About
About Us
Partners Community Health is a not-for-profit, charitable organization focused on bringing healthcare services together around the needs of people living in Mississauga and West Toronto. True to our name, Partners Community Health is dedicated to working with community partners to deliver an integrated system of care that puts people first.
Partners Community Health manages Camilla Care long-term care home (as of April 1st, 2022), and is leading the development of new health centre in Mississauga, which will function as an interconnected community for seniors and caregivers.
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
To honour lives and choices and deliver seamless care.
Mission
We are committed to building strong system partnerships and connections that put people first, a learning and leading healthcare community and best in class service across the aging continuum.
Our Values
Compassion
We care for all people with respect, dignity and empathy
Excellence
We provide high quality care with an optimal experience in a learning environment
Inclusivity
We bring diversity, equity and cultural appropriateness into everything we do
Creativity
We are innovative and embrace new and different ideas
Our Leadership Team
Partners Community Health is led by experienced health professionals who share a passion for compassionate, inclusive care across the aging continuum.
Tess Romain
President
Tess is an experienced leader in the Ontario healthcare system, focused on improving outcomes for patients and communities through local and system-level transformation.
Prior to joining PCH, she was the Transitional Regional Lead for Ontario Health (Toronto) and CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
During her time at Toronto Central, Tess led portfolios in communications, strategy, integration, and planning. She played a key role in the integration of Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre with the Toronto Central LHIN, led the integrated Home & Community Care program through transformational change, and spearheaded the development of Local Collaboratives to support local integrated health system delivery networks, which was the foundation of Ontario Health Teams. Tess also championed an equity focus with the launch of a Toronto Region Anti-Racism Framework. Finally, she led the COVID-19 response in Toronto Region for 16 months in collaboration with health and non-health partners, including the launch of the GTA Incident Management Structure (IMS).
Before joining the LHIN, Tess was the Director of Strategy Management and Governance at Joseph Brant Hospital. She has also served in senior-level positions for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and Public Infrastructure Renewal in Ontario.
Tess is dedicated to patient-centred, equitable access to healthcare through partnership and collaboration across healthcare and beyond to improve the outcomes and experience for those we serve.
Ruben Hernandez Rodriguez
Vice President of Seniors Care and Clinical Services
Ruben comes to PCH from Humber River Hospital where he was the Program Director of Post Acute & Reactivation Care and Clinical Lead Development of Humber Meadows Long-Term Care. As the Clinical Lead of Humber Meadows, he played a critical role in the home’s preparations to onboard and welcome its 320 residents.
At PCH, Ruben will provide strategic leadership and oversight on the administration, direction and coordination of our new long-term care homes (Wellbrook Place). He will work closely with Susan Doyle, Executive Director, Camilla Care and Executive Lead, Long-Term Care Operations, to ensure PCH’s clients and residents receive safe, high quality, cost-effective and exceptional care that is aligned with our values, mission and vision.
Ruben holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a major in Business Analytics. He is currently completing a Doctorate in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix with a research focus on the development of nurse leaders in Long-term Care.
Ruben’s leadership experience and clinical background will be a complimentary addition to PCH’s leadership team, as we prepare for Wellbrook Place and the organization’s exciting future ahead.
Raj Krishnapillai
Vice President, Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer
Raj is an experienced health systems leader with over 20 years of progressive leadership in the health care, not-for-profit and private sectors. Raj joins PCH from Ontario Health’s Toronto Region where, most recently, he was their Vice President of Performance, Accountability and Funding Allocation. Prior to his role at Ontario Health, Raj spent over 10 years at the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) as CFO, leading the finance and corporate services functions.
At PCH, Raj plays an important role in supporting the organization’s strategy execution and organizational effectiveness. Through his leadership of the Business Operations Portfolio, Raj enables and elevates operational excellence of PCH’s financial management, performance management, procurement, information systems and administrative functions.
Known as a collaborative leader, Raj has exceptional skill working with diverse stakeholders including organizational boards, provincial ministries, senior management teams and community partners and has a proven track record of driving operational efficiency and leading business and transformational strategy in healthcare delivery.
Raj holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Athabasca, and is a Designated CPA, CGA.
