Meet Your SDNPC Team

Alex Anawati - MD

Dr. Alex Anawati, originally from Sturgeon Falls, is a full time ER MD at Health Sciences North and part-time at the West Nipissing General Hospital. As a member of NOSM’s charter class, he went on to complete a residency in family medicine through the University of British Columbia and a fellowship in emergency medicine at NOSM. Through his training he has lived and learned in almost every province and territory in Canada other than Nunavut and Labrador. Dr. Anawati is a faculty member, Global Health Coordinator and Board of Directors member at NOSM and teaches students and residents throughout all years of NOSM’s program. He is also an advocate for social accountability in healthcare, sits on the Canadian College of Family Physicians Social Accountability Working Group and engaged in research on social accountability for health institutions.

Dominique Ansell - M.Sc., MD, CCFP

Dr. Dominique Ansell, originally from Sudbury, is a full time physician in the Emergency Department at Health Sciences North. She completed her family medicine training at the University of Ottawa in the francophone stream and returned to Sudbury to complete an enhanced skills year in Emergency Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. She divides her time between the emergency department in Sudbury, working at the North Shore Health Network Blind River site, teaching medical students and residents at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and she is currently the lead of the local education group for the emergency department. 

Arro Barry - Registered Nurse (RN)

In my role as a primary care Registered Nurse I enjoy the opportunity to wear many hats. At the SDNPC I work with patients to support health throughout their lifespan: in the clinic setting and in their home, individually and in groups. Before coming to Sudbury and making it my home, I worked in Northern rural settings in Moosonee and the Yukon, as well as spending some time providing chronic care in Thunder Bay. I am pleased to be part of such a professional and focused team here at SDNPC.

Jana Blackburn - Nurse Practitioner (NP)

I obtained a BScN from McMaster University, and a Primary Health Care NP Certificate from Laurentian University. Prior to expanding my horizons to take on the NP-PHC role, my professional career was based in Public Health, having served the communities under the Porcupine and Sudbury & District Health Units. I’m a devoted sports Mom!

Bev Castonguay - Registered Social Worker (RSW)

Born and raised in Sudbury, I have had the opportunity as a Social Worker to work in many types of settings before coming to the SDNPC. I enjoy primary care as it affords flexibility in working with different groups of people to help deal with mental health issues, chronic disease management and prevention. Having worked in both acute care and community settings, I enjoy the opportunity to working as part of a multidisciplinary team. I get to meet with patients individually, in groups and sometimes in their home to work towards improved health and quality of life.

Mathieu Chartrand - Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Mathieu obtained his Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Laurentian University in 2013. After working in community care with the vulnerable and marginalized population, Mathieu graduated from his Masters of Science in Nursing in 2020 and became a Nurse Practitioner. He highly values taking a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to healthcare. His clinical interest includes psychiatry and addictions.

Jennifer Clement - Executive Director & Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Laurentian University in 1997. After working as in various areas of nursing in Texas, Mississauga and Sudbury, she returned to school to earn her certificate as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner in 2008. She has been with the clinic since 2008 and has been the Executive Director since September 2012. She obtained her Diploma in Health Care Management in 2017. She is the former vice-chair of a local community board and is the Co-Chair of the newly formed Nurse Practitioner Led Clinics Association. She is also very active with various local and provincial health care initiatives.

Jennifer Dawson - Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Jennifer Dawson is a 2002 nursing graduate from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She has spent the majority of her career working in Cardiology, Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care. Overlapping with this, she has also taught BScN students for a period of 6 years and worked in primary care. With a significant acute care background she decided it was time to change the pace and embark upon becoming a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner. She started at SDNPC immediately after graduation in 2012 and since this time she also pursued and completed her Masters in Nursing.

Kim Demers - Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Kim grew up in the true north of Ontario moving to New Liskard following graduation from Confederation College where she obtained her diploma in Nursing. She and her family soon moved to the Sudbury region and she returned to school through Lakehead University to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working for many years in the local emergency department, Kim obtained her certificate as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in 2007 and has been with SDNPC since 2009.

Christina Dippong - Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)

Christina graduated from the Registered Practical Nursing program at Canadore College in 2000, and has worked in a variety of community, hospital and nursing home settings. She was hired at the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics in 2011. She has since obtained her reflexology and foot care certifications, providing services at both the Lively and Sudbury sites, as well as home visits for the patients of the clinic.

