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Our Board
Board Executive
Glen Burkholder
HHA Co-Founder, Board Chair
Glen is a co-founder of Home Hospice Association and has been a funeral director since 1986. Originally from the Niagara Region, he moved to Toronto in 2012. He is a member of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Toronto District Funeral Directors Inc. and the Ontario Funeral Service Association. In February 2023, Glen joined the team of McKersie & Early Funeral Home in Milton, Ontario.
Glen is especially passionate about HHA’s continued education and training mission, and is deeply involved in the development and facilitation of the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula certificate programs.
A proud father of two, Glen is committed to family and community. He has volunteered with Daval Hospice, Stamford Lions Club, Big Brothers Association of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Historical Museum Cemetery Tours, Niagara Falls Block Parent Association and the Knights of Columbus. Glen also enjoys getting his hands dirty with home repairs and renovations, and some of his favorite things to do include photography, the outdoors and enjoying a country drive on his motorcycle.
Glen is a co-founder of Home Hospice Association and has been a funeral director since 1986. Originally from the Niagara Region, he moved to Toronto in 2012. He is a member of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Toronto District Funeral Directors Inc. and the Ontario Funeral Service Association. In February 2023, Glen joined the team of McKersie & Early Funeral Home in Milton, Ontario.
Glen is especially passionate about HHA’s continued education and training mission, and is deeply involved in the development and facilitation of the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula certificate programs.
A proud father of two, Glen is committed to family and community. He has volunteered with Daval Hospice, Stamford Lions Club, Big Brothers Association of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Historical Museum Cemetery Tours, Niagara Falls Block Parent Association and the Knights of Columbus. Glen also enjoys getting his hands dirty with home repairs and renovations, and some of his favorite things to do include photography, the outdoors and enjoying a country drive on his motorcycle.
Pam Keetch
Board Secretary
Pam is an advocate for animal welfare and has volunteered extensively with dog rescue services. In the fall of 2017, she was inspired by the work of the Bello Project in providing unique home-based hospice and support services for pet owners, and joined Home Hospice Association. In addition to sitting on HHA’s Board of Directors, Pam is now the Program Manager for The Bello Project, the Chapter Champion for the Eastern Ontario Region and a member of the Team Engagement working group.
Pam is an advocate for animal welfare and has volunteered extensively with dog rescue services. In the fall of 2017, she was inspired by the work of the Bello Project in providing unique home-based hospice and support services for pet owners, and joined Home Hospice Association. In addition to sitting on HHA’s Board of Directors, Pam is now the Program Manager for The Bello Project, the Chapter Champion for the Eastern Ontario Region and a member of the Team Engagement working group.
Jeanne O'Kell
HHA Co-founder
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Directors
Tammy Elliott
Director
Tammy is a PSW and Death Doula who works privately with several clients in the rural communities of Chatham-Kent and Lambton County’s. She loves being able to support and help them and their families with their everyday life challenges, combining end of life work within that role when needed.
She is the wife of a hard-working Farmer, Mother of 2 and is blessed to be a grandma to 5 beautiful grandchildren.
After the tragic loss of one of her Grandsons in 2022 she became more passionate about educating the public on the role of Death Doulas and the support system within the HHA after attending the 6 week Our Babies Our Grief meetings. She found from personal experience that Grandparents are among the forgotten when it comes to their grief journeys while trying to support their child through their loss. She will be taking the IPLD course through the HHA in late 2023 to expand her knowledge and help her family and others navigate their journey of loss.
Tammy is a PSW and Death Doula who works privately with several clients in the rural communities of Chatham-Kent and Lambton County’s. She loves being able to support and help them and their families with their everyday life challenges, combining end of life work within that role when needed.
She is the wife of a hard-working Farmer, Mother of 2 and is blessed to be a grandma to 5 beautiful grandchildren.
After the tragic loss of one of her Grandsons in 2022 she became more passionate about educating the public on the role of Death Doulas and the support system within the HHA after attending the 6 week Our Babies Our Grief meetings. She found from personal experience that Grandparents are among the forgotten when it comes to their grief journeys while trying to support their child through their loss. She will be taking the IPLD course through the HHA in late 2023 to expand her knowledge and help her family and others navigate their journey of loss.
Francine Kelly
Director
Francine started at HHA as a placement student from Humber College in September 2020 and ended up staying on with the Moonlit Memory Walk Team. Before coming to Canada, she worked at the University Hospital of the West Indies for 18+ years in client care relations, medical records & statistics, and advocacy. During these years, she supported many patients and relatives who received a life-altering/limiting diagnosis.
