Craig Pho | Chair
Craig received his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University in 1992 and spent the following two years in Japan. Upon returning to Canada, Craig acquired an International MBA in Finance from York University in 1997. As part of his MBA program, Craig returned to Japan on an exchange program, attending the International University of Japan and later worked for the investment management subsidiary of Nomura Securities in Tokyo.
Craig joined Burgundy in 1998 as a research analyst specializing in Japan. He was appointed Vice President in 2000 and became the Portfolio Manager for Asian equities in 2001. In 2004, Craig was appointed Senior Vice President and later appointed to Burgundy’s Board of Directors in 2012.
In October 2022, Craig was appointed to MEDA’s International Impact Investment Committee.
Craig received his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University in 1992 and spent the following two years in Japan. Upon returning to Canada, Craig acquired an International MBA in Finance from York University in 1997. As part of his MBA program, Craig returned to Japan on an exchange program, attending the International University of Japan and later worked for the investment management subsidiary of Nomura Securities in Tokyo.
Craig joined Burgundy in 1998 as a research analyst specializing in Japan. He was appointed Vice President in 2000 and became the Portfolio Manager for Asian equities in 2001. In 2004, Craig was appointed Senior Vice President and later appointed to Burgundy’s Board of Directors in 2012.
In October 2022, Craig was appointed to MEDA’s International Impact Investment Committee.
Dr. Jackie Bender | Director
In addition to being DWP Director, Dr. Bender leads our Research Committee. She is a Scientist in the Department of Supportive Care at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and an Assistant Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Institute for Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bender's father, John Bender (also known as Dancing Johnny), has had Parkinson's Disease since 2004.
Dr. Bender, in addition to DWP Director, leads our Research Committee. She is a Scientist at the ELLICSR Health, Wellness and Cancer Survivorship Centre in the Department of Supportive Care at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and an Assistant Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Institute for Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bender's father, John Bender (also known as Dancing Johnny), has had Parkinson's Disease since 2004.
Anna Cellucci | Director
Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Schulich School of Business in 1989. She earned her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 1992 and returned to Schulich School of Business to complete her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1997.
During her early career, Anna articled at a mid-size accounting firm, where she recognized a significant market need for professional outsourced accounting services tailored to small and medium-sized organizations. Driven by this insight, she became a principal of The Taligent Group, a firm she owned and managed for over 30 years. The Taligent Group offers highly customized outsourced accounting solutions, serving both for-profit and non-profit entities. In 2023, Anna sold The Taligent Group to her wonderful senior management team.
Anna is passionate about making a difference and believes in the power of community. She is excited to bring her skills and experience to Dancing with Parkinson’s and contribute to their mission of improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Schulich School of Business in 1989. She earned her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 1992 and returned to Schulich School of Business to complete her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1997.
During her early career, Anna articled at a mid-size accounting firm, where she recognized a significant market need for professional outsourced accounting services tailored to small and medium-sized organizations. Driven by this insight, she became a principal of The Taligent Group, a firm she owned and managed for over 30 years. The Taligent Group offers highly customized outsourced accounting solutions, serving both for-profit and non-profit entities. In 2023, Anna sold The Taligent Group to her wonderful senior management team.
Anna is passionate about making a difference and believes in the power of community. She is excited to bring her skills and experience to Dancing with Parkinson’s and contribute to their mission of improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Bob Davis | Director
Robert Davis is a professional facilitator, having worked in the public sector for almost 25 years. With a degree in Urban Studies/Sociology, with a minor in music, from York University, Robert feels privileged to have applied most of that degree to his working life. Robert played string bass in a number of amateur orchestras in the Toronto area for 40 years, until the onset of Parkinson's Disease. Robert's hobbies have included music recording and production, photography (he is also a graduate of Sheridan College Photography) and video production - some of which are used as part of his volunteer activities. Since 1999, Robert has sat on the board of the Aradia Ensemble, a Toronto-based professional period baroque orchestra. Robert lives in Toronto with his wife Cheryl, his daughter Chloë, and Dr. Tofu the rabbit.
Robert Davis is a professional facilitator, having worked in the public sector for almost 25 years. With a degree in Urban Studies/Sociology, with a minor in music, from York University, Robert feels privileged to have applied most of that degree to his working life. Robert played string bass in a number of amateur orchestras in the Toronto area for 40 years, until the onset of Parkinson's Disease. Robert's hobbies have included music recording and production, photography (he is also a graduate of Sheridan College Photography) and video production - some of which are used as part of his volunteer activities. Since 1999, Robert has sat on the board of the Aradia Ensemble, a Toronto-based professional period baroque orchestra. Robert lives in Toronto with his wife Cheryl, his daughter Chloë, and Dr. Tofu the rabbit.
