Our Team

Alyssa is the President at Alliance advisors IR. She has over 15-years of investor relations, capital markets and corporate communications experience. An activist by nature, she has raised over $1 billion of capital, led some of Canada’s most successful activism campaigns, managed M&A transactions and enhanced board governance frameworks. She was formerly Head of Strategy – Operations and Communications at Artis REIT, Vice-President of Capital Markets and Communications at Sandpiper Group and Manager, Investor Relations at Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc. She is known for her agility, creative prose and relentless pursuit of success for her clients.

Peter is the Founder and Managing Director of TO4 Group Inc., where he helps start-ups and established companies in the life sciences sector commercialize innovations in Canada. With more than three decades of experience, Peter has held leadership roles across government, for-profit, and not-for-profit sectors, including President and CEO of BIOTECanada, General Manager of Sanofi Genzyme, Founder and CEO of Inagene Diagnostics, and CEO of the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation.

Most recently, as General Manager of BeiGene Canada, Peter built the affiliate from the ground up and grew its cancer care business to support Canadians in need. Peter has a proven track record of leading businesses through complex challenges, launching more than 20 successful products, and driving growth across a range of therapeutic areas.

Peter advocates for systemic improvements in healthcare access and emphasizes the importance of aligning stakeholders to create patient-centered solutions. In addition to his corporate roles, he actively contributes to the life sciences community through board service and advisory positions.

He is a proud inductee of the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame. Peter holds an MBA in Health Services Management from McMaster University, an Honours BSc from Western University, and has completed executive education programs at Stanford, Harvard, McGill, and Queen’s University.

Twenty years ago, Richard Ellis lost his best friend, Cathy Payne, to ALS. She was diagnosed at the age of 40 and lost her fight before she was 42.

Cathy’s journey changed Richard, her family and her friends forever. They learned what it took to face a debilitating disease with strength, courage, and humour. From the time of Cathy’s diagnosis Richard became involved with ALS Canada, joining the Board of Directors in 2020.

With more than 30 years of international business experience, Richard’s global perspective makes him uniquely qualified as an executive coach, a trusted advisor to senior executives, and a strategic business thought-partner. He established Ellis Strategy Group in 2019, specializing in executive coaching, reputation management strategies, change management and business transformation, diversity and inclusion strategies, cross-cultural communications, and leadership development programs.

As Vice-President of Global Corporate Relations at McDonald’s Corporation, Richard led McDonald’s Corporate Relations function across more than 25 countries worldwide. Prior to joining McDonald’s, Richard was President & Chief Executive Officer of Weber Shandwick Worldwide (Canada) Inc., one of the world’s leading communications and public relations consultancies.

Richard is a noted Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leader, strategist, and facilitator. He was a founding member of McDonald’s Corporation’s Global Diversity Council, he established and led McDonald’s USA’s inaugural LGBTQ employee resource group, and he created McDonald’s Canada’s diversity function. An active champion and advocate of inclusivity, Richard was recognized as Canadian Diversity Champion by Women of Influence magazine.

Richard is an experienced board director and governance expert. He is past Chairman and current member of the Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada. He is a member of the Advisory Committee of Humber College’s Bachelor of Public Relations Program. Richard is a former Advisory Board member of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, member of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards National Committee, and Co-chair of The Sandbox Project.

Mike is a professional engineer (P.Eng.) registered in Alberta, a certified project management professional (PMP), and holds a Competent Boards designation on climate and biodiversity (CCB.D). He earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, an M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from IFP School, France, an MBA from Warwick Business School, United Kingdom, and a Sloan M.Sc. in Leadership and Strategy from London Business School, United Kingdom. With more than 30 years of experience in the global energy sector, he is currently the CEO and founder of Protekz Inc. and is involved in healthcare and community development initiatives. Recently, he enhanced his board readiness through the executive board readiness program offered by the Board Diversity Network and Ted Rogers School of Management.

Mike is eager to bring his broad experiences to the Board and continue the momentum of the organization:

“I am deeply impressed by the opportunity to cultivate collaboration, drive innovation through research, and expand capacity towards transforming ALS from a terminal to a treatable disease. It is part of my goals of making the world a better place,” says Mike.

Lisa Flaifel grew up in Weirton, West Virginia. She graduated with a degree in Medical Technology from West Virginia University, and shortly after getting married, she moved to Toronto, Canada. In a span of five years, Lisa’s father and brother-in-law were diagnosed and eventually succumbed to ALS. This experience had a transformative impact on Lisa – a young adult intimately involved in care taking, planning of resources, and navigating her family’s emotional journey. Lisa firmly believes the experience united her family, taught her about courage and humility and forced her to learn the lessons that come from asking for help and accepting gifts from others. The local ALS Society became more than a place for resources or to ask questions; their representatives became part of her extended family, guiding her on a path for which the family felt unprepared. They helped them to face the challenges that ALS presents to those afflicted with the disease, and those who love and care for them. In 1998 Lisa began a long and rewarding career with Berlex and Bayer. Over the course of her 26 years with the organization she gained robust commercial experience in sales, marketing, business development, and leadership holding several roles with progressive responsibility.

