Our National Board is elected every two years on October 31, 60 days after year-end, following the World Transplant Games. The National Executive is drawn from across Canada, and Regional Directors are elected from the seven regions that comprise our national body.
National Executive
Dave received a kidney transplant on February 18, 1997 (family day) from his older brother Barry. Since then, he has been fortunate to be able to participate in the Gift of Life Games in Kamloops, BC, the first Canadian National Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec in 2000, the 2001 World Transplant Games in Kobe, Japan and the 2002 Canadian, National Games in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Dave keeps active in the gym and runs in local road races. After becoming Regional Director for Alberta early in 2002, he has been busy trying to increase local awareness of organ and tissue donation, as well as planning fundraisers and social gatherings.
Dave recently became involved with a pre-transplant teaching group at the University of Alberta Hospital, which helps patients going on the waiting list understand what they are about to go through, and to let them know that they can pursue a healthy and active lifestyle after a transplant. Dave traveled to Nancy, France and participated in the 2003 World Transplant Games and met up again with all his transplant buddies.
Jennifer Holman has been a physical therapist at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton since 1977 in several specialties including cardiac surgery, intensive care, pediatrics and pulmonary medicine.
She has been a Clinical Coordinator in Transplant Services since the first heart and lung transplants in 1985 and developed the PT program for liver transplants in 1989.
She has have been active with CTA in Alberta for more than 15 years, first as Hospital Liaison and later as Provincial Director and, now Vice-President West. Jennifer was Co-Chair for the 2006 Canadian Transplant Games in Edmonton and now leads the LOC planning the 2012 Games in Calgary.
After more than 35 years as a physical therapist, Jennifer says she continues to be inspired by the miraculous recovery possible after a transplant. “Every day”, she says, “I am privileged to share the lives of transplant candidates, recipients and their families and to be a small part of their triumphs.”
She looks forward to many more years with both the University of Alberta Hospital and the Canadian Transplant Association.
Aubrey received his liver transplant May 10, 1998 after living with PSC for 18 years. His disease started when he was in his second year of medical school. Since his transplant he has competed in 4 Canadian Transplant Games and 2 World Transplant Games.
He has worked as an Emergency Physician, General Practitioner, been program director of a chronic care renal dialysis unit, as a medical reviewer for Health Canada.
He is a member of the Scientific Medical Review Board for PSC Partners seeking a cure, as well as being a member of their foundation board. He was the President of the Medical Staff for Bruyere Continuing Care for three years and is now the Vice President of the Medical Staff. Aubrey has been active in local programs in Ottawa for organ and tissue donation and transplant awareness. He is married to Caroline Vanneste.
As a Senior Executive and Entrepreneur, Janice Locke has held the positions of CEO, COO and CFO for international corporations ranging in size from $45 million to $220 million in North America and Europe. Janice is known for her unique ability to convert ideas to performance and is a Strategist, Visionary Leader and Entrepreneur.
Janice has been recognized for her business and community leadership by winning both the Women of Influence and the Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards. She is active on a number of community Boards including Mohawk College and St. Josephs Healthcare. Janice is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McMaster University.
As an public speaker and educator, Janice is a passionate and highly effective communicator and instructor. In addition to teaching at McMaster University and University of Toronto, Janice partners with private and not-for-profit organizations in all aspects of business leadership and success. She is a recognized public speaker and has acted as speaker for the Retail Council of Canada, the Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Executive Network.
As a member of the Women in Leadership Mentorship Program, Janice is committed to passing her knowledge to aspiring leaders.
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Kathy received her gift of life in August, 1991 after 6 ½ years on dialysis. Within a year of her kidney transplant, she became actively involved with the CTA in Edmonton, AB. From her first World Transplant Games experience in 1993 (Vancouver, BC), she (and her family) felt an instant connection to the CTA. As a result, she has volunteered with the CTA ever-since and has participated in every Canadian Transplant Games as well as many World Transplant Games. Wherever Kathy is at the games, you're bound to find at least one member of the Tach- clan either cheering her on, or helping out in some way. She has served in various capacities as Regional Director (Alberta), LOC Chairperson of Media/Marketing (2006 Canadian Transplant Games - Edmonton, AB) and also serves as Secretary for the Alberta Region of CTA.
