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Our Team

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Our Team

Our Staff

Perry Esler

Chief Executive Officer
Perry Esler

Perry Esler

Chief Executive Officer

Perry is passionate about serving the philanthropic sector. With 25 years of experience working in philanthropy, Perry has spent most of it working with children’s health organizations from local foundations to worldwide charities. He’s led teams in Canada and the US, working on programs that have raised hundreds of millions of dollars for children’s hospitals and related foundations. Perry is no stranger to Defeat Duchenne Canada (formerly Jesse’s Journey). During the 1995 walk across Ontario, he volunteered to raise awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Perry joined Defeat Duchenne Canada in 2018.

Rick Moss

Rick Moss

National Director, Strategic Partnerships
Rick Moss

Rick Moss

National Director, Strategic Partnerships

Rick began in radio where he had the privilege of meeting John Davidson. After a lengthy career where he worked his way up to senior management, Rick was approached by John to take on a new challenge as Managing Director of Defeat Duchenne Canada. Rick feels it has been a privilege and honour to be part of this team for the past 13 years.

Nicola Worsfold

Nicola Worsfold

National Vice President, Research, Advocacy & Education
Nicola Worsfold

Nicola Worsfold

National Vice President, Research, Advocacy & Education

Nicola is the proud mother of two children, her eldest son Owen is a 14-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Shortly after her son’s diagnosis in 2013, she started a patient organization Stand for Duchenne Canada dedicated to advocating for access to medicines in Canada. A few years ago, Nicola made the difficult decision to leave a 15-year pharmaceutical career in medical affairs to focus on supporting the Canadian Duchenne community. In 2019 Nicola joined forces with Jesse’s Journey, Canada’s leading Duchenne organization, to continue her work on driving a research and advocacy strategy in Canada.

She continues to promote partnership and collaboration within medical, pharma, government, and patient organizations to improve access to the best care and medicines for families living with Duchenne. Nicola works closely with national and international groups as an investigator for the Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C), a member of the International Duchenne Community Advisory Board (CAB), and as a contributor to the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR).

Rochelle ten Haaf

Rochelle ten Haaf

National Director, Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement
Rochelle ten Haaf

Rochelle ten Haaf

National Director, Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement

With more than 13 years of experience in both Canada and the UK, Rochelle ten Haaf is passionate about working in the non-profit sector. She has helped countless charities turn consideration into action through the power of marketing and communications and looks forward to bringing the same enthusiam to defeat Duchenne muscular dystrophy at Defeat Duchenne Canada.

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Alison Boyce

National Manager, Philanthropy
Alison Boyce

Alison Boyce

National Manager, Philanthropy

Alison joined Defeat Duchenne Canada in March 2021. She comes to the organization with experience working on national fundraising campaigns and peer-to-peer events at the MS Society of Canada, ALS Canada, and Camp Quality Canada. Alison is thrilled to be bringing her extensive knowledge of fundraising strategy to join the small but mighty team at Defeat Duchenne Canada as their Manager of Philanthropy.

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Kate Foster

National Coordinator, Administration & Donor Relations
Kate Foster

Kate Foster

National Coordinator, Administration & Donor Relations

Before joining the Defeat Duchenne Canada team, Kate has had multiple years of experience working as an administrator for clinical rehabilitation centres and charity organizations. She is thrilled to be continuing her professional and personal journey in the non-profit sector. She is excited to share her knowledge, experience and client-focused approach with all of our families, supporters and team here at Defeat Duchenne Canada.

Alison Davidson

Alison Davidson

National Coordinator, Database
Alison Davidson

Alison Davidson

National Coordinator, Database

Fortunate to have experienced the wonderful world of philanthropy in both healthcare and education, Alison is excited to be joining the team at Defeat Duchenne Canada. She is intrigued by the science and art of building support for a wonderful cause in the community and dedicated to data integrity in that pursuit. Wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, she enjoys camping in summer, curling in the winter and yoga all year.

