Our Team

Meet the experts combining traditional knowledge and modern healthcare.

Screenshot

Who We Are

Our vision
We envision vibrant communities where:

  1. All Indigenous people receive friendly, warm care “where they are”:
    • Geographically-care that sees no boundaries and is status blind;
    • Emotionally- Care that is provided in a safe place defined by the client;
    • Culturally- Care that respects wherever clients are in their spiritual journey and cultural identity;
    • Physically- Care that treats all medical needs and addresses complexity of care.
  2. Generosity of time and skills is shared freely.
  3. Traditional ways of knowing and being are valued and celebrated.

Our Mission

To accomplish this vision, the regional team:

  • Provides excellence in wholistic primary healthcare;
  • Equally values traditional healing and clinical supports;
  • Connects Indigenous people to regional services and professionals whom they can trust;
  • Engages with all Indigenous communities across the region; and
  • Shapes care and services based on the needs determined by the people/communities in our regions.
Yellow moccasins with blue turtle embroidery.
Tipi with fire inside at sunset.

Our Core values

To accomplish our vision and mission, the regional team upholds these values:

  • Everyone who walks in the door is treated as family;
  • Community builds community.

Who We Service

Our priority population are all the people who identify as Indigenous as well as their families, in our regions, with a special focus on people at risk for and living with chronic diseases as well as people living with mental health conditions and or/addictions. All our services are status blind.

Map of service area
Rural Frontenac/Lennox and Addington-Sub Region including
  • Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory (MBQ)
  • Napanee
  • Deseronto
  • Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
Rural Hastings Sub Region including
Quinte Sub-Region including
Kingston Sub-Region
Leeds, Lanark, and Grenville Sub-Region

Meet the Team

Our team is made up of highly trained and culturally safe professionals eager to provide care to the communities we serve.

Click on each staff member to read their story!

Smiling person standing by a serene lake.

Tera Osborne

Executive Directive

Tera Osborne

Tera is a Registered Nurse and loves working with Indigenous communities to help improve overall health and wellness. Our goal as a team is to expand our services to cover our catchment area and provide services tailored to the needs of each community we care for.
Tera was born and raised in Napanee and continues to live there now. She has a husband, Justin, and 3 children, Isaac, Jack, and Mia. Tera’s maternal grandmother was Indigenous. Her father was Algonquin and grew up in the Pembroke area; her mother was Metis and grew up near Barry’s Bay. Unfortunately, her grandmother was not exposed to her parents' culture growing up, so Tera continues to learn about the important history of Indigenous People and how important it is to incorporate culture into overall wellness.

Tyendinaga Clinic

45 Meadow Drive, Deseronto

Smiling woman standing outside near tent.

Kiowa

Clinical Manager

Kiowa Sager

Kiowa is a proud Haudenosaunee woman from Kenhtè:ke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) and a graduate of Queen’s University’s Bachelor of Nursing Science program. She lives in the community with her family. She’s passionate about providing high-quality, culturally safe care in her home community and beyond.

Woman standing outdoors near a white tent.

Dr. Edwards

Physician

Dr. Kim Edwards

Kim Edwards is Cree from Attawapiskat and grew up in the Ottawa Valley. She completed medical school in Sudbury at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and Family Medicine Residency in Belleville, where she now lives with her family. In Kim’s spare time, she enjoys travelling, reading, and spending time with my loved ones.

Governance-J.-Cass-500x500px-1

Dr. Cass

Physician

Dr. Jamaica Cass, MD, PhD, CCFP DABOM

Dr. Jamaica Cass, a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, provides both primary care and metabolic health care at the IIPCT. She grew up nearby in Belleville, and received her BScH in biological science from the University of Guelph, her PhD in breast cancer molecular biology from Queen’s University, and her MD from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Prior to family medicine training, Dr. Cass spent three years training as a general surgeon.  Outside of clinical practice, her professional interests are all driven by her desire to advance reconciliation in medical education and healthcare.  She is the first Director of the Queen’s Weeneebayko Health Education Program and the Director of Indigenous Health at Queen’s University.

