Since 2006, the Upper Grand Family Health Team has taken a team-based approach to patient care and well-being. We provide a broad range of health-care services that focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management.
We have established strong relationships with our community partners including the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Groves Memorial Community Hospital, and various other local, regional and provincial groups to improve access and integration of care for our patients.
Our ultimate goal is for patients to feel empowered and encouraged to play a central role in their health care and recovery. We are dedicated to achieving excellence in patient care and we foster the development of future healthcare professionals through offering student internship and educational opportunities with our organization and our physician partners.
Vision and Principles
The core principles of our organization are as follows:
Interested In Becoming A Family Health Team Client?
There are TWO ways you can become a Family Health Team Client:
Collaboration/Integration
Mutual Respect
Continuous Quality Improvement
View our 2017-18 Quality Improvement Plan.
Innovation
Accountability
Patient / Community Engagement
Our Patients
- Riverview Medical Group – Upper Level
- Riverview Medical Group – Lower Level
- Grand River Family Physicians
- Geddes Medical Group
- Family Practice Associates of Elora
- Elora Medical Group
- Dalby Family Practice
- Arthur Family Health Centre
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights:
When you visit our offices or contact us you have the right to:
- Be treated in a kind and respectful way
- Expect that all information about your healthcare will be kept private and confidential in accordance with the personal health information law (refer to our Privacy Policy)
- Be given information in a way that you will understand and is meaningful to you
- Expect that your health care team will share relevant information with each other within the circle of care, unless otherwise restricted by you.
- Participate in making decisions about your care
- Receive culturally-sensitive care
- Know the names and roles of people involved in your care
- Express your concerns and get answers to your questions
- Be told of the fees not covered by OHIP and that you or your family will have to pay
Your Responsibilities:
Please note that as a patient you have rights and responsibilities. Please make sure you abide by the following:
- Be polite and respect other patients, visitors and members of the health care team
- Recognize that the needs of other patients and families may sometimes be more urgent than your own
- Give accurate information to your health care team to help them plan your care
- Give your health care team the name of the person who will represent you if you cannot make decisions by yourself
- Follow the plan of care the best way you can
- Accept responsibility for the decisions you make about your treatment
- Take care of your personal things
- Respect clinic property and act in a safe and responsible way
- Understand and be responsible for all expenses not covered by OHIP
- Notify your health care provider if you cannot keep an appointment
Our Staff – Integrated Health Care Professionals
Registered Dietitians
Nicole is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator who has been with the UGFHT since 2010. She completed her BASc in Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph and her dietetic internship with Hamilton Health Sciences. She enjoys being a member of a collaborative team and sharing her love of food and nutrition with the community. She has experience counseling clients in all aspects of nutrition, but has particular interests in the areas of Diabetes and Gastrointestinal Disease. When she’s not working she enjoys baking, trying new recipes, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and cat.
Terri Ney, RD
Terri grew up in Erin and completed her undergrad at Ryerson in Toronto. She eventually found her way to Fergus where she found her dream job working as a dietitian with the Upper Grand Family Health Team in 2007. After becoming a mom and raising children locally she became aware of areas to improve care for families using nutrition. Since then Terri has spearheaded the launch of the Breastfeeding Café and a series of Pediatric Nutrition workshops. Terri has been sought out to share her unique programs with other FHTs and is considered a leader by her dietitian peers.
Amy Waugh, RD, CDE
Amy is a Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator who has been working at the UGFHT since 2007. She grew up in rural Ontario and while she has lived and worked in various cities across the province is very happy to have settled in Centre Wellington. She is passionate about primary care and the role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic health conditions across the lifespan.
Health Promoter/Kinesiologist
Jena has worked in the fitness industry for over 15 years. She quickly found her calling for Fitness and Health promotion after working at a ladies gym in her hometown of Mount Forest. She received her diploma as a Certified Personal Training through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology in Niagara. After graduating she began personal training clients ranging from the general public to Triple A hockey players, which sparked her interest in injury rehabilitation. Jena eventually took a position at a physiotherapy clinic which led her back to school where she pursued her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology.
Jena has been with the UGFHT since 2013 and is actively involved in walking programs, pulmonary rehabilitation, chronic disease management, falls prevention, managing menopause, smoking cessation, exercise prescription, fitness and health education, fitness assessment, program design, chronic pain workshop, Healthy You classes and much more.
Mental Health Counselors
Catherine Barlow, MSW
Catherine Barlow has been a Mental Health Therapist with the UGFHT since 2012. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Michael DeGroote School of Medicine, dividing her working time between her private counseling practice in Guelph, teaching medical students and working part-time for the Family Health Team. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in the forest with her dog and spending as much time as possible in nature. She also enjoys creative pursuits such as oil and pastel painting, photography and knitting.
