HPS has a dedicated Board of Directors that includes members from a wide variety of backgrounds including lived experience, business, police, family, psychiatry, academic legal and financial.

The HPS Board of Directors meet regularly to ensure accountabilities fiscally and objectively to the clients and LHIN 4.

 

Meet Our Board of Directors

Dr. Rebecca Gewurtz, PhD. O.T. Reg. (Ont.)

Dr. Rebecca Gewurtz is an occupational therapist and associate professor in the School or Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. Her research focuses on work disability policy, income security, and employment supports among people living with mental illness and other episodic disabilities in Canada. She uses primarily qualitative methods in her research, but she also has collaborated on projects using quantitative and mixed method approaches to examine the experiences of people with disabilities in Canada as they seek and retain employment, or apply for income replacement benefits.

Robert Dunford

Robert Dunford is a lawyer practicing in Hamilton.  He previously had a law practice in the United Kingdom before he returned to Canada in 2007.  He has sat on several boards and he is a passionate advocate for raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

Dr. JoAnn Corey

Dr. Corey completed her medical training at McMaster University.  She has been on staff at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, working with the Schizophrenia Service since 2002.  Dr. Corey is a member of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University and was formerly the Director of the Psychiatry Postgraduate Program.  JoAnn’s interest in working with those with Schizophrenia began during her residency when she completed a rotation at the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia.  She has always valued and respected the important, person-centered care provided at HPS and is therefore pleased to be a member of the Board.  

Carla LaBella (M.A., CAPP)

Carla LaBella is a Professor of Psychology in the School of Liberal Studies, Mohawk College. Her engaging and dynamic teaching style has attracted hundreds of people to her popular wellness series where she encourages participants to be mindful, practice self-care, cultivate self-compassion, and ultimately live their purpose. Her passion for building resiliency has led to the co-development of the College's first ever positive psychology course. In addition to being a board member for the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia, she also serves as Vice-Chair for the Suicide Prevention Community Council of Hamilton. Aside from being a teacher, she is a mom to two active boys, and a partner to her husband.

Jack Langhorn

Jack Langhorn is a life-long Hamilton resident. He has been married for 31 years to the same woman and together they have two adult daughters. Jack Langhorn is a graduate of McMaster University and he is a retired police officer. 

Jeannie Veerman

Jeannie Veerman, a retiree since April of 2015 is currently the treasurer of the Board and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).  Employed by both the Provincial and Federal Governments as a tax auditor for 16 years, she also has experience in the private sector for 16 years as a Controller.  Jeannie has been the treasurer of the HPS Family Association, a charitable organization for the past 15 years and is currently the longest standing member. Jeannie derives great satisfaction from using her skills and knowledge to enhance the quality of life of persons living with schizophrenia and their families.  She also volunteers at the Family Resource Centre at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, West 5th Campus.  

Eduard Veerman

Mr. Eduard Veerman worked with the Ontario Government for 35 years as a Manager of Major Capital Projects within the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Facilities Branch. He has served on the HPS Board for 11 years and has been the Chair and President of the HPS Family Association for over a decade. Mr. Veerman is a graduate of McMaster University and received his Bachelor of Arts in 2001. He also achieved the qualifications of a Nursing Home Administrator in the Province of Ontario in 1985. Most recently, he is a volunteer with the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Judith L. MacDonald