Michelle Kay, MPNL, CPA-CMA, ACMA(UK)
Michelle takes over the position of Treasurer. She enjoys the challenge of creating order from chaos, particularly when it removes the stress of that chaos from others and frees them to focus on what they do best. Michelle started GRIA Consulting in 2016 to pursue her passion for helping others to succeed and the diversity of her clients makes for a fun and rewarding work experience. A life-long learner, Michelle completed her Masters in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Carleton University in December 2020.
When 100+ Women Who Care Lanark selected Home Hospice North Lanark as the Fall 2020 recipient, Michelle noticed that HHNL were looking to recruit a new Treasurer. The opportunity to serve on the HHNL Board where both her accounting experience and master’s learning could be utilized was serendipitous.
She is Mom to 2, Stepmom to 2 more — “GRIA” connects all 4 — and loves hiking, travelling, and volunteering in her community.
Deanna Barry
Deanna has been a long-time volunteer in the areas of recreation and social services, both at the Board of Directors and frontline program delivery levels, and she is a true believer in giving back to her community. She brings to the HHNL Board knowledge of education and communications, as well as experience in fundraising and special events. A lover of the outdoors, Deanna spends her spare time paddling with her husband, as well as playing with her dogs and gardening on their rural property, and riding her horse. Deanna chose Home Hospice to volunteer with after two very different experiences with death and dying; one, with a family member who experienced a dignified and respectful death in a hospice environment and the other, with a close friend who was never offered hospice services and where they could have made a big difference to this individual and their family members.
Kelly Smith
Kelly has held many different roles within both the private and not-for-profit sectors of business throughout her career. Kelly has had the privilege to work in a variety of industries, including the high-tech sector, high finance, manufacturing and the Graphic Arts industry, and most recently over 20 years in Healthcare. She spent 18 years with Community Care Access Centres, then worked with The Ottawa Hospital on the Electronic Health Record project CNEO/NER.
Her diverse experience lends a unique perspective and approach to her work ethics. Kelly’s passion and drive did not allow her to limit her impacts to the various roles she has held throughout her career. Kelly is a Certified Project Manager and graduated her program with high honours. She holds a certificate in Equestrian Coaching as well as a Certificate in Pilates Instruction.
Kelly possesses an ability to develop strong, lifelong relationships with all individuals with whom she interacts. Kelly demonstrates intuitive design capabilities and calls on her skills in creating unique materials. In her past roles, she developed a polished, professional mannerism, with strictest regard to respect for her clients and co-workers.
Kelly repeatedly returns to her passion for the arts and fills her spare time creating unique, one-of-a-kind greeting cards for friends and family. She has also designed custom wedding invitations for clients as a hobby. As well, she creates unique costume jewellery when the mood strikes.
Esther Houle
Esther is a Registered Nurse (non practicing) and co-owner of a medium sized company called Parkit360 based in Carleton Place, ON. She gained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Ottawa in 1991. Since then she has continued learning and growing and has worked in a variety of roles in nursing. During her nursing career she held the role of Chief Nursing Officer and Outpatient Manager at Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital for 5 years. Since leaving the hospital she has been a mom, wife and caregiver for her elderly mother. Her passion is to help and care for people and with the recent passing of her mom she longed to be more involved in her community. So when the opportunity of director came up on the Board of Home Hospice she readily applied.
In her time off she loves to read, and travel with her family. She has an adorable Shih Tzu named Pepper who is completely spoiled.
Ruth Dubois
My background in palliative care stems from 42+ years of work as a RN and nurse educator in a variety of areas including geriatrics, surgery, medicine, mental health, and community home care. I earned a MA with a concentration in Counselling, focused on psychotherapy for the seniors age group. I have been an active volunteer and leader over the years in many organizations and initiatives, currently leading Seniors Fitness at Carebridge. My family includes my husband, two daughters, and two school-aged grandsons.