Meet Your SDNPC Team

Dr. 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.

Dr. 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.

Melodie Bayard - Medical Secretary

Melodie joined SDNPC in June of 2018. Born and raised in Sudbury, Melodie graduated with honours from the Sault College Child & Youth Worker program. Returning to Sudbury to work as a CYW, she then became a PSW, enjoying a long career in that field until she decided to take a few years off to raise her boys. Melodie then transitioned her career into a Medical Secretary, allowing her to continue in the medical profession, while being able to maintain her strong commitment to raising her children and involvement with their activities.

Kathy Beland - Medical Secretary

Born and raised in the Espanola area, Kathy obtained her PSW certification from Cambrian college in 2002.  She has spent over 10 years in the medical environment including 6 years at the Little Current Family Health Team and over 2 years each at the Victoria Order of Nurses and Labrecque Fisher Optometry before joining the SDNPC team. Working with patients and clients in the medical field is one of her many passions.  Kathy continues to reside in the Espanola area where she is raising her four children.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Melissa Hayden - Medical Secretary

Melissa grew up in Espanola, and moved to Sudbury in 2008 to study English at Laurentian University. She received her Bachelor of Arts(Honours) in English Rhetoric and Media Studies in 2013. Melissa began her career in the logistics realm before moving into the health and wellness field. Prior to joining the SDNPC team, Melissa was an Office Manager for a local wellness clinic and  Head Cook for a small restaurant just east of Sudbury.  She spends her spare time trying to help save the Bee population and enjoying time with her family and two cats.

Louise Jones - Registered Social Worker (RSW)

I hold a Master of Social Work in Social Justice and Diversity from the University of Toronto and an Honours Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University. My practice draws on trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based approaches, narrative therapy, and Indigenous social work theories. Born and raised in Timmins, I have been working, learning, and living in Sudbury for nearly a decade. Previous work has offered me experience working with Indigenous communities, people with complex medical conditions, and street-involved marginalized population. I am passionate about equitable access to health and mental health care.

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.

Lynn Lapointe - Medical Secretary

I was born and raised in Sudbury. I've worked in the dentistry field and with this experience, I was able to learn to manage my time and provide excellent service to all of our clients. My personal interest are spending time with my family and cheering my youngest daughter while on the ice.

Jamie-Lynn Legault - Medical Secretary

Jamie is one of our newest team members at SDNPC. She graduated from the Medical Office Administration Program in 2010. Jamie was employed in a physician’s office in 2012, during this time she developed her skills to offer patients efficient, well organized service. Her interests include family, fitness, and 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.

Dr. 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 - Case Manager (MSW)

I obtained my Honours Bachelor of Social Work at Laurentian University in 2016. Most recently, I acquired my Master of Social Work at Carleton University, where I focused on direct intervention. I have varied social work experience which includes: clinical practice, case management, and group facilitation.  My practice framework is informed by the person-centered approach and cognitive theory. I am thrilled to be part of the team, and look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the SDNPC.

Dr. Shelley Ann Routhier - MD

Originally from Valley East, Dr. Routhier graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry before attending Queen’s University for Medical School. She completed her residency in Family Medicine in Sudbury.  She has been working at the Centre de Santé Communataire since 1997 and joined the SDNPC team as collaborative physician in 2010.

Chantalle St Michael - Executive Assistant

A resident of the north, Chantalle spent many years in Southern Ontario before returning to her local roots. She obtained her Medical Office Administration diploma from CDI College and worked for the Espanola Family Health Team as well the Espanola Regional Hospital before joining SDNPC in 2010. She is continuously engaging in educational opportunities.

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.

Dr. 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.

Julie Fiddes - 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. 

Mary-Katherine Howe - B.A., J.D., Executive Director and Lawyer

Mary-Katherine grow up in Espanola before moving to Sudbury to complete her post secondary studies. She completed a bachelors degree in Sociology and a bachelors degree in Law & Justice both from Laurentian University, before completing her Juris Doctor of Law from the University of Canberra in Australia. Mary-Katherine has worked in the adult and children’s developmental sectors, the health sector, and along with her full time job as Executive Director of the Children’s Community Network, she also works part time as a lawyer at the law office of Paquette & Paquette. She is the very proud mother of Ryland.

Marilyn Kingsley - MA

Born and raised in Sudbury, Marilyn enjoys the outdoors and truly has an appreciation for this beautiful region we live in.  Marilyn graduated from the Psychology program at Laurentian University in 1992.  She went on to pursue a career in social services, and after having two beautiful daughters, returned to Laurentian University in 2002 to pursue her Masters in Human Development.. Throughout her career she has held clinical as well as leadership positions. Marilyn firmly believes that an individual is only as strong as the team who surrounds her, and she has a deep appreciation for people she has in her life. Outside of work, Marilyn spends time with family and friends and enjoys kickboxing, hiking, painting and photography.

Sylvain R Leduc - IP SSP / 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

Margaret Loughran - BScN, MHSc(N), NP - PHC

Margaret is a native Sudburian, having resided, played and learned locally. She graduated from Laurentian University with BA Hons (Political Science/Economics). After starting her family, she returned to Laurentian to study Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She followed her passion to working in Mental Health, and has worked a number of clinical and leadership roles at HSN Mental Health and Addictions Program. While working, she completed her Masters in Health Sciences (Nursing) from Deakin University, Australia. To deepen clinical knowledge and meet client needs, Margaret competed the Nurse Practitioner program and has implemented the Nurse Practitioner role in the Regional Eating Disorders Program. Margaret lives with her husband and family in Sudbury.

Steve Mantler - IT Specialist

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.

Roger Pilon - PhD, NP-PHC

Roger has worked in primary health care since 1989. Upon graduating from Laurentian University in 1989 with a BScN, he was employed by James Bay General Hospital and shortly thereafter, transferred to Health Canada where he occupied various positions in both outpost nursing stations, education and administration in both the Moose Factory and Sioux Lookout Zones between 1989 and 1995. During his tenure with Health Canada, Roger obtained a Diploma in Outpost and Community Health Nursing from Dalhousie University in 1991. In 1996, he was hired as one of the first NPs in the North Shore Tribal Council's Community Health Access Centre program where he provided primary health care services to the First Nation communities of Whitefish Lake and Sagamok. In April of 1998, Roger became licensed as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHC-NP) with the College of Nurses of Ontario. In 2001, he was hired by the Massey Medical Clinic where he provided PHC NP services to a rural community until 2008.

Roger has been involved in the education of NPs in the PHCNP program at Laurentian University since 1998, having taught in the Advanced Health Assessment, Therapeutics and Integrative Practicum courses of the program. In August of 2008, Roger left full time practice as an NP to pursue an academic career in the School of Nursing at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Roger now teaches in the francophone undergraduate, graduate as well as Nurse Practitioner programs.

In 2015, he completed the Interdisciplinary PhD in Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian University. The focus of his doctoral thesis is an exploration of the impact of colonization on the experience of type 2 diabetes for Aboriginal peoples living along the North Shore of Lake Huron.

Roger was a member of the inaugural Board of Directors and the President of the Board of Directors of the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics between 2006 and 2013 and a board member and Vice Chair with the Espanola Family Health Team between 2012 and 2017. He also served as the Chair of the North East Local Health Integration Network`s Health Professional`s Advisory Committee (HPAC) from 2012-2016. Roger continues to practice as an NP at a local francophone Community Health Centre in the Sudbury region.