Staff
Janette Berthelot – Executive Director, Pediatric Cancer Program Director
Janette joined Hearth Place in May, 2011, holding a number of different roles before becoming Executive Director in 2019. Janette is responsible for ensuring that all activities of Hearth Place are in keeping with the mission and vision of the centre. She manages the daily operations and oversees and implements the short and long term strategic plan for the centre. Outreach into the community includes public speaking, participating in a variety of planning committees and creating relationships with other organizations. In addition to the administrative responsibilities, Janette also coordinates the Pediatric Cancer Family Support Program – facilitating support groups, handling case management, and managing new program development.
Janette@hearthplace.org
Barb Franks-McNaughton – Member Services
Barb joined Hearth Place in June, 2015. She provides introductory interviews and ongoing case management for new members as well as provides grief counselling for those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Barb also provides group facilitation for the Gynecological Cancer Support Group and co-facilitation of the Metastatic Cancer Support Group.
barb@hearthplace.org
Avery Maxwell – Family Support Coordinator, Registered Social Worker
Avery joined Hearth Place in May, 2019 and has worked with the team on and off in a variety of roles, including Summer Student and Master of Social Work Student. In April 2023, she became a permanent member of the team as the Family Support Coordinator. Avery is responsible for overseeing children’s and family programming, including Healing Kids’ Hearts, Kids Connection, and Teen Link. She also provides individual and family support for children and teens. Additionally, Avery provides introductory interviews and ongoing case management for new members, specifically through grief counselling and supporting caregivers. She also provides group facilitation of the Caregivers Support Group.
avery@hearthplace.org
Sandra Kicinko – Member Services
Sandra joined Hearth Place in July, 2024. Sandra provides introductory interviews and ongoing case management for new members as well as provides grief counselling for those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Sandra also provides group facilitation of the Namaste Grief Support Group and co-facilitation of the Metastatic Cancer Support Group.
sandra@hearthplace.org
Amelia Buttigieg – Member Services
Amelia joined Hearth Place in December, 2025. She supports individuals living with cancer, as well as caregivers and those experiencing grief, by providing compassionate support and guidance. In addition to individual counselling services, Amelia also assists as a facilitator for support groups.
amelia@hearthplace.org
Stephanie Hamilton – Program Coordinator
Stephanie joined Hearth Place in May, 2019. Stephanie is responsible for program development, scheduling and registration. She also coordinates counseling appointments for children, liaises with organizations such as Look Good Feel Better and After Breast Cancer, and provides additional support for the Member Services staff.
stephanie@hearthplace.org
Debbie Dawson – Fundraising and Community Engagement
Debbie joined Hearth Place in June, 2013. Her primary role is the stewardship of major sponsors and to provide professional expertise and leadership in fundraising strategies and public awareness.
debbie@hearthplace.org
Shauna Cartlidge – Development Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator
Shauna joined Hearth Place in March, 2014, holding a number of different roles during here time with Hearth Place. Shauna currently manages grant applications, researches sources of income outside of donations and events, and processes any donations received. She also manages all in-house volunteers as well as maintains the Hearth Place website and database.
shauna@hearthplace.org
Kelly Lumsden– Events Manager
Kelly joined Hearth Place in August, 2025 and has lived in Durham Region for over 15 years with her family. During that time, she has enjoyed being an active member of local community groups, helping to organize events that bring people together. In her role at Hearth Place, Kelly is responsible for coordinating the organization’s signature events and supporting third-party fundraising initiatives.
kelly@hearthplace.org
Carrie Rands-Flanagan – Executive Assistant
Carrie joined Hearth Place in January, 2026. As Executive Assistant, she supports the Executive Director, Program Coordinator and Member Services team to deliver a positive experience to our members. Prior to joining Hearth Place, Carrie worked in the not-for-profit cancer community and volunteered with several organizations helping families navigate childhood cancer. Carrie also co-facilitates our monthly Pediatric Cancer Family Support Program.
carrie@hearthplace.org
Donna Barrett-Holmes – Office Administrator
Donna joined Hearth Place in June, 2018. Donna is responsible for the processing of financial needs for Hearth Place.
donna@hearthplace.org