BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Carion Fenn Foundation Board of Directors meet regularly to oversee the policies and practices to promote integrity, transparency and accountability. Our Executive Team are accountable for the Day to Day operations of our organization. We also have a Board Committee who are devoted, focused and meet monthly to implementing Programs through Durham Black Network.
bOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carion Fenn Board Chair Ajax, ON Canada
Carion Fenn is a TV show host at Rogers TV Durham hosting Health 180 with Carion Fenn. She is the Founding President of the Carion Fenn Foundation and an award-winning healthcare advocate. Carion is a Board of Trustee, Current Chair & Past-Vice Chair of the Board Quality Committee and Committee Board Chair of The Ajax Pickering Hospital Community Panel for Lakeridge Health, governing the 5 hospitals, Pinewood Centre for addictions, Long Term-Care and Durham Mental Health Services in Durham Region.
Carion is the recipient of the Rogers TV Resiliency Award 2021 for her resiliency, dedication, and hard work displayed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Carion is the first black woman to run for Mayor of the Town of Ajax and a past Vice Chair and Accessibility Advisor to Council on the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Town of Ajax. She is a member of the Ajax Legion and has earned several recognitions for her community service including being a former volunteer for Big Brother Big Sisters of Canada.
She is a winner for CIBWE’s Canada 100 Black Women to Watch 2020 and has been selected for the following: Women of Influence, “Meet A Role Model” 2020; 2020 Black History Month Panel speaker identified as someone who personifying black excellence; the Denise House 35 Courageous Woman Award; one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women by the honourable Jean Augustine & her Co-authors; the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (10 YRS) from the Ontario Provincial Government; Adult Ajax Civic Award (the Town’s Highest Honour); Education and Accessibility Community Award from the Town of Ajax; Spinal Cord Injury Ontario and University Health Network Patti Dawson Award and Advocacy Award from Abilities Awards.
Nicole N. Hanson, MES (Pl.) Board Member, Advocacy Director Profession: Urban Planner Mississauga, ON Canada
Nicole specializes in land use planning and environmental regulatory compliance for long-range planning process. Nicole holds a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and is well versed in meeting provincial and municipal regulations of environmental compliance. Nicole specializes in land use planning and environmental regulatory compliance for long-range planning process. Nicole holds a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and is well versed in meeting provincial and municipal regulations of environmental compliance. Nicole retains extensive knowledge of provincial legislation for planning and development systems and processes; Provincial Policy Statement, Ontario Planning Act, Ontario Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, The Big Move (Metrolinx), Metrolinx Five Year Strategy 2015-2020, Indian Lands Act, Ontario Heritage Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act and the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Nicole N. Hanson has been a long-standing advocate of building healthy communities as an urban planner and visionary. As a recent cancer survivor who was misdiagnosed for a number of years, Nicole understands the importance of building capacity and awareness on issues of chronic illnesses in the public interest.
Heather Frempong, RN, BScN, Board Member, mental health director Profession: Registered Nurse Whitby, ON Canada
Heather is a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience in the health care and social service industry. She has extensive knowledge and experience in health education, health promotion, disease prevention, mental health and occupational health. Her experience and expertise in various fields such as; behavioural science, epidemiology and fundamental health sciences allows Heather to play a multi-faceted role in influencing and supporting businesses and organizations to promote and maintain the health of employees in the workplace. Heather uses prevention, protection, and pro-active health solutions to create and implement effective health and wellness programs for the workplace to improve employee health, minimize illness transmission and create a productive, healthy, and safe work environment. Heather is an active and strong advocate for social and health equality for members of the community. She believes in putting the individual first and creating a healthy community through empowering its members to live a holistic and expansive life. Heather volunteers for various committees and boards dedicated to healthcare, social equality and community development.
Vielka Almanzar Bautista, HBA, MEd, MA board member, Progam director Profession: Registered Psychotherapist
I am a Registered Psychotherapist serving clients in and around Whitby, Ontario, as well as online. With 10 years of experience providing both short-term counselling and long-term psychotherapy. I work with children, youth, adults, couples, and families presenting mental health issues; behavioral, developmental and parenting difficulties, as well as people managing chronic pain and illness or undergoing critical life transitions such as immigration or divorce. License in Ontario since 2010 with a Honours BSc. General Psychology, Masters of Education and Master of Arts in Health and Clinical Psychology.
