Staff

Jamie joined PHA Canada as the organization’s first Executive Director in January of 2016. She is responsible for overseeing all our operations, including providing support and guidance to the staff in delivering our programs and services. She also works closely with the Board of Directors on governance, strategic planning, public and government relations, and fund development.

Jamie began her career in health promotion, community development, and patient advocacy in 1998, working for organizations such as the YouthCO AIDS Society, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the BC Healthy Living Alliance. A passionate volunteer, she served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian AIDS Society from 2006-2012 and acted as Board Chair for AIDS Vancouver from 1998-2007. In 2014, Jamie began working in rare diseases as Executive Director of the Canadian MPS Society, a grassroots patient group serving families impacted by ultra-rare genetic conditions primarily affecting children.

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Simon Fraser University and attended law school at the University of Victoria from 2011-2013. During her time in law school, she worked as a legal researcher for the Health Sciences Association of BC and as a policy intern in New Delhi, India, where she conducted a case study on the Role of Civil Society in Influencing the Effective Implementation of Public Policy. Jamie is grateful for the opportunity to work closely with Canada’s PH community to create changes that improve the lives of all those affected by pulmonary hypertension.  

Contact Jamie for:

• Information about PHA Canada’s programs and services
• Funding & sponsorship opportunities
• Access to treatment issues

jmyrah@phacanada.ca

1-877-774-2226 x101

Darren began his career working in community development, patient advocacy, and event planning. Originally from Vancouver, Darren moved to Ottawa where he organized events for a local AIDS organization, before leading the national “AIDS Walk Canada” and several national conferences with the Canadian AIDS Society. Darren was then recruited to the Canadian Lung Association to lead the development of the National Lung Health Framework, where he expanded his skills to include facilitating health systems/networks, while incorporating principles of project planning, meaningful engagement, and accountability. In 2012 he moved to Toronto where he worked as Acting Director of Partnerships for the Asthma Society of Canada, Manager of the Aboriginal Cancer Control Unit at Cancer Care Ontario, and—most recently—as Manager of Strategy and Systems Management with East Metro Youth Services.

In addition to his professional activities, Darren has also volunteered as a board member for Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (non-profit housing) and chaired both the Pride Committee of Ottawa, as well as co-chaired the workplace Equity Committee with East Metro Youth Services. Darren holds a BA in Arts, Psychology from the University of Ottawa and a certificate in HR Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. In March 2020 he completed his Project Management Certificate from the University of Toronto Continuing Education Program. Currently back in BC, Darren is excited to work with PHA Canada and be part of the exciting initiatives taking place.

dfisher@phacanada.ca

Ethel joined PHA Canada in 2015 to provide administrative and accounting support, including processing donations and orders for materials. Before joining PHA Canada’s team, Ethel occupied the position of Membership Clerk at BC Girl Guides for seven years. Prior to working in the nonprofit sector, Ethel was an Administrative Assistant in the Marketing Department of a computer company in Florida for six years.

Ethel lives in East Vancouver with her husband, Anthony, and their three daughters, Katelyn, Kathryn, and Azelia. She enjoys reading and watching movies with her family.

Contact Ethel for:

• Inquiries about your donation, Connections subscription, or store order
• Requests for merchandise or awareness materials
• General inquiries