Leadership Team

Meet the March of Dimes Canada After Stroke leadership team

The After Stroke Leadership Team manages the strategic direction and development of our program across Canada, drawing on the collective experience and expertise in clinical and professional practice, research, program delivery and non-profit management.

The team directly oversees program operations in Ontario and Atlantic Canada, and in British Columbia through our affiliate, After Stroke British Columbia.

Leonard Baker

Leonard Baker

President and Chief Executive Officer​

Over a career in the disability sector spanning nearly three decades, Len has held executive leadership roles at the provincial, regional and national levels and worked with consumers, stakeholders and governments to expand the quality and scope of services available to people with disabilities. He joined March of Dimes Canada in 2018, where he leads a nationwide team.

Michelle Nelson

Dr. Michelle LA Nelson

Chief Knowledge, and Innovation Officer

Dr. Nelson drives the strategic development of our After Stroke program and reinforces our position as a leader in stroke rehabilitation. She is a scientist in the Collaboratory for Research and Innovation at Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, an assistant professor at Dalla Lana School of Public Health in the University of Toronto and is vice president of the World Stroke Organization.

Christina Sperling

Christina Sperling

National Director, Community Programs & After Stroke

As a registered healthcare professional with 14 years of leadership experience in the healthcare and non-profit sectors, Christina is passionate about contributing to and supporting healthy communities. Christina brings clinical, professional practice and leadership expertise from her roles at St. Michael’s Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children, and the Lung Health Foundation.

Suzanne Smith-Bayley

Suzanne Smith-Bayley

National Manager, After Stroke and Professional Practice

Suzanne Smith-Bayley brings clinical experience working as an occupational therapist in adult rehabilitation within hospital, community and government sectors. Her background includes project leadership, clinical research, patient-focused clinical service provision, staff training/education, patient navigation, volunteer engagement, and collaborative work with community agencies.

Meet our Regional Teams

Our regional teams support the delivery of After Stroke across the country.
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Meet our Advisory Committee

The After Stroke Advisory Committee provides counsel and guidance on the design and delivery of the enhanced After Stroke program.
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