Dr. Cass is the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn both an MD and a PhD. A national leader in Indigenous health education, she has driven advocacy and change through leadership roles with Ontario Health, the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the Medical Council of Canada, the National Circle on Indigenous Medical Education, and the Indigenous Health Committee of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada.  She holds faculty appointments at both Queen’s University and Toronto Metropolitan University.  Her work in education, mentorship, and community impact has earned numerous honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Outside of professional interests, Dr. Cass enjoys creating beadwork and garments blending Indigenous and contemporary elements.

Charmaine Stewart

Charmaine

Nurse Practitioner

Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Smiling woman standing in front of tipi.

Sierra

Registered Practical Nurse

Sierra Bedford

Sierra is a Mohawk First Nation from Kenhtè:ke. She received her diploma as a Registered Practical Nurse in 2020 and has worked at Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheriyo since then. You can find Sierra at the Tyendinaga Clinic, and my roles at the clinic include advanced diabetic foot care, well baby/child visits, routine immunizations, blood work, chronic disease management/support, and many more. Her spare time is spent with family and loved ones, and enjoying all the time she can in nature.

photo badge _ weese

Cassandra 

Registered Practical Nurse

Cassandra Weese

Cassandra currently lives on the territory with her family; her husband is Mohawk First Nation. She is a Registered Practical Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario and holds a certificate in Gerontology and Palliative Care. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with family.

Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team logo.

Courtney

Registered Practical Nurse

Courtney Loft

Courtney Loft is a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and proud graduate of Loyalist College, with a strong passion for community health and preventative care. She enjoys working closely with individuals to promote wellness, education, and early intervention. Courtney lives in the community with her husband and three children, and is dedicated to making a positive, compassionate impact both at work and at home.

Smiling person outdoors near large tent.

Suzie

Medical Office Administrator

Suzie Sutherland

Shé:kon!

I’m Suzie, and I’ve been the Medical Office Administrator here at Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheríyo / IIPCT in Kenhtè:ke/Tyendinaga since June 2023. I am passionate about learning and helping people, and I bring that passion along with 10 years of office experience with me to work every day. My goal is to help our team deliver the best possible care to our patients.

Woman smiling in front of a tipi.

Donna

Receptionist

Donna Brant

Donna is a member of the Mohawk First Nation and has resided on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory for the past 36 years. Alongside her husband, she raised two sons in the heart of the community. Donna joined IIPCT in 2021, bringing 34 years of experience working in the medical field. Donna shares the receptionist role in the Tyendinaga Clinic. She takes pride in supporting culturally grounded healthcare services. Donna’s commitment to community wellness and the people she serves is at the core of her work.

Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team logo.

Katie

Receptionist

Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Chrystine

Chrystine

Certified Diabetes Educator

Chrystine Rickard-Schaly RN, BScN, RN CDE

Chrystine is a graduate of Lakehead University School of Nursing. She is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. Chrystine lives in Belleville with her husband and 2 children. She is committed to holistic client centred care.

Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team logo.

Madison

Registered Nurse

Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team logo.

Bill

Custodian

Bill Loft – Custodian

Bill Loft is a status member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. Bill is married with 2 daughters and 7 grandchildren. He worked as Quality Control in the food industry for 32 years and has been working in sanitation (custodian) for about 12 years. Joined IIPCT in 2020.

Shannonville Office - Allied Health Team

14 York Road, Shannonville - Unit 3 & 4

Man standing in front of a tipi.

Andrew

Registered Psychotherapist

Andrew Alkenbrack

Originally from the Tyendinaga area, Andrew has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years, in both private practice and in a hospital setting.  Clinical experience and training with children, adolescents, and adults over the years allow for treating a diverse population.

Andrew has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from York University and a Master of Arts in Counselling from Yorkville University.  He is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (# 001878).

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is his usual modality of therapy, which is often identified as one of the most effective forms of therapy for dealing with mood and anxiety problems. As a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Andrew also utilizes a First Nations perspective on mental and overall health, with a focus on balance in various aspects of one’s life. Andrew also received training in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, EMDR, and Anger Solutions. 

