Meet the Team | Bridge C-14

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.

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.

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.

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

Lauren Clark, Executive Director

Our Board of Directors

Dr. Janet Kusler

Janet Kusler is a psychiatrist providing consultation for end of life care in British Columbia.

Janet believes that death must be brought into life with conversations about choice, hope, and possibility.

Janet facilitates a support group and review panel for MAiD clinicians and participates in committees and conversations at provincial and national levels about how we can bring about change in end of life care.

Dr. Kathy Kortes-Miller

Kathy is an associate professor in the School of Social Work, the Director of the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health (CERAH), and the research chair in aging and end-of-life at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Kathy’s research is interdisciplinary and collaborative and she is a founding member of the Canadian Grief Alliance.

Kathy is the author of the book, Talking About Death Won’t Kill You, with ECW Press and her most recent projects include a podcast called Disrupting Death available wherever you get your podcasts and at https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/episodes.

Kathy has a passion for contributing to improving the end-of-life care for all.

Dr. Tracy Powell

Dr. Tracy Powell BScN (Western University), MN (University of Calgary), Ph.D. (University of
Victoria) (she/her/hers) is a Registered Nurse and a tenured Associate Professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta.

Tracy teaches in the School of Nursing and Midwifery in
the Faculty of Health, Community and Education at Mount Royal University. She has a clinical background
in oncology, cancer care, and palliative care and over 25 years of combined
experience in clinical practice and academia.

Tracy has been connected to medical assistance in dying since it was
legalized in Canada, with her research program focusing on medical assistance in dying
(MAID), family member caregiving, nursing ethics, and public policy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Diane Sims, Honourary Champion

Volunteer Leadership

Program Manager - Chelsea Peddle

Program Administrator - Marilyn McDermott

Volunteer Coordinators - Jill MacLeod and Julia Rose

What is MAiD?