Meet the Team

905-576-8711 extension 34439
ygadler@lh.ca

With over 25 years’ experience in the non-profit sector, Yves has an impressive fundraising background and has held past positions in small and large organizations including St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and University of Western Ontario. He has been a past lecturer with the Fundraising Management Program at Ryerson University in Toronto and served on the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter Board from 2002 to 2008.

Yves began his tenure on December 7, 2015 during an exciting time for the Lakeridge Health Foundation. Since then, Yves has:

• Built a high performing team.

• Led the Foundation through a successful $5M campaign for a new Interventional Radiology Suite.

• Transformed donor recognition at the Whitby and Oshawa hospitals with five new unique donor walls.

• Launched a number of new initiatives including: Circle of Gratitude, 1907 Society, Launchpad young leaders committee, and much more.

The entire Lakeridge Health Foundation team has embraced his mantra – Consistency, Inclusivity, and Communication.

905-576-8711 extension 33422
sadams@lh.ca

Bringing a wealth of financial knowledge and leadership savvy to the Lakeridge Health Foundation, Stephen spearheads the team’s finances, accounting, and senior management, including engagement with our Board of Directors. Stephen is both a local resident and engaged community member, leading to his strong belief that public health care needs to be supported to help keep our Durham Region healthy, and strong. A true asset to our team, as both a fully certified Chartered Professional Accountant, and as a leader, Stephen is committed to growing success for Lakeridge Health Foundation.

Personality Point: Stephen loves retro video games!

905-576-8711 extension 34176
stmacdonald@lh.ca

Steven MacDonald was born at Lakeridge Health Oshawa Hospital and grew up in Port Perry where his mother was a long-time nurse.  Steve has a strong employment history in development with almost 20 years’ experience in the field. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation in Thunder Bay he held several positions at Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation from 2008 to 2017 which included work on the establishment of Peterborough’s radiation suite, a program made possible thanks to partnerships with Lakeridge Health and the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre. Steve also worked at Trent University from 2005-2008, Queen’s University from 2001-2005, and the University of Waterloo from 1999-2001. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Queen’s University School of Policy Studies and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo. 

905-576-8711 extension 33849
cmccutcheon@lh.ca

As a dedicated, long-time supporter and team member of Lakeridge Health Foundation, Carolyn leads the administrative operations of the Foundation, closely supporting our Board of Directors and Foundation Committees. With sharp strategic skills and a powerful penchant for precise prose, Carolyn’s dedication to our entire team’s success means a lot of positive impact on our local health care, including ensuring Lakeridge Health Foundation was the first charity in the Durham Region to receive Imagine Canada Accreditation in 2017.

Personality Point: Carolyn loves to travel and her life goal is to step foot onto every continent!

905-576-8711 extension 33814
darobinson@lh.ca

Daina joined the Lakeridge Health Foundation team in 2014 after working for Women’s College Hospital Foundation in Toronto. Daina is a talented writer, storyteller and communications professional with a passion for puns and alliteration. As a member of our senior management team, Daina oversees our annual programs, marketing, public relations, Launchpad Young Leaders group, digital activities and supports all Foundation teams with creative ideas and brand strategy. In 2017 Daina helped turn a crazy idea into reality by creating NightShift, North American’s first medical simulation challenge for the public. In 2019, she was recognized for this and her work in the industry as one of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy's top 40 under 40.

Personality Point: Daina is a night owl who spends her days with two quirky kids and her evenings cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

905-576-8711 extension 33811
jdavis@lh.ca

With extensive expertise in both Finance and Database Management, Jamie brings precision and personality to our Lakeridge Health Foundation team. As a fully certified BlackBaud Pro, Jamie’s key priorities include navigating both finances and leading our data management team. As someone who has received care from Lakeridge Health, Jamie feels it is important to keep our systems top-notch so Lakeridge Health Foundation can continue to support our Hospitals right here, close to home.

Personality Point: Jamie is a total exercise junkie!

905-576-8711 extension 33263
jblencoe@lh.ca

As a research wizard, Jessica boasts a multitude of metric and data analysis skills, alongside her adept talents as a relationship strategist. For Jessica, working for Lakeridge Health Foundation makes her feel as though she is a big part of ensuring that our Durham Region has the very best health care possible.
In addition to her prowess as a researcher, Jessica is proud of her accomplishments alongside her team, which most recently include her role in bringing our new Donor Walls to life at our Oshawa and Whitby Hospitals. Outside of her role with Lakeridge Health Foundation, Jessica is also on the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement Canada.

Personality Point: Jessica enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path sites across Ontario!

