2025-2026 YORK EAST executive

President
Rhonda Seidman-Carlson RN, MN

Rhonda has been a committed member of RNAO for more than 25 years, demonstrating sustained leadership and influence within the organization. Over the course of her involvement, she has served as a Regional Representative on the Board, as RNAO President, and in several other board-level roles where she contributed to governance, strategic direction, and professional advocacy.

In 2017, she played a key role in the development of the Retired Nurses Interest Group, helping to create a structured platform for continued engagement, mentorship, and policy influence among retired nurses. Her work ensured that the experience and expertise of senior members remained integrated within the profession.

Rhonda continues to be actively engaged in political advocacy through RNAO and other community organizations. Her ongoing involvement reflects a sustained commitment to advancing nursing practice, influencing health policy, and strengthening community-level initiatives.

Communications ENO
Social Media ENO
Sheila Shahrokhi RN, BA, BScN

Sheila is a Trauma Neuro ICU nurse at a major teaching hospital in Toronto, where she provides high-acuity, evidence-based care to some of the most complex and vulnerable patients. Her clinical practice is grounded in critical thinking, precision, and a deep commitment to patient safety and neurological excellence.

A dedicated advocate for the nursing profession, Sheila has been an active member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) since 2021—first as a student nurse and, since 2024, as a Registered Nurse. Her involvement reflects a sustained commitment to professional standards, policy advancement, and strengthening the voice of nurses at both the bedside and the systems level.

Sheila is driven not only by clinical excellence but also by advocacy—championing safe staffing, equitable care, and evidence-informed practice. She brings frontline insight, intellectual rigor, and a forward-focused mindset to every initiative she supports. Through both practice and leadership engagement, she is committed to advancing the profession of nursing and contributing meaningfully to the organization’s strategic goals.

Membership ENO
Gino Grospe RN

Gino Grospe is an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) and a newly licensed Registered Nurse in Ontario with professional experience in emergency nursing and a strong record of demonstrated leadership. He is skilled in working within fast-paced clinical environments, where he consistently prioritizes patient safety, efficient care delivery, and clear communication.

He has proven ability to manage high-pressure situations, make sound clinical judgments, and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. His background in emergency care has strengthened his capacity to adapt quickly, remain organized under stress, and provide timely, patient-centered interventions.

Gino is committed to delivering safe, compassionate, and evidence-based nursing care while continuing to develop his professional competencies within Ontario’s healthcare system. He is focused on long-term growth as a Registered Nurse and actively seeks opportunities to expand his clinical expertise, leadership skills, and contributions to high quality patient care.

Policy and Political Action ENO
Yoyo Chen RN, BScN

Yoyo has previously worked as an emergency department registered nurse. She has been a PPAN with the RNAO for two terms and is excited to bring her experience to further political advocacy for nurses in the York East region and provincially.

Workplace Liaison ENO
Mark Anthony Gravoso RN

Mark Anthony Gravaso is an internationally educated nurse (IEN) and Registered Nurse with clinical expertise in General Internal Medicine and vascular access. His practice is defined by technical precision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong commitment to delivering safe, high-quality patient care in complex medical environments. As an IEN, Mark Anthony brings lived experience and first-hand insight into the challenges internationally educated nurses face when integrating into the Canadian healthcare system. He is a dedicated advocate for IENs, focused on advancing equitable opportunities, strengthening professional support networks, and addressing systemic barriers that impact career progression and workplace inclusion. In his role as Workplace Liaison ENO, Mark Anthony is committed to fostering open communication, promoting inclusive workplace cultures, and ensuring that diverse nursing voices are represented in organizational decision-making. He approaches advocacy with clarity and action—prioritizing practical solutions, policy awareness, and sustainable change that strengthens both the nursing workforce and patient outcomes.

Finance ENO
Valeria Parker RN, BScN, MHSc, CHE

Valeria Parker brings a rare combination of frontline clinical expertise and senior health system leadership to the Finance ENO role. She began her career as a Neuro-Trauma ICU nurse, developing a strong foundation in critical care, complex decision-making, and high-stakes clinical environments. That experience continues to inform her strategic lens—grounded in patient impact, operational realities, and accountability.

She went on to complete her Master of Health Administration at the University of Toronto and earned the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation, demonstrating advanced competency in governance, financial stewardship, and health system leadership.

In her current management role, Valeria oversees a large provincial program, leading cross-sector initiatives focused on improving system performance, optimizing resource allocation, and driving measurable outcomes. She operates at the intersection of clinical insight and financial strategy—bringing disciplined execution, data-driven decision-making, and a systems-level perspective to complex challenges.

Valeria is committed to strengthening organizational sustainability while ensuring that financial decisions remain aligned with quality care, equity, and long-term system impact.

Student Liaison ENO
Tiffany Kong

Tiffany Kong is the Student Liaison for the RNAO York East Chapter. She is currently a third-year Post-Bridge nursing student at Trent University and has been a Registered Practical Nurse for eight years, bringing diverse clinical experience in community pediatrics, wound care, long-term care, and acquired brain injury rehabilitation.

Her interest in nursing advocacy developed during her student placement with the RNAO Board of Directors, as well as through participation in Queen’s Park Day, where she gained firsthand experience in professional leadership and policy engagement. These experiences strengthened her commitment to advancing the nursing profession and promoting the voice of nurses within the healthcare system.

In her role as Student Liaison, Tiffany is dedicated to building strong connections between nursing students and the RNAO, encouraging student involvement, and supporting engagement in professional advocacy, leadership, and lifelong learning within the nursing profession.