Lise Dufresne - Medical Secretary

I was born and raised in Sudbury Ontario. I’ve been working in the Medical field for over 20yrs. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going camping and road trips. I am excited to be part of the SDNPC team!

Sherri Fredette - Medical Secretary

Born and raised in Sudbury. Over 25 years working experience in a variety of specialists offices. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, quadding, snowmobiling and anything outdoors. I am please to be part of SDNPC team.

Sarah Gatien - Registered Dietitian (RD)

Sarah is returning to her hometown of Sudbury after over 16 years away.  She earned her MSc in Applied Human Nutrition in 2017 and trained to be a Registered Dietitian at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Sarah also completed an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a neuroscience special interest from the University of Ottawa (2007) and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia (2011). 

Sarah most recently worked as a Clinical Dietitian in the Algoma Regional Renal Program and Superior Family Health Team in Sault Ste. Marie.  In her time outside of the clinics, Sarah enjoys working on edible gardening and continuing her research in childhood nutrition. Sarah is thrilled to be home to support her community and to be closer to family.

Mary Geroux - Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Mary Geroux obtained a Registered Nursing diploma from Sault College in 1998 and completed the Critical Care Nursing Certificate from Cambrian College in 2002. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, California and Washington D.C. She completed the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at Laurentian University in 2006. She worked as a locum in Chapleau before being hired to work at the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics in 2007. She left in 2012 to specialize in Bariatrics at Health Sciences North, and returned to her previous primary care practice at SDNPC one year later.

Sherry Giroux - Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Sherry originally hails from Southwestern Ontario. She moved to Sudbury, where she graduated from Cambrian College with a BScN in 2005. After 9 years of emergency nursing, she decided to head back to school to become a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner, joining the SDNPC team in 2015. Outside of work, Sherry enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking her dogs in the bush and being at camp as much as possible.

Jamie Graveline - Medical Secretary

Elyse Greenslade - Quality Improvement and Information Management Specialist (QIIMS)

Elyse grew up in Sudbury and completed a Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University in 2009 and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University in 2011. As the Quality Improvement and Information Management Specialist for SDNPC and other Nurse Practitioner –Led Clinics in Northern Ontario, Elyse is responsible for supporting multiple sites in implementing data quality initiatives, improving the flow and use of information, and developing queries and analytical products that support boards, teams and leaders in their quality improvement goals and clinical process change. 

Before joining SDNPC, Elyse worked in public health, research and community mental health and addictions. She has experience in project management, qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation, quality improvement and data analysis. She enjoys working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to make data fun and useful! In her spare time, Elyse volunteers with her community garden and takes her dog Hugo on walks in the many trails around Sudbury.

Mallory Keller - Medical Secretary

Mallory grew up in the small northern community of Red Lake before moving to Sudbury in 2005. She attended Cambrian College, where she graduated with an Administrative Assistant diploma in 2008. Before coming to SDNPC Mallory gained experience as a medical receptionist working in the cardiology field for many years. In her spare time she likes going to camp and exploring the outdoors.

Vickie Luckham - Pharmacist (RPh)

After graduating from University of Toronto Faculty of Pharmacy, I completed a hospital pharmacy residency program at St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton. Pursuing an interest in primary care, I moved "north" to work as the Clinical Pharmacist at the Elliot Lake Family Health Team, where I supported patients' medication-related needs. I was able to participate in additional training in smoking cessation and chronic disease management programming and helped contribute to quality improvement around cancer screening within the clinic. Since moving to Lively to raise my family, I have enjoyed working in the community pharmacy setting. Working with Med-I-Well Services Ltd., which provides pharmacy consultant services to the SDNPC,  I am excited to return to primary care at the Lively site.

Lionel Marks de Chabris - MD

Dr. Marks de Chabris is a full time physician working in northeastern Ontario. He runs a busy pain clinic and has worked in pain management and addiction medicine for over a decade. A graduate of McGill University, he divides his time between clinic practice, hospital work, teaching at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and lecturing to medical and lay audiences across Canada. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management and the Canadian Academy of Pain Management, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine.

