About Us
This initiative aims to optimize person-centered mental health care, leading to improved mental health, patient experience, and overall quality of care in hemodialysis.
Meet the Team
The Mind the Gap team includes investigators, research staff, and patient partners across Canada.
Click the photos below to read each team member’s bio
Project Leads
Dr. Clara BohmWinnipeg
Dr. Clara Bohm
Dr. Clara Bohm is an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba and Nephrologist in the Manitoba Renal Program. She attained her medical degree at McMaster University and trained in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at the University of Saskatchewan and Dalhousie University. Along the way she also received a Masters of Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is the Medical Lead of the Manitoba Renal Program Exercise Program and is also a founding Organizing Committee member of the Global Renal Exercise Network (GREX). Dr. Bohm’s research focuses on characterizing the effects of exercise and physical activity on functional status, quality of life, and adverse outcomes in individuals with all stages of chronic kidney disease and improving patient-centred care in hemodialysis.
Dr. Kara Schick-MakaroffEdmonton
Dr. Kara Schick-Makaroff
The goal of Dr. Schick-Makaroff’s progam of research is to promote use of quality of life assessment, enhance person-centred care, and improve services for people living at home with chronic and life-limiting illnesses, particularly chronic kidney disease. A major component in Dr. Schick-Makaroff’s research research is to provide evidence relating to the routine clinical use of electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) in multidisciplinary care of chronic and life-limiting illnesses. Her research interests also include mixed methods research, narrative inquiry, and research synthesis.
Site Leads
Dr. Karthik TennankoreHalifax
Dr. Karthik Tennankore
Dr. Karthik Tennankore received his MD at the University of Western Ontario, and completed Internal Medicine and Nephrology at Dalhousie University. He went on to complete a two year clinical fellowship in home dialysis at the Toronto General Hospital (University of Toronto), and concurrently obtained a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology through Harvard University.
He joined the Dalhousie Division of Nephrology in 2013. His clinical expertise is primarily in the area of home dialysis and he is the medical lead of home therapies for the Nova Scotia Central Zone Renal Program. From the perspective of research, he is the current research lead for the Dalhousie Division of Nephrology (Department of Medicine). He is interested in studying and improving outcomes of patients after initiation of home and in-center dialysis and transplantation, and in studying the effect of frailty on dialysis and transplant patient outcomes. He is involved in clinical trials and conducts a number of prospective cohort studies in nephrology.
Dr. Stephanie ThompsonEdmonton
Dr. Stephanie Thompson
Dr. Thompson is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology. She completed her clinical Nephrology training and her Internal Medicine training at the University of Alberta. She subsequently obtained a PhD in Epidemiology through the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. She is the physician lead for the Northern Alberta Renal Program’s Clinical Exercise Program. Clinical Practice Dr. Thompson has a general Nephrology out-patient practice and is one of the attending Nephrologists on the home and peritoneal dialysis units. She is also the attending Nephrologist for Grande Prairie and Peace River satellite dialysis units. Research Dr. Thompson’s research interests include trials that test lifestyle interventions in people with chronic kidney disease, with a focus on exercise and developing strategies on how to increase the adoption of exercise into the care of people with chronic kidney disease. She is also interested in examining how behavioural interventions and technology can be used to promote patient engagement in self-care. Dr. Thompson’s methodological interests include the design and conduct of clinical trials, qualitative research, and realist evaluation and synthesis in the evaluation of healthcare delivery.
Manitoba-Based Team
Jordan BankowskiWinnipeg
Jordan Bankowski
Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba. He is involved in various studies at the Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, which includes Mind the Gap.
Ashley SeitzWinnipeg
Ashley Seitz
Ashley Seitz, BSc, completed her Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba. Her role at the Chronic Disease Innovation Centre (CDIC) involves coordinating multiple studies including the Triple I project which aims to improve Information, Interactions and Individualization in in-centre hemodialysis care, as well as the Mind the Gap project.
Russell MalabananWinnipeg
Russell Malabanan
Russell completed his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Winnipeg. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Science program in the department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. His Master’s thesis is focused on Mind the Gap’s national survey to determine mental health concerns to address and mental health support to develop for people receiving hemodialysis.