Rebekah Kember

Rebekah Kember

Internship: Research Associate
Rebekah Kember

Rebekah Kember

Internship: Research Associate

Rebekah Kember is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Having a brother with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, her passion has always been to understand the biology of the disease. Her work with Defeat Duchenne Canada focuses on developing educational resources and tools for families, patients and the community.

Our Board Members

Jeffrey Preston

Dr. Jeffrey Preston

Chair of the Board & Director
Assistant Professor of Disability Studies, King’s University College, Western University
London,
ON
Dr. Jeffrey Preston

Dr. Jeffrey Preston

Chair of the Board & Director

Assistant Professor of Disability Studies, King's University College, Western University

Jeff Preston, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Disability Studies at King’s University College at Western University where he teaches classes on disability, popular culture and policy. A long-time advocate and motivational speaker, in 2008 Jeff drove his electric wheelchair 650km, from London to Ottawa, to raise awareness about the lack of accessible transit in the province. Jeff is currently vice chair of the Committee of Adjustment at City Hall and vice chair of the leadership table for London 4 All, working group organized by the United Way of Elgin & Middlesex to complete recommendations generated by City Hall’s poverty panel.

Lisa Hoffman

Dr. Lisa Hoffman

Director & Chair, Research Funding Advisory Committee
Associate Scientist, Lawson Health Research Insiture
London,
ON
Dr. Lisa Hoffman

Dr. Lisa Hoffman

Director & Chair, Research Funding Advisory Committee

Associate Scientist, Lawson Health Research Insiture

Dr. Lisa Hoffman is chair of the Jesse’s Journey Research Funding Advisory Committee, leading a team of researchers, Duchenne parents, and external reviewers through the rigorous annual granting process.

Dr. Hoffman obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000. She was appointed as a Lawson Imaging Scientist in the Fall of 2009, and as Assistant Professor in the Departments of Medical Biophysics, Western University (Fall 2009) and Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University (Spring 2010). Capitalizing on the breadth of her multidisciplinary experience, Dr. Hoffman’s current research interests lie in Molecular Imaging and Cell Therapeutics for the treatment of both the skeletal and cardiac manifestations of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Richard Beatty

Director & Treasurer
Partner, MNP LLP
Kitchener,
ON
Richard Beatty

Richard Beatty

Director & Treasurer

Partner, MNP LLP

As partner of MNP in Kitchener, Ontario Richard works in the Assurance and Accounting group with private enterprises. He’s also the regional leader of the Indigenous Services niche, focusing on First Nations & Indigenous organizations, communities, not for profit entities and business enterprises. Richard is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor in Management. Richard and his wife Amy have lived in Ontario for 10 years. The have two children (Ben & Lexie). Ben was diagnosed four years with Duchenne MD. Richard joined the Board of Defeat Duchenne Canada in January 2022 and is serving as Treasurer.

John Davidson

John Davidson

Board Secretary
Founder, Jesse’s Journey
London,
ON
John Davidson

John Davidson

Board Secretary

Founder, Jesse's Journey

Inspired by his son Jesse who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of 6, John Davidson founded Jesse’s Journey in 1994. After two marathon walks that took him across Ontario with Jesse in 1995, and across Canada solo in 1998, John has remained an active part of the ongoing mission to Defeat Duchenne. John was just two years old when he came to Canada from Scotland. He enjoyed a 30-year career in broadcasting – first on radio in London, then with CBC Radio and Television in Vancouver. John is currently Secretary of the Jesse’s Journey Board of Directors and maintains his ongoing role as office handy-man.

Brian Atkinson

Brian Atkinson

Director
Institute for Performance & Learning
Oshawa,
ON
Brian Atkinson

Brian Atkinson

Director

Institute for Performance & Learning

Brian is the Past Board Chair of the Institute for Performance & Learning.