Kathy Lashley
Director, Strategic Projects
Kathy is a practiced leader in the healthcare industry, with a focus on long-term care, system flow and capacity, and extensive experience working with seniors and individuals with dementia. Kathy comes to PCH from Ontario Health Toronto Region, where she worked with hospital, community support, long-term care, and other partners to support the transfer of ALC and complex patients across the continuum of care in response to hospital pressures. In this role, Kathy worked closely with the community support sector to develop new and innovative places of care, including short term transitional care models.
Kathy brings additional expertise in project management, Home and Community Care, and Long-Term Care operations, honed during her time as a leader at the (former) Toronto CCAC, Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), and Kensington Health Centre.
Shaun Dias
Director, Communications and Engagement
Shaun joins PCH after twelve years in progressively senior communications roles at Toronto’s University Health Network. He is known by colleagues as a passionate healthcare advocate who brings a positive attitude and keen strategic advice to his work.
Most recently, Shaun served as Team Lead, Communications for the University Health Network. During his time at UHN, Shaun engaged closely with the public as he led communications projects with significant community impacts. He played an important role in the launch of Canada’s first COVID-19 vaccine clinic in December 2020 and continued to support vaccine distribution in the community. He also engaged closely with members of the Parkdale and Kensington communities, helping UHN gain community endorsement for the construction of a 51-unit modular housing build and the expansion of UHN’s Toronto Western Hospital site.
Shaun has worked for over a decade to share the incredible
work of healthcare professionals with the community. He is excited to work with
the PCH to strengthen community relationships that both inform and raise
awareness of our important healthcare initiatives.
Joel Borgida
Director, People and Culture
Joel has 18 years of experience leading Human Resources and Organizational Development teams within Ontario’s health care system and the not-for-profit sector. Joel has led HR, organizational development and communications teams in hospital, long-term care, community, and government sectors and brings a person-centred approach to his professional focus on leadership development, change management, employee engagement, strategy, and culture development.
Prior to joining PCH, Joel held the role of Vice-President of Human Resources and Organizational Development at the Toronto Central LHIN. Joel is also a certified executive coach and holds certifications in facilitation and alternative dispute resolution.
In his current role as the Director of People and Culture at PCH, Joel is leading the people practices and is dedicated to developing an engaged, healthy, inclusive workforce and workplace culture.
Tess Romain
President, CEO
Tess is an experienced leader in the Ontario health care system focused on improving outcomes for patients and communities through local and system-level transformation. Prior to joining PCH, she was the Transitional Regional Lead for Ontario Health (Toronto) and CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
During her time at Toronto Central, Tess led portfolios in communications, strategy, integration, and planning. She played a key role in the integration of Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre with the Toronto Central LHIN, led the integrated Home & Community Care program through transformational change, and spearheaded the development of Local Collaboratives to support local integrated health system delivery networks, which was the foundation of Ontario Health Teams. Tess also championed an equity focus with the launch of a Toronto Region Anti-Racism Framework. Finally, she led the COVID-19 response in Toronto Region for 16 months in collaboration with health and non-health partners, including the launch of the GTA Incident Management Structure (IMS).
Before joining the LHIN, Tess was the Director of Strategy Management and Governance at Joseph Brant Hospital. She has also served in senior-level positions for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and Public Infrastructure Renewal in Ontario. Tess is dedicated to patient-centred, equitable access to health care through partnership and collaboration across health care and beyond to improve the outcomes and experience for those we serve.
Our Leadership Team
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Governance
Our Board Of Directors
Jeffrey Lozon is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lozon and Associates Inc., an independent advisory firm providing strategic counsel to the health and seniors industries across North America. An experienced corporate director, Mr. Lozon currently holds the role of Chair for Sunrise Senior Living and Medical Facilities Corporation.
Considered one of Canada’s most respected health leaders, Mr. Lozon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his current roles. His previous executive experience includes 5 years as President, CEO, and Director of Revera Inc., a leading provider of senior care, and 17 years as President and CEO of Saint Michael’s Hospital.
Mr. Lozon was seconded to serve as Deputy Minister of Health and Long Term Care for the Province of Ontario from 1999 – 2000. He also served in key leadership roles for Canada Health Infoway and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. In 2009, he was appointed a a Member of the Order of Canada for his innovative and sustained leadership in healthcare management and for advancing care for the most vulnerable patient populations.
