Adriana has made significant contributions to the field of geriatric care, earning her prestigious recognitions, such as the Baycrest Outstanding Innovations Award and the Stephen Herbert Award for Excellence in Education.
In addition to her clinical work, Adriana is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and a board member of the Petro Canada CareMakers Foundation. She also participates in numerous local, provincial, and national advocacy tables.
Through her ongoing efforts, Adriana continues to make a significant impact on the lives of older adults, their families, and the professionals who serve them, ensuring that the quality of care and support available to this population is continually enhanced and improved.
Rose-Marie Fraser
Director, OCC
Rose-Marie has been a member of OCC for over 6 years. She has served as a Vice Chair of the OCC Research & Advocacy Working Group/Committee for the past 2 years.
She has also brought her experience to many external committees in her roles as a part-time Social Worker on a Medical Oncology Team at the University Health Network and a Professional Practice Leader.
Rose-Marie believes “nothing has impacted my life more than being a caregiver to a family member with a mental health diagnosis, a daughter who has had a heart transplant and caring for an ageing family member with early-onset dementia."
Daniel Corvino
Board Secretary, OCC
Daniel currently works on behalf of those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) as a Manager of Government Relations and Advocacy with MS Canada.
Working towards a world free of MS, MS Canada’s mission is to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change and overcome systemic barriers to access. Daniel leads initiatives and outreach efforts across Ontario and Atlantic Canada, collaborating with community members and organizations to address the priorities of those living with multiple sclerosis, such as improving access to treatments, ensuring appropriate care and housing are available, increasing income and employment security, and advancing MS research.
Daniel is particularly interested in ensuring the voices and experiences of younger caregivers and their families are included in the programs and services meant to support caregivers. He is excited to bring his previous experiences to the Ontario Caregiver Coalition and help continue the organizations growth.
Debbi Leith
Director, OCC
Debbi is a seasoned Volunteer Coordinator with experience in leading programs across healthcare, community services, and higher education. With a Master of Arts and Certified Volunteer Administrator credentials, Debbi excels in volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement, ensuring impactful experiences. Her expertise includes re-engaging volunteers post-pandemic and delivering specialized courses for Fleming College.
She also has a background in the non-profit retirement home sector, where she taught and developed curriculum for Centennial College's Retirement Communities Management program. Her roles have equipped her with a deep understanding of the needs of seniors, emphasizing the importance of quality care and services.
In addition to her professional commitments, Debbi became a caregiver to her aunt in 2018, who lived independently with a significant disability until a recent decline led to her hospitalization. This personal experience has deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by caregivers and fueled her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.
Debbi’s personal and professional history aligns closely with the mission of The Ontario Caregiver Coalition. As an unpaid caregiver, she understands the essential role of caregivers and the challenges they face. Guided by a shared vision, Debbi works towards a world where caregivers are valued, respected, and supported.