Haldimand Family Health Team

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Administration

Haldimand FHT’s administrative team advances the mission, vision, and values of the organization by providing operational, administrative, and strategic support across all functions of the organization.

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Barbara Klassen, Executive Director

As the Executive Director at the Haldimand FHT since March 2022, Barbara has guided the Haldimand FHT through the COVID-19 pandemic and into a team-based, primary care focused healthcare model. With over 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare, she has a keen interest and experience in system development, quality improvement, and access to care. Barbara has an MA in Leadership from the University of Guelph. She is actively involved with the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN) Ontario Health Team (OHT) that serves Hamilton, Haldimand and Niagara Northwest, sits on the GHHN Board of Directors, and is a member of the GHHN Primary Care Network, engaging primary care providers across the OHT.

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Vanessa Henry,
Clinical Lead

Vanessa Henry started with the Haldimand FHT as a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator in 2016. She transitioned to the position of Clinical Lead in 2022, and now leads program planning, data collection, and clinic processes. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Brescia University College, followed by an accredited dietetic internship at Hamilton Health Sciences. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at the University of Carelton’s Sprott School of Business, enriching her expertise and leadership capabilities.

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Tammie Bartlett,
Receptionist (Hagersville)

Tammie Bartlett works as a part-time receptionist in Hagersville and has over 25 years of experience working in medical clinics. She also has experience as an administrator and makes patient concerns her top priority. Tammie was born and raised in Dunnville but now lives in Niagara, where she is actively involved in restoring an old farmhouse.

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Lisa Carusello,
Receptionist (Caledonia)

Lisa joined the Haldimand FHT in 2006. She worked at the Hagersville site until transferring to the Caledonia site in 2020 in the role of Front Office Administrator. Raised in Haldimand and residing in Caledonia, Lisa is deeply connected to the local community. She is the familiar face you will see in the front office in Caledonia and takes tremendous pride in ensuring patients are assisted in a compassionate, prompt and friendly manner.

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Kim Hillmer,
Receptionist (Dunnville)

Kim has been a receptionist with the Haldimand FHT for 15 years. A Haldimand resident, her deep-rooted connection to the community shines through in her dedication to patient care and team collaboration. Kim’s passion for helping others and commitment to excellence make her a valued member of the health team and the community that she serves.

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Betsy Rouw,
Administrative Assistant

Betsy works in the Caledonia office as the Administrative Assistant supporting the Executive Director, Clinical Lead, and the Board of Directors. Betsy has vast experience in the administrative field supporting executives in day-to-day operations and calendar management. Her responsibilities include supporting the Board of Directors as the Board Recording Secretary. She has worked with several Boards, both in corporate and not-for-profit organizations, and has a strong understanding of board governance.

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Deb Carruth,
Reception Relief

Deb is a dedicated medical receptionist with over 20 years of experience. She thrives on being the first point of contact for patients, ensuring their needs are met and the office runs efficiently. Deb is a lifetime local resident, with a strong affinity for her community. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her furry companions. Deb is an integral part of the Haldimand FHT, where her passion for helping people shines through.

Dietitians

Haldimand FHT’s Registered Dietitians provides patient-centered nutrition counselling and education using an evidence-based and holistic approach. Dietitians can address, but are not limited to: diabetes, heart health, gut health/gut disorders, weight management, disordered eating, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Dietitians also work with patients on mindful/intuitive eating to support behaviour change and build a healthy relationship with food.

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Hannah Leclair, Registered Dietitian

Hannah is a Registered Dietitian. She completed her Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph and then completed a Diploma of Dietetic Education and Practical Training at Brescia University College, which included an accredited dietetic internship at Hamilton Health Sciences. She has a strong interest in gut health and has been trained on the use of a low FODMAP diet for IBS by Monash University. Hannah believes in working alongside patients to help them create and achieve their health goals while building and keeping a healthy relationship with food.

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Brooklyn Seal, Registered Dietitian

Brooklyn is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. She completed her Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition from Brescia University College combined with a dietetic internship across Ontario. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Human Nutrition from the University of Guelph. Brooklyn has a range of experience in long-term care, diabetes education, hemodialysis, and digital healthcare. Outside of dietetics, she enjoys being active, travelling, and practicing mindfulness. She looks forward to empowering patients to achieve their personal health goals by providing non-judgmental, practical, and evidence-based advice that will lead to long-term success.

Kinesiologist

Haldimand FHT’s Registered Kinesiologists are healthcare providers who use exercise, movement analysis, manual techniques, and education to help people prevent, manage, and recover from health problems. They can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions and help with issues like chronic pain, osteoporosis, poor balance, and recovery from events like strokes or injuries.

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Xana Ouellette, Registered Kinesiologist

Xana completed her studies at the University of Windsor, graduating with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics (Movement Science). She gained additional qualifications as a Certified Respiratory Educator and completed certificates in Gerontology from Durham College and Rehabilitation from Seneca College to help her provide well-rounded care. She previously worked in long-term care, occupational rehabilitation, and mixed neurological/orthopedic outpatient clinics. Xana’s interests include healthy aging, hypermobility, COPD, postpartum rehabilitation, and science-based rehab care. Xana approaches rehabilitation from a biopsychosocial lens and uses a combination of education, self-management strategies, soft tissue techniques, and exercise in her practice of Kinesiology.

Nurse Practitioners

Nurse Practitioners are able to assess, diagnose, treat, and refer for medical conditions. At the Haldimand FHT, the Nurse Practitioners complement physician practices by offering specialty programs that meet unique health needs.

