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Dr. Evans is the Medical Director of the Wound Healing Clinic at Women’s College Hospital, involved in research and teaching. She also is a full-time family physician in the community.  Dr. Evans is part of the faculty of the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) through the University of Toronto. She is senior faculty for Wounds Canada to support the development of interprofessional education programs for clinicians as well as delivery and evaluation of these programs. Dr. Evans is on the board of Wounds Canada and co-chair for the Diabetic Task Force for Wound Canada.

For Anne Shantz, the nursing journey was a second career opportunity following a profession in social services. While completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western University, one of her first clinical experiences ignited a passion for caring for patients with wounds and ostomies. After graduating, Anne went on to become an Enterostomal Therapist and then several years later returned to Western University to complete a Master’s in the Clinical Science of Wound Healing.

Dr. Douglas Queen, an international wound care consultant and researcher, co-founded the International Wound Journal alongside Dr. Keith Harding in 2004. Dr. Queen brings over 38 years of international expertise in commercial development, market access and med-tech R&D. Dr. Queen is one of the industry’s foremost experts in wound care and brings a unique combination of clinical knowledge and business acumen to the broader healthcare arena.

Douglas received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering studying Wound Care Dressings in 1986 from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, and also earned his MBA from Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, UK in 1996.

After completing his education, Douglas spent the initial part of his career working for ConvaTec, a medical device company focused on delivering products and services in the areas of skin, wound and ostomy care. His tenure at ConvaTec included roles in Research & Development and Sales and Marketing, spanning European and North American markets.

Douglas has also worked as an independent medical device consultant specializing in the wound care field, for the past 24 years. During this time, he has advised key opinion leaders, large, multinational companies, and smaller start-up companies in the areas of education, research, development, commercial development and market access.

Dr Stacey is a vascular surgeon at Hamilton Health Sciences and Professor at McMaster University. He has a long standing active participation in wound healing research in Canada, Australia and internationally. His research has been primarily in the areas of the pathophysiology of wound healing, wound treatments and wound diagnostics. He was the founding Chairman of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies, and the founding President of the Wounds Australia.

As chief executive officer of Wounds Canada, Mariam is responsible for both the implementation of the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the organization. She is a chiropodist and diabetes educator by training and completed her Master’s in Educational Leadership. Mariam has also published, developed and lectured in multiple programs both nationally and internationally. She is also the vice president of D foot International. Through her different roles as an executive director, health-care practitioner and educator, researcher and faculty member for many well-recognized organizations, Mariam has extensive practical and professional experience in advancing public health policy and is  respected as a strategic, visionary, system thinker. 

Darian Cheng is a guideline development methodologist at the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. He is currently developing the Assessment and Care of Persons at Risk for Suicidal Ideation (Second Edition) best practice guideline; and the Self-Management of Chronic Conditions best practice guideline.

Dr. Evans is the Medical Director of the Wound Healing Clinic at Women’s College Hospital, involved in research and teaching. She also is a full-time family physician in the community.  Dr. Evans is part of the faculty of the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) through the University of Toronto. She is senior faculty for Wounds Canada to support the development of interprofessional education programs for clinicians as well as delivery and evaluation of these programs. Dr. Evans is on the board of Wounds Canada and co-chair for the Diabetic Task Force for Wound Canada.

For Anne Shantz, the nursing journey was a second career opportunity following a profession in social services. While completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western University, one of her first clinical experiences ignited a passion for caring for patients with wounds and ostomies. After graduating, Anne went on to become an Enterostomal Therapist and then several years later returned to Western University to complete a Master’s in the Clinical Science of Wound Healing.

Anne has practiced in a variety of roles supporting wound and ostomy expertise as a front-line clinician, as an educator and in program lead positions. Anne is employed with the South West Home and Community Care as the Clinical Lead for the South West Regional Wound Care Program. In this role, Anne supports patient consultation, cross-sectorial wound care education and regional wound program development.

Dr. Douglas Queen, an international wound care consultant and researcher, co-founded the International Wound Journal alongside Dr. Keith Harding in 2004. Dr. Queen brings over 38 years of international expertise in commercial development, market access and med-tech R&D. Dr. Queen is one of the industry’s foremost experts in wound care and brings a unique combination of clinical knowledge and business acumen to the broader healthcare arena.

