The key to achieving our mission of providing the highest standard of hospice care at Hill House rests with our staff, volunteers, families, physicians and other members of the interdisciplinary care team which may include a person’s family physician, our social worker, a spiritual counselor or a pharmacist.
The professional nursing staff and personal support workers are all guided and mentored by our Medical Director, Dr. Brian Berger. All members of the nursing team are specially trained in pain control and symptom management. In addition to providing direct care, this dedicated team provides emotional support to family members.
Our caring complementary therapists visit twice a week to provide our residents and their families with music therapy, massage therapy, aromatherapy, Reiki, therapeutic touch services, and reflexology. They help manage pain and symptoms, decrease anxiety, help with relaxation, create an outlet for emotional expression, provide a connection to others, and help decrease any feelings of isolation.
Volunteers are an invaluable resource, providing both direct and indirect care. Whether it's administration, housekeeping or assisting residents, we couldn't do it without their help. Volunteers are pre-screened before being accepted to Hill House Hospice. They are required to complete palliative care education.
We are led by our board of directors, providing inspiring leadership, guidance and oversight.
Everyone at Hill House has benefited from Dr. Berger’s empathy, compassion and strong medical skill set. Families frequently say “How lucky and fortunate they are to have such an experienced and caring human being take care of their loved one.”
In addition to his role at Hill House, Dr. Berger is the Physician Leader in the Department of Continuing Care, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care at Mackenzie Health. He was instrumental in leading the project to establish and expand a palliative care unit at Mackenzie Health. He developed holistic programming at the hospital with shared resources from Hill House Hospice. He is a designated Palliative Care Expert and Former Chair of the Ontario Medical Association Palliative Medicine Section.
Dr. Berger has facilitated many training courses and lectured at numerous conferences, nationally and internationally on Palliative Care. He oversees palliative care fellows and residents and is a lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Division of Palliative Medicine under the Department of Family Practice.
In 2020, he received the Ontario Medical Association Palliative Care Physician Award of Excellence in recognition of his commitment and hard work in advancing the field.
Michelle was appointed as Hill House Hospice’s Executive Director in January 2021. She oversees the team at Hill House Hospice, bringing a proven track record in team leadership and cultivating trust and positivity in the workplace.
She has more than 20 years of experience as a nurse and in the not-for-profit sector. Michelle also spent more than 15 of those years in the international development sector, focusing on health programming and building and running health institutions.
Her experience in program development and infrastructure projects is extensive. It has involved working with multiple stakeholders across many sectors, internationally, nationally, and locally.
Amanda is a registered nurse with more than 15 years of experience, primarily based in the community setting of Richmond Hill. Through her extensive practice as a home visiting nurse, Amanda realized her love and skill for palliative care.
She joined the Hill House team in 2020 to pursue this passion full-time. Believing in self-improvement and professional growth, Amanda continues to advance her education and experience in nursing, leadership and management.
Amanda’s caring nature, calm presence and sensibility are an asset as she works within the nursing team. She provides guidance and instruction and builds relationships to support the continued high-quality care provided at Hill House Hospice.
Joanne plays a key role in securing the resources needed to support Hill House’s mission and programs. Joanne works with individuals, families and corporate partners to help them fulfil their philanthropic goals at Hill House.
With a remarkable 25-year career as a fundraiser, Joanne holds the prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. She has devoted a significant portion of her professional journey to various not-for-profits helping them achieve their mission, including notable names like Mackenzie Health, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, Sinai Health Foundation, Covenant House, and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Kasia completed her MBA at the Schulich School of Business and joined the Hill House Hospice team in 2021. Her work experience includes the Heart and Stroke Foundation and York University.
Kasia takes care of Hill House Hospice donors and the house. Since her first day, she has been impressed by the amazing care and compassion of the hospice team. She is dedicated to contributing to that herself.
FOUNDER: The late Ann Gold
BOARD CHAIR: Dr. Janet Morse
VICE CHAIR: Elaine Walsh
TREASURER: Sam Lee
BOARD DIRECTOR: Adelina Urbanski
BOARD DIRECTOR: Andy Langer
BOARD DIRECTOR: Catherine Bellinger
BOARD DIRECTOR: Joanne Lott
BOARD DIRECTOR: Joseph Gulizia
BOARD DIRECTOR: Kim Baker
BOARD DIRECTOR: Latif Fazel
BOARD DIRECTOR: Shafiq Ebrahim
BOARD DIRECTOR: Sheila Neuburger
BOARD DIRECTOR: Susan LaRosa
BOARD ADVISOR/COMMUNITY COMMITTEE MEMBER: Charles Beer
COMMUNITY COMMITTEE MEMBER: Dorenda McNeil
COMMUNITY COMMITTEE MEMBER: Jane Wedlock
COMMUNITY COMMITTEE MEMBER: Judy Murray
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