She is recognized as a dynamic and results-oriented leader whose career has been highlighted by advancement through positions of progressive accountability. She has a proven track record in building leadership competencies and high-performance teams to achieve results in the healthcare industry. She is recognized as a strategic change agent with a strong sense of direction and focus in translating corporate vision into team goals. She is viewed as an inspiring, collaborative and strategic cross-functional partner who drives for solutions to complex business problems. Lisa will serve the ALS Society in memory and honor of her family and all those afflicted by ALS.

Jennifer is a passionate and empathetic leader with 30 years of experience across various industries and geographies. She is currently the Senior Director, Business Credit Cards at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Prior to this role, she held a variety of leadership positions at RBC, where she led major transformational initiatives. Before joining RBC, Jennifer held leadership roles at AMEX and Accenture. While at Accenture, she worked globally across diverse industries, bringing broad perspectives to problem-solving.

Jennifer’s brother was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2024. This personal experience has deepened her commitment to ensuring that people living with ALS have access to the support they need, while also advancing efforts to find a cure. She brings relentless optimism and focus to her advocacy for the ALS community.

Jennifer is dedicated to using her experience and skills to support individuals and families affected by ALS while contributing to the broader goal of ending the disease.

Elizabeth Gandolfi is a bank executive with nearly two decades of experience in financial services. She is currently the Senior Vice-President, Client Solutions at Canadian Western Bank, and prior to this she spent 17 years at Scotiabank holding diverse and progressively senior roles.

Elizabeth’s father passed away from ALS in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic. She knows firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of people living with ALS, their family, friends, and caregivers. Since her father’s passing, Elizabeth has found purpose in being a part of a team that serves diverse populations, geographical locations, and employs different approaches to solving complex challenges associated with ALS.

Over her career, Elizabeth has led and participated in several enterprise-wide business improvement and growth initiatives and successfully put in place new organizational structures, delivery models and program improvements in order to drive superior customer and employee experiences. She has extensive experience in finance and analytics, operations and contact centres, including digital innovation, sales and distribution. She is highly skilled in strategy and organizational change management associated with major business transformation projects.

Elizabeth is a longstanding community builder and a passionate leader and mentor developing and coaching talent and supporting our youth. For a number of years, she has volunteered with Junior Achievement of Canada, and was a Board Member with the Haliburton Club, Scouts Canada. She also has strong ties to the United Way Greater Toronto and their respective agency partners.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting & Finance from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and has completed the Executive Strategic Analytics Program at Queen’s University. She is an avid swimmer, loves to cook and spend time outdoors with her husband, their four children and their dog.

Dr. Angela Genge has been the Executive Director of the Clinical Research Unit at the Montreal Neurological Institute since 2004. Since 2020, she has also served as Chief Medical Officer for QurAlis and Scientific Director of CATALIS. Her expertise and groundbreaking work in the introduction of innovative therapies in the rare disease space has led her to be a sought-after member of numerous advisory boards for companies developing therapies for these diseases.

Dr. Genge is the Director of The Neuro’s (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) ALS clinical program and multidisciplinary clinic, and she is a neuromuscular neurologist. Throughout her career, Dr. Genge has received numerous awards, most recently the 2018 Forbes Norris Award, the DIVA of Distinction Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Harry retired in January 2016 after 40 years of service at Libro Credit Union, ending his career there as Governance Coach and Corporate Secretary. He currently works as an Independent Community Service Professional and operates a part-time consulting practice under the Governance Vitality banner.

Harry graduated from Western University in 1976 with a degree in Economics. Continuing his professional education, he achieved the Fellowship of the Credit Union Institute of Canada (FCUIC) designation in 1980 and Associate of the Credit Union Institute of Canada (ACUIC) after completing their Management Studies Program with Honours in 1995. In 2003, he completed the Executive Development Program at Queen’s University and earned his ICD.D designation through the Canadian Institute of Corporate Directors’ Education Program at the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto, in June 2015.

In January 2025, Harry was diagnosed with ALS. Despite his onset of symptoms, he continues to serve the community through the Rotary Club of London, Agape Foundation, and Thames Valley Science and Technology Fair.

ALS has greatly impacted Kris Noakes and her family across generations, and they continue to live with the disease and hope for a future without ALS.

Kris is a citizen of the Anishinabek Nation, a member of Nipissing First Nation and a community advocate at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. Her diverse experience includes leading a non-governmental organization building Indigenous services in the Greater Toronto Area. Kris has also supported community initiatives through public appointments on the City of Mississauga and City of Brampton’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committees and the Museums of Mississauga Advisory Committee. Kris has served as a member of the Region of Peel’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy Community Advisory Board (CAB), the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Advisory Circle for the Peel District School Board (PDSB), the Toronto Area Education Leads for the Indigenous Education Office of Ministry of Education, and as a Director for the Art Gallery of Mississauga.

Kris currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer for the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic and is an appointed member of the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee for the GTA. She is also a member of ALS Canada’s Revolution Ride Committee and a member of 100 Women Who Care.

