Board of Directors
The Mary Berglund Community Health Centre is a not-for-profit organization, governed by a volunteer board made up of people who live in Ignace. Members of the board:
- Enhance the health of our community
- Promote a sense of ownership with MBCHC within Ignace
- Enacts its role and responsibilities through the articulation of a vision, mission, values, strategic plan and appropriate policies
- Are elected at an Annual General Meeting, normally held each September or October from candidates nominated from and/or approved by the membership.
- The operations of the organization is managed by an Executive Director.
Meet Our Board and Executive Director
Born and raised in Ignace, Heidi has recently returned “Home” to assume the role of Executive Director. Heidi has an extensive background with 25 years working in the Healthcare field from direct client care to senior administrative roles. Heidi is a Registered Practical Nurse, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration and is a Certified Administrator through the Canadian Healthcare Association. She is also the former Regional Board Chair for the Ontario Association of Non Profit Homes and Services for Seniors. Heidi enjoys spending time with her family and is the proud mom of 3 boys.
“ I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of our clients. The Model of Health and Wellbeing that the Mary Berglund CHC lives and breathes are values and principles that unite us all. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such a dynamic organization into the future and I am confidant that Mary Berglund CHC will continue to play a most important role to individuals in our community.”
Debbie Hart
Debbie has been living in Ignace since 1995, where she raised her children who have recently introduced her to the joys of being a grandma. She has been employed at Ignace School for twenty five years and prior to that, has a background in banking/finance. Debbie’s current volunteer experience includes being an executive member of Patricia Area Community Endeavours, Vice Chair of Crossroads Employment Services, and member of Ignace’s Healthy Community Working Group. When time allows, Debbie enjoys outdoor adventures on the water as well as hiking through trails with her husband and two dogs. Traveling to various countries is also a passion that she hopes to do more of in future retirement. “I am excited to be a part of the MBCHC Board with such a wonderful cross section of individuals. I am hopeful that I can be a valuable contributor to the Board. My professional experiences have been geared toward making my community a better place and forging partnerships. Being on the MBCHC will allow me to continue to affect positive change in Ignace”.
Colleen Hogan
Colleen was born and raised in St. Thomas, Ontario. In 2007, she left to attend Lakehead University. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees in 2013. She started her career in Nunavik, Quebec, where she taught English for three years. In 2021, Colleen completed her Master's of Education degree from UNB with a focus on Leadership and Administration.
In 2016, Colleen moved to Ignace to teach at Ignace Public School. After five years there, she began working centrally for the KPDSB as an Instructional Coach. In May, Colleen will return to Ignace Public School as the Vice-Principal. Colleen enjoys camping, reading, exercise, and spending time exploring and adventuring with her son.
Colleen values the role that the Health Centre plays in Ignace. She believes that the services and care provided by the MBCHC are paramount to maintaining a healthy, happy, and well community.
Donald Wagar
Donald was born and raised in Dryden, Ontario. He retired from Canada Post in 2001 after 34 years of dedicated service. He served a variety of roles including letter carrier, financial supervisor and then 25 years as Postmaster in Ignace. Prior to his career at Canada Post, Don worked for 6 years at North American Lumber as an estimator, book keeper and sales.
Don is an extremely dedicated volunteer and has been a member of Silver Tops since 2001. He has been the Chairman of Bingo for 22 years, served as President for 3 years and has also served on various sports executives over his many years residing in Ignace.
Don joined the Mary Berglund Community Health Centre Board of Directors in September of 2022. He has most recently accepted the position of Treasurer.
Our Philosophy
The Board of Directors of the Mary Berglund Community Health Centre believes:
In the provision of accessible, quality health care services, in a culturally sensitive manner, that will respect the dignity and worth of everyone;
That health is holistic and includes physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being;
That clients must be afforded confidential services;
Treating staff with dignity and respect and providing a safe and healthy work environment conducive to personal and professional development;
That the MBCHC is committed to practicing sound corporate citizenship;
That the Board of Directors will be accountable to the community for the services of the MBCHC through sound governance practices and continuing Board Development;
In the continuing development of a healthy community by responding to the needs of the community through education and health promotion;
In the building of a strong community through collaboration and partnership with community service agencies and other organizations; and.
That the course of treatment and care is one of individual choice.