Linda Borys, MSW
Linda is one of the Mental Health Therapists at the UGFHT and has been working here since 2012, enjoying helping people find ways to have happier and more satisfying lives. Linda refers to herself as a “cat lady” but she considers all pets as “people!” Making good soup gives her joy, and sleeping in on weekends is her guilty pleasure.
Andrea Hall, MSW, BSW, MSc
Andrea is a member of the supportive and palliative care team providing counseling and social work to individuals and families coping with a life-threatening illness. In her role as grief counselor she assists bereaved individuals who are struggling to cope with their grief and facilitates bereavement and caregiver support groups. Her qualifications include a MSW, BSW, MSc, and post-graduate certification in Grief and Bereavement.
Nadia Landry, MSW
Nadia is a Master’s level Social Worker (MSW) who has been with the UGFHT since 2007. She currently splits her time as a Mental Health Therapist with the Dalby Family Practice and as the FHT’s Geriatric Social Worker. Nadia is passionate about helping clients to feel empowered to live their best life. To help achieve this she is committed to ongoing education and has recently completed Wilfred Laurier University’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certificate program and Narrative Therapy training through the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre in Toronto. In her spare time, Nadia enjoys quality time with her family and pets, reading, nature walks, and traveling “back home” to Canada’s east coast to spend time by the ocean.
Melody Mann, MSW, RSW
Melody has over 10 years’ experience in the counselling field. She uses a strength based approach and incorporates mindfulness, narrative therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy into her practice. Melody sees it as a privilege to hear people’s stories and to be a part of navigating mental health challenges, life transitions and personal growth. In her spare time she enjoys spending time in nature, with family, and in creative pursuits.
Marilyn Vaccaro, MSW, RSW
Marilyn has been with the UGFHT from the very beginning, in 2007, working as a Mental Health Therapist. She attended the University of Montreal initially and spent time travelling before moving to Waterloo to complete my Master’s Degree as a Clinical Social Worker. Keeping current professionally is very important to Marilyn, as she loves learning about the best ways to help people help themselves. During her time at the FHT she has pursued professional development in Equine Assisted Therapy, mindfulness, and the neuroscience behind trauma. In her spare time Marilyn enjoys restoring by the sea, and being creative.
Nurse Specialists
“The Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) is one of the largest telemedicine networks in the world, helping to deliver clinical care and distance education among health care professionals and patients using live, two-way videoconferencing systems and related diagnostic equipment. In addition to its capacity to bring health care to virtually any patient, anywhere, at any time. The Ontario Telemedicine Network also enhances opportunities for professional development for physicians, allied health care providers, and students. More than 3,000 health care professionals in more than 1175 sites across the province use OTN to deliver care to their patients. This year, alone, OTN will deliver more than 135,000 patient visits.” Ontario Telemedicine Network 2017.
For more information on Telemedicine services visit www.otnhub.ca.
Currently Vacant, – Geriatric Specialist
The Geriatric Nurse Specialist coordinates three clinics each month: Primary Care Memory Clinic, Geriatrician (Dr. Noor) and Geriatric Psychiatry (Dr. Crowson) clinics, for those whom require these specialized services. In addition to this they provide geriatric nursing assessments with clients and their caregivers; and collaborates with their family physician, other members of the UGFHT as well as community services/supports to ensure clients and families receive the best possible care our county can offer.
Shelley Lillie, RN, BScN, SHPCN(C) – Palliative Specialist
Shelley is the supportive and palliative care nurse who helps people in our community with life threatening illnesses. She provides pain and symptom management, navigation through hospital-community transitions, and end of life planning for the individual and families. Her qualifications include RN, BScN, and a specialized certification in palliative care, CHPCN(C).
Lisa Melburn, RN, BScN – Cardiac Specialist
Lisa has been nursing for over 28 years, with over 12 years in Fergus. She looks forward to meeting with people to discuss how to control and monitor symptoms of lung disease (COPD) and heart disease (Congestive Heart Failure). One of the ways to manage contributors to chronic illness is to stop smoking cigarettes, if you are interested in quitting or reducing Lisa can help you develop a “Quit Plan” and review the options that are available. You can often find Lisa at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex exercising with clients, or teaching at the Pulmonary Rehabilitation course at Groves Hospital. Be sure to say hello if you see her walking her dog on some of the local trails or share your favorite healthy recipe.