Douglas received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering studying Wound Care Dressings in 1986 from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, and also earned his MBA from Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, UK in 1996.

After completing his education, Douglas spent the initial part of his career working for ConvaTec, a medical device company focused on delivering products and services in the areas of skin, wound and ostomy care. His tenure at ConvaTec included roles in Research & Development and Sales and Marketing, spanning European and North American markets.

Douglas has also worked as an independent medical device consultant specializing in the wound care field, for the past 24 years. During this time, he has advised key opinion leaders, large, multinational companies, and smaller start-up companies in the areas of education, research, development, commercial development and market access.

Dr Stacey is a vascular surgeon at Hamilton Health Sciences and Professor at McMaster University. He has a long standing active participation in wound healing research in Canada, Australia and internationally. His research has been primarily in the areas of the pathophysiology of wound healing, wound treatments and wound diagnostics. He was the founding Chairman of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies, and the founding President of the Wounds Australia.

Dr. Irmajean Bajnok, is currently working at Wounds Canada as an Education and Policy Specialist.  She previously worked as Interim Policy Director and then as Senior Policy Analyst at the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). Irmajean has also held leadership positions at RNAO including Director of the International Affairs and Best Practice Guideline Program and the Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence, as well as in practice settings and international portfolios.Much of her career has been in academia where she has worked in administrative and professional roles at Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Toronto, and Western University.  Dr. Bajnok is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable and engaging speaker and consultant focusing on evidence-based practice and education, healthy work environments, leadership and change management.

Dr. Evans is the Medical Director of the Wound Healing Clinic at Women’s College Hospital, involved in research and teaching. She also is a full-time family physician in the community.  Dr. Evans is part of the faculty of the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) through the University of Toronto. She is senior faculty for Wounds Canada to support the development of interprofessional education programs for clinicians as well as delivery and evaluation of these programs. Dr. Evans is on the board of Wounds Canada and co-chair for the Diabetic Task Force for Wound Canada.

For Anne Shantz, the nursing journey was a second career opportunity following a profession in social services. While completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western University, one of her first clinical experiences ignited a passion for caring for patients with wounds and ostomies. After graduating, Anne went on to become an Enterostomal Therapist and then several years later returned to Western University to complete a Master’s in the Clinical Science of Wound Healing.

Anne has practiced in a variety of roles supporting wound and ostomy expertise as a front-line clinician, as an educator and in program lead positions. Anne is employed with the South West Home and Community Care as the Clinical Lead for the South West Regional Wound Care Program. In this role, Anne supports patient consultation, cross-sectorial wound care education and regional wound program development.

Erin Pichora is a Program Lead with the Population Health team at the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In this role, Erin has led a variety of projects aimed at supporting health systems with delivering equitable care. This work includes the development and promotion of socio-demographic data standards, carrying out health system analysis that supports equity-informed decision making, and leading capacity building initiatives to support others with health inequalities analysis. Most recently, Erin led the Equity in Diabetes Care: A Focus on Lower Limb Amputation project. Erin holds a master’s degree in community health and epidemiology from Queen’s University and has worked in the field of health data analysis for over 20 years

Dr. Kayssi is a vascular surgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and a wound care physician at Women’s College Hospital. He obtained his medical degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, before relocating to Toronto to pursue training in general and vascular surgery. He subsequently completed a fellowship in limb preservation and wound care under the supervision of Dr. Richard Neville in Fairfax, Virginia. Dr. Kayssi is a graduate of the Harvard School of Public Health, where he obtained a Master of Public Health focusing on quantitative methods and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

Sarah Gurney is a Registered Nurse and Patient Service Manager for the South West Regional Wound Care Program. Graduating with distinction in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she earned certification as a Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Masters of Clinical Science in Wound Healing at Western University.

With over a decade of experience in healthcare, Sarah has focused on home and community care, holding various leadership roles. She actively contributes to provincial care delivery model working groups and serves as the business lead for the Middlesex London Lower Limb Preservation Program, where she is working to develop integrated care models to enhance patient outcomes in the region.

Dr. Nasser Khalil brings extensive experience in both clinical and administrative healthcare roles. He has served as a Chief Medical Officer and Healthcare Consultant, and since 2015, he has been a Senior Consultant at the London Health Sciences Centre in Canada. In this role, Dr. Khalil has led a variety of transformation programs and is currently leading the Regional Lower Limb Preservation Program with the Middlesex London Ontario Health Team (MLOHT).