Alex Blair Board member director at large Retired Social Worker Ajax, ON Canada
Alex Blair is a retired crisis counselor for the City of Toronto who also worked in Durham Region with organizations such as Durham Mental Health Services. A resident of Town of Ajax with over 40 years of experience working as a social worker. He has a bachelors degree in social work and takes great pride in being able to make a difference in the lives of others. A husband, father and grandfather. Alex is enjoying retirement years as a senior.
Sparky T. Johnson Board Member aCCESSIBILITY & sENIORS dIRECTOR Profession: Retired Counsellor Clarington, ON Canada
I am a 1st Nations Ojibway “PEACEFUL” Warrior Woman (Kwe) who is out going, loving, caring, compassionate, empathetic, open minded and giving. Whose journey & walk of life even since having had Stroke in 2012 total left side paralysis. A calling, mission and life to serve assist protect guide & support “AWOL” All walks of life without prejudice. Also, a college graduate as a Counsellor/Therapist/Life, Skills Facilitator/CPI/Other with the objective goal: Also, volunteer with CCAC/other, pastoral care & spiritual (non denominational) & sitting on various community BOD’s.
Sai Tuppal Board Member, Secretary University Student Whitby, ON Canada
Sai Tuppal is a manager in the healthcare industry. He has worked in that position for the last few years, growing a passion for healthcare and advocacy. After joining the foundation’s team, he has learned a great deal about rare diseases and mental health as it pertains to the community. He hopes to continue having an impact in the community.
Ken Anderson Board member Director at large Syringomyelia patient North Vancouver, BC Canada
Ken Anderson was born, raised and lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and much of that time has been spent living with disability. Ken survived a spinal cord injury occurring as a result of a motor vehicle accident when he was just a teenager. Ken having suffered a devastating life setback chose to value the gift of life and drive forward productively and energetically. Ken participated in rehabilitation at the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. Ken has also continued to pursue athletics, participating in an array of wheelchair athletic venues. Most notably Ken was part of the Sports Hall of Fame inducted Vancouver Cable Cars Wheelchair basketball team. Ken has also worked for the British Columbia Paraplegic Association. After High School Ken attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology BCIT as well as Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Having been a person living with disability since his teenage years, Ken has seen the need for advocacy in support of the rights and freedoms of the disabled, and has for much of his life, both worked and volunteered in support of his peers.
Rev. Michlynn Walton Board member, director at large Owner, GrandDad Cares & The Cove Port Perry, ON Canada
Rev. Michlynn Walton has been connected to the Elemental Energies from a very early age. She draws on the energies unique properties as a means to navigate her journey and learn about the world we live in. Her accreditation's include: Ordained Metaphysical Reverend, Reiki, Soul Retrieval, Quantum Touch, EFT, and Sound Vibration Healing Teacher/Mentor/ Practitioner - Public speaker, Energy Intuitive - Spiritual Workshop & Retreat Facilitator - Birth & Death Doula, Grief Counselor & Hospice Worker. Rev Michlynn shares her gifts all over the world.
Tanis Russell board member, health director profession: Registered Nurse Bowmanville, ON Canada
Tanis Russell is a Clinical Practice Leader, and a experienced Registered Nurse, skilled in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine. Tanis is passionate about the development of health policy initiatives , and facilitating nursing education for nurses at every stage of their career. Tanis values education and appreciates its impact on nursing practice, and its influence on patient care outcomes. Tanis is experienced in identifying, planning, implementing and evaluating educational strategies that influence nursing practice and facilitate the change required to meet the patient healthcare needs. Tanis has received a Master's degree in Nursing with a focus on Health Policy & Leadership in Education through Ryerson University, and is a proud inductee of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Tanis moved to Durham Region 11 years ago, and is passionate in serving the community.
ALICIA MCLEOD BOARD MEMBER, DIRECTOR AT LARGE SYRINGOMYELIA & CHIARI MALFORMATION PATIENT
Alicia has a passion for helping others. She is a manager for a charity who helps individuals and children experiencing homelessness. In her free time, she raises awareness about rare diseases, mental health and homelessness through fundraisers, her business and social media. At sixteen her best friend Justice was murdered this turned her world upside down. Before finding a passion for philanthropy she would donate in his memory whenever a grocery clerk would ask her if she’d like to donate. A few years later she was diagnosed with chiari malformation, syringomyelia and a panic disorder. She chooses to rise above her trials and tribulations by being the change she wishes to see I’m the world!