Kathy works as a Patient Care Manager with the Northern Alberta Renal Program at the University of Alberta Hospital. She also enjoys singing with her twin sister and two good friends in a Ukrainian female a cappella quartet called Heruvymy (which means Cherubim) and have produced a couple of recordings. She finds it very rewarding to speak to students, church groups and other organizations sharing the story of her journey from renal failure to kidney transplant and also volunteers with the Kidney Foundation’s Speaker’s Bureau. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others learn about the importance of organ donation and do her part as a transplant recipient to help others on the waiting list receive their gift of life.
Neil Folkins has been involved with the Canadian Transplant Association for 14 years now.
His first involvement started with becoming treasurer for the Alberta region and then becoming Membership Director for the national board.
He has been to several national games and world games, most recently in Sweden.
He is also involved with the local community league, which he is now vice president, and has maintained his role as treasurer in a local badminton group now for 25 years.
Neil is now coming up on his 16th year post transplant, after having received 2 liver transplants.
Tara’s personal experience with the success of organ donation and transplantation, (mom's gift of life in 1990), has guided her commitment to promoting organ donation awareness nationally and internationally. Since her initial involvement as a volunteer at the inaugural Canadian Transplant Games in 2000, Tara has been inspired by transplant recipients, family supporters, donors and donor families. What better way to witness the second chance at life for so many, as recipients demonstrate that organ donation works, through sport and healthy lifestyle! Her mission is to encourage others to talk about it, sparking conversations as often as possible in the community, and amongst families and friends. Tara has volunteered at national and world transplant games, and managed the Astellas Children's Program for the 2005 World Transplant Games in London. Along with her experience as a varsity competitive athlete and referee, Tara brings her love of sport and her commitment to promoting organ donation awareness together, to help make a difference. Professionally, Tara has pursued her passion working in music and cultural event planning for a contemporary non-profit organization in Toronto.
Provincial Directors
Jennifer Holman has been a physical therapist at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton since 1977 in several specialties including cardiac surgery, intensive care, pediatrics and pulmonary medicine.
She has been a Clinical Coordinator in Transplant Services since the first heart and lung transplants in 1985 and developed the PT program for liver transplants in 1989.
She has have been active with CTA in Alberta for more than 15 years, first as Hospital Liaison and later as Provincial Director and, now Vice-President West. Jennifer was Co-Chair for the 2006 Canadian Transplant Games in Edmonton and now leads the LOC planning the 2012 Games in Calgary.
After more than 35 years as a physical therapist, Jennifer says she continues to be inspired by the miraculous recovery possible after a transplant. “Every day”, she says, “I am privileged to share the lives of transplant candidates, recipients and their families and to be a small part of their triumphs.”
She looks forward to many more years with both the University of Alberta Hospital and the Canadian Transplant Association.
Margaret Benson received her “Gift of Life,” a double lung transplant, Dec. 1999. Since then she has promoted organ donation and transplantation through many programs endorsed by BC Transplant (BCT) and the Canadian Transplant Association. (CTA) Through the BCT’s school committee, she draws on her skills as a teacher and has spoken to thousands of students, administrators and counselors about the significance of organ donation.
Margaret is actively involved in athletics to help promote the importance of fitness to transplant recipients and to honour her donor. She’s participated successfully in four World Transplant Games and is looking forward to the 2013 games in Durban, South Africa. Since her transplant, Margaret has discovered many new athletic passions such as; race walking, running, dragon boating, rowing, snowshoeing and her favourite Zumba. She has recently become a Zumba instructor and loves sharing her passion of dancing combined with exercising, with others. In 2012 instead of the Sun Run, which BC participated in for 9 years, Margaret and the Vancouver group of BC CTA hosted its first ever Transplant Trot. The event was extremely successful with over 300 people in attendance. The BC CTA hopes to have the event grow bigger every year.