Dr. Kayssi is a vascular surgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and a wound care physician at Women’s College Hospital. He obtained his medical degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, before relocating to Toronto to pursue training in general and vascular surgery. He subsequently completed a fellowship in limb preservation and wound care under the supervision of Dr. Richard Neville in Fairfax, Virginia. Dr. Kayssi is a graduate of the Harvard School of Public Health, where he obtained a Master of Public Health focusing on quantitative methods and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

Robyn Evans is the Medical Director of the Wound Healing Clinic at Women’s College Hospital and is involved in research and teaching. She also is a full-time family physician in the community. She is part of the faculty of the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) through the University of Toronto. 

She is senior faculty for Wounds Canada to support the development of interprofessional education programs for clinicians as well as the delivery and evaluation of these programs. She is the co-chair for this year’s Wounds Canada National Conference,  the co-chair for the Diabetic Task Force for Wound Canada and on the Wounds Canada Board.

Amanda Mayo, MD, MHSc, FRCPC, is a Physiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She subspecializes in Amputee Rehabilitation and limb preservation. Dr. Mayo has a MHSc in Clinical Engineering with a focus on Human Factors Engineering and Usability of Health Technology. She is an Associate Director of the University of Toronto Centre for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. She is the Chief of the St. John’s Rehab Program and Division Director of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Holly Calliou has been a nurse for 18 years. After completing her BScN at the University of Alberta she worked at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. She then moved on to Indigenous Services Canada working in Public Health for Maskwacis First Nation and then Enoch Cree Nation. While working at Enoch Holly was offered the position of Home Care Coordinator where she has been since 2015.

Prof.  Abbas is a consultant physician, endocrinologist and diabetologist in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He is involved in the field of diabetic foot since 1992. He has been awarded FRCP honours from the Royal College of Physician and Surgeon of Glasgow and the Royal College of Physicians of London. He is currently, President of D-Foot International, Chair of Pan-African Diabetic Foot Study Group, Executive Board Member of IWGDF for International Consensus on the diabetic Foot, Vice-President of Association of International Medical Salvage of the Extremity and Chairman of the National Diabetic Foot Guidelines for specialists at the national level.

Dr. Abbas is visiting Professor of Staffordshire University, UK, faculty member for the Master in Diabetes Mellitus Education (MScDME) program, at the Centre of Diabetes Studies, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

Prof. Abbas is the founder member to start Step by Step foot project started in 2003 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. So far, this project has been implemented in 120 countries.

He is a member of the editorial boards of several international peer-reviewed journals and has published extensively on the epidemiology of diabetic limb complications and has written several book chapters and edited a book on diabetic foot for health care workers. He has also received the Karel Baker Diabetic Foot Medal of Honour (IWGDF) in 2019 and received the Life Achievement Award, World Union of Wound Healing Societies in 2022. 

Prof. Abbas received an honours award in October 2022 by the Diabetic Foot Society of India and received a recognition award for outstanding achievement services in the field to humanity in Tanzania in January of 2023.

Prof.  Abbas is a consultant physician, endocrinologist and diabetologist in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He is involved in the field of diabetic foot since 1992. He has been awarded FRCP honours from the Royal College of Physician and Surgeon of Glasgow and the Royal College of Physicians of London. He is currently, President of D-Foot International, Chair of Pan-African Diabetic Foot Study Group, Executive Board Member of IWGDF for International Consensus on the diabetic Foot, Vice-President of Association of International Medical Salvage of the Extremity and Chairman of the National Diabetic Foot Guidelines for specialists at the national level.

Dr. Abbas is visiting Professor of Staffordshire University, UK, faculty member for the Master in Diabetes Mellitus Education (MScDME) program, at the Centre of Diabetes Studies, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

Prof. Abbas is the founder member to start Step by Step foot project started in 2003 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. So far, this project has been implemented in 120 countries.

He is a member of the editorial boards of several international peer-reviewed journals and has published extensively on the epidemiology of diabetic limb complications and has written several book chapters and edited a book on diabetic foot for health care workers. He has also received the Karel Baker Diabetic Foot Medal of Honour (IWGDF) in 2019 and received the Life Achievement Award, World Union of Wound Healing Societies in 2022. 