His approach is client-centred, with a focus on helping clients identify and achieve their goals. Andrew looks forward to helping you navigate life’s journey.

Woman smiling in front of a tipi.

Darcy

Registered Social Worker

Darcy Whalen

Shékon sewakwekon. I was born and raised in Belleville, Ontario, and I am a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. For the past 8 years, I have lived in Prince Edward County, Ontario, with my husband and son.

I graduated from Loyalist College with my Social Service Worker diploma in 2016 and then from Trent University with my Bachelor of Social Work in the Honours Program in 2019. I have been privileged to support individuals at Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheriyo Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team for the past 5 years as a Registered Social Worker. Over the past 5 years, I have worked with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals to foster holistic balance by providing mental health counselling, cultural programming, advocacy, psychoeducation, and more. I am passionate about walking alongside others as they find their path to healing and wellbeing.

Woman smiling near a tipi outdoors.

Shelley

Indigenous Palliative Care Coordinator

Shelley Loft

I have lived on-territory with my family for 18 years.  My husband and children are members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. I have been a PSW working in Community Care and Long-Term Care for 30 years. Over the years, I have done training programs, workshops, and online courses to help educate myself in palliative care.  I have certificates in Palliative Care in Indigenous Communities through Lakehead University.  Furthering my studies in Continuing the Journey and Leap Training for Indigenous Communities, along with Death Doula training.  I enjoy spending time with my family, making earrings, shopping, and reading.

Man standing in front of a tipi.

Curtis

Traditional Healing Coordinator

Curtis Maracle

Sekoh Sewakwekon,Tehanatoken yonkya’ts, Kanyenke’haka ki ni’i tanon Kenhteke (TMT) kenakere.
I am the Traditional Healing Coordinator, and my position is to facilitate between traditional healers and Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheriyo patients identifying with First Nations heritage in our catchment area who want an alternative to pharmaceutical medicines. I can also research and provide education for traditional medicines and find people for traditional teachings regarding medicines and culture for any of the First Nations patients of Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheriyo. I also work with the Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheriyo’s Community Development Workers, helping with cultural education and social events in our catchment area.

Woman smiling outdoors with autumn background.

Kendra

Community Development Worker

Kendra Garvin

Kendra is the Executive Assistant/Office Manager at Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheriyo.
She graduated from the Medical Office Administration course in October 2018 and has been with the Primary Care Team since 2020.
Kendra has lived in the community since 2015 with her husband and children, who are Indigenous, but grew up just outside of Belleville.

Smiling woman by lake with autumn trees.

Sarah

Community Development Worker

Sarah Kring

I currently live on-territory with my family. My husband and children are Mohawk First Nation. I am a Registered Social Service Worker with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology. I am a Certified Tobacco Educator, and I enjoy reading, golfing, and soccer.

Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team logo.

Jamie (On Leave)

Community Development Worker

Jamie Maracle

I am Mohawk, born and raised in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. I currently live on-territory with my family. I am a Registered Social Service Worker with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and am a Certified Tobacco Educator. I enjoy beading, golfing, and spending time with my family.

Smiling woman standing in front of teepee.

Allison

Community Development Worker

Allison Loft

Allison Loft grew up in Belleville, Ontario, just outside of Kenhtèke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory). She currently lives on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory as a Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte member with her son.

Allison’s role is to connect self-identifying Indigenous people to services, events, and programs to help their whole being. She focuses on Indigenous specific events and programs, and looks into the tradition of why we do what we do. She continues to learn about the ways of our people and our Mohawk language.

She graduated from Loyalist College in 2019 for Public Relations and Event Management, as well as from Algonquin College in 2018 for Recreation and Leisure Services.

In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, beading, and watching a good true crime documentary.

Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team logo.

Juliann

Medical Office Administrator

Juliann Emmons

Kingston Clinic

730 Front Road, Kingston

Smiling man outdoors in traditional attire.

