Board of Directors
Jess Pearson
Board Chair
Having sought a VHL community (outside of my family) in Saskatchewan, Ontario and now Nova Scotia, I joined the Board in spring 2018 to connect with fellow warriors and their families. My family’s VHL pathway seems to follow the eyes, brain, spine and kidneys, with all of us having had brain surgery, various eye surgeries, trial drugs and years of MRIs. As a health professional I want to understand more about this disease and its processes; and as a patient I hope to create a Canadian VHL community for myself and all those who conquer this illness. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve!
Nicky Harder
Vice Chair
My VHL journey doesn’t begin with me but with my mom, Mary. She lost her battle to VHL at the age of 53. Soon after VHL became a part of my narrative as I went through multiple brain surgeries over the years. The journey continues with my son Lincoln who was diagnosed at 10 months old. Navigating this disease have proven to be complex and at times exhausting, but as warriors we continue on. I got involved with the CVHLA to to help foster awareness, drive forward research as well as advocate for and support warriors and caregivers throughout Canada.
Susan Anson
Treasurer
I have a family member who is a VHL Warrior, and I have witnessed the many challenges these Warrior’s face. I have a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and successfully developed a business in Canada to support capital (infrastructure) planning.
With experience in speaking at industry conferences across Canada as well as authoring numerous articles in industry publications, I look forward to using my business leadership skills to help support the Canadian VHL Alliance.
Renee Tsang
I am a travel consultant and mom of two kids in Calgary, Alberta. I come from a long line of VHL Warriors, and I have experienced firsthand the devastating effects of VHL in family members. I am committed to helping create a future for VHL Warriors to live fruitful and meaningful lives and with the advances of current technology, I hope there will be a cure for future generations, where our children and their children can be free from this disease.
Lesley Mather
I am an innovative, strategic and accomplished creative communicator with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors in creative design, brand management and implementation, as well as project and resource management. Although my life hasn’t been directly impacted by VHL, it has been by other forms of cancer. I look forward to bringing my skill-set to the CVHLA Board of Directors with the intention of furthering their mission and vision.
Stephanie Chau
I am a Master’s student who is passionate in biomedical research, particularly in cancer. Having the opportunity to previously work with CVHLA through a community outreach project has taught me about rare diseases. This inspired me to learn more about VHL and encouraged me to join the CVHLA board to try to spread awareness, support research, and educate others as well as myself about how this disease affects VHL warriors. I look forward to helping further VHL research to try and find a cure to this disease.