Kelly Dobbin | Director
Kelly Dobbin is the Registrar-CEO of the College of Midwives of Ontario and holds a Master of Science in Public Health. Kelly serves as the Chair of the Canadian Midwifery Regulators Council and as a board director of the Health Profession Regulators of Ontario. Her volunteer board experience includes being a former board director at Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre. Kelly is delighted to be on the board of DWP as her passion for health, community services, and dance is uniquely embodied in the values and program offerings of this remarkable organization.
Kelly Dobbin is the Registrar-CEO of the College of Midwives of Ontario and holds a Master of
Science in Public Health. Kelly serves as the Chair of the Canadian Midwifery Regulators
Council and as a board director of the Health Profession Regulators of Ontario. Her volunteer
board experience includes being a former board director at Parkdale Queen West Community
Health Centre. Kelly is delighted to be on the board of DWP as her passion for health,
community services, and dance is uniquely embodied in the values and program offerings of
this remarkable organization.
Alexandra Robinson Fawcett | Director
Alexandra Robinson Fawcett is a classically trained dancer and graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet School in Moscow Russia. She went on to dance with ballet companies in Europe and Canada, and also performed in musical theatre and in film and television. After retiring from performing, Alexandra went on to work as Event Coordinator for Toronto’s Distillery Historic District.
After several years at the DHD Alexandra opened her own event planning company, Alexandra Fawcett Events, and has planned and executed weddings, b'nai mitzvahs, and corporate events at venues in Toronto and Cottage Country, including Evergreen Brickworks, Malaparte, and the Royal Ontario Museum, to name a few.
Alexandra continues to practice her love of dancing through ballet classes and through her involvement with this wonderful organization, where she can help seniors discover their own love of dancing and movement.
Alexandra Robinson Fawcett is a classically trained dancer and graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet School in Moscow Russia. She went on to dance with ballet companies in Europe and Canada, and also performed in musical theatre and in film and television. After retiring from performing, Alexandra went on to work as Event Coordinator for Toronto’s Distillery Historic District.
After several years at the DHD Alexandra opened her own event planning company, Alexandra Fawcett Events, and has planned and executed weddings, b'nai mitzvahs, and corporate events at venues in Toronto and Cottage Country, including Evergreen Brickworks, Malaparte, and the Royal Ontario Museum, to name a few.
Alexandra continues to practice her love of dancing through ballet classes and through her involvement with this wonderful organization, where she can help seniors discover their own love of dancing and movement.
Casey FitzGerald | Director
Casey FitzGerald has over 13 years of business experience holding a number of management positions in product management, marketing, and customer service, with a focus on creating products and services that deliver meaningful customer experiences. She is committed to the Parkinson’s cause as a past volunteer for Parkinson's Canada and a current member of their Ambassador Program.
In 2017 Casey started her own business as the Founder and Principal Designer at Kathleen Casey Design Inc. and is an award-winning, accredited member of the Design & Decorators' Association of Canada (DDA). Her personal experience as a co-care partner for her late father Brian inspired her to become a Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP) committed to creating accessibility, comfort, and safety in every home. Casey is a proud alumnus of Toronto’s St. Clements School and holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Guelph.
Casey FitzGerald has over 13 years of business experience holding a number of management positions in product management, marketing, and customer service, with a focus on creating products and services that deliver meaningful customer experiences. She is committed to the Parkinson’s cause as a past volunteer for Parkinson's Canada and a current member of their Ambassador Program.
In 2017 Casey started her own business as the Founder and Principal Designer at Kathleen Casey Design Inc. and is an award-winning, accredited member of the Design & Decorators' Association of Canada (DDA). Her personal experience as a co-Care Partner for her late father Brian inspired her to become a Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP) committed to creating accessibility, comfort, and safety in every home. Casey is a proud alumnus of Toronto’s St. Clements School and holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Guelph.
