Our Board
The CTA Board is a hands-on volunteer board responsible for all of the operations and activities of the CTA across Canada including governance, communications, membership, fundraising and provincial representation. Are you passionate about organ donation initiatives and interested in joining the board? Send us a note.
National Board Executive
Brenda Brown President
Brenda has been a kidney transplant warrior since 2013. Brenda received her kidney from her daughter through the paired exchange program, and has felt the desire to give back to the community ever since. But she’s been an organ donation advocate for much longer than that. For Brenda, organ donation, is a family affair, as others in her family have also had transplants.
Brenda looks forward to more adventures with her “new” kidney that has afforded her better health and opportunity.
Nichole Elizabeth Vice President
In December 2010, Nichole donated her kidney to her cousin.
Her memories of that Christmas spent celebrating life, embracing family, and being filled with deep gratitude for each other, is the driving force behind Nichole’s desire to be involved in raising awareness and supporting the transplant community.
Heather Lannon Secretary
Heather became involved in the transplant world in 2012 when her husband experienced heart failure. Although he received his gift of life in 2017, the transplant was not successful.
Heather shares her experience as a caregiver, researcher and donor family - she gave the gift of sight through Jamie's passing.
Earl Howell Treasurer
Earl received a liver transplant in late 1997 in Vancouver. Earl continues to enjoy a very healthy post transplant life, and stays in shape by walking, and light exercise.
Earl encourages everyone in the “TX family” to seek out opportunities with the CTA to promote the benefits of Organ Donation.
Kelly Kleinschmidt Director, Membership
Kelly was athletic her whole life when in her mid 20’s, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune liver disease (PSC). After being sick for 9 years, she received a living donor liver transplant from her Uncle Ken. Post-transplant, Kelly knew that she would like to get involved in advocating for organ and tissue donation awareness, as well as in the transplant community.
Position is Vacant
Director of Communications
CTA is actively looking for a volunteer with Marketing and Communications experience to join our Executive Team. To find out more, please reach out.
Alison Hickman Team Manager
Alison's husband received a kidney in January 2015, and since that time, Alison has embraced the belief that a transplant is a gift, a new adventure in life. She first joined the CTA when the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter was established (in 2017). She continues to spread awareness about organ and tissue donation across her province.
Provincial Directors
Amanda Kuhn British Columbia
Amanda was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Autoimmune Hepatitis and Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 12 and was able to manage the conditions for 18 years. In 2021, a tumor was located on an annual scan. In the fall of 2022, Amanda underwent liver failure and had a confirmed diagnosis of hepatocellular (liver) cancer. With no other options Amanda underwent a liver transplant in February 2023 and joined the transplant community. Amanda hopes to be able to connect with more individuals that share similar stories with transplantation and continue to provide a space for sharing and caring while fostering continued strength within the community. You can catch Amanda at Transplant Games competing in sports such as running and cycling. Amanda is pleased to be serving as your provincial director for beautiful British Columbia! Email
Position is Vacant
Provincial Director Alberta
CTA is actively looking for a volunteer to join our Board as Director of Alberta, to lead Alberta CTA community to represent and support the transplant community with special events and fundraising. To find out more, please reach out..
Larry Kreklewich Saskatchewan
Born and raised in Melville, SK Larry received a kidney transplant in October of 1974 from a deceased donor. He married in July of 1976 and is the father of two. Larry enjoys staying active and volunteering at his local church and other organizations. He likes to stay busy by playing golf in the summer and curling in the winter. He became a member of CTA in 2005.
Mark Miles Manitoba
Being a part of the CTA is important to Mark as he was the fortunate recipient of a heart transplant in September of 2015. The gift of life has allowed Mark to watch his children, Matthew and Victoria, grow.
Mark celebrates his gift of life everyday and endeavours to honour his donor in all the ways that he can.
Kathleen Zavarise Ontario
Kathleen received a life saving liver and kidney transplant in March 2023.
And now every day is a gift, a chance to make a difference , live with purpose and honour the legacy of the unknown hero who saved her life.
She spends her time making her donor and family proud by giving back by advocating for several organizations and living life to the fullest.
Sylvie Charbonneau Quebec
Sylvie is a living kidney donor to her son, Benoit. This transplant allowed her son to resume sports, to a much more reasonable diet and to a more normal lifestyle. The transplant also allowed them to share exceptional moments by participating in several transplant games together, him as a transplant and her as a living donor. These are some unforgettable moments.
Sylvie est donneuse vivante d'un rein pour son fils Benoît. Cette greffe a permis à son fils de reprendre le sport, de suivre une alimentation plus équilibrée et de mener une vie plus normale. Elle leur a également permis de partager des moments exceptionnels en participant ensemble à plusieurs jeux de transplantation, lui en tant que greffé et elle en tant que donneuse vivante. Des moments inoubliables.
Kristofer Woods Maritimes
Kristofer was a living kidney donor to his friend in 2018. Since the donation, Kristofer has been active in his local community engaging others in the conversation around the benefits of organ donation and the positive impact choosing to be a donor can have on so many others. Kristofer lives in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and has been a member of L'Arche for the past 16 years - a community based organization that provides housing and programing for people with and without intellectual disabilities. Kris is currently the director in Nova Scotia, and interim director in PEI and New Brunswick.
Jonathan Hickman Newfoundland and Labrador
In his down time from his fourth generation family run business, Jonathan has always had a very active lifestyle. In January 2019 he received a kidney transplant from his sister and continues to be involved in a number of fitness activities.
Jonathan has competed at the world and Canadian Transplant Games in cycling, swimming and running.
