Board

Michelle Adkins is a member of the Haida Nation, who currently works as an Executive Director with the First Nations Health Authority. In her capacity, Michelle provides support to the Chief Operating Officer, as well as executive leadership in First Nation Primary Care initiatives and development of an Urban/Away from Home Strategy. Michelle has over 20 years of experience working in the federal government. As a lawyer, Michelle spent most of her federal career managing Canada’s federal legal aid program. As Director General, Michelle managed litigation for the Department of Indian Affairs, before accepting a position with the Department of Finance as executive responsible for management of Tax Policy.

Wesley Buch is a registered psychologist who practices in the area of clinical and rehabilitation psychology. Wesley’s career began in the Back Education & Evaluation Program of WorkSafe BC. He consulted to the Complex Chronic Diseases Program, BC Women’s Hospital, 2012-2013; the BC Medical Association’s Practice Support Program for Chronic Pain, 2013-2014; and then joined the Board of Directors of Pain BC. 

Dan is an award-winning designer, entrepreneur, educator, and leadership facilitator. He believes in the power of innovation and leadership to positively impact society. Using his practical experiences in business and life, he shifts thinking, transforms perspectives, and inspires action to advance organizations and communities. Dan has served on and chaired the board of directors of National Board of Certified Counselors. Founded by USAID, his recent work has involved using innovative thinking as an economic, leadership and social development tool in South Africa, El Salvador, Jordan, and India. Having experienced the impacts of chronic pain on his family, Dan is passionate about advancing Pain BC and its mission.

Philippa Carrie brings her experience of working as a chiropractor in Victoria for the last nine years to the Pain BC board. In her practice, she regularly works with people in chronic pain and helps patients navigate a complex medical system while advocating on their behalf. She works with a non-drug, conservative treatment method that patients often turn to when faced with chronic pain and she understands the importance of having caring, qualified health practitioners working together to manage a patient’s condition.

Dr. Chawla is a physiatrist and pain medicine specialist. He is the co-founder of Canadian Pain & Regenerative Institute and holds cross appointments in the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Department of Anesthesia for the Pain Clinic at the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and the Transitional Pain Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. He teaches as faculty at the University of British Columbia at the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor and is a member of the Pain Medicine Subspecialty Committee at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He joined the Board of Directors at Pain BC to advocate for people living with chronic pain and facilitate systems level change for pain services.

Rob brings more than 20 years of experience to his role in providing strategy innovation and direction as Sr. Vice President, People & Culture and Chief Privacy Officer. With extensive knowledge of private and public health care in Canada, Rob leads the organization in best practices for team management, recruitment and labour relations. Through progressively more senior roles at Pacific Blue Cross, Rob has developed a deep understanding of organizational culture and leading workforces through transformational change. Rob is an active member of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) and is also Chair of Burnaby Family Life, a not-for-profit agency that provides social programs, child care services and workforce re-entry training to help children and families in the Burnaby area to reach their full potential.

Aparna Kurl holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Seattle University. She has worked for the Minister of National Revenue and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. She served first as an executive and legislative assistant, and later took on the role of senior policy advisor. After leaving the Minister’s office, Aparna joined the Federal Public Service and worked in a variety of federal departments including Industry Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency. Aparna spent most of her Public Service career at the Privy Council Office where she served in the Machinery of Government Secretariat and as Executive Advisor, Engagement, Outreach and Communications, to the Clerk of the Privy Council. She joined the Rick Hansen Foundation as Director of Government relations in late 2018.

Sarah is dedicated to community wellness. She collaborates with local physicians in Merritt BC to drive innovation in access to sustainable health care. She serves on an advisory committee at CADTH (Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health) where her perspectives contribute to a knowledge base that will inform health care decision makers in Canada. After two decades of working with non-profit organizations focused on homelessness, addiction, education, health, and human rights across Canada and abroad, Sarah brings strategic leadership, fundraising, and communications expertise to the Pain BC Board of Directors. She has experienced the impact of chronic pain both personally and professionally.

Kataneh has worked in the Human Resources and Consulting business for over 25 years, supporting organizations locally, nationally, and internationally. She has advised on Boards in the areas of executive search, strategic planning, and executive review. She has also founded a non-profit organization focused on scholarships, and has served as the Vice Chair for two other non-profits. Having lived with chronic pain for 22 years, she understands the tough landscape pain patients are faced with when accessing support services.