Holly Stokman, RN, BScN, CDE – Metabolic Syndrome Specialist
Holly Stokman is a Registered Nurse Specialist in diabetes and smoking cessation. She works with physicians at each of the medical practices within the UGFHT to provide care at diabetes clinics, and can meet one on one for ongoing diabetes management or smoking cessation counseling. In addition to her current role she has nursing experience in community and institutional settings. Holly is passionate about helping people to live well in spite of chronic conditions, to break free from addictions, and to heal their bodies and minds.
Nurse Practitioners
Andrea Blunt-Gaudreault
Andrea was born and raised in Kirkland Lake where she enjoyed winters downhill skiing and summers at her family cottage in Quebec. Andrea eventually left the great white north to complete a BScN degree at Queen’s University in Kingston. She was subsequently employed with Toronto Public Health in the Sexual Health department followed by the Family Health department where she worked as a French language Public Health Nurse for the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program. She worked mainly with French speaking immigrants and refugees for a number of years before leaving to travel the world with her husband. The two traveled extensively through Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and numerous central and eastern European countries before returning home to refocus on their careers. Andrea feels that she gained tremendous cultural knowledge and understanding through both her personal travel and work experience.
After much debate, Andrea left Public Health in 2005 and decided to return to a more clinical focus. She completed her Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree in 2008 and has since been employed with the UGFHT where she hopes to remain until her estimated date of retirement in 2037! Andrea and her family are happy to call the communities of Elora and Fergus “home”. Andrea looks forward to collaboratively supporting you and your family for years to come!
Julia Hutton
Julia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University in 2006. She then worked as an RN in the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, before travelling to Australia to work for a year. There she worked in various hospital and primary care settings in the Sydney area with her now-husband, who grew up there. She completed her Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner and Masters of Science in Nursing Program at York University in Toronto in 2011. Upon graduation, she worked as a Primary Care NP with the Guelph Family Health Team before joining the UGFHT in 2014. Her experiences have developed her passion for a holistic approach to preventative health care, women’s and children’s health, and chronic disease management, as well as caring for all patients throughout their lifespan. Outside of her work she loves hiking, cooking, travelling and spending time with her husband and two beautiful young daughters.
Kristin Johnson
Kristin is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner who has been with the UGFHT since 2008. She has a long history in Public Health with sexual health, women’s health and health promotion. Kristin’s passion for herself and others is a healthy lifestyle to obtain optimal health and prevention of illnesses. She especially enjoys all outdoor activities, especially sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Walking in the woods and doing yoga is also a strong interest for the meditative benefits. Kristin and her husband have three sons in their twenties who are mostly in the West pursuing more rigorous outdoor pursuits.
Colleen Loree
Colleen Loree is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner who has been with the Family Health Team since 2015 and serves patients of the Grand River Family Physicians clinic in Fergus. She has a nursing background in the Intensive Care Unit and Cardiac Surgery/Coronary Care Unit in Kitchener, as well as the Emergency Department at Groves Memorial Community Hospital. She also has shared her knowledge by teaching nursing students at Conestoga College. She has a passion for comprehensive, evidence-based mental health, sexual health, and chronic pain management. Colleen delights in the knowledge that the Nurse Practitioner role allows her to spend more time with her patients in order to understand their health challenges (and assets) so she can be a resource for their pursuit of health goals. In her leisure time Colleen enjoys competitive, synchronized skating, playing with her daughter, running, camp nursing, and planning family travel adventures.
Barb Wagg
Barb Wagg is a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner who works with patients out of the Arthur Family Health Center; she is also a member of the memory clinic team in Fergus. She enjoys educating patients on health promotion and prevention. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner in 2009 she worked for nine years as a registered nurse in the Emergency Room at the Guelph General Hospital. She lives on a horse farm outside of Damascus with her husband, son, and two daughters. In her spare time enjoys reading, skiing, and riding horses with her family.
Occupational Therapist
Amanda Froese is a registered Occupational Therapist who earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, with a minor in Gerontology from the University of Waterloo, before pursuing her Masters in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University.
At the UGFHT Amanda has a broad scope of practice. She works with clients of all ages and a variety of conditions to help them participate in occupations that are important to them. “Occupations” are more than just jobs and 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, Amanda enjoys working together with clients of all ages to help them overcome obstacles interfering with their daily activities. She is also involved with the FHT’s Chronic Pain and Memory Clinic programs. Outside of work Amanda enjoys hiking, travelling, and playing Ultimate Frisbee
Outreach Worker
Nikki has been with the UGFHT since June 2015 and is an Outreach Worker with 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.
Pharmacist
Cora graduated from Dalhousie University College of Pharmacy in 2004, receiving awards for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice and Natural Medicines Recognition. She was born and raised in Newfoundland and moved to Ontario to be close to family.
