Our Board

Vice-Chair

Vanessa works with organizations including ministries of health, health delivery organizations, provincial health agencies, regional clinical programs and local health authorities to transform their care delivery models. With over a decade of experience in Ontario’s health system, Vanessa’s work has focused on health system policy and strategy with a specialization in quality improvement, innovative funding models and integrated system planning.

Vanessa is motivated in her work by a desire to create better systems of support and care to improve experiences and outcomes.

Secretary

Kyle Shermet has a broad understanding of acute care systems and expertise in emergency departments. He has over 10 years of experience in various clinical and leadership roles including bedside nurse, clinical supervisor, educator and manager in emergency departments. As Emergency Department Manager he works closely with the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) Nurses and has first-hand experience of the importance of proper supports for seniors in their homes.

Jennie Pickard has held senior leadership positions within the health system ranging from registered nurse with a specialty in mental health, to health policy and home care. She has held leadership roles in strategic partnerships where she led strategies to advance system partnerships that included a partnership with a university and national organization to build capacity for quality improvement.

Jennie has a strong interest in improving patient experience and supporting staff to deliver their best care. Bringing “Change Day”, an international movement to Ontario, was one of her efforts related to this.

With a multi-cultural background, Julian Wang has over 15 years of experience in the finance field, including with a Canadian social enterprise. As a designated CPA, he is currently a Controller at a Toronto-based tech company.

Julian is a versatile professional. He holds dual MBA degrees, and a master’s degree in law. He is also proficient in HR, governance, data, marketing, operations, and strategies. Julian has a great passion for contributing his expertise to communities and serves in various volunteer roles.

Dr. Kelly Kay is the Executive Director of Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario, an entity funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health to support clinical geriatric services across the province. With over 30 years of experience, Kelly’s career spans geriatric and psychiatric nursing, clinical administration, health policy, education, and leadership at national, provincial, and local levels.

She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership (Health Specialization) from Royal Roads University and a PhD from the University of Toronto, in collaboration with the Institute of Life Course and Aging. Her research focuses on aging, seniors’ health policy, and team-based care. Passionate about collaboration, Kelly works with older adults and professionals to advance integrated, person-centred care for those with complex health needs. Kelly is a life-long Scarborough resident, where she resides with her family.

Ash brings extensive corporate management experience, having held positions in risk management, internal controls, product development, marketing, and operations in the financial services industry. He is currently on the Board of a community arts charity and a Board committee member of a Food Bank.

Ash was also previously a Board member of national health charity and served on multiple committees including as National Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit, Risk committee. He is a CPA, CA and holds a business degree from the University of Toronto. Ash appreciates the efforts that SPLC provides to support seniors in the community, as he has also dealt with caring for ailing senior family members.