Dr. Dumas

Physician

Dr. Matt Dumas

Aaniin! Dr Matt Dumas is an Ojibway family physician who grew up in North Bay. Matt enjoyed summers on the French River while visiting his family's cottage on the Dokis First Nation. Matt is a graduate of the Life Science program, School of Undergraduate Medicine and Family Medicine at Queen’s University. Matt decided to practice in eastern Ontario as the scenery reminded him of North Bay. Matt has been practicing for 9 years in a rural community setting, which he enjoys very much. During his free time, he enjoys walking in the woods, enjoying nature, geocaching, as well as solving escape room puzzles.

Smiling woman in front of a tent.

Kristine 

Nurse Practitioner

Kristine Canty

Kristine Canty, RN(EC), is originally from the northwestern community of Red Lake, Ontario. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1994 at Lakehead University and returned to her home town of Red Lake to work in Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Hospital for 2 years before moving to the Kingston area. She worked in home care for a few years and then became a Certified Diabetes Educator and worked at Hotel Dieu Hospital Diabetes Education Centre for 14 years. In 2006, she began the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program at Queens University and graduated in 2008. This then took her to Maple Family Health Team, working as a primary care NP. After 3 years, Kristine accepted a position at KHSC within the Kingston Bariatric Centre of Excellence, helping to develop the program and working as a Nurse Practitioner supporting people making positive lifestyle changes. In 2023, Kristine began working at the IIPCT in Kingston and remains in this role today. She loves her role working with and supporting Indigenous patients and their families. Kristine enjoys spending time with her family, her German shepherd Coco, camping, kayaking, reading, and enjoying nature.

Smiling person standing near a scenic lake.

Mariah (On Leave)

Registered Nurse

Mariah Miller

I am one of the Registered Nurses at IIPCT. I originally lived in Edmonton, Alberta, where I completed my BScN program at MacEwan University. I moved to Ontario shortly thereafter to be with my much-loved husband.
I pride myself on friendly, informative patient interactions and treating every person equally, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender, social status, health conditions, disability, or spiritual beliefs.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my husband and our two cats

Person standing outside near a teepee.

Shaelee

Registered Practical Nurse

Shaelee Jacklin

I am a Mohawk woman from the Wolf Clan, living in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory with my son and our two dogs. I am a Registered Practical Nurse currently working out of our Kingston office.

Before stepping into my current role, I gained experience on the Medicine floor at BGH for a little over a year, then worked as a Community Health Nurse at the CWC. I later joined IIPCT in the Tyendinaga office on contract prior to my maternity leave, and have since returned to continue in my current position.

I hold additional certifications in Women’s Gynaecological Health, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Advanced Foot Care, and Death Doula support. These are just some of the additional trainings that support and enhance my practice.

Providing compassionate, client-centered care is at the heart of my work. I strive to ensure each client feels safe, comfortable, and valued, and I always aim to bring a smile or a laugh to someone’s day during our interactions.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son, camping, fishing, being outdoors, and skidooing.

Smiling woman outdoors with greenery background.

Tracy

Registered Practical Nurse

Tracy Keith

Tracy believes that prevention and education are the foundation of good health. She provides gentle, thorough footcare, well-women’s exams and community outreach and prevention services designed to help clients stay healthy and make preventative healthcare accessible for the community she serves. Her friendly compassionate approach helps people feel comfortable and cared for each step of the way.

When she is not at work, you can find Tracy on the sidelines of a football game or in the arena cheering on her 3 boys.

Smiling person standing beside a tent.

Hannah

Registered Social Worker

Hannah Kirkland

My name is Hannah Kirkland, and I am a Registered Social Worker that works as a Mental Health Worker at the Kingston office of IIPCT. I have a bachelor’s degree in social work from Laurentian University and have been working at IIPCT since May of 2024. Before working at IIPCT, I have had experience working at an Indigenous child welfare agency as well as experience in a school placement at the hospital in Sudbury, Ontario, on their mental health unit. I love reading and I use it as my self-care after my workdays, maybe too much as I’ve read over 300 books in a year before…self-care is important though, especially in the mental health field, so it’s okay.

Person standing outside near a tipi.