At the Family Health Team you can find Cora providing Asthma education, Chronic Pain assessments, medication reviews and drug information. She is an active member of the FHT’s IT/Medical Records committee and Quality committee. She is also a member of the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy Rx Drug Working Group, the Ontario Primary Care Team Pharmacists Working Group and a participant of the Ontario Renal Network initiative to improve safety of medication prescribing in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Outside of working hours Cora enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones, running with her high energy canine companions, and attempting Pinterest DIY projects
Physician Assistant
Cathy Verity, BSc., MSc., BHsc.PA
Cathy completed her Bachelor of Sciences and Master of Sciences at the University of Guelph. She was in the second class to graduate from McMaster’s Physician Assistant Program. Cathy joined the UGFHT in 2011 and primarily works with the Geddes Medical Group in Elora. She, also, enjoys working with the Memory Clinic Team in Fergus monthly. Cathy is the proud mom of three children, of whom she loves camping, getting outdoors and listening and playing music with! Cathy is an advocate in her role as a Physician Assistant and is happy to answer any questions you may have about the profession!
Administrative Staff
Lucy moved to Fergus nineteen years ago with her husband and three young children. Nine years after moving to Fergus her family added a new member to the family, a Bichon Frisée Poodle named Tiffany. She returned to the work force after sixteen years of staying at home. Lucy has been the Receptionist with the UGFHT since 2009 and couldn’t have asked for a better place to work. Her focus is to make clients feel welcomed when they enter our office, as well as answer any questions or concerns our clients may have.
Outside of working hours, Lucy’s passion is to prepare authentic Italian and gourmet meals for family and friends. In addition to her passion for cooking, she also looks forward to every spring when she plants her vegetable garden. It’s a very small garden but it’s enough to put her gardening skills to the test… evidently, to the benefit of the FHT staff, she always plants too many tomatoes!
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 Riverview Medical Group – Lower Level.
Kristin Kathiravelu – Executive Director
Ensuring service excellence is of utmost importance to Kristin.
As an integral member of the team, the Executive Director reports to the organization’s Board of Directors to advise on matters of policy and risk, quality monitoring, evaluation and human resources. Kristin also supports service planning and delivery by actively developing team-based, patient-centered programs that meet the highest standards of care. She works with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the organization’s strategic plans and acts as a liaison with community partners and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Kristin lives in Ariss and in her spare time enjoys gardening, keeping active and exploring all that Centre Wellington has to offer.
Samantha McGill – Executive Administrative Assistant
The Administrative Assistant provides a wide variety of administrative support to the Executive Director, members of Board, Medical Director and staff to ensure that the day-to-day office functions run smoothly. Sam’s main focus is to ensure that staff are fully supported so that they can focus on assisting their clients and completing their daily duties. Sam joined the Upper Grand Family Health Team in 2017. Previous to joining the team she worked in various administrative supporting roles within Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, local hospitals, family health teams and the natural product sector. Outside of work Sam can often be found running or biking along local trails and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
Commitment to Quality
Our Quality Committee consists of interdisciplinary staff and physicians who work collaboratively to develop annual Quality Improvement Plans, which are public commitments to meeting quality improvement targets that positively impact patient care. This plan is submitted to HQO and the committee meets regularly to discuss our progress and performance on the indicators that are selected as priorities.
Our 2017-18 UGFHT Quality Improvement Plan outlines the following goals:
- Improving rates of follow-up within 7 days by Family Health Team providers among patients discharged from acute care
- Improving rates of cervical cancer screening
- Improving rates of colorectal cancer screening
- Developing a revised method for collecting patient satisfaction data
- Improving the proportion of patients with medication reconciliation within the past year
Current membership of the Upper Grand Family Health Team Quality Committee is as follows:
Dr. Fil Incitti
Dr. Amanda Kamminga
Kristin Kathiravelu, Executive Director
Colleen Loree, Nurse Practitioner (co-chair)
Melody Mann, Mental Health Therapist
Lisa Melburn, Cardiac Nurse Specialist
Dr. Julie Ray
Dr. Nancy Rose-Janes
Cora Van Zutphen, Pharmacist (co-chair)
Amy Waugh, Dietitian
If you have questions or would like more information please contact the UGFHT Executive Director, Kristin Kathiravelu at info@uppergrandfht.org.
Governance
The Upper Grand Family Health Team is administered by a Board of Directors composed of members of the Upper Grand Family Health Organization and community stakeholders. The Board’s role is to set strategic directions, develop high level policies, allocate financial resources, and set and evaluate program goals.
The Executive Director and the Family Health Team Medical Director report to the Board, while the allied health professionals report to the Executive Director.
