Programs at BCSCF are provided by a diverse and multi-disciplinary team of professionals committed to excellence in supportive care for women with breast cancer and those who love and care for them. As depicted visually on the organization chart found below, the team consists of the following key individuals:
Dr. Ardythe Taylor, M.D., F.C.F.P., Medical Director
As a physician and founder of BCSCF, Ardythe has a strong passion and dedication to optimize medical care for breast cancer patients. She has experienced the challenges of breast cancer first hand, initially with her mother and subsequently through her own diagnosis. Her education and experience in specialized breast cancer care follow 14 years as a family physician in private practice as well as participation as a member on numerous committees and boards in both cancer and spiritual health care. Dr. Taylor works 4 days/week at BCSCF serving as the Medical Director and seeing individual patients. She is primarily responsible for leading the medical service program delivery and content, orientation of new physicians and specialists, and directing new projects and collaborative activities.
Dr. Elu Thompson, M.D.
Dr. Thompson joined BCSC in November 2007 after a long and very busy career as an obstetrician and gynecologist. She has specialized in women’s medicine, including non-surgical treatment of menopause and hormonal issues. Her expertise and passion for women’s health make her a perfect choice for helping our patients in dealing with effects of treatment and the impact they may have on sexuality and intimacy issues. Dr. Thompson is currently working 2 ½ days per week with primary responsibility for screening follow-ups, new patients that are being referred for follow-up screening, consultations regarding hormonal management, body image issues, and sexuality concerns.
Kate McBrearty, Interim Executive Director
Kate is a senior strategist and change agent providing consultation in organizational development to not-for-profit organizations. With over 25 years experience in marketing, communications, fund development and non-profit management, she takes a thoughtful, team oriented approach to her responsibilities. Some notable prior positions include: former Executive Director, Autism Ontario, and Director, Marketing and Communications at Mount Royal College (now University). Kate is primarily responsible for leading BCSCF’s capital, project and administrative resources to achieve the organization’s vision.
Diane Klatzel, Office Manager and Foundation Administrator
Diane has been with BCSC since June 2007 and has been involved in medical management for over 15 years. She has served on the executive for the Medical Group Managers of Canada, and is past president of the Alberta Association of Clinic Managers, a professional organization representing over 2000 Alberta physicians. A full time employee of the BCSCF, Diane ensures the smooth operation of the medical clinic and Foundation activities, overseeing much of the human resource, policy and procedure implementation and overall management of the BCSCF.
Sylvia Huber, R.N.
Sylvia is a certified oncology nurse with many years of experience in helping cancer patients and their families. Most recently she has worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Surgical Oncology within the Calgary Health Region. She has been involved with the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology as provincial representative on the Board, the CANO representative for the National Advisory Committee for the Ovarian Cancer Information Project and is a member of the review board for the Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal. Sylvia works with patients at BCSCF to help them with effects of treatment, sexuality and intimacy issues. Employed through the Primary Care Network, Sylvia works 2 half-days per physician/per month. In addition, Sylvia is currently developing and piloting the Healthy Living after Breast Cancer Program for patients who have completed treatment.
Lori Leaf, R.N. - Intake Nurse
Lori has 20 years of nursing experience and has spent most of her nursing career working with pediatric oncology patients. She has also worked with hemophilia patients and done some clinical instructing at Mount Royal College and serves as a telecare nurse at Health Link. Lori is employed by the Foundation and helps with the medical intake process, often the patient’s first point of contact prior to patients meeting with the physicians at BCSCF. This requires compiling the information from all parties involved in the patient’s medical care. Lori is currently working 8 hours per week from home.
Mary Levere, R.N. - Intake Nurse
Mary has 10 years of nursing experience. She has spent most of her nursing career working with pediatric oncology patients. She has also worked in pediatric oncology research, adult med/surgery and palliative care. Mary started working as an intake nurse in at BCSCF in September 2008. Like Lori, Mary is often the patient's first contact and uses her expertise to help compile the patient's medical history prior to their visit with our physicians. Mary was a patient at BCSC in 2005. She and her family found the BCSC support invaluable.
Sophia Lange, Registered Psychologist
Sophia is a clinical psychologist employed by the Shared Mental Health Program. Sophia’s role is to provide additional support and education in dealing with mental health issues in conjunction with the physicians through joint counseling appointments.
Dr. Steve Simpson, Ph.D., M.D.
Dr. Simpson is a psychiatrist employed with the Shared Mental Health Program. Steve’s role at BCSCF is to provide education or consultation services regarding issues involving mental health problems with any of our patients. He is able to meet with the physician alone or with the physician and the patient together.
Dr. Carol Malec, Ph.D. Applied Psychology
Carol is a clinical psychologist with special interest in breast cancer recovery issues. She is a researcher in wellness and health promotion and chronic illness, and a National Doctoral Fellowship Award Scholar with the Research Council of Canada, as well as co-founder of Lifelong Wellness Research Institute. Carol co-facilitates the Women’s Recovery Group and is assisting with developing the instructor’s guide and participants’ guide for this program.
