MFC’s Leadership

Founders

Trish Barbato
Co-Founder and Director,
The Menopause Foundation of Canada

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Trish has held numerous senior leadership positions in healthcare and is currently President and CEO of the Arthritis Society. She has held executive roles in the hospital, retirement and long-term care, home care, mental health and community sectors. Trish is passionate about innovation as strategy and created an award-winning innovation program in the senior living sector. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Trish is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant. She is Co-Founder and Director of Community Meditation and is a published author and international speaker on topics such as design thinking, innovation and leadership. Trish received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for her 25+ year volunteer commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Janet Ko
President and Co-Founder,
The Menopause Foundation of Canada

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Janet has held numerous senior leadership positions in the pharmaceutical, global life sciences and senior living sectors. She served on the management teams of leading Canadian companies as Senior Vice President, Communications and has led marketing and organizational development functions throughout her career. As an award-winning creator of innovative communication campaigns, she launched thought leadership programs focused on raising awareness of ageism and fostering inter-generational learning. Janet is dedicated to helping women thrive through their menopausal years and is a passionate speaker and menopause advocate. She is honoured to be one of the top 25 Women of Influence Award recipients for 2023. Janet earned her Masters in Journalism from Western University as well as a Certificate in Organization Development from Queen’s University.

Our Story – We had looked forward to menopause as a time of freedom and an exciting second act in life. Instead, we were blindsided by a host of symptoms we did not appreciate were part of the menopause transition. We realized that women – like us – were struggling to find answers and to get help. Many were suffering in silence. Our journeys to get support through the health care system and beyond convinced us that menopause was an age and gender equality issue that required urgent attention. We created the Menopause Foundation of Canada to lead a national conversation on menopause and to advocate for concrete action to improve mature women’s health.

Medical Advisory Board

Members of the Medical Advisory Board will offer guidance on The Menopause Foundation of Canada’s advocacy goals and public awareness campaigns. These clinical experts provide a front-line perspective on women’s experience during menopause and direct us to the best sources of evidence-based health information.

Dr. Jeanne Bouteaud, MD, MSCP
Obstetrician-gynecologist at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)

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Dr. Jeanne Bouteaud is an obstetrician-gynecologist at CHUM. She completed her medical studies at McGill University and her residency at the University of Montreal. She completed her postdoctoral training in Mature Women’s Health under the supervision of Dr. Wendy Wolfman at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. She specializes in the management of menopause and gynecological sequelae in cancer survivors. She also has an interest in the follow-up of patients with genetic mutations at high risk of gynecological cancer. She combines her subspecialty in gynecology with expertise in quality of care and completed a 2-year fellowship through the University of Toronto’s Centre for Quality and Safety of Care.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Natasha Deshwal, MD, FCFP, BSc
Founder and Director, Bedford Basin Women’s Health Clinic, Nova Scotia

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Dr. Natasha Deshwal completed her medical degree and family medicine residency at Dalhousie University. She then established one of the first primary care physician-led clinics for women’s health in Nova Scotia where her patients receive support and care for menopausal and perminenopausal symptoms. Dr. Deshwal is a leader in family medicine who has served as President of the Nova Scotia College of Family Physicians. She is passionate about women’s health and has dedicated her career to sharing her knowledge with colleagues and empowering women to participate in their own care, particularly as they enter their menopausal years.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Debra Evaniuk, MD, FRCSC
Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba Obstetrics & Gynaecology

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Dr. Evaniuk completed her medical degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Winnipeg in Manitoba. She then completed a fellowship in Menopause and Mature Women’s Health in 2013. She is currently Assistant Professor and Section Head of Menopause with the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Manitoba and accepts referrals through the Blue Bird Clinic at HSC Winnipeg Women’s Hospital.

