Meet our Staff Team

Meet the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County Staff Team

Laura-Lynn Bourassa is the Manager of Education and Support Programs who joined the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County in 2003, first working as an Education Coordinator.  Her personal experience with dementia and background in Gerontology fuels her drive to provide quality programs and services that meets the needs of the community.  

Education Team

Dana Bessette is an Education Coordinator servicing Barrie and South Simcoe. Dana oversees Public Education programs, as well as managing the Alzheimer Society Music Project locally. Dana has been with the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County since 2013, starting as a volunteer. She has a love for seniors and thoroughly enjoys her work with the Alzheimer Society.

Dana was born and raised in Etobicoke, but has been living in Springwater Township for many years, enjoying the surrounding Simcoe Forest. She lives there with her husband and two daughters.

Support Services Team

Michelle Menecola is the First Link Care Navigator serving Simcoe County. Michelle is passionate about helping to enhance the lives of those living with dementia, and their care partners. She loves working with such a compassionate team at the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County!

Susan Nagy is a Family Support Coordinator serving Orillia. She feels encouraged by the growing awareness and understanding around living well with dementia. Originally starting in the Education Coordinator role, Susan has been with the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County since 2002, transitioning into Support Services in 2008.

Susan moved to Orillia to work for the Alzheimer Society, and continues to enjoy living on the doorstep to Muskoka and all the outdoor opportunities it brings.

Heidi Haupt is a registered Social Worker who serves as a Family Support Coordinator in Barrie. She has been part of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County Support Services staff team since 2003, and volunteered for the Society prior to that. Heidi has been inspired by so many people living with dementia and their care partners over the years, and enjoys being a member of such a great staff team! 

Heidi was born and raised in Barrie. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children as well as talking to the bees and butterflies in her garden.

Meredith Joy is a Family Support Coordinator serving Barrie and North Simcoe. Meredith came to us from the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland & Haliburton, where she worked in a similar role.

Meredith enjoys getting to know the Simcoe County community and establishing relationships with the new clients that come her way.

Meredith currently lives in Orillia.

Minds in Motion® Team

Jana Douglas

Fund Development Team

Volunteer Resources 

Administration

Kristin Smith is the Office Administrator for the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. Kristin loves being part of such a hardworking, passionate team of people who all have the same goal: helping and guiding those living with dementia and their care partners to ensure they have the resources and tools they need to live well.