Representative at the University of Victoria
MSc in Psychology
Joined: January 2017
jknight@uvic.ca

Jamie Knight is a research assistant at the Integrative Lifespan Lab and a student affiliate of the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health. She is currently completing a Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Victoria. Her thesis is on the relationship between olfactory decline and cognitive decline in neurodegenerative disease. Her PhD research will focus on risk factors for cognitive decline, concentrating on potential biomarkers for detecting Alzheimer’s disease.

Jamie is looking forward to representing the CAG as a Student Representative for the 2017-2018 term. Her main goals in this role are to create a community of passionate, engaged researchers and community members, promote the study of aging, and to increase networking opportunities for gerontological researchers.

Representative at Simon Fraser University
MA in Gerontology
Joined: July 2018
ahaig@sfu.ca

Alexis Haig is a MA in Gerontology student at Simon Fraser University. She completed her BA and Bachelor of Social Work at the University of British Columbia; graduating in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Her interest in aging began during her BSW after taking a social work and aging course. From there she completed her final social work placement at a residential care facility which confirmed her passion of gerontological social work. While completing her MA, she continues to volunteer with older adults in both community and academic settings as well as fundraise and support various aging-related organizations. Her general research interest examines how advance care planning options are applied in practice. However, her thesis will specifically focus on the lived experiences of British Columbia representatives (i.e. supportive and substitute decision makers) in making health care and personal care decisions on behalf of older adults.

Representative at the University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science and Master of Management (Business Administration)
Joined: April 2019
raheesa.jina@gmail.com

Raheesa Jina is a Chancellor’s Scholar at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. She is completing her 4^th year of the Bachelor of Science and Master of Management (Business Administration) dual degree program. With an accomplished background in life sciences and management, Raheesa has strong analytical and communication skills which she applies to her passion for community service and international outreach. Since a very young age, she has and continues to volunteer her time working in long term care facilities in Vancouver.  She was previously a research assistant at UBC‘s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and also B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Representative at the University of Alberta
PhD student in the Department of Medicine
Joined: March 2017
srajabal@ualberta.ca

Saima Rajabali is a PhD student in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta. She studied medicine at Baqai Medical University, Pakistan and got the degree of MBBS with distinction. She then went on to do her MSc. in Medical Sciences from the University of Alberta and has subsequently gained certification as a Clinical Research Professional. Her interest in Aging was sparked while working as a Clinical Trials Project Coordinator in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on the impact of peer education and support on healthy aging behaviours in community dwelling seniors and the identification of priorities with regards to the health education needs of seniors. She currently volunteers as a Senior Service Ambassador with Drive Happiness, a transportation service for seniors with reduced mobility. As a CAG student representative, she intends to facilitate opportunities to network and exchange ideas amongst students interested in aging research at University of Alberta and across Canada. She also aims to bring researchers, community organizations and seniors to engage in a dialogue about the current state of aging research in Canada and areas for future research.

Representative at the University of Manitoba
MSc in Clinical Psychology
Joined: June 2016
umhuska@myumanitoba.ca

 
Lindsay (Huska) Berard is a Master’s student at the University of Manitoba in the Clinical Psychology program. She holds a B.A. and B.A. (Hons.), both from the University of Manitoba. Her research interests involve mental health changes in the lifespan; how and when individuals seek help for their mental health concerns; and the relationship between physical health and mental health. Dedicated to supporting others, Lindsay is involved in many department, university, and community based committees and organizations, including roles as a caregiver support group facilitator with the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, and as a wish grantor for Make-A-Wish Canada. A student member of The University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging, and now a representative of CAG, Lindsay is excited to connect students interested in gerontology together, not only across disciplines, but across Manitoban and Canadian universities as well!

Representative at McGill University
PhD Family Medicine,
Joined: January 2018
michelle.knox@mail.mcgill.ca

I am an interdisciplinary end-of-life care researcher in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. During my Master of Design degree at the University of Alberta, I undertook an ethnographic study on the design of palliative care environments. As part of my PhD, I am exploring the bioethical contexts of patient choice and decision-making in end-of-life care, with a special focus on dying with dignity. I am interested in the evolving role and identity of family physicians and palliative nurses who are affected by recent legislations on medically assisted death. As a CAG representative, I am excited about participating in and helping build a vibrant community of ageing researchers in Quebec and across Canada. I also hope to initiate social dialogue about healthy ageing and meet with innovators in the ageing servicescape.