Current Board of Directors:
Dr. Mark Easterbrook – Vice-Chair
Andrew Goldie – Treasurer
Dr. Mark Sugamori – FHO Lead Physician
Kristin Kathiravelu – Secretary
Stephen Street
Stephanie Pearsall
Our Staff – Integrated Health Care Professionals
Registered Dietitians
Nicole is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator who has been with the UGFHT since 2010. She completed her BASc in Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph and her dietetic internship with Hamilton Health Sciences. She enjoys being a member of a collaborative team and sharing her love of food and nutrition with the community. She has experience counseling clients in all aspects of nutrition, but has particular interests in the areas of Diabetes and Gastrointestinal Disease. When she’s not working she enjoys baking, trying new recipes, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and cat.
Terri Ney, RD
Terri grew up in Erin and completed her undergrad at Ryerson in Toronto. She eventually found her way to Fergus where she found her dream job working as a dietitian with the Upper Grand Family Health Team in 2007. After becoming a mom and raising children locally she became aware of areas to improve care for families using nutrition. Since then Terri has spearheaded the launch of the Breastfeeding Café and a series of Pediatric Nutrition workshops. Terri has been sought out to share her unique programs with other FHTs and is considered a leader by her dietitian peers.
Amy Waugh, RD, CDE
Amy is a Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator who has been working at the UGFHT since 2007. She grew up in rural Ontario and while she has lived and worked in various cities across the province is very happy to have settled in Centre Wellington. She is passionate about primary care and the role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic health conditions across the lifespan.
Health Promoter/Kinesiologist
Jena has worked in the fitness industry for over 15 years. She quickly found her calling for Fitness and Health promotion after working at a ladies gym in her hometown of Mount Forest. She received her diploma as a Certified Personal Training through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology in Niagara. After graduating she began personal training clients ranging from the general public to Triple A hockey players, which sparked her interest in injury rehabilitation. Jena eventually took a position at a physiotherapy clinic which led her back to school where she pursued her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology.
Jena has been with the UGFHT since 2013 and is actively involved in walking programs, pulmonary rehabilitation, chronic disease management, falls prevention, managing menopause, smoking cessation, exercise prescription, fitness and health education, fitness assessment, program design, chronic pain workshop, Healthy You classes and much more.
Mental Health Counselors
Catherine Barlow, MSW
Catherine Barlow has been a Mental Health Therapist with the UGFHT since 2012. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Michael DeGroote School of Medicine, dividing her working time between her private counseling practice in Guelph, teaching medical students and working part-time for the Family Health Team. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in the forest with her dog and spending as much time as possible in nature. She also enjoys creative pursuits such as oil and pastel painting, photography and knitting.
Linda Borys, MSW
Linda is one of the Mental Health Therapists at the UGFHT and has been working here since 2012, enjoying helping people find ways to have happier and more satisfying lives. Linda refers to herself as a “cat lady” but she considers all pets as “people!” Making good soup gives her joy, and sleeping in on weekends is her guilty pleasure.
Andrea Hall, MSW, BSW, MSc
Andrea is a member of the supportive and palliative care team providing counseling and social work to individuals and families coping with a life-threatening illness. In her role as grief counselor she assists bereaved individuals who are struggling to cope with their grief and facilitates bereavement and caregiver support groups. Her qualifications include a MSW, BSW, MSc, and post-graduate certification in Grief and Bereavement.
Nadia Landry, MSW
Nadia is a Master’s level Social Worker (MSW) who has been with the UGFHT since 2007. She currently splits her time as a Mental Health Therapist with the Dalby Family Practice and as the FHT’s Geriatric Social Worker. Nadia is passionate about helping clients to feel empowered to live their best life. To help achieve this she is committed to ongoing education and has recently completed Wilfred Laurier University’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certificate program and Narrative Therapy training through the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre in Toronto. In her spare time, Nadia enjoys quality time with her family and pets, reading, nature walks, and traveling “back home” to Canada’s east coast to spend time by the ocean.
Melody Mann, MSW, RSW
Melody has over 10 years’ experience in the counselling field. She uses a strength based approach and incorporates mindfulness, narrative therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy into her practice. Melody sees it as a privilege to hear people’s stories and to be a part of navigating mental health challenges, life transitions and personal growth. In her spare time she enjoys spending time in nature, with family, and in creative pursuits.
Marilyn Vaccaro, MSW, RSW
Marilyn has been with the UGFHT from the very beginning, in 2007, working as a Mental Health Therapist. She attended the University of Montreal initially and spent time travelling before moving to Waterloo to complete my Master’s Degree as a Clinical Social Worker. Keeping current professionally is very important to Marilyn, as she loves learning about the best ways to help people help themselves. During her time at the FHT she has pursued professional development in Equine Assisted Therapy, mindfulness, and the neuroscience behind trauma. In her spare time Marilyn enjoys restoring by the sea, and being creative.
