Team

With more than 15 years of experience with all administrative tasks at the executive level, Angelina skillfully manages the many administrative duties with ease and confidence. Over the years, her experience in various fields including tourism, prestige cosmetics, education, and convenience, have allowed her to tailor her skills to meet the needs of not only her colleagues but the organization as a whole. Angelina provides support to the President and CEO in her leadership role while ensuring the smooth operation of the office. She appreciates spending time with family and friends and has enjoyed her travels to Europe, particularly visiting the country of origin of her family roots.

Anneliese has a PhD in Social Sciences from McMaster University and brings over 13 years of experience in stakeholder engagement for opportunity identification and co-creation of solutions. Anneliese has experience in knowledge mobilization, program management and change management. Anneliese has authored guides, book chapters, and an online course on topics related to knowledge mobilization and research impact. As Senior Manager of Knowledge Mobilization for Brain Canada, Anneliese utilizes her skills in expert facilitation, relationship building and project management to support researchers towards creating real and positive changes for brain health.

Barbara has spent her entire career in the non-for-profit sector. She has worked in large shops and small in a variety of sectors (relief field, education, social services, and health). Barbara has been fundraising for 16 years in various leadership roles with a focus on major gift fundraising. Prior to joining Brain Canada, Barbara was the Director of Development, Major Gifts at Diabetes Canada since 2016. Her strong background in relationship building, strategic fundraising and her donor-centered approach strengthened and grew the revenue of her previous employers.

Based in Ottawa, Celina Stipanic brings over 25 years of experience in the Canadian sport system, where she served as High-Performance Manager for Skate Canada’s Olympic and World Team, before transitioning into roles in fund development and alumni management. Her passion for philanthropy led her to donor relations work at the CHEO Foundation, before joining Brain Canada.

Celina has been involved in major international events like the Olympic Games, LPGA, and FIFA. In addition, she dedicates time to volunteering at the Shepherds of Good Hope, an Ottawa organization supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. In her free time, Celina enjoys family, travel, golfing in the summer, and snowboarding in the winter.

Fiona has a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, where she investigated the parallels between brain development and the initiation and progression of malignant brain tumours. After obtaining her doctorate degree, Fiona worked as a Scientific Program Manager at SickKids, managing collaborative research programs aimed at understanding and unravelling the molecular biology of adult and pediatric brain tumours. In her role as Program Manager at Brain Canada Foundation, Fiona brings a passion for brain research, and expertise in brain oncology and the Canadian academic and healthcare sectors. Fiona lives in the Greater Toronto Area and enjoys spending time with her young family, travelling, taking walks, listening to podcasts, and playing dodgeball.

Holder of a bachelor’s degree in administration from Romania, and of a certificate in accounting from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University, Gloria Friedrich has worked in the financial services sector for the last 17 years, where she acquired a solid background as she held several positions including cash supervisor, assistant team leader and accounting analyst.

In her role as Accountant in the Finance department, Gloria reports directly to the Director, Finance and Operations, Jean-Martin Strati. Gloria is responsible for producing accurate and efficient financial reports, analysis and statements, and for executing different tasks related to the general accounting of the Brain Canada Foundation.

A member of l’Ordre des CPA du Québec, Jean-Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting as well as a Master of Business and Administration from Université du Québec à Montréal’s school of business (ESG UQAM).

In his role as Director of Finance and Operations, Jean-Martin oversees the entirety of the accounting and operational financial management of the organization. He develops processes and supports all internal departments, ensuring that the Foundation has the resources and systems necessary to carry out its mission successfully.

Before starting his studies in accounting, he lived his passion, travelling and operating restaurants as an Executive-Chef. Jean-Martin holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline he practices and teaches recreationally with his family.

Jillian brings a strong foundation in digital marketing and communications to her role as Marketing and Communications Officer. She earned her degree in history and political science from Dalhousie University and holds a graduate certificate in digital marketing from George Brown College. As part of her certification, she completed an internship with the Brain Injury Society of Toronto. She spent time working as a marketing consultant for small businesses and as a content strategist for a podcast. Combining a passion for storytelling with a strategic approach to communications Jillian strives to aid in Brain Canada’s goal to amplify and accelerate brain research.