Prof. Abbas received an honours award in October 2022 by the Diabetic Foot Society of India and received a recognition award for outstanding achievement services in the field to humanity in Tanzania in January of 2023.

Dr. Karen Cross, is a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and PhD Scientist who is changing the way skin injuries are assessed. Considered a Key O pinion leader in Canada in acute and chronic wounds, Dr. Cross leads the Wound Innovation Collaborative, a center of excellence in wound innovation and the data registry for the province of Nova Scotia. 

As an Innovator in Residence at the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub, Dr. Cross fosters earlier adoption of novel technologies within the health system. Additionally, she is the Co-founder and CEO of MIMOSA Diagnostics; a company born out of a clinical need for her own practice that resulted in solving the needs of the broader healthcare system.

Her passion is creating equity within the healthcare system by improving access to care with technology and she has been recognized for her work with both humanitarian awards and recognition from the World Bank. She was recently named one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs of the Year, Innovator of the Year in 2024, and one of Canada’s Top 14 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2023.

Allison Luther has been an Occupational Therapist since 2006.  After working in various areas of rehab, Allison observed a role for rehab professionals in wound care.   She attended the University of Western Ontario and completed the Master of Clinical Science, Wound Healing in 2020 and is currently the Manager of the Regional Wound Care Program for St Joseph’s Care Group, in Thunder Bay, Ontario.    Allison's role is focused on building cross sectoral relationships and  building capacity, equity and access to evidence informed wound care across Northwestern Ontario.  Since the fall of 2022, Allison has been the implementation lead for the Lower Limb Preservation Strategy for Northwestern Ontario.

Mayuri Mahendran is a Senior Analyst with the Population Health team at the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

The Population Health team at CIHI supports health systems with delivering equitable care, and as a Senior Analyst Mayuri has contributed to three streams of work. The first is to promote the integration of sociodemographic data standards in health care data to facilitate equity analysis. Recent work includes CIHI’s guidance for collecting race-based and Indigenous identity data.  The second is to produce stratified health system analytics that support equity-informed decision making. This includes analytic projects such as Equity in Diabetes Care: A Focus on Lower Limb Amputation and Variations in Patient Safety Across Equity-Deserving Populations.  And lastly, the team is working to convene and connect health systems, health organizations, providers, and communities to strengthen and scale health equity initiatives. This includes building capacity for carrying out health inequalities analysis through the Health Inequalities Toolkit. Mayuri completed a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University, with a focus on intersectional health research.  

Amanda Mayo, MD, MHSc, FRCPC, is a Physiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She subspecializes in Amputee Rehabilitation and limb preservation. Dr. Mayo has a MHSc in Clinical Engineering with a focus on Human Factors Engineering and Usability of Health Technology. She is an Associate Director of the University of Toronto Centre for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. She is the Chief of the St. John’s Rehab Program and Division Director of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Cathy joined Ontario Health's Population Health and Value Based Health Systems portfolio as Director of Clinical Transformation in early 2024. In this role, Cathy leads a team dedicated to co-designing innovative models of care that are enabled by technology, to improve equitable access to care for Ontarians. Prior to joining OH, Cathy worked for Lakeridge Health as Director of the Central East Regional Cancer Prevention and Screening Program, the Indigenous Cancer Program and the Department of Family and Community Medicine. In that role Cathy also led the Durham OHT Homecare Modernization Leading Project.

Dr. Kevin Woo is a Full Professor at Queen’s University, Faculty of Health Sciences in Kingston, Ontario. He is an adjunct Research Professor at Western University and an affiliate Scientist at The Institute for Education Research (TIER), University Health Network.

Dr. Woo is known as an established Canadian researcher and educator in the fields of wound management and chronic disease management. He has published over 180 peer-reviewed papers and received national and international awards for his work.

Dr. Woo serves as the Chair of the Joint Research Ethics Board for West Park Health Center and Toronto Grace Health Center in Toronto. He is a founding member and the past president of the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel.  Dr. Woo maintains an active clinical role in wound care.