Representative at University of Western Ontario
PhD in Gerontolgy
Joined: March 2017
msulta@uwo.ca

I am an international medical graduate from Bangladesh. I had my Masters from Sydney University, Australia in Public Health. I worked with non-profit organization funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation promoting safe motherhood for five years in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Kenya. I moved in Canada seven years ago, and worked as a Personal Support Worker for older adults. Then I worked in the capacity of a research associate at London Health Sciences Centre in Parkinson’s Disease research for 3 years. Working with the patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and the elderly inspired me to learn of and contribute to healthy aging. I am now in my third-year PhD at Western University. I had the opportunity to become a student member of Canadian Association on Gerontology(CAG) in 2014 and present my research at 43rd and 45th annual scientific and educational meeting. The exploration of possibilities and exposure to critical issues presented in these meetings inspired me to engage more into the aging world and be an active part of this world. Therefore, I would like to be a student representative of CAG Student Connect and become a cog in the wheel of change for a better world.

Representative at McMaster University
PhD Candidate in Social Gerontology
Joined: March 2017
weldricrc@mcmaster.ca

Rachel Weldrick is a PhD Candidate in Social Gerontology at McMaster University. Her PhD work focuses on social isolation among older people living in urban regions. Rachel also holds an MA in Health & Aging (McMaster), and a BSc in Psychology (Acadia University). Currently, Rachel is a research assistant at the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging where she works on the Hamilton Seniors Isolation Impact Plan (HSIIP). In addition, she is the Academic Coordinator for the Gilbrea Student Group, and co-hosts a monthly journal club on aging-related topics.

Co-Representative at University of Waterloo
MSc in Public Health and Health Systems
Joined: April 2017
aaohman@uwaterloo.ca

 
Avery Ohman is persuing her Master’s degree at the University of Waterloo, and recently completed her BHSc at the University of Ottawa with a minor in Gerontology. She had two grandparents with dementia and worked in a retirement home for two years, which fueled her passion for research and working with older adults. She now has three years of experience conducting research in gerontology, with a focus on cognitive impairment. She is eager to pursue a career in this field and is looking forward to meeting other students with similar interests in geriatrics.

Co-Representative at University of Waterloo
MA in Recreation and Leisure Studies
Joined: September 2018
sateles@uwaterloo.ca

My name is Sabrina Teles. I am a first-year MA thesis student within the department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. My research interests are focused upon aging, long-term care and Dementia care from a Therapeutic Recreation (TR) perspective. I completed my undergrad at the University of Toronto with an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Linguistics and a Double Minor in Sociology and Semiotics. I became interested in Gerontology after taking courses about the sociology of aging, healthcare and adult speech and communication disorders. In addition, I have volunteered with related organizations. I volunteered at the Aphasia Institute for over a year as a conversation facilitator working with stroke survivors. I have also been a volunteer at Baycrest Health Sciences for over 2 years. At Baycrest I predominantly volunteer within the TR department, working with residents that are living with Dementia. Specifically, I have been involved with the implementation and research phases of the PLEASE program (Program for Leisure Engagement for Active and Spontaneous Experiences). I received the Edwin Goldstein PLEASE Volunteer Award of Excellence (2018), recognized for my time and effort towards the program. My academic and personal experiences have inspired me to pursue a career focused on aging, health and well-being.

Co-Representative at University of Waterloo
MSc in School of Public Health and Health Systems
Joined: September 2018
vsacco@uwaterloo.ca

Veronica Sacco is a MSc candidate at the University of Waterloo in the School of Public Health and Health Systems. She completed her Bachelor of Arts and Science degree at McMaster University, where her interdisciplinary undergraduate education exposed her to courses in the field of health and aging. After witnessing the complex challenges faced by both her grandparents who had Parkinson’s disease, she decided to conduct a qualitative study focused on exploring the illness narratives of both individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Her study demonstrated the multidimensional impacts chronic illness has on both people with Parkinson’s and their social circles, as well as highlighted the necessity of providing better integrated care for people living with Parkinson’s. Veronica has joined the University of Waterloo’s Geriatric Health Systems Research group and is looking forward to continuing her research in chronic illness and geriatrics.

Representative Ryerson University
MA in the Department of Psychology
Joined: October 2018
danielle.damico@psych.ryerson.ca

Danielle D’Amico is an MA student in the Department of Psychology at Ryerson University in the Stress and Healthy Aging Research Lab. She completed her BSc (Hons.) in Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Losing her grandmother to Alzheimer’s Disease inspired her to pursue a career in the field of gerontology. As such, her research interests as an MA student focus on the lifestyle-based prevention of cognitive decline in late life. Her Master’s thesis is examining the interactive effect of stress and dietary intake on cognitive function in healthy older adults using a multi-methods approach. Danielle is also a trainee on the Nutrition, Exercise, and Lifestyle in Alzheimer’s Disease team of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, and a research practicum student at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – ELLICSR Cancer Survivorship Health and Wellbeing Centre where she is investigating the factors associated with the trajectory of cancer-related cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer survivors. As a Student Representative at CAG, Danielle is looking forward to connecting with other trainees and researchers in the field of aging. She hopes to foster a community of dedicated and engaged aging researchers to share ideas, support one another, while ultimately giving back to the aging community.

Representative at Huntington University (Laurentian University)
BSc student in Gerontology
Joined: September 2016
trost@laurientian.ca

Teresa, or Tree, was born and raised in Northern Ontario. As a young mother, she put her career aspirations on hold while raising her children, preferring to work part-time as well as volunteer much of her time to the organisations in which her children participated. When her youngest was in his last year of university, Tree decided it was her turn to pursue higher education and get her own career on track. She is currently enrolled in the Gerontology Program at Huntington University as a part-time student and would like to become a professional researcher and educator. True to her nature, Tree now volunteers her time and talents to her campus community. She is a voice for mature and part-time students on several committees and vice-president of HUGS (Huntington University Gerontology Society).

When she isn’t studying or working, Tree and her husband, Otto, enjoy spending time together at their cottage on Manitoulin Island where they garden, study nature, and keep bees. They treasure events that bring them together with family – especially their five adult children and seven grandchildren.

Representative at University of Ottawa
Honours degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Gerontology
Joined: August 2018
pfern100@uottawa.ca

Petula Fernandes is an undergraduate student at the University of Ottawa completing her Honours degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Gerontology. Petula first started her involvement with the elderly population in grade 10 when she decided to volunteer at a local retirement home. From there, she went on to work at the home as a Receptionist, Dietary Server and a Personal Support Worker where she still currently works part-time. In addition to her committed jobs, Petula also does data collection research on the elderly with dementia with a professor at uOttawa. She hopes to meet other students who are pursuing to have a career in gerontological research or geriatrics.

Representative at University of Toronto
Master’s of Social Work
Joined: September 2018
emily.walsh@mail.utoronto.ca

My name is Emily Walsh and I am a Master of Social Work Student specializing in gerontology at the University of Toronto Factor- Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science in Adult Development and Aging at the University of Guelph; graduating in 2017. I am passionate and committed to working with older adults and their care partners. Through my education, research and direct practice my experiences range across the continuum of care. I have worked with older adults and their care partners in community senior centers, outreach adult day programs, hospital elder life program and long-term care. In addition, I have research experience exploring the value of adult day programs for care partners in the Waterloo Wellington region. My passion and interests are related to dementia, social policy, knowledge translation, stigma and mental health. As a Student Representative my goal is to promote and connect with other students who are passionate and have similar interests.

Representative at Mount Allison University
BSc in psychology and biochemistry
Joined: August 2017
ilspinney@mta.ca

My name is Isabelle Spinney and I am going into my fourth year at Mount Allison University. I am studying towards a Bachelor of Science with a double major in psychology and biochemistry. I am very interested in aging and aging research through my past experiences as a resident care worker at a local nursing home, and as a hospital volunteer. I also sit on a committee through the Alzheimer’s Society of NB, which organizes the Memory Café for Sackville NB. I would like to become a student representative to have the platform to further make a difference in the local community when it comes to inter-generational relationships. I would also like to educate fellow Mount Allison students about issues in aging and aging research.

Are you going to school in Newfoundland and Labrador and interested in becoming a CAG Student Representative? Fill out this form to let us know more about you and someone from the Student Connection Executive Committee will be in touch.

Representative at Mount Saint Vincent University
MA in Family Studies and Gerontology
Joined: September 2015
Emily.Kervin@msvu.ca

Emily completed her B.Sc (Honours) in Psychology at Mount Allison University, and is currently working towards her MA in Family Studies and Gerontology at Mount Saint Vincent University. Emily’s research interests include multigenerational caregiving, person-centred care of individuals with dementia, and seniors’ mental health. She is currently working as a research assistant with the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging on a project that explores the impact of implementing a group psychotherapy/dementia care program for informal dementia carers. She is eager to bring East coast representation to the student connection and, from this opportunity, hopes to promote involvement with the field of gerontology to students on campus.

Representative at Dalhousie University
JD/MHA Dual Law and Master of Health Administration
Joined: June 2016
Olivia.Feschuk@dal.ca

Olivia is a first year student in the dual Law and Master of Health Administration (JD/ MHA) program at Dalhousie University. Her passion for work in the geriatric community sparked in high school through her volunteering experience at an assisted living home for the elderly in Halifax. As a CAG representative, she hopes to help raise awareness among her peers about healthy ageing and to promote the well-being and rights of this population.

Are you going to school in Saskatchewan and interested in becoming a CAG Student Representative? Fill out this form to let us know more about you and someone from the Student Connection Executive Committee will be in touch.

Are you going to school in Prince Edward Island and interested in becoming a CAG Student Representative? Fill out this form to let us know more about you and someone from the Student Connection Executive Committee will be in touch.