Nurse Specialists
“The Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) is one of the largest telemedicine networks in the world, helping to deliver clinical care and distance education among health care professionals and patients using live, two-way videoconferencing systems and related diagnostic equipment. In addition to its capacity to bring health care to virtually any patient, anywhere, at any time. The Ontario Telemedicine Network also enhances opportunities for professional development for physicians, allied health care providers, and students. More than 3,000 health care professionals in more than 1175 sites across the province use OTN to deliver care to their patients. This year, alone, OTN will deliver more than 135,000 patient visits.” Ontario Telemedicine Network 2017.
For more information on Telemedicine services visit www.otnhub.ca.
Currently Vacant, – Geriatric Specialist
The Geriatric Nurse Specialist coordinates three clinics each month: Primary Care Memory Clinic, Geriatrician (Dr. Noor) and Geriatric Psychiatry (Dr. Crowson) clinics, for those whom require these specialized services. In addition to this they provide geriatric nursing assessments with clients and their caregivers; and collaborates with their family physician, other members of the UGFHT as well as community services/supports to ensure clients and families receive the best possible care our county can offer.
Shelley Lillie, RN, BScN, SHPCN(C) – Palliative Specialist
Shelley is the supportive and palliative care nurse who helps people in our community with life threatening illnesses. She provides pain and symptom management, navigation through hospital-community transitions, and end of life planning for the individual and families. Her qualifications include RN, BScN, and a specialized certification in palliative care, CHPCN(C).
Lisa Melburn, RN, BScN – Cardiac Specialist
Lisa has been nursing for over 28 years, with over 12 years in Fergus. She looks forward to meeting with people to discuss how to control and monitor symptoms of lung disease (COPD) and heart disease (Congestive Heart Failure). One of the ways to manage contributors to chronic illness is to stop smoking cigarettes, if you are interested in quitting or reducing Lisa can help you develop a “Quit Plan” and review the options that are available. You can often find Lisa at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex exercising with clients, or teaching at the Pulmonary Rehabilitation course at Groves Hospital. Be sure to say hello if you see her walking her dog on some of the local trails or share your favorite healthy recipe.
Holly Stokman, RN, BScN, CDE – Metabolic Syndrome Specialist
Holly Stokman is a Registered Nurse Specialist in diabetes and smoking cessation. She works with physicians at each of the medical practices within the UGFHT to provide care at diabetes clinics, and can meet one on one for ongoing diabetes management or smoking cessation counseling. In addition to her current role she has nursing experience in community and institutional settings. Holly is passionate about helping people to live well in spite of chronic conditions, to break free from addictions, and to heal their bodies and minds.
Nurse Practitioners
Andrea Blunt-Gaudreault
Andrea was born and raised in Kirkland Lake where she enjoyed winters downhill skiing and summers at her family cottage in Quebec. Andrea eventually left the great white north to complete a BScN degree at Queen’s University in Kingston. She was subsequently employed with Toronto Public Health in the Sexual Health department followed by the Family Health department where she worked as a French language Public Health Nurse for the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program. She worked mainly with French speaking immigrants and refugees for a number of years before leaving to travel the world with her husband. The two traveled extensively through Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and numerous central and eastern European countries before returning home to refocus on their careers. Andrea feels that she gained tremendous cultural knowledge and understanding through both her personal travel and work experience.
After much debate, Andrea left Public Health in 2005 and decided to return to a more clinical focus. She completed her Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree in 2008 and has since been employed with the UGFHT where she hopes to remain until her estimated date of retirement in 2037! Andrea and her family are happy to call the communities of Elora and Fergus “home”. Andrea looks forward to collaboratively supporting you and your family for years to come!
Julia Hutton
Julia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University in 2006. She then worked as an RN in the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, before travelling to Australia to work for a year. There she worked in various hospital and primary care settings in the Sydney area with her now-husband, who grew up there. She completed her Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner and Masters of Science in Nursing Program at York University in Toronto in 2011. Upon graduation, she worked as a Primary Care NP with the Guelph Family Health Team before joining the UGFHT in 2014. Her experiences have developed her passion for a holistic approach to preventative health care, women’s and children’s health, and chronic disease management, as well as caring for all patients throughout their lifespan. Outside of her work she loves hiking, cooking, travelling and spending time with her husband and two beautiful young daughters.
Kristin Johnson
Kristin is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner who has been with the UGFHT since 2008. She has a long history in Public Health with sexual health, women’s health and health promotion. Kristin’s passion for herself and others is a healthy lifestyle to obtain optimal health and prevention of illnesses. She especially enjoys all outdoor activities, especially sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Walking in the woods and doing yoga is also a strong interest for the meditative benefits. Kristin and her husband have three sons in their twenties who are mostly in the West pursuing more rigorous outdoor pursuits.
