Alumni Association

Michener Alumni Association LogoCreated in 1997, Michener’s Alumni Association is committed to developing the continuous growth of our graduates, students and the Michener community.

Purpose

  • To provide opportunities for lifelong relationships among members and an ongoing connection to The Michener Institute.
  • To assist in the continuous development and growth of The Michener Institute and the Alumni Association.
  • To unite members and students and foster a sense of pride in, and community with, The Michener Institute.
  • To build partnerships and act as a resource for faculty, administration, students and employers.
  • To act as ambassadors advancing the interests of The Michener Institute and enhancing its prestige in local, national and international communities.
  • To participate in raising funds and encourage alumni financial support through gifts, endowments, scholarships and/or student aid.
  • To provide a voice for issues and concerns in the health and education sectors and to secure representation where appropriate.
  • To develop and promote services and other opportunities for members that will support and benefit them.
  • To facilitate opportunities for members to participate in career days, job fairs, reunions, graduations, research and employment opportunities, etc., both locally and internationally

For a complete copy of the Alumni Association Constitution, contact alumni@michener.ca

 Board of Directors

Chair: Eryl Fraser (Medical Laboratory Science, 2016)

Eryl is a graduate of the Medical Laboratory Science program and graduated from Michener as the 2016 Valedictorian. Eryl also holds an honors undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto in Biology and English. She has worked as a MLT at St. Joseph’s Health center as well as the Trillium Health Partners network where she enjoyed her role as a clinical educator in the Transfusion Medicine department. Currently, she works as a Senior Technologist at Trillium Health Partners.

She is passionate about continuing education and enjoys taking courses and attending conferences, as well as participating in the training and education of students and other technologists entering the profession.

Past Chair: Hollin Ng (Radiation Therapy, 2002)

Hollin is a Michener graduate of Radiation Therapy (2002). He currently works at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre where he splits his time between treatment planning for patients in need of urgent care, and as an educator (Clinical Coordinator) for the radiation therapy training program. Hollin holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Radiotherapy Planning (Sheffield-Hallam University) and is a Certified Medical Doismetrist with the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board.

When not at work, Hollin enjoys travelling and cycling.

Vice Chair: Nicole Coutu (Respiratory Therapy, 2013)

Nicole is a Respiratory Therapist (RT) who is currently working as a Transport Clinician with SickKids Acute Care Transport Service, and adult RT at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario, studying Health Sciences and went on to graduate from the Michener Institute’s Respiratory Therapy Advanced Diploma Program in 2013.

Nicole enjoys advocating for her profession through her clinical work, as well as through the positions she holds with the Michener Alumni and Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) Board of Directors.

Shelina Dhalla (Nuclear Medicine, 2000)

Shelina is a nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologist, class of 2000, working at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Centre in Barrie and previously at Scarborough Health Network. Shelina has been part of Michener Alumni since 2014 and is currently working on completing her MBA.

Shelina believes in giving back to the community and volunteers in various organizations with the vision to enhance education, safety, reducing our carbon footprint and mentoring women and the youth.

Kanika Duggal (Student Representative, Chiropody, Class of 2024)

Kanika graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber in 2021. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber College. Wanting to continue to study the body, she applied to the Chiropody program in 2021. She is currently in her second year of Chiropody at the Michener Institute. Kanika joined the Alumni Association in 2022. She wants to continue to build partnerships with faculty, administration, students, and employers.

Sousna Hanna (Respiratory Therapy, Class of 2022)

Jia Inacio (Radiological Technology, 2009)

Jia graduated from Michener 2009 Radiological Technology program. Jia also holds BSc and MBA degrees both from University of Toronto.

Jia has worked in Independent Health Facilities (IHFs), academic centre, as well as in community hospital networks. Currently, Jia is the DI manager in Scarborough Health Network, portfolio including Xray, mammography, and ultrasound. During the pandemic, Jia picked up crocheting as a hobby and wears her hand-made sweaters proudly. Jia lives in Toronto with her partner and dog, and can be found walking or running on trails, relaxing by the beach, or visiting new restaurants and breweries.

Sean McCluskey (Nuclear Medicine, 1992)

Sean graduated from the University of Toronto in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree and worked for a number of years in the pharmaceutical industry, first as a quality control technician and later a laboratory manager. Looking for a change, he enrolled in the Nuclear Medicine program at Michener and graduated in 1992. Sean is now retired, after a satisfying second career as a nuclear medicine technologist.

While not born in Toronto, Sean has lived here for many years and enjoys exploring the city, its history and architecture and has served for over 30 years as a volunteer at both Harbourfront Centre and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Chelsea Mott (Respiratory Therapy, 2019)

Chelsea graduated from Michener’s Respiratory Therapy program in 2019. She joined the Alumni Board as a Student Representative in her first year. Currently, she is working in the community setting as an RT with ProResp in London. She holds her Certified Respiratory Educator designation along with an undergrad degree BA Honours specialization in Kinesiology with a minor in Rehabilitation Sciences from Western University.

Her passion in healthcare is to provide education for her patients on how best to manage their fundamental to complex respiratory needs. She always enjoys finding educational opportunities to grow her knowledge and travelling (even for work).

Christine Nielsen (Medical Laboratory Science, 1997)

Christine is the Chief Executive Officer for the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and a certified association executive. Graduating from the Michener in 1997 as a medical laboratory technologist, she has enjoyed working in education and the association worlds. Christine holds an undergraduate degree in Health Administration from Ryerson University and has completed her MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University.

Volunteering is a priority for Christine, having served for professional associations and two alumni association boards, for over two decades.

Zaeem Qureshi (Student Representative, Respiratory Therapy, Class of 2025)

Zaeem graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelors of Science and is currently in his first year of the Respiratory Therapy program at The Michener Institute. He wanted to make a positive difference in his community and believe there is no better way to do that than to help people continue to breathe another breath by becoming a Respiratory Therapist.

Raquel Rubinoff (Respiratory Therapy, 2017)

Raquel is a graduate of Michener’s RT program in 2017 and AA program in 2022. During her time as a student she worked reception, as a simulation model and volunteered on campus and for the MMI’s (multiple mini interviews – part of the student admissions process). She joined the Alumni Association in 2018. She worked full time as an RT in the community at Vitalaire, and transitioned into a casual RT at Toronto Western Hospital, Mt Sinai and Mackenzie Health hospitals. She co-led the Interprofessional Communications Course at Michener from 2019 – 2020.

Through her own challenges as a student to working professional, she has taken it upon herself to mentor struggling students (RT, AA, nursing, med students, paramedics). When she is not working, she can be seen attending the local dance, fitness and yoga classes, hiking, running, dog sitting and fostering.

Meaghan Stayzer (Radiation Therapy, Class of 2021)

Meaghan is a Radiation Therapist for London Health Sciences. Graduating from the Michener in 2021 as a radiation therapist. Meaghan holds an undergraduate degree in Honors Medical Science from Brock University and an undergraduate degree in Medical Radiation Sciences which is accompanied by an advanced diploma in Radiation Therapy from Michener.

Meetings

Michener’s Alumni Association Board of Directors meets at least six times a year at The Michener Institute. Virtual meetings start at 5:30 pm. Michener graduates are invited to attend. Please RSVP to alumni@michener.ca if you plan to attend a meeting.

2022/2023 Meeting Schedule

  • October 6, 2023
  • November 14, 2023
  • December 12, 2023 – AGM – please join us via Teams using this LINK
  • January 30, 2024
  • March 12, 2024
  • April 23, 2024
  • June 4, 2024