For Anne Shantz, the nursing journey was a second career opportunity following a profession in social services. While completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western University, one of her first clinical experiences ignited a passion for caring for patients with wounds and ostomies. After graduating, Anne went on to become an Enterostomal Therapist and then several years later returned to Western University to complete a Master’s in the Clinical Science of Wound Healing.

Anne has practiced in a variety of roles supporting wound and ostomy expertise as a front-line clinician, as an educator and in program lead positions. Anne is employed with the South West Home and Community Care as the Clinical Lead for the South West Regional Wound Care Program. In this role, Anne supports patient consultation, cross-sectorial wound care education and regional wound program development.

Jane is an Occupational Therapist and the Education and Research Coordinator-Wound Care for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She is responsible for the delivery of all the wound care courses and has a tremendous team of wound care specialists to call on to develop content and teach the courses. Jane enjoys being a resource to the health care community for problem solving, networking and connecting people with each other and is thrilled when she can make someone’s day a bit easier. Ask her about networking, wound care, and volunteering as a puppy raiser for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Dr. Irmajean Bajnok, is currently working at Wounds Canada as an Education and Policy Specialist.  She previously worked as Interim Policy Director and then as Senior Policy Analyst at the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). Irmajean has also held leadership positions at RNAO including Director of the International Affairs and Best Practice Guideline Program and the Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence, as well as in practice settings and international portfolios.Much of her career has been in academia where she has worked in administrative and professional roles at Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Toronto, and Western University.  Dr. Bajnok is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable and engaging speaker and consultant focusing on evidence-based practice and education, healthy work environments, leadership and change management

Nelea Lungu, Executive Vice President of Client and Assessment Services, is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in both Canadian and international settings. She has a proven track record of driving impactful systemic improvements and implementing successful health care strategies, all while mobilizing teams, colleagues, partners and stakeholders to achieve meaningful goals. Nelea’s professional journey is marked by a unique blend of expertise, including a clinical background as a specialized clinician nurse, complemented by three Masters’ degrees in business development, nursing, and economics. This diverse educational foundation merges clinical proficiency with keen business acumen, enabling her to navigate complex health care landscapes with precision and insight. Fluent in English, French, Russian, and Romanian, Nelea finds joy in exploring diverse cultures, fostering connections with people, and sharing her passions for outdoor activities, culinary delights, and literature. Her life narrative serves as a testament to vision, perseverance, and empowerment in the pursuit of both professional and personal excellence.

Rebecca Dyck has been nursing for fifteen years, and is a strong advocate for justice and equity in health care.  She has spent a number of years learning how systemic racism and intersectionality affect the health of individuals and communities.  After earning a Master of Clinical Science in Wound Healing at Western University ten years ago, Rebecca has been working with patients virtually and at the bedside to solve the puzzle that each wound presents.  Rebecca also tutors students in the research course of the master’s program.  More recently, Rebecca became a Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence and earned her national certification. 

Rebecca currently works as a Nurse Clinician on the Skin Wound Ostomy team at Hamilton Health Sciences, mainly with children and families at McMaster Children's Hospital.  Her role encompasses direct patient care, staff education, and committee work to improve patient care within the organization.  A recent focus has been hospital-acquired pressure injuries and developing resources to improve assessment of darker skin tones. 

Rebecca has volunteered with preteens, the Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle, and Caribbean migrant farm workers in Niagara.  She keeps busy with her three children, can often be found with a book in her hand, and enjoys “old lady hobbies” such as sewing, gardening, and canning. 

Holly Calliou has been a nurse for 18 years. After completing her BScN at the University of Alberta she worked at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. She then moved on to Indigenous Services Canada working in Public Health for Maskwacis First Nation and then Enoch Cree Nation. While working at Enoch Holly was offered the position of Home Care Coordinator where she has been since 2015

Linda Norton is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about the prevention and management of chronic wounds. Her diverse experience in settings that include hospital, community and industry; and roles that include clinician, educator, manager, and researcher give Linda a unique perspective. Linda is the Education and Client Relations Specialist at Motion Specialties. She teaches at two Ontario Universities. In addition to consulting on several best practice documents, she was the lead author on the Pressure Injury Prevention and Management Best Practice Recommendations for Wounds Canada (formerly CAWC).

