Heidi Knupp, President
Heidi is known to find innovative solutions to complex problems and has a passion for policy development and implementation. After completion of a Thesis-based Master’s degree on the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Occupational Therapists, she moved into clinical practice with a focus in disability management, including Traumatic Psychological Injury. She is currently employed with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta working in an administrative role.
Heidi is genuine in her approach to work, and life. Heidi loves to enjoy the outdoors, taking advantage of Alberta’s long winters by snow shoeing and downhill skiing. She is enthusiastic about Dragon Boat and is proud to be the Drummer on Team Canada with the Para Dragon contingent.
Joyce Vayalumkal, Vice-President
Joyce completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2002. She also completed a Master’s in Health Services Management, from the University of Lethbridge. Joyce has practiced as a pediatric Occupational Therapist in school, hospital, and community settings both as an employee and private contractor for over 20 years. She is passionate about promoting health equity and utilizing a holistic approach to health services that acknowledges and addresses all components of health, including physical, social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual factors. Joyce had experience working and leading multi-disciplinary teams, program development and post-secondary curriculum development. She looks forward to continuing her work of using best practices to develop and design efficient and effective health services.”
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.”
Christie Bergman
Christie Bergman is a Realtor serving Edmonton and surrounding areas. She has been a top agent in her brokerage for several years running. Christie loves to spend time with her family, who are passionate about travel and their family real estate business. You can often find them looking at new investment opportunities or working on one of their rental properties.
Kristin Ward
Kristin completed her Masters in Clinical Science (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Western Ontario in 1999. She began her career working in her home province of Newfoundland in the fields of acute care, continuing care and community based services. Soon her pathway led her into private practice in the areas of Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Board along with supervising two clinic settings focusing on preparing and supporting individuals in their journey to return to work. Life led her to Alberta in 2001 where she worked with East Central Health for nine years. In 2010, Kristin once again returned to private practice in the area of pediatrics and has had the privilege to work with numerous school divisions, multidisciplinary partners and most recently her partnership with Jordan’s Principle. As a rural practitioner, Kristin is curious about governance and its role in service access and delivery for Albertans.
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.
Elya Cary
Elya Cary has practiced as an occupational therapist in Alberta since 2008 in home care, long-term care, acute care, neuro-outpatient, specialized seating, virtual rural, and private WCB settings. Much of her career has been in rural northern and southern Alberta, with additional urban practice in Calgary. She currently serves on ACOT’s Complaint Review Committee and Hearing Tribunal roster. As a multi-setting practitioner and mother of three, she brings a strong focus on equitable access, client-centered care, and strategic governance that prioritizes the public interest for all Albertans.
Shinu Bobby Johnrin
Shinu Bobby Johnrin is an internationally educated Occupational Therapist with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Manipal University, India, completed in 2009. She began her clinical career before moving to Canada in 2011 and has since built more than a decade of experience in long-term care and health-care leadership.
In addition to her clinical background, Shinu holds an MBA from Athabasca University and the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Her experience across clinical practice, organizational management, and health-system leadership provides her with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Shinu is passionate about workforce development, quality improvement, person-centered care, and strengthening health-care services through innovative and sustainable care models. Outside of her professional work, Shinu enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter. As a family, they enjoy watching movies, exploring local parks, going for walks, and spending time outdoors and in nature.