2022-2023 OPWSA Board of Directors
Rob Pividor (Co-Chair)
Rob is an Honor Graduate of Brock University in the field of Recreation and Leisure Studies, in addition to having received his Occupational Therapy Assistant certification from Humber College. Rob has worked in the field of rehabilitation, health care and support for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Traumatic Brian Injuries (TBI) since 1991 within the public and private sector.
During this time, he has been involved in different agencies not to mention Chairperson for the Red Cross, Niagara Falls Branch, member of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing, and delegated board member for the Ontario Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (OPWSA) since 1993.
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Since 1996 Rob has volunteered at the annual OPWSA conference and coordinated the OPWSA Youth Program portion of the conference. Rob has also presented at the OPWSA conference with respect to innovative fitness programming for people with PWS.
In 2014, Rob decided to become an active member with OPWSA after a little hiatus and was asked to rejoin the OPWSA Board of Directors. After sitting on the board for the year he and Holly jointly discussed applying for the Co-Chair positions to help out OPWSA with respect increasing awareness of PWS at large, increasing membership and developing a stronger PWS community as well as helping increase fundraising efforts to support OPWSA’s support to those with PWS. He is pleased that he will be continuing in his position as co-chair for the next term.
Colin Dickie (Treasurer)
Colin Dickie joined the board as Treasurer in 2020 and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the OPWSA’s finances, including the development and management of budgets, preparation of financial statements and reporting.
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Colin brings a decade of financial management experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors, which includes roles with KPMG Canada, MNP LLP, and Teranet Inc.
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Holly Sine (Co-Chair)
Holly is the President of the Pagnan Group Inc., an Animal Health and Human Health Consulting business. She specializes in generic pharmaceutical commercial operations for both the veterinary and human industry. Holly possesses a Pharmaceutical Regulatory post university diploma and has over 13 years of experience previously working with Teva Canada Ltd. registering oral and injectable generic pharmaceutical products with Health Canada.
Holly graduated with a double major in Human Biology and Economics from the University of Toronto. While at U of T, Holly was a varsity athlete for the women’s basketball team. Holly received an OUA All-star designation, OUA championship title and competed in the CIS championship tournament in her senior year.
In January 2014 Holly and her husband Michael welcomed their twins Jack and Kyrie (now 8 years old) to join their family with sons Grant (21) and Quinn (19). Jack was diagnosed with PWS at 2 months of age. The Sine family resides in Burlington Ontario. The Sine’s love to travel, spend time with family and visit their cottage during the summer.
Dr. Sanjukta Basak (Medical Advisor)
Dr. Sanjukta (San) Basak completed her medical degree at McGill University, followed by a Paediatric residency and Paediatric Endocrinology fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
She completed an additional year of clinical fellowship in San focusing on pediatric obesity, as well and training in social behavior change, and motivational interviewing. She works at Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital in Scarborough in the Diabetes, Endocrinology and pediatric obesity clinics. She also works at Kindercare pediatrics in their Endocrine and Prader-Willi Syndrome clinics.
San is also completing a Masters of Community Health with a focus on health practitioner and patient education at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about teaching and is actively involved in both patient and medical education.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies degree from Western University and holds the CPA, CA designation.
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Colin lives in Toronto, where in his free time he can generally be found swimming, biking or running.
Kristina MacDonald
Kristina MacDonald has dedicated her life to raising her daughter Ellie, helping her succeed as the beautiful young girl she is. Helping people succeed through the establishment of comfort levels has been an ongoing passion throughout her success.
Ms. MacDonald has over 10 years experience in various Sales and Marketing roles, ranging from a National Sales Manager to most recently a Brand Ambassador.
When Ellie was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, there was a significant shift in priorities. Consistent research and development strategies had to be established and maintained. Kristina has made a creative and exciting life for her daughter and will push through any boundaries in their way.
During the past 3 years, Kristina has successfully engaged with small-medium businesses, encouraged contact and contributions to support fundraising efforts, enhancing quality for our Prader-Willi Community.
Marla Fine
Marla is a retired teacher with more than 30 years experience working as a Special Education teacher, teacher-librarian and Special Education Consultant. She worked closely with students, families and staff in a variety of settings and developed an extensive knowledge of Special Education programs, policies and procedures. She holds a Masters degree in English, a Bachelor of Education, and a Specialist in Special Education from the University of Toronto. She continues to tutor and consult privately.
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Marla is a former board member of St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club, the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball League and the Canadian Association for Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases (CATSAD). Her volunteer work included running a parent peer group, creating parent resources, organizing fundraisers, serving as Treasurer, presenting at conferences, and liaising with other patient and health organizations. Marla is very happy to serve on the OPWSA board and help to support this community.
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Marla and her husband Bob live in Toronto. They have two adult sons, Wyatt and Jesse, and a daughter-in-law, Beth. Their daughter Elizabeth passed away at the age of 4 from Tay-Sachs disease.
Maria Fernandes
Maria Fernandes is a partner with Tangency Strategy, where she helps various pharmaceutical, medical device and contract manufacturing organizations with overall strategy for the companies and also with the development and implementation of tactics to optimize profits and ROI.
Maria has a BSc from U of T in Biochem and a MBA from Kings College. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years and has done various functions including Regulatory Affairs, Sales, Marketing, Product Development and Medical Liaison. She has also worked with a Communication Agency where she was involved in developing strategies for many clients and also in developing training programs for healthcare professionals.
Maria also works with dental practices and provides training and implementation for Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS.
With her background in the pharmaceutical industry and communications and strategy, Maria is looking forward to putting her skills and knowledge to help OPWSA in any way possible.
Cathy Shiner
Cathy Shiner is an experienced educator with extensive teaching and leadership experience in both private and public school settings. She holds several specialist teaching qualifications, including Principal’s Qualifications, and brings insight and understanding to the complex issues surrounding special education. She has worked closely with students, families and teachers in a wide range of settings for over 30 years.
Cathy recently retired from the Toronto District School Board and continues to teach with the board as an occasional teacher.
Cathy has been an active and engaged member of her community, in many capacities. In particular, she is involved with Canadian Hadassah Wizo (CHW), a women’s charitable organization that fundraises for community programs and health initiatives in Canada and Israel, and holds several key leadership and fundraising positions within her CHW chapter. She has also been very involved in the schools her daughters attended over the years, and in her small, community-driven synagogue.
Cathy is a graduate from Western University with a degree in Physical Education and the University of Toronto with a Graduate Diploma in Child Study. She is the mother to two delightful daughters, who provide grounding and insight into all aspects of millennial life. She is an avid gardener and looks forward to every opportunity she can spend time outdoors in all seasons.