Dr. Priti Gros | Director
Dr Priti Gros, MD FRCPC is a member of the DWP’s research committee. She obtained her MD from Université de Montréal and pursued her residency training in Adult Neurology at University of Toronto. She is currently in fellowship training in movement disorders at Toronto Western Hospital, with Dr Anthony Lang and Dr Susan Fox. In parallel, she is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Healthcare Research at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at University of Toronto, with Dr Connie Marras and Dr Susan Bronskill. Her interest is to improve the way we do clinical trials for Parkinson disease and to understand how we can use large population-wide datasets to do so.
Chris Hughes | Director
Chris holds an Honours International Business BA from Carleton University, Risk Management and Master’s Municipal Leadership certificates from York University, as well as a Cdn Risk Management (CRM) Designation. A public servant for over 15 years, Chris has worked on technology-enabled transformation projects across multiple industries. He is currently the Program Manager of Risk Management with the City of Ottawa. Chris' expertise includes risk management, program and project management, policy development, public-sector governance, and business transformation. Chris is a dedicated husband and father to four and was drawn to DWP from his experience with his brilliant grandfather, who lived with Parkinson's for many years.
Chris holds an Honours International Business BA from Carleton University, Risk Management and Master’s Municipal Leadership certificates from York University, as well as a Cdn Risk Management (CRM) Designation. A public servant for over 15 years, Chris has worked on technology-enabled transformation projects across multiple industries. He is currently the Program Manager of Risk Management with the City of Ottawa.
Chris' expertise includes risk management, program and project management, policy development, public-sector governance, and business transformation.
Chris is a dedicated husband and father to four and was drawn to DWP from his experience with his brilliant grandfather, who lived with Parkinson's for many years.
Dr. Lorraine Kalia | Director
Dr. Lorraine Kalia MD, PhD, FRCPC, Director of DWP's Research Committee graduated from Canada’s National Ballet School and had a brief professional ballet career as an apprentice with the National Ballet of Canada and a corps de ballet member with the National Ballet of Portugal. She then pursued academic training to become a clinician scientist, obtaining a BSc (Biology) at Queen’s University, MD/PhD (Neuroscience) at University of Toronto, FRCPC (Neurology) at University of Toronto, a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, a movement disorders fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital. Currently, Lorraine is an associate professor in the Division of Neurology University of Toronto, and a senior scientist at the Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network. She is a movement disorders neurologist. Her clinical work and research program focus on improving the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Lorraine Kalia MD, PhD, FRCPC, Director of DWP's Research Committee graduated from Canada’s National Ballet School and had a brief professional ballet career as an apprentice with the National Ballet of Canada and a corps de ballet member with the National Ballet of Portugal. She then pursued academic training to become a clinician scientist, obtaining a BSc (Biology) at Queen’s University, MD/PhD (Neuroscience) at University of Toronto, FRCPC (Neurology) at University of Toronto, a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, a movement disorders fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital. Currently, Lorraine is an associate professor in the Division of Neurology University of Toronto, and a senior scientist at the Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network. She is a movement disorders neurologist. Her clinical work and research program focus on improving the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Richard Mayede | Director
Richard Mayede is a filmmaker, who produced 2 seasons of episodes of his documentary, "This is Parkinson's". He was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2005, and from that point forward he was determined to be a source of positivity and encouragement. He first became involved with Dancing with Parkinson's as a dancer, and later wanted to do more because of the benefits he saw from dancing. That's when it struck him to volunteer as a board member and help shape the organization's future. He is also a volunteer board member of the Parkinson Society of British Columbia, and is also on the Parkinson Community Advisory Committee of Canadian Parkinson Open Network.
Richard Mayede is a filmmaker, who produced 2 seasons of episodes of his documentary, "This is Parkinson's". He was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2005, and from that point forward he was determined to be a source of positivity and encouragement. He first became involved with Dancing with Parkinson's as a dancer, and later wanted to do more because of the benefits he saw from dancing. That's when it struck him to volunteer as a board member and help shape the organization's future. He is also a volunteer board member of the Parkinson Society of British Columbia, and is also on the Parkinson Community Advisory Committee of Canadian Parkinson Open Network.
Lillian Thomsen | Director
Lillian Thomsen is a former Canadian diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In Ottawa, she served as Director of Media Relations, Director General of Executive Services, and Director General and Dean of the Canadian Foreign Service Institute. She is a Senior Fellow in Residence at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at Ottawa University and is Editor-in-Chief of “bout de papier,” the Canadian Foreign Service magazine. With a focus on music, education and health, Lillian is constantly engaged with her community. She has served on multiple boards, including 9 years on the Ottawa Hospital Board of Governors. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto.