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Lauren Clark, Executive Director

Lauren Clark grew up in Sarnia, ON and now calls Ottawa home. From an early age, she has been deeply passionate about grief, bereavement, and end-of-life care - a path that became even more personal and purposeful after meeting a remarkable individual through her work who helped shape the direction of her professional life for the past eight years.

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Lauren has been involved with Bridge C-14 since its inception in November 2017, initially as a board member and volunteer, and later stepping into the role of President & CEO in June 2019. Today, she continues to lead the organization with a new title of Executive Director, championing compassionate, peer-based support for those navigating Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). In addition to her leadership at Bridge C-14, Lauren works as a Social Worker at The Ottawa Hospital.

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Lauren holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Lambton College, a certificate in Dementia Studies from Lakehead University, and both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Carleton University. She is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).

 

Named one of OASW’s Inspirational Leaders in 2019 for her pioneering work in MAiD, Lauren has spoken at local, provincial, national, and international events. She has also served as a guest instructor for the NICE Advanced Practice Gerontological Social Work course through Sinai Health, the NICE Learning Series on Aging, and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Death, Dying and Bereavement Certificate Program. She is also the lead instructor for the Bridge C-14 Educational Series, helping to expand professional understanding of psychosocial support in MAiD.

 

While Lauren is proud of her professional work, her most cherished role is at home - as wife to a wonderfully supportive husband, adoring mama to two young children, and fur-mama to two cats and a giant puppy.

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Photo of Lauren Clark, President and CEO of Bridge C-14

Lauren Clark, Executive Director

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Kristin Dennis, Interim Executive Director

Kristin Dennis, Interim Executive Director

Kristin is committed to creating space for honest, compassionate conversations about death, dying, and choice. Her connection to this work began through personal experience, after witnessing her aunt’s decision to access Medical Assistance in Dying. That moment reshaped her understanding of what it means to face the end of life with clarity, dignity, and choice.

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This personal insight, paired with her professional background, shapes the way Kristin leads and serves. She brings nearly two decades of experience in team development, communications, and organizational care. Her approach to leadership is thoughtful and collaborative, grounded in her belief that meaningful support begins with meaningful relationships.

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Kristin holds Honours Bachelor degrees in Counselling Psychology and Social Work and is currently completing her Master of Social Work, specializing in gerontology. Her undergraduate thesis explored the perspectives of mental health professionals working in MAiD, shedding light on the complexities of the practice and igniting her commitment to expanding accessible education and peer learning opportunities for everyone involved in the MAiD journey.

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Kristin began as a volunteer and intern, where she facilitated drop-in groups and supported the organization’s mission firsthand. She also contributed to the development of a new volunteer training program to strengthen peer support across the organization. These experiences helped build a strong connection to the community and revealed how closely her values align with the work.

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Now as Interim Executive Director, Kristin is honoured to support the systems and people that make peer-based spaces possible, ensuring individuals, families, and professionals navigating MAiD have access to meaningful connection and compassionate support. Her focus is on strengthening these systems of care, expanding access, and creating space for the conversations that help people feel seen, supported, and connected during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.

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Outside of work, Kristin enjoys life in Barrie, Ontario with her husband, their three daughters, and a well-loved cat. In the midst of full and busy days, she makes space for quiet moments and slow intentional conversations to remind herself that human connection and communication are at the heart of a meaningful life.

Our Board of Directors

Diane Sims, Honourary Champion

Diane Sims is a passionate advocate, storyteller and Honourary Champion for Bridge C-14. Having navigated her own journey with serious illness, Diane brings a powerful lived perspective to her work, using her voice to foster greater compassion, dignity and human connection for individuals and families impacted by MAiD.

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Throughout her personal and professional journey, Diane has been a courageous voice for those facing some of life’s most profound and complex moments. She speaks openly about the emotional, relational and existential aspects of serious illness and end-of-life care, helping to break down stigma and create space for meaningful conversations. Her leadership reflects the core values of Bridge C-14 - autonomy, resilience, compassion, and community.

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Through her role as Honourary Champion, Diane helps amplify the importance of peer-based, trauma-informed support and ensures that the voices of those with lived experience remain central to how we support people navigating MAiD. Her storytelling reminds us that end-of-life care is not just a medical journey, but a deeply human one, filled with love, meaning and courageous choice.

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Beyond her work with Bridge C-14, Diane has made a lasting impact on the broader national conversation around patient rights, dignity, and compassionate end-of-life options. In recognition of her lifelong contributions to advocacy, education, and storytelling, Diane has been named to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

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We are proud to have Diane as part of the Bridge C-14 community, helping us create a more compassionate and connected future for all those touched by MAiD.

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Diane Sims, Honourary Champion

Volunteer Leadership

  • Program Manager - Chelsea Peddle

  • Organizational Growth & Strategy Advisor – Jill MacLeod

  • Internal Communications Coordinator – Marilyn McDermott

  • Volunteer Coordinator – Julia Rose

  • Volunteer Engagement Coordinator – Gail Jordan

  • Operations & Systems Manager  – Julia Simon

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©2017-2024 by Bridge C-14

Charity Registration Number: 784953481 RR 0001  Ottawa, Ontario  CANADA

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