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Joanna Lynsdale,
Nurse Practitioner

Joanna is a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and has been with the Haldimand FHT since January 2022. She obtained her undergraduate degree from McGill University and then later graduated from the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program at McMaster University in 2019. She has a special interest in sexual health, women’s health, and gender affirming care. Her passion is delivering equitable person-centered care and improving access to preventative healthcare. She lives and works in Haldimand County and is thrilled to provide health care for her community.

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Jenny Schiffl,
Nurse Practitioner

Jenny Schiffl, RN(EC) BScN, MScN is an accomplished Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) with 17 years of NP and 30 years of RN experience. Jenny is dedicated to caring for diverse populations, from prenatal care to end-of-life. Jenny specializes in respiratory health, including COPD management, lung cancer screening and smoking cessation. Her expertise extends to geriatrics and sexual health as well. Jenny is proud to partner with patients in a team-based setting, providing compassionate and evidence-based care for all.

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Margaret Loudfoot, Nurse Practitioner

Meg graduated from Queen’s University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s of Nursing Science. She spent the next 5 years at Toronto General Hospital in the intensive care unit, specializing in transplant medicine. During that time, she attended the University of Toronto to receive her Master of Nursing and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree in 2023. Meg has experience in critical care, primary care, medical/surgical care, and home care. She has a passion for providing accessible, compassionate, and equitable healthcare for all.

Registered Nurses

Haldimand FHT’s Registered Nurses specialize in preventative care, including cancer screening, and provide comprehensive health assessments for infants and routine prenatal care. They also focus on chronic disease management and patient education, supporting individuals in managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension while promoting overall wellness.

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Karyn Butler
Registered Nurse

Karyn graduated from Mohawk College in 1993 with a diploma in Nursing. Her vast experience includes family practice, long term care, rehabilitation, occupational health and corrections. She has spent the last 23 years working in family practice. Her areas of knowledge include gerontology, well-women exams, cancer screening, well-baby, prenatal and sexual health exams. Karyn’s passions include obstetrics and gynecology, and gerontology.

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Erin Jansen
Registered Nurse

Erin is a passionate Registered Nurse dedicated to women’s health and preventative care. Erin has been involved with the Haldimand FHT for over two years and focuses on empowering women through education, early detection, and lifestyle adjustments. She recognizes the complexities of every individual’s circumstance and is committed to fostering an inclusive healthcare space. She is motivated to build a strong rapport with patients, establishing trust and open communication to deliver quality healthcare services. She has piloted green initiatives in our clinics to support sustainable care and connect our natural environment with a person’s overall health.

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Kimberly Harrison, Registered Nurse

Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from McMaster University in 2019. Prior to joining Haldimand FHT, she developed her skills in acute medicine and intensive care in Hamilton. Kimberly’s passion lies in chronic disease management, particularly in diabetes care, reflecting her dedication to patient well-being and education. Kimberly sees patients as people first, valuing their unique stories and needs. She aims to build genuine connections, ensuring personalized care that respects individual perspectives and experiences.

Respiratory Educators

Haldimand FHT’s Respiratory Educators are able to perform a breathing test called Spirometry to identify Asthma or COPD. They work with people to empower them to quit smoking / vaping and provide education on how to optimize lung health.

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Kitty Seager,
Certified Respiratory Educator

Kitty is a Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE), Certified Tobacco Educator (CTE), and Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) who has served our community for several years. She has completed specialty courses from the Canadian Lung Association, ORCS, CTS, Training Enhancement in Applied Counselling & Health and Canadian Addictions & Mental Health. She focuses on spirometry, asthma, COPD and smoking cessation to bring comprehensive lung care to her patients.

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Missie Tuck,
Certified Respiratory Educator

Missie is a Registered Respiratory Therapist. She completed her Advanced Diploma in Respiratory Therapy from Fanshawe College in 2017. She has previously worked in home oxygen therapy, CPAP care and at a sleep lab doing sleep diagnostics. Missie prides herself on her extensive knowledge in respiratory treatment, disease management, and spirometry. Missie provides education in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma, Spirometry and Smoking Cessation.

Social Workers & System Navigation

The role of our Registered Social Workers within the Haldimand FHT is to provide support and assistance to individuals, couples, and families in managing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Our Social Workers work collaboratively with the other healthcare professionals in our team to help patients navigate the healthcare system. Our Social Workers also provide counselling, connect individuals to community resources, advocate for patients’ rights, and help with care coordination. Their goal is to enhance the overall health and functioning of our patients as part of the healthcare system and within their daily lives.

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Tania Clatsoff,
Social Worker

With 20 years of experience in various settings, including child welfare, hospitals, long-term care, and community organizations, Tania brings a wealth of social work knowledge and expertise to her role. As a member of the Haldimand FHT, Tania works closely with patients who are facing challenging situations and life changes. Tania utilizes a variety of evidence-based interventions to help individuals develop their skills in managing stressors, improving motivation, maintaining positive boundaries, and building healthy relationships. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate difficult situations and facilitating positive change in their lives.

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Jodie Pearce
Social Worker/System Navigator

Jodie Pearce is a Registered Social Worker who has been working in the field for 20 years. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Toronto Metropolitan University and has further specialized training in addictions, mental health and concurrent disorders. Jodie has practiced within both the private and public sectors, with a lengthy history in medicine and emergency/crisis care.

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Will Rowe,
Social Worker

Will Rowe is a registered social worker and has worked in the social service field for over 20 years in areas of homelessness, mental health, substance use and with 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Will received his (Hons) BA from the University of Guelph, BSW from Toronto Metropolitan University and MSW from McMaster University. Will works from an anti-oppressive, trauma informed, harm reduction and sex positive perspective and is excited to be a part of the Haldimand HFT.

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