A self-identified lifelong learner, Francine has a Social Service Diploma, a BBA, an MBA, and an LLQP certificate. Her goals include making a significant impact in social policies and pursuing more studies in counseling psychology. Francine served as a peer mentor at Humber College for three consecutive semesters from 2020-2021 and enjoyed helping her peers navigate their way through various challenges as they sought to further their learning.
Francine is deeply committed to her spirituality, family and good friends. She is married to Peter and they have a young daughter Haley, whom they adore. Francine enjoys supporting others through trying times, especially the most vulnerable among us. She believes time and care are the most selfless gifts we can give each other. HHA’s mission resonates with her as she agrees that whenever possible we should all have a say in how we die.
Francine started at HHA as a placement student from Humber College in September 2020 and ended up staying on with the Moonlit Memory Walk Team. Before coming to Canada, she worked at the University Hospital of the West Indies for 18+ years in client care relations, medical records & statistics, and advocacy. During these years, she supported many patients and relatives who received a life-altering/limiting diagnosis.
A self-identified lifelong learner, Francine has a Social Service Diploma, a BBA, an MBA, and an LLQP certificate. Her goals include making a significant impact in social policies and pursuing more studies in counseling psychology. Francine served as a peer mentor at Humber College for three consecutive semesters from 2020-2021 and enjoyed helping her peers navigate their way through various challenges as they sought to further their learning.
Francine is deeply committed to her spirituality, family and good friends. She is married to Peter and they have a young daughter Haley, whom they adore. Francine enjoys supporting others through trying times, especially the most vulnerable among us. She believes time and care are the most selfless gifts we can give each other. HHA’s mission resonates with her as she agrees that whenever possible we should all have a say in how we die.
Donna Lawrence
Director
Donna is a Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Nurse Consultant with a deep-rooted commitment to improving the quality of life for the elderly population. She embarked on her nursing journey first as a PSW and then as a nursing student at the University of Manitoba, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN). This foundational education equipped her with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the profession. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to make a meaningful impact led her to further her education, and she subsequently completed her Master of Nursing degree at Athabasca University.
Donna's career trajectory has been marked by a profound passion for the geriatric community. With years of experience working in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities as a PSW, an RN, a Nurse Educator and a Director of Care, she has gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and healthcare needs faced by older adults. Her expertise in pain and symptom management through her work in hospice and continuing education/competency courses, has enabled her to enhance the comfort and well-being of countless seniors, making her a reliable resource in the field.
Donna believes that every individual deserves dignity and compassion during the trajectory of their disease and their end-of-life journey. Her commitment to this specialized area of Nursing has not only provided solace to patients but also support to their families during the most challenging times. Donna's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the elderly and her passion for hospice palliative care makes her continue to lead by example, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
Donna is a Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Nurse Consultant with a deep-rooted commitment to improving the quality of life for the elderly population. She embarked on her nursing journey first as a PSW and then as a nursing student at the University of Manitoba, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN). This foundational education equipped her with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the profession. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to make a meaningful impact led her to further her education, and she subsequently completed her Master of Nursing degree at Athabasca University.
Donna's career trajectory has been marked by a profound passion for the geriatric community. With years of experience working in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities as a PSW, an RN, a Nurse Educator and a Director of Care, she has gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and healthcare needs faced by older adults. Her expertise in pain and symptom management through her work in hospice and continuing education/competency courses, has enabled her to enhance the comfort and well-being of countless seniors, making her a reliable resource in the field.
Donna believes that every individual deserves dignity and compassion during the trajectory of their disease and their end-of-life journey. Her commitment to this specialized area of Nursing has not only provided solace to patients but also support to their families during the most challenging times. Donna's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the elderly and her passion for hospice palliative care makes her continue to lead by example, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
Gail Malcolm
Director
Having worked in the social service/nonprofit sector, Gail has always found meaning and purpose in supporting others as they travel through life's various joys and challenges. The significant loss and grief she has experienced in her own life has further motivated her to walk alongside her clients during their most difficult journeys. Passionate about service and community-building, Gail has been involved in Boards from the National and Provincial level to many local associations. She volunteers with several organizations in her community, including Sakura House Hospice, and is a keen believer in the value of mentorship.
Gail has a great passion for her family. Married almost 50 years to Bill, they have raised three children and a bonus child - all very compassionate individuals who have blessed them with nine grandchildren. Gail strongly believes that life's final journey can be one of caring, dignity and meaning, and it is her hope that through HHA’s work, communities across Canada will become increasingly aware and knowledgeable about the important support services that Death Doulas can provide.
Having worked in the social service/nonprofit sector, Gail has always found meaning and purpose in supporting others as they travel through life's various joys and challenges. The significant loss and grief she has experienced in her own life has further motivated her to walk alongside her clients during their most difficult journeys. Passionate about service and community-building, Gail has been involved in Boards from the National and Provincial level to many local associations. She volunteers with several organizations in her community, including Sakura House Hospice, and is a keen believer in the value of mentorship.
Gail has a great passion for her family. Married almost 50 years to Bill, they have raised three children and a bonus child - all very compassionate individuals who have blessed them with nine grandchildren. Gail strongly believes that life's final journey can be one of caring, dignity and meaning, and it is her hope that through HHA’s work, communities across Canada will become increasingly aware and knowledgeable about the important support services that Death Doulas can provide.
Emily O'Kell
Director
Emily has dedicated her educational career to the study of human rights and has developed a strong understanding of the critical role intersectionality plays in the human experience, from the start of life to the end. Emily also works within local government, ensuring residents can access resources readily and equitably. She believes that in life, and in death, everyone deserves to be heard, feel comforted and have their bodily autonomy respected. Emily’s mother Jeanne, an end-of-life nurse and care advocate, played a large role in raising her to be aware of the intricacies and details - both the painful and the beautiful - of end-of-life care. Emily appreciates being able to apply her experience and passion for advocacy to HHA’s mission and efforts.
Emily has dedicated her educational career to the study of human rights and has developed a strong understanding of the critical role intersectionality plays in the human experience, from the start of life to the end. Emily also works within local government, ensuring residents can access resources readily and equitably. She believes that in life, and in death, everyone deserves to be heard, feel comforted and have their bodily autonomy respected. Emily’s mother Jeanne, an end-of-life nurse and care advocate, played a large role in raising her to be aware of the intricacies and details - both the painful and the beautiful - of end-of-life care. Emily appreciates being able to apply her experience and passion for advocacy to HHA’s mission and efforts.
Laura Silver
Director
In addition to sitting on Home Hospice Association’s Board of Directors, Laura Silver is a Certified Death Doula with HHA and is HHA’s current Calgary Chapter Champion. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, two of three children, and two dogs.
Before moving to Alberta in 2016, Laura spent close to fifteen years as a Senior Policy Advisor and Project Manager in the Ontario health care system, as a public servant and also as a Senior Project Manager at Cancer Care Ontario. She contributed to the Ontario Diabetes Strategy, the Home-Based Primary Care Strategy, and the Seniors Strategy. Earlier in her career, in the University Health Network, Laura helped build the multidisciplinary approach to health care, participated in the development of the Toronto Central LHIN and contributed to the UHN's Palliative Care Strategy. After moving to Alberta, Laura led the creation of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program for newborns, and spent three years improving patient access to specialist care in the province as the Senior Project Manager for eReferral. Laura is a Certified Lean Green Belt in Healthcare as well as PROSCI certified.
Laura has a vision of every community having their local death doula, and that every member of every community has access to the resources, support and compassionate care that allows them to spend their final days in comfort and peace in their chosen space.
In addition to sitting on Home Hospice Association’s Board of Directors, Laura Silver is a Certified Death Doula with HHA and is HHA’s current Calgary Chapter Champion. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, two of three children, and two dogs.
Before moving to Alberta in 2016, Laura spent close to fifteen years as a Senior Policy Advisor and Project Manager in the Ontario health care system, as a public servant and also as a Senior Project Manager at Cancer Care Ontario. She contributed to the Ontario Diabetes Strategy, the Home-Based Primary Care Strategy, and the Seniors Strategy. Earlier in her career, in the University Health Network, Laura helped build the multidisciplinary approach to health care, participated in the development of the Toronto Central LHIN and contributed to the UHN's Palliative Care Strategy. After moving to Alberta, Laura led the creation of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program for newborns, and spent three years improving patient access to specialist care in the province as the Senior Project Manager for eReferral. Laura is a Certified Lean Green Belt in Healthcare as well as PROSCI certified.
Laura has a vision of every community having their local death doula, and that every member of every community has access to the resources, support and compassionate care that allows them to spend their final days in comfort and peace in their chosen space.
Terri Viola-Wilson
Director
Terri Viola-Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of engaging with young people in the classroom, on sports teams, in choirs, and in social justice movements. During those years, one of her passions was helping to improve communication between her students and the adults who cared for them. With the mental welfare of young people in mind, Terri helped develop the C.A.N.D.Y. Café program, and is the C.A.N.D.Y. Café's Program Manager and HHA's Subject Matter Expert for Talking with Kids about Dying, Death and Grief. Drawing on both her personal and professional experiences, as well as her continuing education in childhood trauma and child and youth grieving, Terri brings empathy and knowledge to everyone she encounters, including young people of all ages and the adults who live, work, and care for them.