Dr. Evaniuk is a board member of the Canadian Menopause Society and is a passionate supporter of menopause education. She speaks locally and nationally to audiences on a variety of menopause related topics, and was an author on the most recent edition of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada’s Menopause Guidelines.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Michelle Jacobson, MD, FRCSC
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Menopause Specialist Women’s College and Mount Sinai Hospital in Ontario

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Dr. Michelle Jacobson is a menopause specialist with an interest in menopause oncology and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian cancer syndrome. She completed medical school at the University of Western Ontario, residency at McMaster University, and fellowship in menopause and mature women’s health at UofT. Her MHSc is in the field of translational research. Dr. Jacobson utilizes this in her research on menopause management in BRCA Mutation carriers, women survivors of blood, bone, gynaecologic, and breast cancers, and women with turners syndrome. She practices in the Gynecology Program at Women’s College Hospital and is the Co-Founder and Medical Director of Coven Women’s Health.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Radomir Jarcevic, MD
Clinical Lecturer, Université de Montréal, Menopause Specialist IUSSS-de-l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal

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Dr. Radomir Jarcevic completed his medical degree in obstetrics and gynecology at Université de Montréal in 2015. He then completed additional training in menopause and mature woman’s health at Mount Sinai Hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. He has been practicing at the CIUSSS-de-l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal since 2016, and works out of GMF District Medical.

Dr. Jarcevic has a general practice in obstetric gynecology and offers dedicated healthcare to perimenopausal and menopausal women. He is also actively involved in the training of medical students and residents through his role as a clinical lecturer at Université de Montréal. Dr. Jarcevic significantly contributes to medical education by regularly giving presentations at conferences.

Dr. Jarcevic is a member of the Board of Directors for the Association des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Québec.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Kelsey Mills, MD, FRCSC, MSCP
Associate Professor, University of British Columbia and Affiliate Associate Professor, University of Victoria

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Dr. Kelsey Mills obtained her honours undergraduate degree from Mount Allison University and her medical degree and residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. She completed a fellowship in Mature Women’s Health at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto. She obtained her Master of Science in Health Science Education at McMaster University.

Dr. Mills has been a Certified Menopause Practitioner (MSCP) with the Menopause Society (formerly known as the North American Menopause Society) since 2013 and has previously won the SIGMA Young Canadian Menopause Scholar Award, the NAMS/Teva Women’s Health Resident Excellence Award and the NAMS New Investigator Award. She is currently a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Victoria, BC where she has a complex menopause practice. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Victoria. In 2022 she was elected to the Boards of the Canadian Menopause Society and Canadian Women in Medicine (CWIM).

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Shafeena Premji, MD, CCFP, MHA, BSc, MSCP
Menopause Society Certified GP Operating a Menopause Clinic in Alberta

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Dr Premji completed a Masters Degree in Health Administration (2005-2007) from the University of British Columbia. She then went on to complete medical school (2007- 2010) at the University of Calgary followed by her Family Medicine Residency at Queens University. She completed a fellowship in Women’s Health (2012-2013) at the Shirley E Greenberg Women’s Health Centre in Ottawa. Dr Premji then received her certification from The Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) in 2015 and then began a menopause clinic within her general family practice. Dr. Premji also operates two medical clinics in Alberta focused on women’s health and sits on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Menopause Society.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Alison Shea, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Assistant Professor, McMaster University, Obstetrician, Gynecolgist and Menopause Specialist at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Ontario

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Dr. Alison Shea completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa and her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Toronto. She then completed a clinical fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto in Menopause and Reproductive Mental Health. Dr. Shea is an Assistant Professor at McMaster University, cross-appointed to both the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Psychiatry. She is certified menopause practitioner through the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and is a member of the NAMS education and examination committees. She also earned an MSc in Neuroscience and Behavioural Sciences at McMaster University in 2003 and a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences in 2007 from the University of Toronto, with a focus on women’s mental health.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Lindsay Shirreff, MD, MSc(HQ), FRCSC
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Menopause Specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Ontario

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Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Menopause Specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Ontario then completed fellowships in Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery at St. Michael’s Hospital and Mature Women’s Health and Menopause at Mount Sinai Hospital. She also completed a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality at Queen’s University. Dr. Shirreff is an assistant professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at University of Toronto and is a member of the Generalist Division at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.
Dr. Wendy Wolfman, MD, FRCS(C), FACOG, MSCP
President of the Canadian Menopause Society and board member of the International Menopause Society

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Dr. Wendy Wolfman has dedicated her entire career to improving the lives of women. She is the director of the Menopause Clinic and the Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital. She is also a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. She received her MD from the University of Calgary and her post-graduate training in Calgary, Toronto, and South Carolina. She lectures extensively across Canada and internationally and, as the inaugural recipient of the Carol Mitchell Chair in Menopause, runs an annual course on menopause for up to 400 physicians and other health professionals.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.

