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OUR TEAM

If you would like to contact anyone on staff, please use our CONTACT US form to have your email forwarded to the appropriate person.

Photograph of Lorrie Hagen

Lorrie Hagen, RD, MHSc, CHE
Executive Director

Lorrie Hagen has served as Executive Director of The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre since 2017, bringing over two decades of experience across hospital and community healthcare settings. Her career began in 1998 and includes extensive clinical and leadership roles at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), where she specialized as an inpatient dietitian in cancer care and bone marrow transplantation. In 2013, she transitioned into clinical management, overseeing the inpatient unit for the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program.

Before joining the Best Centre, Lorrie held the position of Senior Manager for Organ Transplant and Medical Specialties at SickKids. Since stepping into her current role, she has led the growth and development of the Centre’s clinical, administrative, and fundraising programs. She takes pride in fostering a collaborative and supportive culture, and her commitment to excellence in patient care and staff engagement is evident throughout her career.

Lorrie holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration (MHSc, 2013) from the University of Toronto and has completed leadership studies through Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Western University Continuing Education, and the Rotman School of Management. As a Certified Health Executive and active member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders, she is dedicated to ongoing professional development and quality improvement.

She maintains an open-door policy and thrives on engaging with her dedicated team. From 2021 to 2025, Lorrie served as a Board Director for Community Care Durham, contributing to the Fund Development, Quality & Safety, and Recruitment & Development Committees.

Looking ahead, Lorrie is focused on advancing innovative and inclusive care models and realizing the Centre’s capital expansion to meet the growing needs of individuals living with type 1 diabetes across all ages.

SUPPORT TEAM

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Gauri
Medical Secretary / Reception

Shannon Verge

Shannon 
Administrative Assistant 

 

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Gisèle
Programs Administrator

 

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Helen, CPA, CA
Financial Controller

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Lorna 
Medical Office Assistant

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Amy  
Development Officer

 CLINICAL STAFF

Empowering people with type 1 diabetes to live fully by providing extraordinary care, education and a community of unwavering support.

Registered Dietitians

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Diana, RD
Clinical Programs Leader
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JenniferRD, CDE
 

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Leanne, RD

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Francie, RD, CDE
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Karyn, RD
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Megan, RD, CDE
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Susan, RD, CDE
 

Registered Nurses

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Heather, RN
 

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Justin, RN, CDE
 
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Lori, RN
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Jennifer, RPN
 

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Lindsay, RN
 
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Margaret, RN, CDE
 
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Natalie, RN
 

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Sandy, RN, CDE
 

Social Workers

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Kate, RSW
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Kathy, RSW
 

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Stephanie, RSW
 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Non-profit organizations rely on strong leadership to drive change and achieve their mission. The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre is led by a volunteer board of directors - comprised of a diverse group with varied expertise - who provide leadership and guide the organization on behalf of its membership.

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Serge Babin
Chair

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Carol Stevenson
Vice-Chair

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Alan Curry
Treasurer

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Michael Grass
Director
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Ian Robertson
Director

 

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Christa Hruska
Director


 

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Rishita Peterson
Director

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Marlene Grass, RN
Founder

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Pepe Bakshi
Director


 

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Michael Banfield
Director

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Dana Dignard
Director

MEDICAL ADVISORS

Jeremy

Dr. Jeremy Gilbert
Medical Advisor - Adults

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Dr. Valerie Lewis
Medical Advisor - Paediatric

HELP US BUILD A HEALTHY FUTURE.

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