Marlene Varga has been a Registered Nurse for over 30+ years all at Covenant Health in Edmonton, Alberta. Marlene developed an interest in skin and wound care early on in her career and was influenced by several wound care leaders. She completed a MSc in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair at Cardiff University and continues to volunteer as an honorary tutor. Marlene currently works as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Covenant Health pressure injury prevention program. She is an advocate for prevention, wound management and patient education and engagement/inclusion. Marlene enjoys animals (she has a dog named Nova), traveling, reading, golf, and yoga in her free time.

Ellen is a Clinical Dietitian with over 3 decades of experience in a wide range of nutrition specialty areas including diabetes management, wound care, heart disease, weight management, enteral nutrition, pediatric care and eating disorders. She is registered with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia, Dietitians of Canada and is a professional member of the Canadian Diabetes Association and Wounds Canada. She volunteers as a Board of Director for Wounds Canada. Ellen received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics and her Masters degree in Human Nutrition from the University of British Columbia. Ellen works in a variety of settings including one-to-one counseling, small group and nutrition education seminars to help clients attain their nutrition and health goals.

Rosemary Hill has been a nurse for over 35 years and is the recipient of the Award of Excellence in Practice from the Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (ARNBC).  She works at Lions Gate Hospital as a Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC). Her past volunteer activities include the role of President for Nurses Specialized in Wound Ostomy Continence Canada (2016-2018).  As well, she participates as a member on the BC provincial Skin and Wound committee,  Chairs the Provincial Ostomy committee, and is an expert speaker at national and international events.  Recently Rosemary has been invited to participate as a panel member for the International Pressure Ulcer/Injury Guideline (fourth edition). In September, she was honoured with the  NSWOC award of 2024 from Ostomy Canada Society.

Linda Norton is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about the prevention and management of chronic wounds. Her diverse experience in settings that include hospital, community and industry; and roles that include clinician, educator, manager, and researcher give Linda a unique perspective. Linda is the Education and Client Relations Specialist at Motion Specialties. She teaches at two Ontario Universities. In addition to consulting on several best practice documents, she was the lead author on the Pressure Injury Prevention and Management Best Practice Recommendations for Wounds Canada (formerly CAWC).

Michele is a Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about complex wound management in the context of chronic disease management particularly in people with lower leg ulcerations and diabetic foot complications.

She has focused her expertise in this area for over 30 years and is actively involved in clinical research, consensus, pathway and practice guideline development and in implementation of evidence based care.  As a wound consultant, she provides wound and infection management education to health care professionals in numerous settings.   Michele practices in an out-patient wound clinic and ambulatory infusion therapy clinic. She is also a sessional instructor at MacEwan University in Edmonton. 

Dr. Pamela E. Houghton is Full Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Western University, London, Canada. In 2007, she launched the Masters of Clinical Science program in the field of wound healing and is a full time faculty instructor. This innovative graduate program is the only one in Canada that uses distance education methods to provide specialized training for an interdisciplinary group of experienced clinicians who treat people with chronic wounds. Dr. Houghton leads an active research program at Western that is dedicated to implementing evidence informed wound assessment tools and advanced treatments for people with chronic wounds. She is best known for her research and education about electrical stimulation therapy used to accelerate wound closure of stage II, III and IV pressure ulcers as well as other complex wounds. Pamela is a licensed Physical Therapist in Ontario.

Dr. Evans is the Medical Director of the Wound Healing Clinic at Women’s College Hospital, involved in research and teaching. She also is a full-time family physician in the community.  Dr. Evans is part of the faculty of the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) through the University of Toronto. She is senior faculty for Wounds Canada to support the development of interprofessional education programs for clinicians as well as delivery and evaluation of these programs. Dr. Evans is on the board of Wounds Canada and co-chair for the Diabetic Task Force for Wound Canada.

For Anne Shantz, the nursing journey was a second career opportunity following a profession in social services. While completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western University, one of her first clinical experiences ignited a passion for caring for patients with wounds and ostomies. After graduating, Anne went on to become an Enterostomal Therapist and then several years later returned to Western University to complete a Master’s in the Clinical Science of Wound Healing.

Anne has practiced in a variety of roles supporting wound and ostomy expertise as a front-line clinician, as an educator and in program lead positions. Anne is employed with the South West Home and Community Care as the Clinical Lead for the South West Regional Wound Care Program. In this role, Anne supports patient consultation, cross-sectorial wound care education and regional wound program development.