Bahar Karimi is the Executive Director of Clinical Practice and Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Innovation at Thrive Group, where she leads an integrated portfolio spanning clinical practice, and research and innovation across long-term care, and community, and primary care.

With over 22 years of experience in healthcare, Bahar began her career as a Personal Support Worker and progressed through roles as an RPN and RN before moving into senior leadership. This grounded experience continues to shape her approach to system transformation—one that is deeply rooted in the realities of frontline care.

Bahar leads Thrive’s Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Innovation as a platform for real-world, practice-based change. Under her leadership, the Centre has evolved as a social movement—bringing together frontline staff, leaders, residents, clients, families, and partners to co-design and implement solutions that matter. Her work advances Thrive Horizons and the Living and Working Well model, with a focus on integrating clinical excellence, workforce well-being, relational leadership, and sustainable innovation.

She is actively engaged in academic and system partnerships, collaborating with institutions such as McMaster University, Mohawk College, and Western University to advance applied research and workforce development in the health and aging sector.

Bahar is currently completing her PhD in Nursing at Western University, where her research focuses on the social organization and sustainability of the Personal Support Worker workforce in long-term care. She holds adjunct academic appointments and teaches across undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

Known for her relational and human-centred leadership style, Bahar is a sought-after speaker, educator, and mentor. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to co-creation, social accountability, and building a more compassionate, sustainable future for both those who receive care and those who provide it.

Melissa Pirrie is a caregiver representative on the Client and Caregiver Quality Council (CCGQC) for AbleLiving Services and Capability Support Services. She’s also a research associate with the Vulnerable Individuals in Primary Care Research Lab, directed by Dr. Gina Agarwal, in the Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University. She has worked in health research since 2005, completed a PhD in Health Studies and Gerontology in 2021, and recently completed a two-year CIHR Health System Impact Fellowship. Her primary interest is the impact of contexts on the health and wellbeing of individuals, including models of care for adults who need additional supports to thrive in the community.

Wendy Lawson currently serves in the role of Associate Vice President Academic and Dean, School of Health at Mohawk College, advancing strategy and capacity building in workforce transformation and health human resource planning. With a background in Medical Imaging, Wendy has held teaching, research, administrative, clinical and governance roles supporting health professions and professionals.

Holding an Advanced Diploma, BScN and MSc, Wendy is passionate about the power of partnership and leveraging education as a catalyst for change.

As part of her ongoing commitment to community integration and collaborative problem solving, Wendy participates in a number of boards, committees and forums including with the Canadian Association of Allied Health Programs, Ontario Health West, Head Injury Rehabilitation Ontario and the Western Ontario Academic Health Sciences Hospital & Education Network.

 Wendy is recognized for her work in curriculum reform, launching innovative programs and international strategies, as well as overseeing medical technology initiatives. Her contributions to the sector have earned her awards locally and nationally.

Phyllis Fehr was given a working diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s at 53 years old. Phyllis worked first as an ICU nurse and then as a dementia human rights activist, strategist, policy creator, changer, researcher, teacher, mentor and more.  Since the diagnosis, Phyllis commits much of her time doing anti-stigma work related to dementia and promotes the rights and abilities of people living with dementia locally, nationally and internationally. Her work policy work includes past member of the Ontario Dementia Advisory board, Advisory Group for the Ontario Dementia strategy and the Early Stage Working Group.

Her work includes co-author of multiple research articles, a book and keynote speaking on the lived-experience of dementia, human rights and anti-stigma education. Phyllis spoke at the United Nations - the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and at the Senate of Canada, Social Affairs, Science and Technology. The World Health Organization on Non- communicable diseases.

She is a prior patient advisory to the Alzheimer’s Board for Canada.  She is a current board member of Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice, Alumni of Dementia Advocacy Canada: Human Rights Action Team Lead, Dementia Alliance International Alumni and provides local leadership to the Empowering Dementia-friendly Communities Hamilton, Haldimand project. 2023 winner of the alumni of distinction award from Mohawk College. Phyllis was also nominated for the 2023 premiers award.

Holly Odoardi is the Senior Administrator in the Long Term Care Division for the City of Hamilton. She has dedicated over 30 years to the field of long-term care, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held numerous key roles, gaining invaluable insights that have shaped her forward-thinking approach to leadership and advocacy for both residents and healthcare teams. In addition to her role as Co-Chair of the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN) – LTC Advisory Committee, Holly serves on multiple advisory committees, where she continues to influence long-term care practices and policies across the sector. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between care providers and residents, ensuring that the needs of older adults are met with compassion and innovation.

Holly’s passion for long-term care extends beyond her formal responsibilities. She is widely recognized for her ability to inspire and empower teams, drive innovative solutions, and lead transformative change within the sector. Her leadership has not only significantly advanced the organizations she has served, but has also contributed to raising awareness and understanding within the broader community about the importance of high-quality, person-centered care for seniors. Holly’s legacy of dedication, advocacy, and visionary leadership continues to leave a lasting impact on the long-term care landscape, benefiting residents, colleagues, and the entire aging population.