Our Team

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.

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).

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.