Tiffany McGilvery - Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Tiffany graduated cum laude from the Laurentian University School of Nursing in 2009. She worked in geriatrics for the next two years with a special interest in palliative care, wound care, and management of dementia. She obtained a degree as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner from Laurentian in 2012 and has been working as a Nurse Practitioner with the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics since October 2012.

Lucas Nupponen - Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW)

I was born and raised in Greater Sudbury. I obtained my Honours Bachelor of Social Work at Laurentian University in 2016. I then acquired my Master of Social Work at Carleton University in 2019, with a focus on direct intervention. I have varied social work experience both in community-based settings and clinical settings. My practice framework is informed by the person-centered approach and cognitive theory. I thoroughly enjoy working on a multi-disciplinary team and in collaboration with my fellow SDNPC colleagues to better serve the community.

Carole Pilon - Case Manager

Born and raised in Greater Sudbury, I graduated from College Boreal in 1998. I have worked in the social services and non-profit sector providing support and case management services to marginalized and vulnerable citizens in our area for 22 years. My previous work experience includes working in the youth sector, mental health and addictions sector as well as in the judicial sector. I am excited to add my skill set, resources and experience to this dynamic multidisciplinary team and reputable organisation.

Debbie Rushton - Medical Secretary

I was born and raised in Sudbury. I enjoy helping others, therefore I knew the medical field is where I wanted to be. In 2020, I obtained a Medical Office Administrator diploma. I then gained experience working in the occupational health field for a little over a year. I am excited to be part of the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics team.

Stephanie Stevens - Medical Secretary

I was born and raised in Timmins Ontario. I hold a Developmental Service Worker diploma from Northern College Kirkland Lake, and a Medical Office Administrator diploma that I received shortly after moving to Sudbury in 2010. I have worked in the health care field for 9 years varying from client care to administration. I enjoy helping others and working with people in the community. I always welcome the opportunity to learn and grow, and am excited to be a part of the team!

Nancy Tripodi - Pharmacist (RPh)

Nancy Tripodi is a pharmacist licensed with the Ontario College of Pharmacists. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Pharmacy and completed a residency program at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Following that, she returned to her hometown of Sudbury to begin her career with Med-I-Well Services Ltd. which is contracted to provide pharmacy consultant services to the SDNPC.

Sharon Vukoja - Business Operations Manager

Sharon has been the Administrative Lead for our Clinic since it first opened in 2007. She has her Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and has obtained certification in procurement. She has an extensive background in Construction Management which was an added bonus during our several capital construction projects. She is responsible for ensuring the clinic runs smoothly by ensuring Policies and Procedures are current and in line with Ministry of Labour requirements. She prepares funding reporting for the Board and the Ministry on a monthly and quarterly basis. Sharon is also responsible for the accounting, information technology, and facility management issues as they arise. She has lived in Sudbury most of her life and loves all that our City offers including but certainly not limited to the magnificent natural environment and local theatre.

Nicole Welsh - Nurse Practitioner (NP)

I completed my Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate in 2009 at Laurentian University and had worked with the Barrie and Community Family Health Team until recently relocating to Sudbury with my family in 2017. Since moving to Sudbury I have briefly worked with the Bariatric clinic and the Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs at HSN. I joined the SDNPC team in October 2017 and have enjoyed working with the team and hope to spend many years getting to know our patients and community.

Julie Wong - Registered Nurse

Julie, originally from Montreal, obtained her Bachelors in Science of Nursing from McGill University in 2016. Before moving to Sudbury, she worked as a screening clinician and case manager for the Clinic for Assessment of Youth at Risk (CAYR) and the Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis (PEPP) at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. She strives to offer client centered care and strength based nursing. Julie is thrilled to be a part of this interdisciplinary team and is looking forward to getting to know the people who make up this community.

Jennifer Zymantas - MD

Dr. Zymantas obtained her MD at Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) at the Thunder Bay Campus in 2011, followed by completion of a Family Medicine Residency at Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) at the Sudbury Campus in 2013. She is currently working as a hospitalist at Health Sciences North (HSN), several of the walk-in clinics and at the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics.