Colleen Loree
Colleen Loree is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner who has been with the Family Health Team since 2015 and serves patients of the Grand River Family Physicians clinic in Fergus. She has a nursing background in the Intensive Care Unit and Cardiac Surgery/Coronary Care Unit in Kitchener, as well as the Emergency Department at Groves Memorial Community Hospital. She also has shared her knowledge by teaching nursing students at Conestoga College. She has a passion for comprehensive, evidence-based mental health, sexual health, and chronic pain management. Colleen delights in the knowledge that the Nurse Practitioner role allows her to spend more time with her patients in order to understand their health challenges (and assets) so she can be a resource for their pursuit of health goals. In her leisure time Colleen enjoys competitive, synchronized skating, playing with her daughter, running, camp nursing, and planning family travel adventures.
Barb Wagg
Barb Wagg is a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner who works with patients out of the Arthur Family Health Center; she is also a member of the memory clinic team in Fergus. She enjoys educating patients on health promotion and prevention. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner in 2009 she worked for nine years as a registered nurse in the Emergency Room at the Guelph General Hospital. She lives on a horse farm outside of Damascus with her husband, son, and two daughters. In her spare time enjoys reading, skiing, and riding horses with her family.
Occupational Therapist
Amanda Froese is a registered Occupational Therapist who earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, with a minor in Gerontology from the University of Waterloo, before pursuing her Masters in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University.
At the UGFHT Amanda has a broad scope of practice. She works with clients of all ages and a variety of conditions to help them participate in occupations that are important to them. “Occupations” are more than just jobs and 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, Amanda enjoys working together with clients of all ages to help them overcome obstacles interfering with their daily activities. She is also involved with the FHT’s Chronic Pain and Memory Clinic programs. Outside of work Amanda enjoys hiking, travelling, and playing Ultimate Frisbee
Outreach Worker
Nikki has been with the UGFHT since June 2015 and is an Outreach Worker with 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.
Pharmacist
Cora graduated from Dalhousie University College of Pharmacy in 2004, receiving awards for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice and Natural Medicines Recognition. She was born and raised in Newfoundland and moved to Ontario to be close to family.
At the Family Health Team you can find Cora providing Asthma education, Chronic Pain assessments, medication reviews and drug information. She is an active member of the FHT’s IT/Medical Records committee and Quality committee. She is also a member of the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy Rx Drug Working Group, the Ontario Primary Care Team Pharmacists Working Group and a participant of the Ontario Renal Network initiative to improve safety of medication prescribing in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Outside of working hours Cora enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones, running with her high energy canine companions, and attempting Pinterest DIY projects
Physician Assistant
Cathy Verity, BSc., MSc., BHsc.PA
Cathy completed her Bachelor of Sciences and Master of Sciences at the University of Guelph. She was in the second class to graduate from McMaster’s Physician Assistant Program. Cathy joined the UGFHT in 2011 and primarily works with the Geddes Medical Group in Elora. She, also, enjoys working with the Memory Clinic Team in Fergus monthly. Cathy is the proud mom of three children, of whom she loves camping, getting outdoors and listening and playing music with! Cathy is an advocate in her role as a Physician Assistant and is happy to answer any questions you may have about the profession!
Administrative Staff
Lucy moved to Fergus nineteen years ago with her husband and three young children. Nine years after moving to Fergus her family added a new member to the family, a Bichon Frisée Poodle named Tiffany. She returned to the work force after sixteen years of staying at home. Lucy has been the Receptionist with the UGFHT since 2009 and couldn’t have asked for a better place to work. Her focus is to make clients feel welcomed when they enter our office, as well as answer any questions or concerns our clients may have.
Outside of working hours, Lucy’s passion is to prepare authentic Italian and gourmet meals for family and friends. In addition to her passion for cooking, she also looks forward to every spring when she plants her vegetable garden. It’s a very small garden but it’s enough to put her gardening skills to the test… evidently, to the benefit of the FHT staff, she always plants too many tomatoes!
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 Riverview Medical Group – Lower Level.
Kristin Kathiravelu – Executive Director
Ensuring service excellence is of utmost importance to Kristin.
As an integral member of the team, the Executive Director reports to the organization’s Board of Directors to advise on matters of policy and risk, quality monitoring, evaluation and human resources. Kristin also supports service planning and delivery by actively developing team-based, patient-centered programs that meet the highest standards of care. She works with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the organization’s strategic plans and acts as a liaison with community partners and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Kristin lives in Ariss and in her spare time enjoys gardening, keeping active and exploring all that Centre Wellington has to offer.