905-576-8711 extension 32784
aburns@lh.ca

Adrienne joined the Marketing & Communications team as Manager, Annual Giving in 2021. A dedicated, long-time fundraiser with a passion for enhancing local healthcare, Adrienne brings a decade of healthcare philanthropy experience to her new role where her focus is the annual giving portfolio including Grateful Patient and the Circle of Gratitude program, Direct mail, Monthly and Mid-Level giving. Born and raised in Bowmanville, Adrienne feels privileged to be working and living in Durham Region bringing her passion for building relationships and connecting with the community back home to help support the important work done at our Hospitals.

Personality Point: Adrienne is a sports mom and can usually be found at a hockey rink or baseball diamond.

905-576-8711 extension 34175
hknelsen@lh.ca

A key leader in Lakeridge Health Foundation’s engagement with our community, Helen’s prowess for event management and community leadership drives Lakeridge Health Foundation forward, year after year. Well recognized in our Durham Region, Helen supports our many, dedicated third-party event supporters, and navigates logistics for the foundation’s successful signature events including our annual Gala and Golf Classic. Leading our volunteers and event committees, Helen’s flexibility and extensive event knowledge results in high engagement from our community and critical funds raised for our Oshawa and Whitby Hospitals.

Personality Point: Helen loves cheering on her favourite hockey team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and singing karaoke!   

dlabaj@lh.ca

After almost 15 years of communications and multimedia experience in the health care sector, Dan joined the Lakeridge Health Foundation in 2021 to develop and execute strategies that will continue to grow our online presence. As the Senior Officer of Digital Communications, he works with the Marketing and Communications team, as well as the Development department, to invigorate giving and stewardship programs with online resources helping to provide a seamless donor experience.

Personality Point: When Dan's not golfing, he can be found in the kitchen or at the grill perfecting recipes while drinking a spicy Caesar.

905-576-8711 extension 33824
ploveless@lh.ca

Pamela has worked in the charitable sector for over 15 years. She has had the privilege of working for organizations she feels passionate about including; The Salvation Army, Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth, and the Alzheimer Society of York Region. She credits savvy mentors, and passionate donors for making her journey meaningful and inspiring. She has also been an avid community volunteer, who has served at the Warehouse Mission, 614 Regent Park, and Victim Services of Durham Region. Pamela is a new resident of Oshawa and was inspired to raise funds for local healthcare by her late father who was the chaplain at her hometown hospital for many years.

Personality point: Pamela enjoys a little wind therapy and rides a Ducati Scrambler Sixty2.

905-576-8711 extension 32838
laspillaga@lh.ca

Louanne began her career in the museum field, before working as an Administrator for a cultural centre, dance and music schools, and private schools.  She enjoys creating order and process, to ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently. As a long-time resident of the Durham Region, she is happy to be part of a team that can help make a huge difference in the lives of others.
 
Personality Point: Louanne loves travelling, watching movies, and eating Greek and Italian food.

905-576-8711 extension 34315
rmcmillan@lh.ca

Rebekah came to the Lakeridge Health Foundation in July 2022 after working in the not-for-profit sector for several years. She is passionate about cultivating strong community connections and working in her hometown community. Rebekah hold’s a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and English from Trent University Durham.
 
Personality Point: Rebekah loves being creative and artistic in every way possible.

905-576-8711 extension 33139
lpearson@lh.ca

Leah joined the Lakeridge Health Foundation team in August 2022, with an advanced diploma in PR and Strategic Communications from Durham College and previous fundraising experience in the local non-profit sector.

Born at Lakeridge Health Oshawa and a lifelong resident of Durham Region, Leah is passionate about supporting local initiatives and connecting with those in the community.

Personality Point: Leah loves to cook and bake, and had a past career as a pastry chef. She’s always willing to trade recipes with fellow food lovers.

905-576-8711 extension 38349
bthiel@lh.ca

After over a decade spent with TSN behind the scenes, Bryan comes to Lakeridge Health Foundation excited to hear your stories! With time spent both in front of the camera and behind it during his career in media, he is eager to bring his unique style of storytelling to the team.

A resident of Durham Region for the past eight years, Bryan has seen first-hand how Lakeridge Health has made a difference with his family, as well as his adopted community. He can’t wait to hear how our Lakeridge Health has made a difference in your life!

Personality Point: Bryan loves golf and baseball, but is probably a better chef. Even though that’s not saying much, he loves tackling Christmas dinner on his own (except desert)! 

905-576-8711 extension 34656
jtang@lh.ca

Jasmine began working at the Foundation in 2022. Her attention to detail, strong knowledge of databases, and her enthusiasm are all be a great assets to the Foundation. Her previous roles include Marketing Coordinator and Senior Operations Coordinator at L'Oreal Canada. Prior to that she was the Operations Manager at Enquiring Minds Montessori. Jasmine's education includes a Business Marketing Diploma from Centennial College and a Bachelor of Business Marketing at the University of Finance of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Personality Point: Jasmine loves noodles, a lot! Spaghetti, ramen, soba…especially noodle soups like Pho (Vietnam’s national dish).