A graduate of Carleton University with a combined degree in Sociology and Law, Sharon also holds a Certificate in Strategic Communications Management from Ithaca College and Executive Certificates in Marketing and Strategic Leadership from Queen’s University. Sharon has also completed Finance for Senior Executives from Harvard University Business School and the University of Toronto-Rotman School of Management Not-for-Profit ICD Governance Essentials Certificate. Currently, Sharon holds the national role of Vice-President of Marketing and Communications with Chartwell Retirement Residences and had previously spent 15 years involved in all three levels of government as a political advisor and served on several Boards.

Sharon shared that she’s had many fulfilling not-profit volunteer Board roles and experiences, but that ALS Canada provides her with the opportunity to honour her aunt and godmother:

“I was looking for a way to contribute further to a health organization that had personal meaning to me,” says Sharon. “ALS Canada is meaningful not only in light of my family losing a loved one to this horrible disease but also in the incredible advocacy, research, and support they provide to people living with the disease and in the collective hope for a world free of ALS.”

Rob has degrees in Management Information Systems, Finance, and Chartered Accounting from McGill University and Concordia University. An experienced finance professional and Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA), Rob currently serves as the Director of Accounting at Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., mentors young professionals, and is involved in community boards and initiatives.

Rob’s desire to join ALS Canada’s Board of Directors is deeply personal and rooted in his close encounter with the disease:

“ALS has impacted my community, touching the lives of a family member, a beloved family friend, a fellow McGill football team alumnus, and the mother of a friend, all of whom have battled this devastating disease,” says Rob. “Having planned to dedicate more time to volunteering as my children reached school age, I am eager to leverage my professional skills to advance ALS Canada’s mission. It would be an honour to contribute to shaping strategies that enhance support for people affected by ALS and to drive initiatives that offer real, impactful change.”

Jason is an executive communications professional based in Mississauga with more than 20 years of experience in public sector marketing and communications.

Since 2021, his role with Peel Public Health has focused on messaging to the residents of Peel, with particular attention to the Region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the promotion of other health matters aligned with the Region’s vision and Public Health roadmap. He supported multiple client groups in developing strategic communications for the resumption of services paused during the pandemic. Jason also supported the executive leadership team by preparing reports and presentations delivered to Regional Council.

Prior to 2021, Jason spent nearly two decades in the aviation industry, creating campaigns in support of corporate objectives and overseeing public opinion research that informed the development of policies, programs, and services for multiple stakeholders.

Jason is an alumnus of Humber Polytechnic’s Broadcast Journalism program.

Beginning his career as a CPA and CA, Matthew has practiced as a public accountant and has held several private sector executive management roles in finance and leadership. Throughout the last 21 years, Matthew has been CEO of Fresenius Kabi Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of a global pharmaceutical and medical device company, and CEO of Calea, a provider of home infusion and medical supply services across Canada.

As an executive leader who has spent much of his career focused on patient care, Matthew is eager to apply his skills to support the ALS community:

“For two decades, I have led a service company [Calea] that provides clinical nutrition, IV medications, and medical supplies to patients in their homes across Canada. I value what effective community care can bring to the lives of patients and was drawn to ALS by the complex needs of its clients. Caring for life has been at the core of my career, and I want to help,” says Matthew. “As a business executive, I hope that the breadth of my experience can help ALS Canada continue to grow and achieve its strategic objectives.”

ALS Canada’s Board of Directors is grounded and informed by the challenges and complexities of living with ALS. Its approach to governance is rooted in working together to improve the lives of people affected by ALS through support, advocacy, and investment in research contributing towards a world free of ALS.

Dr. Chantelle F. Sephton received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and her PhD in Psychiatry from the University of Saskatchewan. She completed her postdoctoral studies at the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas under the mentorship of Dr. Gang Yu in the Department of Neuroscience. She started her lab at Université Laval in the CERVO Brain Research Centre in 2014 and is currently an Associate Professor in the department of psychiatry and neuroscience.

Dr. Sephton’s research interests are focused on the mechanism of action of post-transcriptional regulation of RNA by RNA-binding proteins. Several RNA-binding proteins including TDP-43 and FUS are mutated in some patients with familial ALS. Mutations in these proteins result in their cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation, which are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in these diseases. Stemming from her post-doctoral work and the discovery of the biological functions of disease-linked RNA-binding proteins, her current work now focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which disease-associated mutations of TDP-43 and FUS influence RNA metabolism and how this may lead to neurodegeneration.

Dr. Shoesmith is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Western University in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences in London, Ontario, Canada. She is a fellowship-trained neuromuscular neurologist with a clinical focus on ALS. Dr. Shoesmith is the Medical Director of the Motor Neuron Diseases Clinic at London Health Sciences Centre and is the site principal investigator (PI) for all ALS clinical trials conducted at her centre, including Phase 1 through Phase 3 clinical trials.

She is currently the Past Chair of CALS, the Canadian ALS Research Network, and has served on the executive of CALS for the past four years. She is also the lead author of the “Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for the Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,” published in 2020.