Dr. Amanda Kamminga – Medical Director
The primary responsibility of the Medical Director role is to provide leadership within the FHT related to quality of care, access to care and efficiency of care delivery. In this role Dr. Kamminga collaborates with the Executive Director and all members of the inter-disciplinary team to provide leadership regarding Access of Care, Clinical Coverage and Support, Quality and Risk Management, as well as representing the organization at various local and regional tables. Dr. Kamminga is also currently a practicing physician at the Limestone Medical Group.

Hilary Blackett – Executive Director
As the UGFHT’s Executive Director, Hilary is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization and for supporting our Board in the achievement of our strategic goals and objectives. Hilary actively supports our team and clinical programs through the development of team-based, patient-centred practices that meet professional and best-practice standards of care. Hilary brings over 10 years of experience in government, not-for-profit and academic sectors to the organization.

Gwen Kostal – Manager, Quality and Programs
Gwen is a quality improvement professional with many years of experience working in primary care in different clinical, leadership and quality roles. Gwen is responsible for helping the Upper Grand FHT meet its commitments to quality care through supporting programs and services, supporting our quality projects and culture of continuous improvement, managing the data for the organization and helping us use it to improve.

Niharika Kumar/Danielle Jones – EMR/IT Specialist
Our IT/EMR specialist role is responsible for providing ongoing Electronic Medical Record (EMR) support, assistance, and training to Clinicians and administrative staff. She is also responsible for coordinating and implementing digital tools and solutions within the Family Health Team and the Family Health Organization.

Nicole Bird – Human Resources Manager/Executive Assistant
As Human Resources Manager and Executive Assistant, Nicole is responsible for managing all aspects of human resources for the Family Health Team and providing administrative support to the Executive Director, members of the Board, Medical Director, and staff.

Lucy De Finis – Administrative Assistant
Lucy is the front-facing administration at the Upper Grand FHT. She maintains our referrals, schedules, and calendars, among many other roles. Her focus is on making clients feel welcomed when they enter our office and answering any questions or concerns our clients may have.

Nicole M. – Clinical Admin
As the office’s Clinical Administrative Support, Nicole supports our clinicians in streamlining and improving processes, which in turn improves our patients’ experiences. Nicole is deeply connected to the Mental Health, Pain, Cardiac Rehab, and Memory Clinic programs.

• RAAM Clinic

Mental Health Counselors play an integral part in improving mental health and social well-being. Our counsellors help clients learn to cope with issues in their lives that cause emotional distress and/or to self-manage mental health issues through a variety of therapeutic techniques.

The Upper Grand FHT has multiple nursing roles, including:

• Telemedicine nurses who facilitate connection to specialists from across the province,
• Chronic disease nurses who support people through learning about and managing illnesses such as diabetes, heart failure, asthma and COPD and many more,
• Geriatric nurse specialists who support seniors health to live as independently and healthfully as possible and,
• Supportive and palliative care nurse who supports patients and families navigating serious illnesses, end of life and bereavement.

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a nurse with advanced university education who works both independently and in collaboration with other health professionals to provide individuals of all ages with quality healthcare services. NPs take care of the physical, emotional, mental and social aspects of their patient’s health needs. They have additional education and advanced decision-making skills in the assessment and diagnosis of acute illnesses and injuries and the management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. They have the knowledge and authority to prescribe certain medications. They are authorized to order laboratory tests, x-rays and other diagnostic tests, as well as refer patients to other healthcare professionals.

Occupational Therapists are trained to work with a broad range of people to improve their health and assist clients in overcoming barriers and participating in the day-to-day activities that are most important to them! Occupations are more than just jobs; they include all the day-to-day activities someone wants or needs to be able to do. From children struggling with their morning routine to older adults looking to live safely at home. Our OTs enjoy working together with clients of all ages to help them overcome obstacles interfering with their daily activities. At Upper Grand FHT, you will find our OTs involved in our geriatric team, cardiac rehab program, pain program, and memory clinic as well as supporting individual goals.

Upper Grand FHT has several Outreach Workers through the Rural Wellington Community Team (RWCT). The Rural Wellington Community Team understands that it’s hard to reach out and find the resources you need, when you need them. They work in the community and with each rural health team to connect you to community agencies, help you to navigate social programs, and support you when family or friends can’t help. The RWCT knows that there are many factors in your life that can affect your health.

Clinical Pharmacists at the Family Health Team can be found doing asthma education, chronic pain medication assessments, medication reviews, participating in memory clinic and providing valuable drug information to both patients and family physicians.

Physician Assistants (PA) are healthcare professionals who practice medicine as members of a team with their supervising physicians. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, the UGFHT PA conducts physical exams, diagnoses and treats illnesses, orders and interprets tests, counsels on preventive health care, prescribes medications, and participates in our memory clinics. 

Kinesiologists are trained in the science of movement, exercise and the human body. Kinesiologists work with people of all ages and physical abilities to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. They can assist in improving quality of life through evidence-based research to treat and prevent both injury and disease as well as improve movement and performance. You will find kinesiologists working in our cardiac rehab program, chronic pain program, smoking cessation programs and working with individuals on their specific health goals.