MLPAO Connect | Pop-Up Learning

Panelists

Patty Hebert

EORLA Laboratory Operations Manager for CHEO

My name is Patty Hebert and I am the CHEO Site Operations Manager for Eastern Ontario Regional Lab Association (EORLA). I am an MLT, and I graduated from St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario in 2008. I worked as a Core Lab MLT for eleven years, including two as the Senior Technologist in Transfusion Medicine before I transitioned into management in late 2019. Outside of work, I love to be active, and I am a regular in the 6 am class at the local Crossfit gym. I also enjoy hiking, reading and spending time with my husband, two kids and dogs.

Robyn M. Saccon

Access, Policy and Government Relations Manager, Roche Diagnostics- Canada

Robyn is a Manager of Access, Policy and Government Relations at Roche Diagnostics Canada, where she focuses on the ways that policy influences diagnostic access, and works with decision-makers to improve such access in areas of Alzheimer's disease, Oncology, Women's Health, Data, Covid-19 pandemic management and response, Health Human Resources and many more. Robyn is the Co-Chair of the Ontario Medtech Canada Committee, Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee for the Missiauga Board of Trade (MBOT) and sits on the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Health Policy Council.

Previous to joining Roche, Robyn amassed over 15 years of experience in government, hospital and health care, and academic settings. Among other organizations, Robyn worked at the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) in various capacities, most recently as Corporate Relations Officer. Robyn is a Certified Health Executive (CHE), along with being skilled in government relations, corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, policy development and strategic planning. The roles she has taken on have assisted with shaping national and provincial healthcare policy and implementation.

Natalie Kennedy

Administrative Director, NEO Kids and Family and Inter-Professional Practice

Natalie Kennedy is the Administrative Director of the NEO Kids and Family Program and Inter-Professional Practice of Health Sciences North - Horizon Santé-Nord where she supports the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units, the Birthing Center, the Children’s Treatment Center, the Infant and Child Developmental Services, the Pediatric Ambulatory Care unit, and the Violence and Intervention Prevention Programs.

Natalie has worked at Health Sciences North since 2003 in various roles including Clinical Manager for Acute Inpatient Psychiatry, Clinical Manager for the Child and Adolescence Program and was seconded to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to support the Academic Health Sciences Tripartite Agreement. She holds an undergraduate degree in Health Promotion, a Master’s in Human Kinetics, a Master’s in Health Administration, is a Certified Health Executive and is a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Natalie is a proud mother of two very active boys and a sports enthusiast who loves running and competing in obstacle courses.

Michelle Hoad

MLPAO CEO

Michelle is the CEO of the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association Of Ontario. Michelle joined the MLPAO in October 2016 at the time it was called the OSMT. Over the past 6 years the MLPAO has had a complete make over and have grown their membership by 73% and have positioned themselves as the voice of med lab professionals in Ontario. Prior to joining the MLPAO, Michelle consulted with several provinces in helping them raise the profile of med lab professionals with government and media.

Michelle was also with the CSMLS for about 5 years as Director of Marketing, Communication and Membership.

She is a certified association executive, has been invited to speak at many lab industry events across the country and is making great progress with the Ontario government in raising awareness of the issues with lab shortages.

Over the past two years Michelle has had 160+ media appearances in Ontario and across the country reinstating the message that med lab professionals are at the center of healthcare, especially during this pandemic.

Michelle is a certified Fitness Instructor, Personal trainer and avid golfer .