Terri Viola-Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of engaging with young people in the classroom, on sports teams, in choirs, and in social justice movements. During those years, one of her passions was helping to improve communication between her students and the adults who cared for them. With the mental welfare of young people in mind, Terri helped develop the C.A.N.D.Y. Café program, and is the C.A.N.D.Y. Café's Program Manager and HHA's Subject Matter Expert for Talking with Kids about Dying, Death and Grief. Drawing on both her personal and professional experiences, as well as her continuing education in childhood trauma and child and youth grieving, Terri brings empathy and knowledge to everyone she encounters, including young people of all ages and the adults who live, work, and care for them.
Dean Walters
Director
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Members
Alberta Chapter
Saskia Adelsberger
Member
Saskia is passionate about advocating for palliative patients and their families. She has helped many people with their end-of-life journeys. As an HHA Certified Death Doula, she is thankful she can continue being an emotional lighthouse during these moments. She is also a certified Grief and Bereavement Facilitator and finds it really rewarding to help others navigate their grief.
Originally from Switzerland, Saskia now serves her communities in Central Alberta. Currently residing in Carstairs with her two sons and a Mini Australian Shepherd.
Saskia is passionate about advocating for palliative patients and their families. She has helped many people with their end-of-life journeys. As an HHA Certified Death Doula, she is thankful she can continue being an emotional lighthouse during these moments. She is also a certified Grief and Bereavement Facilitator and finds it really rewarding to help others navigate their grief.
Originally from Switzerland, Saskia now serves her communities in Central Alberta. Currently residing in Carstairs with her two sons and a Mini Australian Shepherd.
Eastern Ontario Chapter
Izabela Klimkowska
Member
For over 20 years, Izabela has dedicated herself to the profound role of a hospice volunteer, offering unwavering support to individuals in their final stages. In 2017, her commitment expanded into Home Hospice Association work, deepening her connection to compassionate care.
Additionally, as a certified death doula for over 8 years, Izabela brings a unique blend of empathy and expertise to guide individuals and their families through the delicate process of the end of life journey.
Furthermore, she's broadened her knowledge to encompass crucial services within the realm of HHA, including the Bello Project, IPLD, and numerous others. This expansion reflects Izabela's commitment to holistic and comprehensive care, ensuring a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves.
For over 20 years, Izabela has dedicated herself to the profound role of a hospice volunteer, offering unwavering support to individuals in their final stages. In 2017, her commitment expanded into Home Hospice Association work, deepening her connection to compassionate care.
Additionally, as a certified death doula for over 8 years, Izabela brings a unique blend of empathy and expertise to guide individuals and their families through the delicate process of the end of life journey.
Furthermore, she's broadened her knowledge to encompass crucial services within the realm of HHA, including the Bello Project, IPLD, and numerous others. This expansion reflects Izabela's commitment to holistic and comprehensive care, ensuring a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves.
Marlene Morrow
Member
Marlene Morrow, known better as Mar, has a Child and Youth Counselor background and has worked in schools as an Educational Assistant and on a Mental Health ward at a Children's Hospital as a Child and Youth Counsellor. She has also worked supporting children and adults with physical and mental disabilities and their families through respite, running a day program and operating a group home. Mar has completed her HHA Death Doula certification.
Her more recent passion has been educating and helping people feel comfortable talking about, and being around, dying and death, given that dying is the only guarantee we have in this life! Mar strongly believes that, if not sudden death, everyone deserves to die in the manner that they choose for themselves.
Marlene Morrow, known better as Mar, has a Child and Youth Counselor background and has worked in schools as an Educational Assistant and on a Mental Health ward at a Children's Hospital as a Child and Youth Counsellor. She has also worked supporting children and adults with physical and mental disabilities and their families through respite, running a day program and operating a group home. Mar has completed her HHA Death Doula certification.
Her more recent passion has been educating and helping people feel comfortable talking about, and being around, dying and death, given that dying is the only guarantee we have in this life! Mar strongly believes that, if not sudden death, everyone deserves to die in the manner that they choose for themselves.
Jen Thompson
Member
Bio to come!
Bio to come!
Ross Wilson
Member
Ross Wilson has spent over 12 years working in community health as a frontline worker, harm reduction specialist, pastoral addictions counsellor and hospice chaplain starting in Vancouver and now in Ottawa. Along with his community work, Ross has helped advise on several end of life companies and projects that provide supportive and accessible end of life care to everyone.
Ross’s latest project is called Silent Ministry which provides a safe and silent place for those dealing with addictions, substance abuse and traumatic grief due to overdose related events.
Ross Wilson has spent over 12 years working in community health as a frontline worker, harm reduction specialist, pastoral addictions counsellor and hospice chaplain starting in Vancouver and now in Ottawa. Along with his community work, Ross has helped advise on several end of life companies and projects that provide supportive and accessible end of life care to everyone.
Ross’s latest project is called Silent Ministry which provides a safe and silent place for those dealing with addictions, substance abuse and traumatic grief due to overdose related events.
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