Joyce has a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialty in community development and capacity-building. She has previously served as the Director of Kitsilano Neighbourhood House and Director of the Healthy Heart Society of BC. Her career has also taken her into the realm of communications and 25 years of experience in producing and executive producing network television productions for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the last of which, “Alive! The Picture of Health, she developed, hosted and produced. “Alive!” was Canada’s first network program on health and wellness with a focus on patient-centred care.
Joyce has a strong passion for creating new partnerships and is continually looking for new ways to connect patients, partners, providers, and other stakeholders in BC's health care system.
Peter Toppings
Program Manager
Peter steps into the position of Manager with a rich history in program management, community development and coordination of community health initiatives. Much of his experience has focused on building the capacity of marginalized populations and individuals to participate more fully in their own health and wellness. Over the years, he has been active on several community-driven boards and committees relating to issues such as diversity, HIV/AIDS, substance use, domestic violence, etc. He has a M.Sc. from the University of Toronto and a B.Sc. from McGill University.
Peter's dedication to community-building flows through all his work with the Network, supporting and inspiring participants to become fully engaged in the health care system.
Khushnum Sarkari
Program Assistant
Khushnum brings a strong background in administration and customer service to the PVN team. For several years, she worked with a property management group which helped her to develop a flexible attitude and understanding of individual business’ needs. In this position, Khushnum thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world.
Khushnum loves connecting with patients to answer questions or simply to chat - if you ever have questions about the Network or are unsure who to talk to, Khushnum is happy to be your first point of contact.
Bev Bakka
Community Outreach Coordinator
By connecting with people in neighbourhoods and communities, Bev has facilitated the development of life changing programs, initiatives and plans. Her belief in authentic collaboration between citizens, government, non-profit and business, has resulted in powerful community development solutions across Canada.
She is an active community volunteer herself as a member of her municipal advisory council. Bev's commitment to community and tireless efforts to raise awareness of the PVN are remarkable - look for her at your local farmer's market one day, and a health authority business meeting the next.
Anthony Gagne
Northern Health Liaison
Anthony is currently completing his Master’s degree part-time in Community Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia. His background includes health care research, focusing on the impact of knowledge and attitudes in chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and innovative ways of delivering primary healthcare services to patients in northern BC.
Anthony is excited to combine his research background with the patient voice, and looks forward to building the PVN in Northern BC.
Carol Stathers
Interior Health Liaison
Carol is a registered nurse with many years experience with Interior Health in the field of chronic disease management. She developed the hearts@school program for ImpactBC which was fueled by her desire to prevent the chronic diseases in children. Carol feels that Patient Voices Network is great avenue for everyone in BC to get involved and have their voice heard in health care. Under her leadership, the Interior Health Region has grown to be one of the most active settings for patient placements, and she works tirelessly to support the engaged and passionate patient partners in the region.
Kristine Reilkoff
Vancouver Island Health Liaison
Kristine brings a wealth and variety of experiences in health care education, service and delivery. She began her career as an Registered Nurse working in acute, community and gerontological settings before accepting a teaching position at CDI College. There she educated many of BC’s aspiring nurses and health care workers. She now leads a health care team at a premier care facility in Victoria.
Kristine believes in the value of patient partnerships in achieving healthy outcomes and positive health care experiences. She strives to cultivate these benefits through her work with the Patient Voices Network.
Catherine North
Patient Placement Coordinator
Catherine incorporates her background in personal fitness and dietetics with experience and training in areas such as self-management support, confidence-based goal-setting, cognitive behavioural therapy, adult education, the science of improvement, and cultural and personal communications. With over 11 years experience fostering collaborative partnerships across health care and non-profit/non-governmental organizations, Catherine is a natural fit to her role supporting patients and health care providers in integrating the patient voice in improvement in BC.
Abby Cameron
Peer Coaching Liaison
After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Kinetics from UBC, Abby travelled the world aboard cruise ships working as a Youth Programs Coordinator. With her sea legs ready to return to solid ground, she landed in Edinburgh, Scotland where she worked in a non-profit organization managing citywide basketball programs for all ages.
Abby is the first point of contact for many PVN patients, particularly any prospective peer coaches. She loves getting to know the Network volunteers and feels fortunate to have a role in matching them with the right opportunity for their skills and interests.
