Jennifer Lee, President
Jennifer has spent the bulk of her career working in long-term care, and is most passionate about seniors’ care—particularly their mental health. As a quality improvement consultant, she supports the continuing care portfolio in Calgary. Jennifer’s enthusiasm for occupational therapy is obvious: “One of its central tenets is that we empower our clients to live full and meaningful lives, in spite of life circumstances,” she explains. “As a clinician, and now as a consultant, I find that our ethos of empowerment is very inspiring!” Being able to work in both traditional and non-traditional settings—creating endless potential career paths—is what Jennifer loves most about the profession. Stepping into her role as Councillor, she is eager to learn more about governance and have conversations about how occupational therapists can more effectively serve the public.
Arwen Caines, Vice-President
Arwen Caines completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from McMaster University in 2011. She also holds a baccalaureate in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, from the University of Calgary. Since joining Society for Treatment of Autism (STA) in 2011 as an Occupational Therapist (OT), she has worked directly with children and families to facilitate the development of functional self-help (e.g., toileting, hygiene and grooming skills), leisure and development of gross motor, fine motor and oral motor skills through play. Arwen has consulted in the Community Based Options program; the Residential Program; and the collaborative Calgary Board of Education/Society for Treatment of Autism CSSI stabilization classrooms. Within her OT role at STA Arwen also provides Occupational Therapy consultation on a fee for service basis. Services provided include individual assessment and intervention, group intervention and community workshops for clients throughout Alberta. Additionally, Arwen co-facilitates a mental health group for children/youth with co-occurring anxiety and ASD and their family members. In addition to consulting, she is currently the Supervisor of the Occupational Therapy department.
Marianne Baird
A firm believer in administrative fairness, transparency and due process, Marianne is proud to apply these principles to the role of Registrar. “It is an honour to serve in a role designed to protect the public, and to oversee efficient operations of ACOT that is responsive to public and registrants’ requirements.” Her occupational therapy career focused on vocational rehabilitation, disability management, and most recently collaborative care. “Occupational therapy and collaborative care are very well aligned; both can be applied in just about any setting and focus on client centered care, which is a passion of mine.”
Whitney McKenzie
Whitney values the balance, growth and deep connection with others Occupational Therapy has brought to her personal and professional life. She strongly believes in both the development of self and others through lifelong learning in a variety of modalities. Whitney has developed a passion for clients, therapists, and the profession. She has enjoyed working within and leading interdisciplinary teams prioritizing health and wellness. She currently works as the Occupational Therapy Professional Practice Lead for Covenant Health.
Carrie Hait
For over 20 years, Carrie has worked as a pediatric Occupational Therapist in hospital, community health, and school settings both as an employee and as a contractor. She has been involved in local work in the Edmonton area, and in province-wide school-based work. She has learned that no matter how or where OTs provide services, people put their trust in them to make their lives better. Carrie be-lieves that it is essential to safeguard this trust and confidence by promoting and maintaining the highest levels of competence, profes-sionalism and integrity. Carrie is also eager to promote strengthened relationships within the OT community, and with professional part-ners. In her free time, Carrie enjoys cycling, cross-country skiing and gardening.
Dr. Tom Smith
Tom comes to ACOT with a background in regulatory work, serving as Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director for the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors (ACAC). Tom also spent several years as a clinical advisor, complaints investigator, hearing tribunal member and chaired the Continuing Competence Committee for the ACAC.
Dennis Fitzgerald
Dennis Fitzgerald is a Chartered Professional Accountant and University of Alberta graduate. He has a consulting and accounting practice located in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Dennis has been an audit manager in an international accounting firm, was a treasurer and risk manager at the University of Alberta and a college instructor. He has held a wide range of current and previous volunteer and community service positions.