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The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is a dedicated group of volunteers who meet monthly to help co-design KW4 OHT initiatives. They serve as ambassadors for the Kitchener, Waterloo, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich communities, helping us identify gaps and unmet needs in local health and social services.
CAC members bring strong connections to the communities we serve. They support meaningful conversations and help shape a healthier region by ensuring care is timely, equitable, and responsive to what people truly need.
As part of their work, CAC members engage with the community to better understand key priorities such as:
Health equity and reducing gaps in care
Population health and social determinants of health
Anti-racism and anti-oppression
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
By bringing forward diverse voices and lived experiences, the CAC helps KW4 OHT create more inclusive, community-informed solutions that improve the health system for everyone.
Chair, Community Advisory Council, KW4 OHT
Kathy Payette (she/her) brings over 35 years of experience supporting children and families in the mental health sector. As the former Director of Children’s Mental Health Services at Starling, she continues to advocate for youth wellbeing and suicide prevention through her involvement in community councils. Kathy joined the CAC to help drive meaningful change for children, youth, and families in KW4. She values strong partnerships and leverages her deep regional knowledge to support community-focused solutions. Her work is centered on improving mental health services and fostering a greater sense of belonging.
Vice-Chair, Community Advisory Council – KW4 OHT
Steve Keczem (he/him) brings over a decade of experience advocating for improvements in the mental health and addictions system. He leads the KW chapter of the Association of Parent Support Groups in Ontario and contributes to regional and provincial initiatives, including the Ontario Health Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence. Steve has served on several advisory committees, such as the Families for Awareness, Change and Education committee at Waterloo Regional Health Network and the KW4 OHT Steering Committee. He joined the Community Advisory Council to support the creation of more accessible, coordinated, and person-centered care. With a strong caregiver perspective, Steve is committed to collaboration and meaningful change in the healthcare system.
Member, Community Advisory Council- KW4 OHT
Caryl Russell (she/her) is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and Registered Kinesiologist with four decades of experience in clinical rehabilitation, specializing in populations such as cardiac, cancer, dementia, and obesity across all age groups. She recently retired from the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, where she also taught exercise physiology. Caryl continues to support community members through exercise assessment, personalized programming, and health coaching strategies. She joined the Community Advisory Council to advocate for healthier lifestyles and promote evidence-based practices that enhance quality of life. Caryl brings a strong prevention and wellness lens to the council’s work.
Member, Community Advisory Council
Kelly Reitzel (she/her) is a Speech-Language Pathologist with nearly 10 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and communication needs in various settings across Ontario. Her clinical interests focus on feeding and swallowing disorders, with an emphasis on client-centered care. Kelly is also a co-founder of a local dance program for youth and young adults with disabilities, promoting inclusion and social connection. She joined the Community Advisory Council to combine her clinical expertise with her recent graduate training in health systems through a Master of Health Evaluation from the University of Waterloo. Kelly is dedicated to enhancing accessibility and community engagement for individuals with disabilities in the Waterloo Region.
Member, Community Advisory Council
Cathy Doerbecker (she/her) has over 30 years of experience advocating for independent living in the Waterloo Region, specifically supporting adults with physical disabilities. She has held various roles with Independent Living Waterloo Region (ILWR), including Attendant, Supervisor, and Senior Manager of Attendant Services. Cathy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a PSW certification from Conestoga College. Passionate about helping adults with disabilities and seniors navigate the healthcare system, she joined the KW4 OHT Community Advisory Committee to improve access to services and address system gaps.
Member, Community Advisory Council
Meaghan Barlow (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University and Director of the Self-regulation, Emotion, and Aging (SEA) Lab. She specializes in lifespan, social, personality, and health psychology, with a research focus on emotional well-being and aging. Meaghan is dedicated to promoting age-friendly communities, reducing social isolation, and improving primary care access for older adults. Her work explores how motivation and community-based programs can support health into advanced age. She joined the KW4 OHT Community Advisory Committee to advocate for science-based policies that benefit the aging population.
Member, Community Advisory Council
Angela Martin (she/her) is a Clinical Nurse, Digital Health Advocate, and Patient Advocate based in the KW4 region. As a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), she has experience in primary care, community health, cardiac rehabilitation, and teaching. Currently working in digital health within an Ontario Health Team, Angela is dedicated to advancing healthcare equity and amplifying the voices of marginalized patients. She joined the KW4 OHT Community Advisory Committee to drive meaningful, patient-centered change.
Member, Community Advisory Council
Roy Cameron (he/him) is a retired faculty member from the University of Waterloo, where he led research in disease prevention, focusing on tobacco control and cancer research. He also served as Executive Director of Homewood Research Institute, improving mental health and addiction treatment. With lived experience managing heart disease and vision issues, Roy brings valuable insights to the KW4 Community Advisory Committee. He is passionate about patient safety, equity, and continuous learning in healthcare, aiming to contribute to a supportive and safe system for all patients.
Member, Community Advisory Council
Dr. Sonika Kainth (she/her) is a family physician dedicated to supporting marginalized communities, including those living with hidden disabilities, in the KW4 region. She focuses on the social determinants of health, working closely with LGBTQ2S+ individuals, newcomers, people with unstable housing, and those affected by substance use. A passionate advocate for addressing the opioid crisis, Sonika is committed to combating the rise in overdose deaths with urgency and compassion. Her personal experiences as a woman of colour with a hidden disability fuel her drive for equitable healthcare access. She joined the KW4 OHT Community Advisory Committee to help create a healthcare system that serves everyone.
Member, Community Advisory Council
Fadhilah Balogun (she/her) is an internationally trained medical doctor and Executive Director of the African Women's World Alliance, with over 20 years of grassroots experience. She is deeply committed to housing security, infrastructure development, and improving the well-being of women and girls in Waterloo and beyond. Driven by her early experiences in Nigeria, Dr. Balogun champions initiatives that support victims of gender-based violence and recognizes housing as a key barrier to safety and stability. She actively volunteers with organizations like CCORIC, Highland Stirling Neighbourhood Association, and Beyond Housing.
Member, Community Advisory Council
Mary D’Alton (she/her) is Executive Director of The Cowan Foundation and CEO of the SmartServe Foundation. She chairs the Women Presidents Organization (Waterloo Region and Southwestern Ontario) and serves on boards including Centre in the Square and The Museum. With a background in hospitality and extensive leadership experience, she has contributed to organizations like St. Mary’s Hospital, the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, and Smart Serve Ontario. Through her management company, she helps local and provincial charities strengthen their operations. Mary is dedicated to community building and supporting women in leadership.
We’re Recruiting! - Join KW4 Community Advisory Committee
CAC volunteers work to co-design initiatives for the KW4 Ontario Health Teams (OHT). Members help to identify community needs and gaps for Kitchener, Waterloo, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich. As a CAC member, you'll:
Engage with diverse communities
Focus on health equity and the personal, social and environmental things that shape health and well-being
Promote anti-racism, anti-oppression, and inclusion
Help us build a healthier community with timely access to care and services. Apply today to make a meaningful impact!
Step 1: Read the Terms of Reference
Step 2: Read Member Profile
Step 3: Complete the Member Expression of Interest (EOI)
*If you choose to fill out the pdf version, please email the filled out form to info@kw4oht.com