Anita Stellinga is an accomplished not-for-profit professional with over 25 years of experience in the sector, with a focus on strategy development, non-profit management, governance, public policy and stakeholder engagement.
Anita has enjoyed a progressive career with United Way since joining the organization in 1995. Currently she holds the roles of Chief of Staff, and Corporate Secretary at United Way Greater Toronto. In 2017, Anita was appointed the Interim President and CEO of United Way of Peel Region, during which time she led the organization through a successful merger with United Way Toronto and York Region.
Before joining United Way, Anita was a member of the management team of Poly-Cultural Immigrant & Community Services, where she had responsibility for community-based programming, settlement and language instruction programs, and supports for newcomer and immigrant families. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto at Mississauga. Anita has a rich bi-racial background of Polish and South Asian heritage and is fluent in Polish and Hindi. She lives in Milton with her husband Robert and two children.
Louise Smith is a healthcare professional with 35 years of leadership, project management and inter-professional team experience. A graduate of McMaster University School of Nursing, she was one of the original directors of Credit Valley Hospital, establishing and developing Quality and Risk Management.
During the start-up phase, she became the Executive Director of the Credit Valley Family Health Team and Family Medicine Teaching Unit. Louise has had multiple board and consulting roles including Heart House Hospice, CarePoint Health and providing consultation to the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC).
Louise has received awards from the University of Toronto Department of Family & Community Medicine for Excellence in Leadership and from the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario for Advances in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Management. Louise is a Francophone member of the community.
Karen Wensley is a private consultant, providing HR-related services including executive coaching. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Gore Mutual Insurance, where she chairs the Audit and Risk Committee, and Amref Health Canada.
Before her retirement, Karen was a Partner at Ernst & Young with overall responsibility for the HR functions of Ernst & Young Canada, and previously as a tax partner, specializing in the health care, biotechnology and IT industries. Her clients included several major research hospitals, and she also worked with the Boards of Directors and Audit Committees of her large public company clients.
Following her retirement, she was a lecturer on Business Ethics at the University of Waterloo, and a volunteer mentor with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council. She is a frequent speaker on business ethics, diversity and inclusion, and personal branding. Karen has served on the Board of several organizations, including Trillium Health Partners, the Information Technology Association of Canada, and the Association for Bright Children.
Stephanie Joyce is the Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Health System Integration at Trillium Health Partners (THP), where she is responsible for Mental Health, Seniors Services, Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, Primary Care, Complex Continuing Care and other post-acute services, and is actively leading several integrated care initiatives. She also serves as THP’s clinical lead for health service partnerships and development.
As an experienced operational and strategic leader, Stephanie has made contributions to health care systems in Ontario and British Columbia. Prior to joining THP in 2015, she spent nearly 10 years with the Vancouver Island Health Authority in Victoria, BC, where she held leadership roles including Director of Victoria General Hospital. She has also practiced as an Occupational Therapist in Ontario, Alberta and BC.
Stephanie holds Bachelor degrees in Arts and Science and Occupational Therapy from McMaster University and a Masters in Health Policy and Management from the University of Alberta.
Scott Jarrett is the Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer of Trillium Health Partners. Prior to joining THP, Scott was the Executive Vice President and Chief of Clinical Programs at Humber River Hospital.
Throughout his tenure at Humber, Scott led and influenced several key change management initiatives, including the redevelopment of the Reactivation Care Centres, and developments for a new nursing home, research centre, and future new hospital. Additionally, Scott had leadership accountability for the Ontario Health Team, diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as the achievement of Humber River Hospital’s PCOP targets, resulting in funding/volume optimization.
Prior to his time at Humber, Scott spent over 14 years working in a number of healthcare organizations in Ontario. A professional and dynamic individual with strong analytical, financial planning and evaluation skills, Scott has accomplished many change initiatives within these organizations, acting as role model in empowering staff decision-making and team cooperation.
Jeff Lozon
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Anita Stellinga
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Louise Smith
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Karen Wensley
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Stephanie Joyce
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Scott Jarrett
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