Brian has over 25 years of experience in the Human Resources field. Brian holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University, the Certified Training and Development Professional and Certified Human Resources Leader designations. Brian has completed both the Institute of Corporate Directors-Rotman Education and the Not-for-Profit Governance Essentials programs. Brian holds the ICD.D designation.

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Tom Cappelli

Director
Retired McDonald’s Franchisee
Magog,
QC
Tom Cappelli

Tom Cappelli

Director

Retired McDonald’s Franchisee

Tom has a close connection to Duchenne muscular dystrophy as his 24-year-old son Aidan was diagnosed at an early age.

Tom retired as a successful McDonald’s restauranteur in 2017 after more than four decades in business with 13 McDonald’s locations across Quebec. During his business career, Tom and his wife Karen were generous community advocates and fundraisers for various charities. In 2004, after Aidan’s diagnosis, Tom was introduced to Jesse’s Journey, now Defeat Duchenne Canada, and was moved to support the vision of a future without Duchenne. Tom began her term on the Board of Directors in June 2022.

Dale Cheeseman

Dale Cheeseman

Director
Managing Director, Scotiabank Global Banking & Markets
Oakville,
ON
Dale Cheeseman

Dale Cheeseman

Director

Managing Director, Scotiabank Global Banking & Markets

Dale has spent the past 17 years in the financial services industry, predominately in the area of equity derivatives. Prior to this Dale was an Armour Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces during which time he served on two NATO missions; Bosnia & Herzegovina in 1997 and Kosovo in 1999. Dale holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and an MBA from Queen’s University. Outside the demands of work, Dale enjoys maximizing time with his wife and three children.

Frank Desrosiers

Frank Desrosiers

Director
Co-Owner, Windmill Plastics Ltd.
Magog,
QC
Frank Desrosiers

Frank Desrosiers

Director

Co-Owner, Windmill Plastics Ltd.

Frank has served on the Board of Directors of Defeat Duchenne Canada / Jesse’s Journey since 2013.  In addition to his role on the Board, he is a member of the Research Funding Advisory Committee and of the Major and Planned Gifts Campaign Committee.  Frank is currently the co-owner of Windmill Plastics Ltd., a privately held injection molding company where he heads up business development and leads a team of over 100 employees.  Prior to being an entrepreneur, Frank worked for specialty pharmaceutical company Paladin Labs, where he held a number of leadership positions, including:  Director of Consumer Healthcare, Vice President International Operations and Vice President Commercial Canada.  Frank has also worked for global strategy consulting firm Oliver Wyman, where he led client and consultant teams in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  His mandates focused on commercial and market entry strategy, cost reduction and strategic planning.  Frank’s diverse business experience also includes time as a Manager within the McDonald’s franchisee network and also as a market researcher for global market research firm Ipsos.  Frank holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Bishop’s University and a Masters in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University.

Peter Garland

Peter Garland

Director
Retired Broadcaster
London,
ON
Peter Garland

Peter Garland

Director

Retired Broadcaster

Peter is a retired broadcaster who has been on the Defeat Duchenne Canada / Jesse’s Journey team since 1998. He has served as President of the Board and currently sits as a Board Member and a member of the Executive Committee.

Rev. Kevin George

Rev. Kevin George

Director
Rector, St Aidan’s Church, London
London,
ON
Rev. Kevin George

Rev. Kevin George

Director

Rector, St Aidan’s Church, London

Ordained in 1997 in the diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, Kevin has been a priest in the diocese of Huron since 1998. Kevin has served in the Parish of Labrador West, NL; St Marks by-the-Lake Tecumseh, ON; and is currently the Rector of St Aidan’s Church London, ON. Kevin earned a Bachelor in Education degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a Master of Divinity Degree from Huron University, and a Doctorate in Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. His thesis research was focused on faithful baptismal response in interfaith settings. Kevin is married to Catherinanne, who is the Director of Campus Ministry at Brescia University, and a chaplain in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. Kevin is a loyal Habs fan, prays for the return of Les Expos, and has learned what suffering looks like from being introduced to the Detroit Lions by Rob! Kevin is an avid reader, loves being involved in the community, and enjoys an appropriate adult beverage with friends. Fun fact: In 2019 Kevin preached for 55 Hours without sleep.

