Who to Contact
Designated Leaders
We encourage you to reach out to a designated leader by using the Online Disclosure Form or by direct contact via email. We will strive to contact you within 7 business days of receipt of the submission to initiate a discussion (if you provided your identity on submission).
Email communications should be clearly dated and labelled “Confidential report for the attention of Dr.” to ensure priority review.
Dr. Reena Pattani
Director of Learner Experience,
Temerty Faculty of Medicine
I am a clinician-educator in the Department of Medicine and a staff physician in Internal Medicine at St Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. I have worked with learners at all levels on the frontlines and also served as the Internal Medicine clerkship site co-director and the General Internal Medicine Fellowship site director at my hospital. In these roles, my goal has been to help learners thrive, and not just survive, through their training. Training to become a physician is challenging in so many ways, and we have a responsibility to ensure that you have support and guidance to become the best versions of yourselves. If you feel unsettled by something that you have experienced or witnessed, I am here for you to unpack it and determine next best steps. I will earn your trust and work hard to be your advocate. Please feel free to contact me anytime!
Dr. Meeta Patel
Assistant Director of Learner Experience,
Temerty Faculty of Medicine
I am an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM), within the Division of Emergency Medicine (EM) and a staff physician in emergency medicine at North York General Hospital (NYGH). I am a Faculty Development Lead for the Division of EM, DFCM. I am an educator in Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Continuing Medical Education and have held roles in education leadership such as the Preclerkship Site Director and Undergraduate EM Site Director at NYGH. I have an interest in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion as it pertains to health and learning locally within the hospital and university as well as advocacy in having all voices heard and supported.
Casey Schapel
Learner Life Specialist,
Learner Experience
I am a Registered Social Worker and I have completed a Master of Social Work specializing in Indigenous trauma and resiliency. For the last twelve years I have worked in a variety of health settings in Australia and Canada, including primary health and hospitals. I am experienced in supporting people navigating personal or systemic challenges with stress, grief and loss, gender and sexual orientation, alcohol and/or other drug use, and other physical, emotional and mental health concerns. My approach is person-centered and strengths-based, informed by intersectionality, harm reduction and trauma-informed care. As a proud Aboriginal Australian man, I incorporate an Indigenous worldview lens in my practice. My aim is to hold a safe and non-judgemental space for you to discuss hurdles that life, school or work may present, to explore your inner strengths and values and to collaborate on self-care strategies and finding balance.
Marina Mammon
Learner Life Specialist,
Learner Experience
I am a registered social worker with experience in the areas of workplace stress and burnout. I have a background in clinical social work, mediation, and mindfulness, which has informed my work in the Learner Experience office. I also work as a Learner Life Specialist with the Office of Learner Affairs (OLA) and have previously worked as a Wellness Consultant at Post Graduate Wellness. My goal is to provide learners with support in navigating challenging academic and professional environments. I use a trauma-informed lens in my practice and strive to create a safe space that is non-judgemental and confidential, to enable learners to discuss their concerns and receive support.
Saunia Palmer-Nelson (on Leave)
Learner Life Specialist,
Learner Experience
saunia.palmernelson@utoronto.ca
I'm a Registered Psychotherapist and have 7 years of experience. Prior to becoming a Learner Life Specialist, I worked at Turning Point Youth Services as a Counsellor for an Intensive In Home program, as well as Associated Youth Services as a family Counsellor and Morneau Shepell as a Counsellor. My areas of expertise and subjects I've received training in are cognitive behavioural therapy, emotionally focused therapy, crisis intervention, trauma, family dynamics, anxiety and depression. I've enjoyed my work experiences so far, and I am ready to apply my skills to working with learners who have witnessed or experienced mistreatment, to support them in navigating available processes.
Lorraine Sheffield
Administrative Coordinator,
Learner Experience
lorraine.sheffield@utoronto.ca
Prior to joining OLA, my career focused on providing administrative support to senior teams in hospitals and other healthcare environments such as UHN, the OMA, and most recently the Heart Centre, Critical Care Services, at Sickkids. I am excited about this opportunity to assist learners navigate and access the services provided by our OLA Team.