Six years ago Margaret returned to her true passion, teaching. After taking a long break, she is back in the classroom and although it is only one day a week, she thoroughly loves it. Teaching is her life and her true joy. Margaret suggests to everyone, that if you love what you do, then you will be happy.
Margaret recently stepped down as the Western Vice President of CTA, but still remains on the board as the BC representative, a position she has held since 2005. Margaret continues to encourage people from all across Canada to join forces to promote organ donation, to honour our donors and donor families and to prove Organ Donation Works.
Representing - NB - PEI - NS - NF
Mark was the recipient of a double-lung and heart transplant in September of 2002 and has been involved in raising awareness for Organ and Tissue Donation ever since. As one of the new VPs of the CTA, Mark is excited to play a role in helping bring the CTA into the national spotlight.
Mark works full time as a teacher in NB and in his spare time travels the province as a motivational speaker for schools and businesses.
Sandra Holdsworth received a liver transplant on February 26, 1997 due to Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and has since become an advocate for organ donation. She previously held a position on the National Board from 1999-2001 and has been actively involved with the Ontario Executive since 1998.
Sandra has devoted much time to promoting this important cause and has attended every World Transplant & Canadian Transplant Games since her transplant as well has attended 5 US Games.
She also volunteers for Trillium Gift of Life Network, The Canadian Liver Foundation and is a mentor for the Toronto General Hospital Liver Mentor Program.
A heart transplant recipient in July 2000, Gaston Martin has been heavily involved and is a « golden » volunteer for Quebec Transplant since 2002. He readily shares his experiences, be they written, televised or radio, as well as speaks at various business functions, schools and in hospitals. A true professional when it comes to promoting organ and tissue donation, he also speaks with and keeps in regular contact with people waiting for a transplant. He approaches all projects, be they personal or as part of a team, with enthusiasm and passion. These qualities are always present and can be heard when Gaston speaks about the benefits of organ donation and transplantation.
Born September 19th, 1946, this native of Repentigny is an entrepreneur when it comes time to develop and initiate various projects. He also is an accomplished athlete, and uses this to promote organ and tissue donation. Since 2008, Gaston has held the title of Provincial Director for the Canadian Transplant Association. During his tenure, he has increased Quebec membership and has established that each member be part of the Hydro-Québec coop plan. This plan aids recipients in various ways such as travel insurance. He has helped the Canadian Transplant Association become a known and appreciated entity in Québec.
Merits:
- Director of the 5th edition of the Canadian Transplant Games in the summer of 2010, held at Québec city. He amassed multiple financial donations for these games. Moreover, he helped increase children participation, aided with obtaining Team Québec uniforms, as well as shirts for donor families invited to the opening ceremonies
- Main event organizer for the annual tennis tournament (7th edition to be held in 2012), whose goal is to promote organ donation.
- A key promoter and spokesperson during National Organ and Tissue Donation week
- Organized to have donor families honoured at the 25th edition of the International Junior Tennis Tournament held in Repentigny (August 2010).
- Accomplished transplant athlete at both provincial and national levels; events include tennis and badminton.
- Five year member of the CCRR (Comité Consultatif Représentant Receveur) at Héma-Québec
- Honorary president of the Lions Club and Scouts Canada for the Repentigny region for the local blood drive. One of the main blood drives for the Lanaudière region, it collects 460 donations.
- Founder of the “Caravane du Don d’Organes” (Organ Donation Awareness Caravan). It’s mandate is to travel to various communities in Québec with a team of transplant recipients, doctors and other personnel, to promote organ and tissue donation.
- Receiver of the 2010 Ambassador of Transplant Québec prize
Orest received his heart transplant on February 6, 2000 at U of A, in Edmonton, Alberta. He has since been able to take part in The Gift of Games, every two years in Edmonton, Windsor, and Quebec City.
Orest has been involved in Saskatchewan as The Provincal Director for the past 7 years. He enjoys meeting and speaking to different people and is volunteering his time with various events, programs and his most liked is fundraising, as he has many contact people in Saskatoon and area for support. As being retired, he has a lot of time on his hands, doing projects in which he could do without having any delays or set aside and forget about when they have to be finished.