Ted Lindsay

Ted Lindsay

Director
Marketing Specialist, Metroland Media
Burlington,
ON
Ted Lindsay

Ted Lindsay

Director

Marketing Specialist, Metroland Media

Ted has been proudly associated with Defeat Duchenne Canada / Jesse’s Journey since 2003 through a charitable event in the Burlington area called Eric’s Amazing Race. This family run event has generated approximately $215,000 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research over the past thirteen years. He and his wife Heather are committed to working to ‘Defeat Duchenne’ on behalf of their nephew Eric and the many other boys they have had the privilege of meeting through the years.

Ted is proud to be a Defeat Duchenne Canada board member since January 2015, and looks forward to advancing our mission to eradicate this disease. In addition to his involvement with Defeat Duchenne Canada, Ted has spent the past twenty six years with Metroland Media in the advertising field, specializing in print and digital marketing solutions. He is a proud father of three boys and in his spare time is an avid hockey fan and love music. Ted thanks John and Jesse Davidson for their inspiration.

Hanns Lochmüller

Dr. Hanns Lochmüller

Director
Senior Scientist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute
Ottawa,
ON
Dr. Hanns Lochmüller

Dr. Hanns Lochmüller

Director

Senior Scientist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

Hanns is a neurologist and clinical academic specializing in genetic neuromuscular disorders and rare diseases. He is a Senior Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute. He also holds appointments as Professor of Neurology in the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology at The Ottawa Hospital. Hanns’s clinical activities focus on clinical research and care of patients with rare neuromuscular disorders, including myotonic dystrophy (DM1), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), muscular dystrophy and congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS). He has a strong commitment to working with patients and patient organizations in Canada, as he has with organizations in Europe for many years.

Natalie Rumscheidt

Natalie Rumscheidt

Director
Marketing & Nutrition Director, Egg Farmers of Canada
Ottawa,
ON
Natalie Rumscheidt

Natalie Rumscheidt

Director

Marketing & Nutrition Director, Egg Farmers of Canada

Natalie has a diverse background in strategic marketing and communications with over 25 years of management experience in consumer marketing, business development, sport, and performing arts sectors. As Marketing & Nutrition Director with Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) since 2022, Natalie leads EFC’s national marketing strategy targeting consumers, healthcare professionals and food service and works with provincial stakeholders to promote the benefits of quality eggs produced in Canada.  She previously held roles with the Coaching Association of Canada and the National Arts Centre Orchestra, as well as with organizing committees of the Canada Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Blue Nose International Marathon. A native of Ottawa, Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis Xavier University. A passionate sports fan and lover of the arts, she also remains active as a volunteer, athlete, and coach in her community.

Doyle Steinke

Doyle Steinke

Director
GM, KeyAg Kubota
Red Deer,
AB
Doyle Steinke

Doyle Steinke

Director

GM, KeyAg Kubota

Doyle Steinke and his wife, Jody, have had the privilege of raising two beautiful boys along with their two sisters. Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been part of their son’s journey and has changed the way they all view life.

They live on a small tranquil farm in central Alberta that is home to horses, cattle, rabbits, dogs, cats and us. Over several decades, Doyle has had the experience of a career in AgriBusiness that has kept life very busy – especially going back to school twice – first for an Agricultural Business Diploma and then an MBA. The Steinke family counts every day a blessing and try to live life to the fullest.

