Leadership
Johanna McDougall,
Chief Executive Officer
Johanna has over 35 years involvement in the not-for-profit sector.
She brings extensive experience in fundraising, operational leadership and event and volunteer management to the role.
Most recently she was the Manager of National Events, Fund Development and Partnerships of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Prior to that role, she was Executive Director of Tastes of Niagara, a membership organization dedicated to developing the Niagara regional cuisine and wine industry. She was also the Administrative Director of Chorus Niagara, Niagara’s premier 100 voice choir. Followed by the Event Manager at Niagara College.
She holds a degree in Political Science and a Post Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership. She is an active volunteer in her community and has served on several boards.
Johanna’s personal connection with epilepsy began when her child experienced a grand mal seizure at 3 years of age.
Contact
“I believe the most meaningful part of working with any organization is the ability to connect with the community.
I am looking forward to connecting with all of you.”
Board of Directors
Epilepsy Canada is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of leading professionals from the neurology and business communities from all across Canada. These volunteer leaders guide our mission with a steady hand and a focus on impact . All generously give their time, expertise and passion for our cause.
Founded in 1966, the organization depends on donor and volunteer support for the continued development and delivery of its research grant programs.
Chair, Board of Directors
Jane Todd
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Jane has over 25 years of senior business and financial management experience in child care, distribution, manufacturing, and technology.She brings strategic, financial, and operational leadership experience from her broad background, most recently as Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Brightpath Early Learning and Childcare.
Prior to that, she was Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Redline Communications, a TSX listed technology company, principal of Saga Consulting, consulting to clients including Redline and SMTC Corporation, where she previously served as SVP and Chief Financial Officer. SMTC is a global contract manufacturer listed on NASDAQ. Other experience includes Chief Financial Officer of a General Electric spin-off, Dell Canada, Beamscope and Azerty, a US subsidiary of Resolute Forest Products, and Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Jane is a CPA, CA, holds a Masters of Business Administration from Schulich School of business, and serves on several not-for-profit boards concurrent with Epilepsy Canada and has served on several boards in the past including Arthritis Society Canada.
Jane’s personal connection to epilepsy started through a very close friend impacted by epilepsy but has developed into a strong desire to give back by funding excellent research for this under recognized, often hidden, set of diseases.
Scientific Research Committee
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Assistant Professor Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre. Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation. Pediatric Programs: Developmental & Behavioral Pediatric Services.
Dr Myers is a clinician-scientist pediatric neurologist and epileptologist practicing at the Montreal Children’s Hospital since 2017. Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, he did my undergraduate degree in Physics & Physiology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, after which he moved to Alberta where he completed an MD/PhD and subsequent Pediatric Neurology Residency at the University of Calgary. After his residency he moved to Melbourne, Australia for a 2-year epilepsy fellowship under the supervision of Profs. Ingrid Scheffer and Samuel Berkovic.
He loves working with children with epilepsy and their families, and is very excited whenever he see’s his research leading to improved seizure control and overall quality of life.
Directors
Dan Bradley, Director
Chair, Scientific Research Committee
Dr. Morris Scantlebury
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Associate Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary. Pediatric neurologist and epileptologist, Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. Member of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Owerko Centre.Dr. Morris H. Scantlebury is Professor of Pediatrics and Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Calgary, as well as Consultant Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist at Alberta Children’s Hospital. Dr. Scantlebury also holds scientific appointments at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, where he directs the Developmental Epilepsy Research Laboratory. His research is focused on elucidating the mechanisms underlying febrile seizures and infantile spasms, with the goal of identifying novel treatments for these conditions. With over 20 years of experience in epilepsy research and clinical management, Dr. Scantlebury is recognized globally for his expertise in the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy.
“I’m giving my time to Epilepsy Canada as their dreams and aspirations aligns with mine and that is to one day find a cure for those afflicted with epilepsy -especially children”, says Dr. Scantlebury.
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Associate Professor and Research Chair in Drug Discovery and Development College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Laprairie is the GlaxoSmithKline-CIHR chair in Drug Discovery and Development. He is a member of the Drug Discovery and Development Research Group (DDDRG)and the Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan (CRIS). He is the Director of Education for the Canadian Consortium for the Investigators of Cannabinoids (CCIC). His teaching responsibilities include basic molecular pharmacology and neuroscience in the undergraduate and graduate Pharmacy programs. He is also involved in committee work with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Animal Research Ethics Board of the University of Saskatchewan.
Lauren Hanley, Director
Treasurer, Director
Mark Edwards
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Mark is a chartered accountant who spent 25 years as a partner in Public Accounting firm then went into management consulting for several years.
For the past 13 years he has been at Berg Chilling Systems and is now Vice President.
Mark is very honoured and pleased to be able to sit on the Board of EC. A close friend of his was the President , who has had epilepsy his whole life.