Meet Our Team

Catherine Laing

Vice President, National Initiatives, Research, Innovation & Impact

Catherine is a dedicated leader with a strong track record of driving transformative change through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. With a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and fostering inclusive environments, she has taken the lead in diverse projects across multiple sectors.

By leveraging the power of innovation, Catherine has forged meaningful partnerships with various levels of government, including federal and provincial entities. Through these collaborations, she has pioneered initiatives that bridge the gap between public services and community needs, creating tangible positive impacts.

Catherine’s keen eye for identifying systemic issues has empowered her to lead management teams in devising strategic solutions. She is driven to enhance operational efficiency and has implemented successful programs that streamline processes and address challenges head-on.

Catherine thrives on researching cutting-edge solutions from around the world and bringing those best practices to life within local contexts. This is exemplified by her work collaborating with research and innovation departments to implement pioneering strategies on-site.

As a dedicated team leader, Catherine spearheaded the development of a dementia program that blends person-centered care, global best practices, and innovative systems. This program is a testament to her commitment to making a lasting positive impact on vulnerable communities.

Catherine has taken the stage at numerous public speaking events, serving as a moderator, engaging with the media, and contributing to conferences. Her ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and inspire others has amplified the reach of her mission.

Through extensive experience, she has not only created impactful programs but also established lasting relationships with community groups, funders, politicians, and various organizations. Catherine’s passion for fostering positive change continues to drive her forward, and she is eager to connect with fellow changemakers who share the same vision.

Patty Wickson

Director, Innovation

A Certified Health Executive and former Executive Director at Alberta Health Services, Patty brings deep experience leading healthcare innovation across Canada’s largest health authority. She has advanced patient-centred care, digital health, and evidence-based system transformation through strong partnerships and emerging technologies, and we’re thrilled to have her leadership guiding our innovation and research work.

Jenna Naylor

Director, Research

Jenna Naylor is a dynamic leader committed to transforming aging care, community supports, and international health through innovation, applied research, and collaborative partnerships.

As Director of Innovation & Research at CLIQ, Jenna leads the organization’s research and innovation portfolios, advancing initiatives that improve care outcomes and quality of life for older adults. She combines strategic insight with hands-on leadership to position the foundation as a recognized leader in aging care, person-centred practice, and translational research.

Jenna’s education journey includes a Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Seniors Care from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Western University.

Dupe Orefuja

Senior Advisor, Analytics & Digital Transformation

With over 20 years of diverse experience spanning across industries and continents, Dupe has developed a deep understanding of leveraging operational data to extract valuable insights that contribute to the development and refinement of corporate strategies. His expertise lies in helping organizations make sense of complex data sets, identifying patterns, and translating them into actionable insights.

Dupe thrives on helping teams connect the dots between different aspects of operations, enabling them to achieve qualitative operational flow. He understands the importance of aligning processes and optimizing efficiencies to drive overall organizational success. Dupe's analytical mindset and attention to detail make him adept at identifying areas of improvement and implementing data-driven solutions.

With a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in marketing management, Dupe possesses an educational foundation that complements his broad professional experience.

Dupe has a natural person-centred inclination and a strength in building relationships. He understands that collaboration and effective communication are key to achieving shared goals and driving sustainable growth. By fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, both within and outside The Brenda Strafford Foundation, he ensures that his work has a positive impact on all aspects of the organization.

Denisha Nandkumar

Knowledge Mobilization Specialist

A social worker by background, Denisha brings diverse experience through her work with older adults, marginalized communities, and research. She has spent time as a frontline worker, developing a passion for knowledge translation and stakeholder engagement through various projects. As CLIQ’s Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Denisha aims to make the sharing of knowledge and findings accessible to all audiences.

Denisha holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Calgary. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Through an open-minded approach, she puts collaboration and relationship-building at the forefront of her work. Denisha works from person-centered and trauma-informed lenses, ensuring that the lived experiences of others are appropriately considered. Denisha looks forward to supporting knowledge translation and mobilization at BSF.

Erin Bates

Innovation Specialist

As CLIQ's Innovation Specialist, Erin is responsible for driving innovation across all aspects of BSF operations. She collaborates with diverse stakeholders to lead projects from ideation to execution, ensuring successful integration and adoption of innovative practices.

Erin brings a wealth of experience and passion for innovation to our team, and we are excited to have her on board. Erin's journey with BSF began in 2011 at Clifton Manor. In her role as Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services, Erin focused on enhancing the quality of life for our diverse resident population. Her efforts led to the implementation of various community engagement activities and volunteer opportunities, including the establishment of a new drumming program at Clifton that has since expanded to enrich the lives of many across BSF.

Erin’s diverse experience working in various roles across BSF also includes Adult Day Program Manager at Bow View Manor, Hospitality Manager at Wentworth Manor, and most recently, Resource Development Specialist as part of BSF’s corporate office.

Emma Meyer

Quality Improvement Specialist

Emma has a passion for working with the geriatric population and is deeply motivated about enriching and supporting that community. Drawing from her years of front line experience in Continuing Care, and her desire to make a positive change in the lives of others, Emma is looking forward to the opportunity to create meaningful and lasting impacts in her new role as Quality Improvement Specialist with the CLIQ team.

She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Integrative Health and Social Care from the University of Derby and outside work she volunteers with the Calgary Stampede Caravan Committee and has been a loyal and dedicated volunteer with Special Olympics Calgary for 15 years. Emma feels her strength lies in the rapport and relationships she builds with people, and her deep desire and commitment to not only care for people with a person centered approach, but make others feel seen, heard, respected and valued.

Francis Guerrero

Evaluation & Impact Analyst

A dedicated and results-driven Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Calgary and additional certifications in Perioperative Nursing, Wound Care, and Leadership, Francis brings over six years of progressive experience in clinical coordination, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality improvement within long-term care settings. He specializes in leveraging Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) data to enhance resident-centered care and nursing practice in alignment with Continuing Care Health Service Standards (CCHSS) and Accreditation Canada.

Francis is highly proficient in clinical software such as Point Click Care (PCC), with a strong background in policy implementation, staff education, and internal auditing. His leadership experience includes managing MDS departments, coordinating special operations projects, and leading facility-wide initiatives like electronic documentation transitions.

Known for his strong problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, Francis has contributed to achieving exemplary accreditation status and successfully implemented innovative quality improvement initiatives. With a passion for geriatric care and a commitment to continuous learning, he strives to deliver excellence in every aspect of clinical nursing and healthcare operations