Community Advisory Council

There are six key objectives that are fulfilled by the Community Advisory Council:

1. Act as an advisory resource to the hospital’s Board of Directors on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of hospital activities in alignment with the strategic plan.
2. Serve as a formal mechanism for the exchange of ideas and discussion of community concerns and ideas related to the hospital, as identified by CAC members and by members of the community served by the hospital.
3. Strengthen and maintain partnerships between the community and the hospital.
4. Serve as one of the hospital’s communications and outreach channels to the community on the work and plans of the hospital and its impact on the community.
5. Participate in the hospital’s community engagement strategy, as appropriate.
6. Participate in the development, monitoring, and revision of the hospital’s Patient Declaration of Values.

The Community Advisory Council is composed of members who represent and reflect Scarborough’s diverse community. The selection process for members is conducted by the Governance Committee of the hospital’s Board of Directors and involves a robust recruitment, application, and interview process.

Omaje has previously worked at SHN in several roles including an Emergency Department unit clerk, and a project manager. He was involved in constituting many of our COVID-19 vaccination clinics and was closely involved in supporting our Epic digital transformation efforts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health, Aging and Society and a Business Management Certificate. Omaje currently works as a Management Consultant with Deloitte Consulting and keeps a keen interest and passion for Scarborough and SHN.

Dr. Ablack is a retired family doctor who practiced in Scarborough for seventeen years and was on staff at the Centenary site. Dr. Ablack also worked abroad for several years in Trinidad and in Barbados in a government community health clinic. As a family physician, cancer survivor ,and patient family advisor, Doreen brings a unique perspective to our Community Advisory Council. She had previously served on Rouge Valley Health System’s Community Advisory Group.

Daniel has worked as Director of Canada Field Operations for SE Canada Inc. O/A Service Experts HVAC, the largest Heating and Air Conditioning Company in North America. He has been an active volunteer in SRH’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for over five years and is also a patient family advisor. He had previously served on Rouge Valley Health System’s Community Advisory Group and has been a patient at the Centenary site. In addition to his work with SRH, Daniel is an active supporter of a variety of other fundraising events and organizations.

Irmi is the Manager of the Toronto East Quadrant Local Immigration Partnership. She is a member of a number of community organizations, including her local neighbourhood association and the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization.

Lydia is a retired teacher and volunteer with the Toronto Public Library, an ESL volunteer teacher, and a Board member of the Highland Creek Community Association. She is an active member of her community with a passion for helping others, especially those who are new to our country. She is also a volunteer member at the University of Toronto’s Campus Council and Academic Affairs.

Godha is a Board Member of the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario and volunteers with the Agincourt Community Services Association Food Bank. Prior to retiring, Godha worked at the Research Institute of SickKids Hospital for nearly 40 years. She is a former member of The Scarborough Hospital’s Community and Patient Advisory Council.

Joanna is a Registered Nurse with an extensive background in clinical research, emergency nursing, and community nursing. She holds a MSc in clinical research and is currently working with Veterans Affairs Canada as a District Nursing Officer for Scarborough supporting veterans and families in the community. She is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and experiences on senior’s and community affairs with the Community Advisory Council.

Reshma teaches at University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and undertakes research focused on newcomers to Canada, health equity, and vulnerable populations at the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities. She holds a PhD in Health Policy and Equity. She is also involved in digital health at Ontario Health. She has lived in Scarborough for the past nine years.

Tiina is a University of Toronto PhD student focused on palliative care as well as a teaching assistant at both the St. George and Scarborough campuses. She is currently working with the Sinai Health Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care as part of her fieldwork. She arrived in Scarborough in 2017 and is currently on the Board of Directors of her community’s long term care home.

Nivetha was born and raised in Scarborough and is a very big fan of our Love, Scarborough campaign. She is a graduate student at the University of Toronto, very passionate about health equity, and actively involved in student government and student advocacy.

Akshayaa is a second year undergraduate student at University of Toronto Scarborough Campus studying population health. She was born and raised in Scarborough and is very passionate about her community. She has a keen interest in youth mental health.

Donna has been involved with SHN in the past as a patient and volunteer. She is a member of the Local Champion Network and a Chester Lee Community Centre volunteer. She is part of the Scarborough Food Network, the Agincourt Community Services, Parks People, and the Steele’s L’Amoreaux Network. She also works with seniors to help get them to services within the Scarborough area.

Sameera Merchant is a physiotherapist with 10+ years in hospitals and education, where she now works as a Practice Advisor at the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She also teaches at U of T and brings both clinical and regulatory expertise, along with lived experience in Scarborough.

Gladys Bumanglag is a long-time Scarborough resident with over 25 years of experience in social work and community engagement. She currently works as a Caseworker with the City of Toronto’s Employment & Social Services Division, supporting individuals and families facing challenges such as poverty, disability, and mental health. She is deeply engaged in community advocacy and committed to equitable care.

Mannat Kaur is a registered nurse and former ER clinician. She now works as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte in Life Sciences and Health Care. With an MBA in healthcare management, she combines frontline and strategic experience to advance inclusive care.

Shreena Samuda Talbert is a pharmacist and public health professional with 19 years of experience across hospital, community, and government. Active in her Scarborough church, she offers cross-cultural perspective and a strong focus on patient-centered care.

Faiz Siddique is the Director of Finance at TELUS, with expertise in strategic planning, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement. He volunteers with local and global initiatives and brings financial expertise and community service experience to strengthen equitable care.

Taje Mohabir is currently the Vice President of IP at CGI with nearly 30 years in senior leadership, and past Board Chair of Special Olympics Ontario. A lifelong Scarborough resident, he combines corporate expertise with decades of community service.

Abel Nyarkoh is a Human Resources Manager at Inner City Health Associates with over six years of experience in the healthcare sector, particularly in organizations serving vulnerable communities. A lifelong Scarborough resident, she is committed to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.