Debra Thompson

Debra Thompson

Director
Fundraising & Development, Oakville Public Library
Burlington,
ON
Debra Thompson

Debra Thompson

Director

Fundraising & Development, Oakville Public Library

Debra brings a depth of experience in fundraising, communications and community involvement to the Board.  She has held senior business development, communications and sales roles over the past 20 years in the technology and training sector.  Debra holds a Communications Studies degree from Brock University. In 2018, she shifted her career to the non-profit sector and her love of reading and community led her to her current role in Fundraising and Development at the Oakville Public Library.

Debra is a lifelong volunteer and longtime Ontario resident, with board experience supporting local and national organizations that build individual and community strength. Debra is committed and dedicated to sharing her empathy, expertise and making a positive impact as a member of Defeat Duchenne Canada’s Board of Directors.

Ken Wilson

Director
Director of Marketing, BGE Indoor Air Quality Solutions
Calgary,
AB
Ken Wilson

Ken Wilson

Director

Director of Marketing, BGE Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Ken has a very close connection to Duchenne muscular dystrophy; his oldest son, Eli, has DMD. Ken was attracted to Defeat Duchenne Canada given the organization’s singular focus on research to find a cure, and he wants to dedicate his volunteer time to such a worthy and personal cause. He has also volunteered as a director for Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), heading up their marketing committee, and as a director at large for the Cochrane Humane Society.

Ken holds a BA from Brandon University and an MBA from the Warwick School of Business in Warwickshire, England.

Our Committee Members

Dr. Jeff Preston (Board Chair)

Perry Esler (Staff – Chief Executive Officer)

Dale Cheeseman (Board Director)

Peter Garland (Board Director)

Richard Beatty (Board Director and Treasurer)

Steve Deunch (Chair – Volunteer)

Perry Esler (Staff – Chief Executive Officer)

Dale Cheeseman (Board Director)

Sherene Davidson (Volunteer)

Matthew Hunter (Volunteer)

Jim Knowles (Volunteer)

Mike Sheffar (Volunteer)

Mike Morden (Volunteer)

Dr. Jeff Preston (Board Chair)

Perry Esler (Staff – Chief Executive Officer)

Peter Garland (Board Director)

Richard Beatty (Board Director and Treasurer)

Ken Wilson (Board Director & Chair of the Marketing Advisory Committee)

Rev. Kevin George (Board Director)

Brian Atkinson (Board Director)

Doyle Steinke (Board Director)

Nicola Worsfold (ON) –  Mother and National Vice -President, Research, Education & Advocacy at Defeat Duchenne Canada

Lorrie Power (NS) – Duchenne Family Advisory Committee Chair and Mother

Kerri Denysiuk (SK) – Mother

Marie-Catherine Duberger (QC) – Mother and President at La Force DMD

Rebekah Kember (ON) – Sister

Kasha Mitton (BC) – Mother

Darlene Morden (ON) – Mother

Eric Morden (ON) – Young Adult with Duchenne

Frank Provenzano (ON) – Father

Rachael Prendergast (ON) – Mother

Ken Wilson (Board Director & Chair of the Marketing Advisory Committee)

Rochelle ten Haaf (Staff – National Director, Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement)

Bob Mackalski (Volunteer)

Natalie Rumscheidt (Volunteer)

Cheryl Weedmark (Volunteer)

Nicola Worsfold (Staff –  National Vice-President, Research, Education & Advocacy)

Lisa Hoffman (RFAC Chair and Associate Scientist at the Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario)

Jeff Chamberlain (Professor in the Departments of Neurology, Medicine and Biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA)

Hernan Gonorazky (Pediatric Neuromuscular Specialist and Scientist at the Hospital of Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario)

Hanns Lochmüller (Neuromuscular Specialist and Senior Scientist at the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario)

Jean Mah (Pediatric Neuromuscular Specialist and Senior Scientist at Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Alberta)

Toshifumi Yokota (Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta)

Kevin George (Board Director)

Perry Esler (Staff – Chief Executive Officer)

Mallory Teal (Volunteer)

Want to learn more about our volunteer leadership positions?

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