Our Volunteers

Emily Powadiuk

Chance for Change Committee
Emily is an economist working within the Ontario Ministry of Finance. She first became involved with the Chance for Change Committee as a longtime friend of Sydney’s and is thrilled to continue to lend her efforts towards this important cause. Emily is also a prolific baker, baseball enthusiast and lover of dogs.

Jeannie Slade

Jeannie is the Director of Consumer Strategy at Unilock. Jeannie has been active with the Foundation since its start, as she is the sister of Answering TTP Foundation's founder and is passionate about an answer being found for TTP. Jeannie has an outgoing personality and enjoys getting out and connecting with others. She also loves coming up with new and innovative event ideas for the Answering TTP Foundation. In her spare time Jeannie can be found at her cottage relaxing with her family and friends

Jessica Roy

Jessica is a business analyst working with the I.T. team at Unilock. Jessica has previously volunteered as Treasurer of the KW Rowing Club, and looks forward to continuing her volunteer work in an effort to find a cure for this very rare blood disorder. When not chasing after her two young boys, Jessica enjoys a good run (which is actually good prep for the later).

Kate Powadiuk

Kate is a program evaluator who works with organizations to help improve their social and health programs. She has a reputation for being an ‘extreme crafter’ who is willing to try any craft at least once…even if it doesn’t quite turn out! Something that did turn out for Kate was meeting Sydney Bryant back in senior kindergarten. Kate continues to create happy memories with Syd and is excited for the next Chance for Change event!

Kelly Hagen

Chance for Change Committee
Kelly is the Manager of Solutions, specializing in the not-for-profit sector. Kelly has been involved in charity work for years, lending her project management skills to school boards and athletic committees while her son and daughter were making their way through the Catholic school system. Kelly enjoys a lead role on the Chance for Change committee and very much enjoys the camaraderie of the team while working towards a commonmar goal to Answer TTP. When Kelly’s not tied to her computer, or managing projects and teams with critical deadlines, she’s walking her pups, kayaking, snapping photos of scenery and just enjoying the great outdoors.

Lauren

Communications
Lauren is an Interaction Designer and Researcher. After being diagnosed with TTP at 21 and overcoming her battle, she wanted to give back to a community that helped her through her TTP crisis. She came across the Answering TTP Foundation in 2011 and has been involved with helping the Foundation with communication materials ever since. In her down time she enjoys photography, travel and is a self-proclaimed foodie. "You're tougher than you think. You can do it." :) - Lauren

Margie Castiglione

Margie manages a family business and is no stranger to supporting charities. As host of our committee meetings and long-time friend of Answering TTP’s Executive Director, her previous experience of Chair of the Wine and Art Fundraiser for Dorothy Ley Hospice has proved invaluable. Margie also has firsthand experience in patient support and care. When she’s not tending to family business, or involved in Chance for Change activities, Margie can be found reading or enjoying a cuddle with Molly, her Yorkie.

Melanie Doornbos

Melanie has been surrounded by the Unilock family all her life. Having known Sydney since they were both “knee high to a grasshopper”, Melanie is happy to be working with her both through TTP. When not volunteering for Answering TTP and the Chance and Change fundraising committee, Melanie can be found playing Lego or princess tea party with her son and daughter, planning ANOTHER trip to Walt Disney World, or running here and there to extracurricular activities with the kids.

Mina Rajan

Patient Advisory Board
Mina is an IT analyst at Nexen Energy ULC. Mina was originally diagnosed with TTP in 1994, and has relapsed multiple times since. When she relapsed in 2011 her doctor gave her one of our Patient and Supporter Information Brochure's that led her to the Answering TTP Foundation. Since that time she has become an active member of our Patient Advisory Board, attending multiple conferences on the Foundation’s behalf. As well Mina is an active participant each year in the Foundation's Walk to Answer TTP Together, raising awareness and funds for TTP. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and travelling.

Pam Smith

Pam is retired, a grandmother, great grandmother and TTP survivor. She has a long history of prior volunteer experience with various organizations but became involved with Answering TTP Foundation after her TTP treatment, where she was told about the Foundation. She feels lucky that she was diagnosed so quickly and knows the importance of spreading awareness about this rare blood disorder. Pam is an active volunteer with the Foundation helping out with blood drives, sharing her story with us on our “Patients Story” page and every year she participates in the Walk to Answer TTP Together to help raise awareness and funds for TTP. In her spare time she enjoys swimming, helping seniors learn computer skills and taking care of her grand children and great grandchildren. “I feel lucky to have been diagnosed quickly, because I live in a small Province where there isn't any apheresis machines I had to travel to another Province for treatment. I am thankful for the TTP site on Facebook where I get to interact with others suffering with TTP” – Pam Smith