Oksana HarasemiwWinnipeg
Oksana Harasemiw
Oksana Harasemiw completed her Master of Science in Community Health Sciences from the University of Manitoba. Her Master’s thesis was focused on understanding the relationship between social isolation, social support, and mental health among Canadian older adults. She works as a Project Manager, providing general support and oversight for the CDIC’s portfolio of projects, including the Mind the Gap project.
Priscila Ferreira da Silva Winnipeg
Priscila Ferreira da Silva
Priscila holds a BA (Hons) in Indigenous Studies from the University of Saskatchewan and a Masters in Community Health Sciences from the University of Manitoba. Priscila’s involvement with Triple I led her to conduct an ethnographic study for a master’s thesis to identify the constellation of barriers and facilitators particularly influencing the wellbeing and quality of life of Indigenous patients on hemodialysis in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This proposed study also seeks to understand how the structural barriers that Indigenous patients face are connected to a broader history of settler colonialism in Canada.
Dr. Leslie E. RoosWinnipeg
Dr. Leslie E. Roos
Dr. Leslie E. Roos is a Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor of Psychology and Scientist with the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. Her work aims to advance wellness across generations by promoting mental health for families and communities experiencing stress. This includes developing and disseminating scalable mental health programs as well as partnering with community-led organizations. Dr. Roos has led work with international program development teams, engaging with communities who are typically under-represented in research. Her relevant training includes a BSc (hons) from Brown University, MS and PhD from the University of Oregon, Clinical Residency at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, as well as time as a Junior Fellow with the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.Alberta-Based Team
Lalantha CoongheEdmonton
Lalantha Coonghe
Lalantha Coonghe is a Clinical Research Coordinator with a medical background and experience across cardiology, kidney, and other clinical research studies. She supports the Mind the Gap project while continuing her broader work coordinating studies, managing ethics processes, and contributing to patient-centred research initiatives. Lalantha is passionate about improving access to care for people with chronic conditions and enjoys working at the intersection of research and patient care, finding practical ways to bridge research and real-world clinical practice.Ontario-Based Team
Leah GetchellLondon
Leah Getchell
Leah Getchell is a Renal Social Worker at London Health Sciences Centre in London Ontario. Before completing her Masters of Social Work at King’s University College in London, Leah spent seven years with the Can-SOLVE CKD Network as the Patient Partnerships and Training Lead. Further to this, her mother lived with CKD including time on in-centre hemodialysis as well as receiving a living kidney donor transplant from her father. Leah is one of the co-founders of the Ontario based Transplant Ambassador Program and in her new role as a Social Worker, an advocate for increased mental health support for renal patients. Fun Fact: Leah has been fishing for piranha’s in the Peruvian Amazon!
Dr. Mark CanneyOttawa
Dr. Mark Canney
Dr. Mark Canney is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Associate Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and Staff Nephrologist at The Ottawa Hospital (2020 – present). He completed his undergraduate medical degree at National University of Ireland Galway and undertook his internal medicine and nephrology training in Ireland. He completed a Ph.D. in Population Health Epidemiology at Trinity College Dublin in 2017 before moving to Canada to pursue a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of British Columbia. It was there that he cultivated his clinical and research interests in glomerular disease. Dr. Canney is currently leading studies in cardiovascular risk stratification and blood pressure management in patients living with glomerular disease. He is also a principal investigator with the International Network of Chronic Kidney Disease cohorts (iNET-CKD). He is a graduate of the KRESCENT New Investigator program and his work is supported by the Kidney Foundation of Canada, CIHR and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute’s ELEVATE program for early career investigators. In 2025, Dr. Canney received a New Investigator Lectureship award from the Canadian Society of Nephrology.
Nova Scotia-Based Team
British Columbia-Based Team
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-MadsenVancouver
Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
Lianne is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Equity. Her research is focused on the psychological and social factors that promote or detract from optimal health trajectories and seeks to address patient-oriented research priorities related to the development, testing and dissemination of prevention and intervention programs that will mental and physical health. Her current program of research has profoundly influenced her role as a mother, and her clinical work, which has often led her to mindfulness, community building and self-compassion.
Quebec-Based Team
Mona Ben m’radMontreal
Mona Ben m'rad
Hi, my name is Mona Ben m’rad, I am a nephrologist at the Haut-Richelieu Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the University of Sherbrooke, on the south shore of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
I trained in Internal Medicine and Nephrology in Paris, France, completed an MSc. in cellular biology, and graduated in 2005 before moving to Montreal in 2012.
In 2018, I had to battle cancer, this lived experience changed me profoundly as a person and as a physician. I got my life and my profession back thanks to exercise and mindfulness meditation. Being a cancer survivor broadened my interest in exercise, mental health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I co-organized yoga and mindfulness programs for my colleagues to help us cope with the stress that healthcare professionals were facing. I also co-organized with a psychiatrist and a psychologist a virtual mindfulness-based intervention for people undergoing hemodialysis delivered through video-conferencing, which was very much appreciated.
I love to participate in knowledge translation initiatives about emotional well-being and exercise to help patients face their health challenges. To develop further my expertise, I am currently completing an MSC. in mental health at McGill University, in Montreal. My research project will involve the co-creation with patient partners, a Canadian-run technology company, and healthcare professionals a virtual reality-based exercise program for people undergoing hemodialysis to enhance motivation, adherence, playfulness and improve physical function, mental health outcomes, and quality of life.
Patient Partners
Arlene DesjarlaisManitoba
Arlene Desjarlais
My name is Arlene Desjarlais. My husband Glen and I are of Métis; we live in Winnipeg, Manitoba and this is our story. My husband Glen and I were introduced to the world of dialysis acutely in September 2012. Glen and I along with his renal team had been in the planning stages of Glen’s transition from monitoring to dialysis and transplant planning just prior to his acute start September morning. I called the renal clinic at Seven Oaks Hospital after Glen had endured a very rough night of overall feeling as though his body was about to give out at any time. I spoke with nurse Louise, and she instructed me to bring him right away as they would be waiting for us and that Glen would be having an emergency procedure to insert a central line and would be hooked up to his 1st hemodialysis treatment that very morning. Glen and I were terrified before arriving at the clinic, and I was sure that he was not going to survive. As I watched Glen take every labored breath during that 1st treatment, I knew our lives were forever changed and we had become a part of a brand-new family.
Although Glen initially started on in-centre hemodialysis, he was given the opportunity to train on peritoneal dialysis (PD). In January 2013, we attended the training together and were quite surprised by how quickly we were able to learn what needed to be done for this type of dialysis. Once fully trained, we were sent home with all the supplies Glen needed to start this treatment at home that very night. The freedom that PD brought to our lives meant that although he did have to perform a life-sustaining treatment as part of our everyday life, we were able to live a normal active life.
Things changed for Glen however in 2015, he had endured many challenges with his health due to his chronic kidney disease. Although he was able to do PD at home for almost 2 ½ years, he was faced with having to switch back to in-centre hemodialysis. Glen’s renal team felt that this was the best course of action. Glen had heart bypass surgery and he was at home recovering when discussions were had about Glen being trained to do home hemodialysis, and he started training in September 2015 with the Home Hemodialysis team. Although reluctant at first, he was able to complete his training and start doing his dialysis once again at home by the end of October 2015. At the time of Glen’s passing in February of 2016, he was able to set his own dialysis schedule which once again meant he had the freedom to live life fully as he no longer had to seek treatment in centre.
During our 4 years with our renal team, Glen had endured many complications. However, with every complication there was always a positive side to things. We learned that no matter what setback or complication there was, our team was behind us all the way. I learned that no matter what to always be persistent and ask as many questions as necessary until I felt we were heard. I learned that our health system can be flawed at times and that you must speak loudly to be heard. I learned that there are many patients going through all of this alone, and unlike my husband Glen, they do not have that voice speaking up for them in their time of need. My life’s mission is to now carry on Glen’s legacy by using my voice to champion all that the renal community is working on to not only find a cure for CKD but to raise awareness. I have found a purpose and a passion after the death of my beloved Glen to help ensure that no other family has to go through such a loss.
Loretta LeeAlberta
Loretta Lee
I am a retired Master of Nursing that last worked with a PCN (Primary Care Network) as a patient manager with people that had chronic diseases. Ironically, as I have been a chronic disease patient (CKD pt) for over 30 years. I loved my job and was passionate about the art and science of nursing and all the ways you can help your patients. Fortunately, I have always lived a healthy life, but things happen. My apparent mistake was not getting treatment for a strep throat infection, just after the birth of my daughter. My interests in Can-Solve CKD and other initiatives proposed by other research bodies, has always been on my radar. I have followed the progress of a University of Alberta nursing researchers, through Can-Solve CKD initiatives, making improvements in understanding the effects to mental health and in coping of patients living on dialysis. This is an immense change that involves many stressors on one’s mental health.
I have had the opportunity to learn specific researching skills and am up to date with various forms of patient involvement. I have been working with Kara Shick-Makaroff for 9 years. I am co-chair of the Alberta CAC committee and act as patient advocates providing input on next stages of research, answering surveys, and providing opinions on proposed changes. This journey includes Can-Solve CKD education sessions.
My experience as a patient partner has been a learning curve and quite informative. Being part of a research team has provided insights into multidisciplined team members and what each contributes from their own perspectives. I am also a patient that believes the saying of “nothing without me”.
Michael McCormickOntario
Michael McCormick
At 18 years of age, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). My primary disease process is Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS); I have been on hemodialysis for over 27 years, and on home hemodialysis for the past 15 years. I have had two living related kidney transplants, from my Dad and from a cousin. Both transplants failed immediately on the operating room table with extremely aggressive reoccurrence of FSGS in the transplanted kidney. At this time, I am not on the transplant list, as it is believed that the same outcome will occur as with the first two transplants.
I work full time as a Senior Manager at the Toronto Stock Exchange. I workout on a regular basis, including yoga, to maintain my overall health. In the winter, I curl competitively, reaching provincial finals twice; in the summer, I sail and golf. My wife and I also like to travel, we enjoy discovering new places. We have travelled to almost every province in Canada, over a dozen cities in the US, several locations in the Caribbean and many countries in Europe. Beyond the additional complexities of booking travel like everyone else, part of our travel planning includes finding and arranging a local dialysis unit at our destination.
I have recently become active with the Kidney Foundation of Canada – Ontario Branch, as a Peer Support Counselor. I believe that having access to a network of like-minded, progressive patients who have a keen interest in living a productive life, despite being diagnosed with CKD, is critical. I am part of a roster of several dialysis patients that are available to be matched to new patients and have spoken publicly at York University on risk factors and treatment options for CKD. I am also a standing member of the Ontario Renal Network (ORN) Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC).
Timothy SlaterOntario
Timothy Slater
Hello, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Timothy Slater and I am a new Patient Partner with the Mind the Gap project. My previous focus in life was working full time for the Federal Government as the Chief of Facilities Management at a Federal Multilevel Institution, Collins Bay Institution (Kingston, Ontario). After working for the Federal Government for 31 years, retirement led me – like a lot of my peers – into volunteerism. My first volunteer position was when I joined the Kingston General Hospital as a Patient and Family Advisor Committee (PFAC) member, and I am now volunteering as a Patient Partner member of the Triple I team.
My attraction to the Mind the Gap team is that their members share my vision of what hemodialysis should be all about, which is a multi-disciplined, patient friendly, cooperative interaction that is meaningful to both patients and staff. What I hope to offer to the Mind the Gap team is my 28 years of experience as a renal dialysis patient and three years as a transplant patient. During my time as a dialysis patient, I have seen positive changes both in the mechanics of dialysis and recently in the co-operative approach in the clinics.
I firmly believe in patient self-care and I live my life as an example that hemodialysis is not a death sentence, but rather something that can be managed with the right knowledge, support, and attitude. I am looking forward to helping the Mind the Gap team move forward.
Samantha SchellenbergManitoba
Samantha Schellenberg
I am Samantha Schellenberg, and I am a maker. Making crafts helps take my mind off of things. I was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease, I got a transplant when I was 11 – I lost it when I was 20, and I’ve been on dialysis for the last 14 years. Art is my happy place, and I’m so glad that I’m able to share it with a project as important as Mind the Gap.
When Dr. Bohm approached me to be a patient partner, she said that the team could use my talents, so I did what I do best, and I made her a sticker. Dr. Bohm later came to me to ask if they could use the sticker as the logo for Mind the Gap. When she explained what the program does, I said yes.
Later, when it was time to build the website I was approached again and I created the decorative elements that are seen throughout the different webpages.
Even though it seems that all I’ve done for this project is draw some pictures, I still feel like I’m part of something important. And that’s a good feeling.
Earl HalcrowManitoba
Earl Halcrow
Hi, my name is Earl Halcrow. I am a first nation patient from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
CKD affects me the most with dialysis and loneliness, especially loneliness. I want to be back at home, I want to go back home so badly. The start of this year was rough, I lost my wife, which I’ve been dealing with. I’ve been on dialysis for 9 or 9.5 years, which I always have done at Sherbrook. I came to Winnipeg because I wanted to find out what was wrong with me, because I was very sick.
I wanted to be a part of the Mind the Gap team because they helped me understand what was wrong. The other patients out there and their stories clicked with me – they talked about feeling lonely and lost.
My experience as a patient parter has had a great impact on me. It opened my eyes to see a lot of different things.
Outside of treatment, I enjoy hockey and watching the Jets play – they are my favourite team. Recently, I’ve also enjoyed going to watch the Olympics. My kids back home are very important to me, I make sure to keep in touch with them.
Charles CookOntario
Charles Cook
I am a 2-time deceased donor transplant recipient. I received my heart in 2016. I received my kidney in 2017. I am the father of 2 fantastic young adult offspring!
I have received 2 Gifts of Life which I can never pay back. I strive to do whatever I can to pay those gifts forward instead. I share the story of my journey and my lessons learned whenever and wherever I can with the hope of benefiting the patients coming along behind me.
Mental health challenges are a long overlooked part of the transplant journey. My own mental health challenges began as soon as I received my diagnosis. The first thing that I felt was different and the next thing that I felt was alone. I am looking forward to sharing my lived experience as a member of the Mind the Gap team to help improve the journey for other transplant patients.
Reena DavisNova Scotia
Reena Davis
I was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure three days before my 25th birthday. At the time I was a full-time fitness instructor, a single mom to a 3-year-old and developed gout. I was not the common sufferer of gout of course, and that began the journey into discovery that I had chronic kidney disease.
To say I was shocked is an understatement. After I was told this information I heard nothing else. I felt as if my life was ending, was afraid that my daughter would also develop this and couldn’t quite wrap my head around it. After realizing I wasn’t immediately dying and that it was not genetic, I was able to take in more information.
Twenty-five years later, my function was at 5% and I went on dialysis. It was scary at first, but became somewhat routine. For me, dialysis was not a long-term treatment as I was lucky enough to receive a kidney from my cousin.
Six years later, I am doing relatively well, despite some setbacks. I work full time as a counselling therapist, exercise often, love playing with my dog, walking the beach near my home and am grateful for my days. I want to help others through their time on dialysis as I know how hard it can be. That’s why the Mind the Gap group is so important to me.
Partners
- Kidney Foundation of Canada
- Chronic Disease Innovation Centre (MB)
- Fresenius Medical Care Canada
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation (MB)
- Alberta Health Services Kidney Strategic Clinical Network (AB)
- Nova Scotia Health Authority Renal Program (NS)
- University of Alberta Section of Nephrology and Faculty of Nursing (AB)
- Research Manitoba (MB)
Our Logo
Created by Samantha Schellenberg
This logo was originally designed as a sticker. Back when Dr. Bohm first asked if I wanted to be a patient partner, she said that they would put my particular talents to use. So to show her what my particular talents are I made her some of this design as stickers. I thought long and hard about how to make something as sterile as dialysis beautiful and whimsical. Then I came to the conclusion that just because something like my dialysis catheter feels so ugly and almost like a curse, it doesn’t mean I can’t surround it (or myself) with things that are beautiful and make me happy. Poppies are my favorite flower. And thus, the Mind the Gap logo was born.
