Shirley Barnes
Shirley Barnes started her journey with the Huntington Society of Canada in July of 1999. 17+ years later Shirley will be retiring from HSC in mid-January 2017.
Shirley’s first position was with Communications and Chapter Development and in 2007 she moved to Office Administrator. Shirley has had many accountabilities over the years including being the glue that has held things together day to day, a support for the Family Services Team, Administrator for our Research Programs and Administrative Board support. Shirley’s discretion, attention to detail, knowledge and commitment to the HD Community have added great value to the Society over the years.
Shirley has seen a lot of change in the Society during her time. Her wealth of knowledge, relationships with the HD Families and unfaltering support, will be greatly missed. With appreciation we give good wishes as Shirley prepares for this new stage of life.
An exact date has not been determined yet, and will depend largely on timing regarding a replacement for the Office administrator position. Until then please join me in thanking Shirley for her long term support of the Huntington Society of Canada.
Thank you, Shirley, for helping us be the best that we can be.
Susan Tolley
Having worked with the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC) since the Ralph Walker days, and with more than 27 years working with families in the province of British Columbia (BC), Susan has announced that she is ready to retire from the HSC and start a new chapter in her life.
Susan’s career has been an example of dedication and loyalty to both the families living with HD in BC, and the HD community as a whole. As Susan was hired by Ralph Walker, she spent the majority of her career in supporting, educating and advocating on behalf of the families affected by HD. Thanks to Susan’s passion, the accolades of the BCRC include:
– Two long term support groups: one for people with HD, and one for caregivers
– The BC Retreat for folks in early stages of HD, of which Susan was also the Director for 23 years
– Support of many of the BC Chapters’ events
– Susan’s work with the HD clinic team in Vancouver alongside Dr. M. Hayden, Dr. L. Raymond, Dr. B. Leavitt, and Susan Creighton for over 20 years.
– An extensive network of community service providers, care homes and health teams.
As part of the HSC Family Services Team, Susan generously shared her knowledge and experience with fellow Resource Centre Directors and also supported the BC Family Services Workers.
In Susan’s words:
‘’I never imagined I would stay and make this my long-term career, but I am truly glad that I did. Working within the Huntington disease community has provided me with an interesting, satisfying and challenging work experience. I have viewed this position as a vocation, a calling, not a job.’’
Susan, you have helped many individuals and families navigate the ever changing HD landscape. Your guidance, knowledge and support helped increase the quality of life for individuals and families affected by HD. Susan, thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many people!
Susan’s final day will be December 31st. From January to mid-February, Susan has agreed to take on a consultation role for the BC Resource Centre to help with the transition.
Wishing you all the best on this new journey Susan!