Kim

Medical Office Administrator

Kim Burns

I am the Medical Office Administrator here at Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheriyo IIPCT. I live in Tamworth with my husband and two children.

I graduated from St. Lawrence College in June 1996 with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. I was a preschool nanny for a family of 5 for 4 years. I then worked for Kingston Daycare Inc. in Kingston for the next 8 years. I have since worked in a retirement residence and at CIBC as a CSR.

I have been with IIPCT since June 2023 and look forward to contributing to our vastly growing office in Kingston.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my family at our trailer.

Woman standing outside near a white tent.

Kimberley

Receptionist

Kimberley Esquimaux

Kimberley is a dedicated professional with a recent Honours Diploma in Business Management. She brings a diverse background to her current role at IIPCT, with a strong foundation in long-term care nursing and academic studies in Social Service Work, Gerontology, Practical Nursing, and Police Foundations. Throughout her career, Kimberley has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting individuals and communities, drawing on her multidisciplinary education and hands-on experience in healthcare and social services. Outside of her professional life, Kimberley is a proud wife and mother of three. She values quality time with her family and pets & embraces her cultural heritage as a Women’s Traditional dancer, regularly participating in Pow Wows. She also enjoys road trips, home improvement projects, and exploring new ways to stay connected to her community and culture.

Bancroft Clinic

69 Cleak Avenue, Bancroft

Smiling person standing near a white tent.

Erica 

Nurse Practitioner

Erica Harder

Erica Harder is a Nurse Practitioner with the Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team in Bancroft. She completed her Master of Nursing and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program at Queen’s University and brings over 15 years of critical care nursing experience, including international critical care flight nursing. She is also certified in critical care through the Canadian Nurses Association (CNCC-C).

Erica is passionate about evidence-based practice and research, pain and chronic illness management, and advocating for underserved populations. Her experience also includes maternal, emergency, and rural community health care in Tanzania, which strengthened her commitment to accessible and equitable care. Having grown up on a farm, Erica enjoys the outdoors and values the opportunity to support health and wellbeing in rural communities.

Smiling person outdoors near a white tent.

Kim

Receptionist/Medical Office Administrator

Kim Morris

Kim Morris is an experienced medical administrative assistant with over 22 years in healthcare. Starting as a Personal Support Worker in 2003, she transitioned to medical administration in 2008. In 2024, Kim joined the Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team and will serve as the administrative assistant/receptionist for the Bancroft office. Kim brings compassion, efficiency, and a deep commitment to community-focused care.

Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team logo.

Jessi

Registered Nurse

Jessi Baker

I am one of the Registered Nurses at the IIPCT, working at the Bancroft site. I have always lived in Centre Hastings and love living rurally. I have obtained a BA in Psychology from Trent University (2014), my Registered Practical Nursing diploma from Loyalist College (2018), and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nipissing University (2025). My past nursing experience has primarily been in the areas of inpatient medicine and more recently, minor surgical procedures. I have also worked as a nurse in the community supporting patients to manage opioid use disorders. I have additional certifications in palliative care and dementia care. I am passionate about providing holistic, patient-centred care and ensuring that clients feel supported and empowered on their wellness journeys.

Liz Website

Elizabeth

Registered Social Worker

Elizabeth Passmore

Hello! I’m Liz, a Registered Social Worker with a passion for holistic healing and wellness. After completing my BA in criminology, I noticed I felt more of a pull toward social justice and community wellness which led me to pursue my Master of Social Work degree. I have experience working in community mental health agencies, the youth justice sector, and providing counselling to individuals and families on Six Nations of the Grand River territory. I’m trained to provide EMDR therapy for trauma treatment, and I also integrate connection to nature in the healing process through elements of eco-therapy when requested. As a social worker in Canada who is aware of my profession’s harmful history, I’m committed to ongoing learning, accountability, and meaningful action toward truth and reconciliation. I work from a therapeutic approach that honours culture, identity, and lived experience. Outside of work, you’ll find me hiking, reading, baking, or spending time with family!

Deseronto Clinic - COMING SOON!

331 Dundas Street, Deseronto