Julia holds a BSc in Neuroscience from McGill University, during which she worked as a research assistant on projects related to chronic pain and circadian rhythm. She then went on to pursue a PhD in Biomedical and Molecular Science at Queen’s University, studying the circadian rhythm of pain and neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis. Julia also served as an adjudicator for undergraduate research competitions, sat on several graduate committees, and completed a Science Writing Internship funded by NSERC and the Laurier Centre of Women in Science. As a Program Manager at Brain Canada, Julia is committed to supporting brain research to make an impact on the brain health of all Canadians. In her free time, Julia loves to read science fiction novels and create handmade pasta.

Kate Shingler joined Brain Canada in 2020, and is an experienced communications professional with a background in journalism, impact storytelling and translating complex ideas to the broader public in an accessible, meaningful way. Kate worked for more than a decade with Global Television as a Reporter, Senior Producer, and Associate News Director. For 5 years, she was the Director of Communications at the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP), a non-partisan, national think tank. Prior to joining Brain Canada, Kate was the Associate Director of Communications at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation, where she led the team’s digital strategy, and helped to enhance the MUHC Foundation’s profile in Montreal, and across Canada.

Mario Chartrand joined the Brain Canada Foundation in 2015 and has over 30 years of experience as a finance and operations leader in the business and charitable sectors. He began his career at Deloitte in the public company sector and has participated in several public offerings. He is an expert in wealth management and Family Office as he serves as a financial and philanthropic advisory for a prominent Canadian family for more than 18 years.

Melissa has a multifaceted educational background, holding dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology/Public Affairs and Communications/Cultural Studies from Concordia University. She holds a certificate in Fundraising Management from Ryerson University. Upon graduating, Melissa worked at a magazine in Vancouver before joining a national Public Relations firm where she managed numerous accounts in various industries including non-profit, health and beauty, product retail, and food and beverage. As a Senior Digital Communications & Stewardship Officer at Brain Canada, Melissa is fueling her passion for philanthropy while leveraging digital platforms to optimize Brain Canada’s presence and championing the significance of Canadian brain research.

Prior to joining Brain Canada, Monica was the Executive Director of the Jerusalem Foundation of Canada, from 2008 to 2018, where she helped rebuild and grow a dormant charitable foundation into a vibrant and successful Canadian chapter of an internationally recognized organization. Having initially joined Brain Canada in 2018 as a Development Advisor, Monica’s experience in crafting collaborations for the purpose of raising philanthropic dollars, creating and implementing fundraising events such as the first ever 20th Brain Canada anniversary event, meshes well with her personal dedication to support brain research.

Prior to joining Brain Canada, Dr. Kanellis was the Assistant Vice-President, Research at MS Canada where she accelerated research in multiple sclerosis by engaging researchers, clinicians, and other key stakeholders. In this role, she led a team to administer research funding and trainee awards, supported research workshops and conferences, and translated the latest research to the public. She also served as the administrative lead for the Canadian Prospective Cohort to understand progression in multiple sclerosis, working with partners from government, industry and not-for-profit sectors. Previously, she was Senior Director, Research at CIFAR, where she worked with interdisciplinary research networks to address questions of global importance, including the Child & Brain Development program. There, she also led the global academy with the development of the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program for early career researchers and a women in science leadership workshop series. Prior to this role, Dr. Kanellis worked at Grand Challenges Canada to pioneer a program in global mental health working closely with partners at the  World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health. She started her career as a health and life sciences strategy consultant working in Canada and abroad. Pamela received a BSc. in biochemistry from McMaster University and PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Toronto.

Rebecca is a certified Raiser’s Edge/Raiser’s EdgeNXT Professional, focused on leading the enhancement and upkeep of our donor database. With a decade of experience in information processing, product marketing, and administration support, she became part of the Brain Canada team in August 2023. Originally from the east coast of Canada, Rebecca earned a Business Administration Diploma from the College of the North Atlantic before moving to Montreal ten years ago. In her free time, she indulges in making clothes, listening to podcasts, reading, traveling, and volunteering.

Holder of a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Concordia University, Sejal has over ten years of experience in administrative support in the healthcare sector. Her experience spans medical office and clinic management, facilities management, accounting tasks and customer service. She has experience supporting multiple surgeons, executives and managers. She is known for her ability to manage changing and competing priorities and using initiative to deliver outstanding performance.