Ewa Ceccon -

Ewa has been a Northern Ontario resident for many years. After she graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2002, she returned to Sudbury to complete her BScN at Laurentian University. After starting her career locally at HSN in 2006, she continued her education to complete the Nurse Practitioner program in 2011, and her Masters of Nursing in 2013. Ewa works locally as a Nurse Practitioner at the Family Health Team.  Throughout her career, Ewa has held the firm belief that a team-based approach to health care makes the biggest impact on clients during their individual health care journey. One of her top objectives is bringing equal access to health care for Northern Ontario residents.

Lisa Demers -

Born and raised in Sudbury, Lisa is an alumnae of Laurentian University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science as well as a Bachelor of Education. She is a dynamic, bilingual leader who has enjoyed working in post-secondary education and palliative care, and has extensive experience in non-profit management, volunteer management and event management.

Lisa has been a member of the Rotary Club of Sudbury since 2006 and served as President in 2012-13. She was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award in 2007, the Outstanding Service Award in 2009 and became a Paul Harris Fellow in 2013.

Lisa is the proud mom of 2 grown children, Taylor and Connor. In she spare time, she enjoys reading, golfing and spending time outdoors with friends.

Julie Fiddes - Vice Chair BScN, NP-PHC, MScN

After completing her BScN at Laurentian University in 2005 Julie went on to work in the hospital in areas of cardiology and oncology. She completed her Nurse Practitioner Certificate in 2011, and Master of Science in Nursing in 2013. Currently she works as a primary care NP in a Community Health Centre.

Born and raised in the Sudbury area, Julie knows first-hand the challenges the residents of Northern Ontario face in regards to obtaining quality primary care services and remains passionate about nurse practitioners bridging that gap. Julie is looking forward to bringing this passion to her role with the SDNPC Board of Directors. 

Sylvain R Leduc - Director (2019-Present) NP-PHC

Sylvain graduated from the diploma nursing program at Cambrian College in 1990. He has had a variety of work experience early on working in ICU, Emergency care and in Nephrology. He completed the integrated BsCN / NP PHC from Laurentian in 2005. Following his NP program, Sylvain worked in Cardiac Rehabilitation for 7 years. He then started work at the centre de santé communautaire du grand Sudbury in Primary Health Care. His masters of science in Nursing was obtained in 2013 where he focused on LGBTQ health issues pertaining to the reduction of HIV and the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis. He is currently an adjunct professor at Laurentian University in the Nursing department. He is the lead course profressor for the Advanced Health Assessement and Diagnostic.

Sylvain was the North East Ontario representative at the College of Nurses of Ontario from 2011 - 2015

Kelli-Ann Lemieux - MLT, MBA, CHE

Kelli-Ann was born and raised in Northern, ON and has over 24 years of clinical and health leadership experience working in both rural, community and academic hospitals across the North. Kelli-Ann started her career working at the Lady Dunn Hospital in Wawa, ON and then moved to Sault Ste. Marie where she worked from 2001 to 2017. In 2017 Kelli-Ann joined Health Sciences North in Sudbury and is currently serving as Vice-President, Surgical and Clinical Services. Kelli-Ann started her career after graduating as a Medical Laboratory Technologist from Cambrian College, holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University and is also a Certified Health Executive (CHE) with the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL). Kelli-Ann, along with her husband of over 27 years, are the proud parents of 3 grown children. She loves spending time with her family at their cottage.

Steve Mantler - Chair

Over the last 20 years, Steve has leveraged his Advanced Diploma from Cambrian College in Electronics Engineering Technology in the fields of Industrial Automation, Robotics, and Information Technology. He is currently the Telecom Administrator at Cambrian College.

Steve has extensive governance experience, having served on a number of local and provincial boards and committees. Most recently he served as a Governor on the Cambrian College Board of Governors where he sat on two Presidential Search Committees and earned the Advanced Good Governance Certificate from The College Centre of Board Excellence.

Steve is also a supporter of the arts in Sudbury and co-hosts Art Battle Sudbury, which is part of an international live competitive painting organization.

Patricia Plourde - Director (2021-Present) NP-PHC

Patricia graduated from BSc in Nursing in 1983 from the Université de Moncton, in New Brunswick. She moved to Sudbury in 1990 and worked at Laurentian hospital and at Laurentian University.  She did the nurse practitioner program  in 1996-1998 while working at the “ Centre de santé Communautaire du Grand Sudbury” where  she is still working has a NP in primary care.