The Medical Advisory Board is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations in public health, academic research, and private healthcare organizations. These professionals are not employees of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, and their input is provided in an advisory capacity based on their expertise and experience gained through their external roles. Our relationship with them should not be construed as an endorsement of their external affiliations.

MFC Team

Katherine Alyea
Chair, Partnerships Committee

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Katherine is a leader in non-profit advancement, with expertise in driving transformative impact through strategic donor engagement and corporate partnerships. She champions projects that uplift communities, advance health care, and promote equity and access to essential services. Her leadership builds meaningful collaborations among donors, organizations, and corporate partners, resulting in innovative, sustainable solutions that integrate social responsibility to create lasting societal change. She has held senior roles at several leading charitable organizations in the GTA, securing funding for transformative programs and developing innovative marketing strategies.

Katherine earned a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability from the University of Toronto, a BA from Western University, and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
Jennifer Arnott
Chair, Communications Committee

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Jennifer is an award-winning strategic communications and marketing leader with experience in the health care, senior living and logistics sectors. She has held senior roles leading external and internal communications, as well as developing and delivering digital marketing strategies designed to build audiences, drive traffic and generate leads. As one of the Menopause Foundation of Canada’s founding volunteers in 2022, Jennifer has spearheaded the development and management of the organization’s brand, communications and marketing platforms and campaigns.

Jennifer earned B.A. in Economics and Communication Studies and a M.A. Communication Studies, both from the University of Windsor, and holds the designation of Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) with the International Association of Business Communicators.
Wendy Bach
Board Member

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Wendy is a practising lawyer and former executive with extensive experience in corporate governance, risk management, compliance, acquisitions & divestitures, corporate finance, joint ventures and commercial contracts. She has also demonstrated success in the areas of CEO and Board succession planning, executive compensation, talent management, employee engagement, organizational restructuring, stakeholder relations and digital and workforce transformation.

Wendy also sits on the Board of Take a Hike Foundation and chairs their Human Resources and Governance Committee. She earned her LLB, Law from the University of British Columbia.
Anne Lawlor
Board Member, Treasurer

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Anne has over 30 years of financial stewardship and operational management experience. She has worked in various industries, both in for profit (technology, marketing/public relations, real estate) and non-profit organizations (education). She is a natural leader providing strong leadership, decision making and problem solving along with overseeing all areas of financial activities: budgeting and cost management, cash flow tracking, financial regulation compliance; asset and investment management.

Since her retirement from the corporate world, Anne spends much of her time traveling. When home, she is a Board member for a number of organizations, and volunteers her time to worthy organizations like the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society and the Menopause Foundation of Canada.
Brigitte Viel
Chair, Quebec

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Brigitte Viel has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, including more than twelve years in the pharmaceutical industry, where she held diverse leadership roles in communications, patient advocacy, and stakeholder relations.

A desire to be of service to help women thrive throughout their menopause journey inspired Brigitte to join the Board of the Menopause Foundation of Canada in 2025.

Brigitte has a bachelor’s degree in science from Concordia University and a DESS in business management from HEC Montréal.
Sandra Vlaar Ingram
Chair, Menopause Inclusive Workplaces Committee

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Sandra is a national and international award-winning communications professional who has held senior leadership roles inside organizations and now consults, providing strategic counsel to clients in the health and human services sectors. Sandra spent years struggling to live with, understand, and get help for what she now knows were symptoms related to menopause. Resolved to help make sure other women get the help they need faster, she became a founding volunteer with the Menopause Foundation of Canada (MFC) in 2022. Along with several other resources, she wrote MFC’s two landmark reports that quantified for the first time the impact of menopause in Canada.

Sandra earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Carleton University and is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction at The University of King’s College in Halifax.

MFC’s Leadership

Founders

Medical Advisory Board

MFC Team

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