Samantha McGill – Executive Administrative Assistant
The Administrative Assistant provides a wide variety of administrative support to the Executive Director, members of Board, Medical Director and staff to ensure that the day-to-day office functions run smoothly. Sam’s main focus is to ensure that staff are fully supported so that they can focus on assisting their clients and completing their daily duties. Sam joined the Upper Grand Family Health Team in 2017. Previous to joining the team she worked in various administrative supporting roles within Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, local hospitals, family health teams and the natural product sector. Outside of work Sam can often be found running or biking along local trails and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
Join Our Team
Are you interested in a career or student placement at the Upper Grand Family Health Team?
We have the following vacancies:
Geriatric Nurse Specialist (RN) - Permanent, Full-Time
Geriatric Nurse Specialist (RN)
Permanent Full-Time (5 days/ week)
The Upper Grand Family Health Team (UGFHT) is seeking a dynamic team player to join an innovative, community-based primary health care team. We are looking for an outstanding collaborative clinician to help us create a model of excellence in rural primary care with local family physicians and their office staff.
Position summary
The role of the Nurse Specialist is to provide a full range of primary care services with a focus on disease prevention and health promotion. Working in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, the Geriatric Nurse Specialist (RN) will share expertise and knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention and will be responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of services to older adults, their families and caregivers. A detailed job description is available upon request.
Requirements
- Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing required, Master of Science in Nursing preferred.
- Registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario. RNAO membership preferred.
- Minimum three years demonstrated experience in a primary health care (family medicine) or community health care setting preferred.
- P.I.E.C.E.S. training, Primary Care Memory Clinic training/experience, falls prevention education/training and demonstrated experience and/or additional training in gerontological nursing would be considered strong assets.
- Knowledge and competency in current, evidence-based methods and practices of primary care delivery, with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
- Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively and be flexible in a very active work environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong interest and experience in program development, implementation, facilitation and evaluation of health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management programs.
- Able to function as a team player working collaboratively with other FHT staff and community partners.
- Excellent communication and problem solving skills.
- Sound organizational, teaching and leadership skills.
- Valid Ontario Driver’s license and access to own reliable vehicle.
- Proficiency in the use of computer and communication system knowledge including e-mail and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs).
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé by Friday October 20, 2017 to:
Samantha McGill, Administrative Assistant
Upper Grand Family Health Team
753 Tower Street South
Fergus, ON N1M 2R2
careers@uppergrandfht.org
Fax: (519) 843-7386
The UGFHT is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all our clients/customers, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under The UGFHT’s Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants with needs that require accommodation are encouraged to contact Samantha McGill at (519) 843-3947 extension 100.
Administrative Assistant - Temporary, Full-Time
Administrative Assistant (1 year contract)
Temporary, Full-time (5 days/week)
The Upper Grand Family Health Team (UGFHT) offers the opportunity to join an innovative, community-based primary health care team serving the Arthur, Fergus, and Elora area. We are looking for a talented team player to join us as we continue to provide a model of excellence in rural primary health care.
Position summary
The Administrative Assistant is responsible for a wide variety of administrative duties in support of the Executive Director, members of Board, Medical Director and staff. The successful candidate will be tasked with organizing meetings and events, preparing various reports, maintaining records, reconciling bank statements, drafting sensitive correspondence, and being the point person for troubleshooting day-to-day operational aspects including staff and vendor requests, equipment maintenance, and system development. A detailed job description is available upon request.
Requirements
- University degree in Business Administration, or an acceptable combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of direct work experience in an administrative assistant capacity. Administrative support experience in a health care setting preferred.
- Strong knowledge of general office procedures involving procurement, budget management, financial reporting, and office management.
- Superior typing skills and hands-on experience with productivity applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail and presentation software.
- Proficiency in the use of computer and communication and phone systems.
- Excellent writing skills, including proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation and an ability to write and format moderately complex correspondence, including memos, letters, etc.
- Strong customer service orientation and a demonstrated ability to handle difficult situations as they arise and the ability to be diplomatic, tactful and discreet in working with our clients, their family members, physicians and coworkers.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Valid Ontario Drivers’ License and access to own reliable vehicle.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé by Tuesday October 31, 2017 to:
Samantha McGill, Administrative Assistant
Upper Grand Family Health Team
753 Tower Street South
Fergus, ON N1M 2R2
careers@uppergrandfht.org
Fax: (519) 843-7386
The UGFHT is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all our clients/customers, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under The UGFHT’s Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants with needs that require accommodation are encouraged to contact Samantha McGill at (519) 843-3947 extension 100.
