Dear OHNIG member,
We hope that you enjoyed your summer and had opportunities for rest and relaxation.
Over the summer we have been growing and strengthening our executive team so that we can better support you.
We are excited to introduce you to our new executive members Isabella Spataro and Louise Ellis!
Policy and Political Action Executive Network Officer:
Isabella Spataro, RN, BSCN, is a compassionate registered nurse with experience in acute care, primary care, and occupational health. She is currently completing her Occupational Health Nursing Certificate at Durham College while gaining practical experience at a primary care clinic. With a passion for workplace safety, health promotion, and advocacy, Isabella looks forward to supporting OHNIG’s policy and political action initiatives to advance the voice of occupational health nurses.
Membership Executive Network officer:
Louise Ellis, BHA, RN, COHN(C), has developed expertise in workplace health, through her diverse work experiences with public and private sector organizations. Louise’s formative roles included critical care nursing, disability management, organizational health consulting, and employee health unit assignments. Louise is particularly adept (and passionate) about providing navigational support for individuals with mental health challenges, which affect their vocational capacities and workplace relationships. Her approach is to facilitate collaborative return-to-work progress, incorporating all stakeholders’ views, in both union and non-union workforces. More recently, Louise’s senior leadership roles have her teams focused on holistically optimizing employee health and productivity. This work includes a consistent focus on understanding both quantitative and qualitative metrics, for continuous quality improvement. Louise has also enjoyed teaching with the Ontario Occupational Health Nurses’ Association (OOHNA) for five years; teaching Disability Management, Biohazards, Ergonomics and Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) modules. In addition, she has taught at a community college and maintains a certification as a facilitator with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (Opening Minds). On a personal note, Louise enjoys travelling, cycling, pickleball, kayaking and hiking – all with family and friends.
Our returning executive members:
Chair:
Stephanie Ireland, RN, BSCN, COHN(C), is a dedicated occupational health nurse, with many years working in a variety of settings that include manufacturing, health care, education and banking environments supporting the growth of health, wellness and safety programs. Her key strengths lie in her proficiencies in disability case management, accommodations, coordinating return-to-work programs, and promoting health and wellness. Stephanie has also served on the board of directors with the Ontario Occupational Health Nurses Association. She looks forward to supporting OHNIG and the membership moving forward.
Finance Executive Network Officer:
Verna Perdon, RN, MPH, MBA, is a registered nurse who specializes in workplace health, safety and wellness. Verna completed her master's of public health and Occupational Health Nurse Certificate, as well as her Master of Business Administration. Verna’s work experience spans several sectors, including health care, government, not-for-profit and construction. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and pets.
Social Media Executive Officer:
Sasha-Lee Allen, RN, BScN, COHN(C), is a passionate occupational health nurse with a background in health promotion, advocacy, and mentorship. As a strong advocate for workers and nurses her goal is to provide support and engage nurses within the profession; more specifically those within the occupational health community.
Consider joining the OHNIG executive!
We are still in need of volunteers to join the OHNIG executive team. Please consider joining us in supporting the occupational health community. The only qualifications required are being a registered nurse with an interest in occupational health.
The following roles remain available:
- Communications Executive Officer
- Student Liaison
Please contact the OHNIG executive should you be interested at: [email protected]
Other developments:
There will be a survey coming your way soon. We are interested in hearing from you and how you would like to be supported by your interest group. Please complete the survey for a chance to win one of three $50 gift certificates.
We are also planning for a team meeting with all OHNIG executive members to give you a chance to meet your executive team. Stay tuned for a future date.
Warm regards,
Your OHNIG executive