Board Members

You can read about our board members online at the Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office.

Christine Sorensen: Co-Chair

Christine Sorensen served as the President of the BC Nurses' Union from 2017 to 2021. Prior to that she held successive leadership roles in BCNU from 2006 to 2017. A registered nurse, her clinical practice focused on public health and communicable disease management in the Kamloops and North Thompson regions of BC. Christine has served as a Trustee on the BC Public Service Pension Plan (2010-2017), holds the title of Director with the Institute of Corporate Directors, is a Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders, is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and was a board member for Children's Wish - BC & Yukon Chapter. Christine gives back to her community by volunteering with Emergency Support Services. As a Metis, Christine is grateful to reside on the traditional territories of the Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc.

Joti Gill: Co-Chair

Joti Gill is a Medical Radiation Technologist with Valley Medical Imaging, a Senior Health Care Navigator with Patient Pathways. Previously he was a Senior Health Consultant for Advanced Care Planning in Punjabi Toolkit for the BC Center for Palliative Care. Active in her community, Ms. Gill is Treasurer for the Canadian Association of Health Advocates and a Seniors Planning Table in South Surrey and of South Surrey Service Providers. Ms. Gill holds a Medical Radiography Diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Trish Hunt: Co-Chair

Trish Hunt was Executive Director, CEO Partnership Development and Projects, with the First Nations Health Authority until 2020. Previously she worked as a senior director in Client and Family Relations, Risk Management and Care Quality, Safety for the Provincial Health Services Authority and a director with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority in Quality and Safety as well as Community/Public Health. Ms. Hunt was a director for the BC Lower Mainland Chapter of the Canadian College of Health Leaders. She has served as an Adjunct Professor for the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holds a Master of Science in Primary Health Care Administration and Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification from the University of Portland, Oregon and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UBC. She is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management in Canada and the USA; and is a graduate of Health Quality BC's Quality Academy in health care improvement.

Adam Gesicki

Adam Gesicki (he/him) is Program Manager in Health Care at WorkSafeBC. Previously, Mr. Gesicki was Senior Analytics Specialist at WorkSafeBC. He also was Manager at British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals, and Psychometrician at Educational Measurement Professionals and at Paragon Testing Enterprises. Active in his community, Mr. Gesicki is Member of the Canadian Council for First Aid Education at Canadian Red Cross. He also was Health Services Director and Scouter at Scouts Canada. Mr. Gesicki is Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nursing and Midwifery. He holds a Master of Arts in Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methodology from University of British Columbia. Mr. Gesicki also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University.

Aditya Sharma

Aditya Sharma is Nepalese and has over 12 years’ experience leading various quality and patient safety projects. Mr. Sharma is Performance Measurement Specialist at British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, and Open Learning Faculty Member at Thompson Rivers University. Previously, he was Manager of Primary Care at Squamish Nation, Performance Improvement and Data Analytics Consultant at Providence Health Care, Quality Improvement Consultant at Vancouver Island Health Authority, Leader of Evaluation and Quality Improvement in Primary Care at Fraser Health Authority, and Research Analyst at University of British Columbia (UBC). Active in his community, Mr. Sharma is Executive Committee Member at Canadian College of Health Leaders, and Board Director at Fair Haven Housing Society. he was Vice President at Aadhar Incorporated and at Nepal Cultural Society of British Columbia. Mr. Sharma also was Director at Little Mountain Residential and Housing Society. He is Volunteer at Canadian Centre for Accreditations and at Canadian Executive Services Organization. Mr. Sharma holds a Certificate in Patient Safety and Quality from University of Calgary and is a graduate of the Quality Academy from British Columbia Patient Safety and Quality Council. He is Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Mr. Sharma holds a Master of Health Administration from UBC, a Master of Science in Community Health Services from University of Northern British Columbia, and a Master of Science in Statistics from Tribhuvan University.

Anthony Le

Anthony Le is a Project Leader in the Virtual Health department of the Fraser Health Authority and a Registered Pharmacist in BC. He has a background in community pharmacy practice, pharmacist practice education, clinical programs development, and health systems administration. Previously, he was a Pharmacist Facilitator for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Entry-to-Practice Doctor of Pharmacy Program and Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program, a Graduate Academic Assistant with the UBC School of Population and Public Health, and a Community Pharmacist for Remedy's Rx Pharmacy. Mr. Le holds a Master of Health Administration and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from UBC, as well as a Certified Health Executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

Debbie Johannesen

Now a retired non-practicing registered nurse who brings a storied 38 years of experience as a strategic, diligent, and results-oriented leader with a strong background in patient centred care, quality improvement, patient safety and a just culture. Successful in designing and implementing patient-centred initiatives and creating system-wide efficiencies in clinical and administrative processes. Debra graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Leadership (Health) from Royal Roads University. Currently a Board member on the PCQRB since 2024 and bring the lens of system thinking, quality and safety in a healthcare delivery model with a culturally sensitive focus on the patient/client experience.

Elizabeth Nicholls

Elizabeth Nicholls was called to the BC Bar in 1980 and practiced law until the end of 1985. Ms. Nicholls worked for three years with the Law Society of BC, investigating complaints from the public about lawyers. In 1989, she joined the BC Office of the Ombudsperson, where she worked as an investigator until 2004, focusing on issues relating to administrative tribunals and the self-regulating health professions. In 2005, she was appointed Director of Client Relations and Risk Management for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, where she led the investigation of patient safety issues, including critical incident identification and review, and responded to patient complaints. She then joined the Review Division of WorkSafeBC, issuing reviews of front-line compensation and prevention decisions. Ms. Nicholls retired in 2017. During her career, as well as since retirement, Ms. Nicholls has been active as a volunteer in the community. For many years she served on the Executive and Board of a non-profit society and has volunteered for a number of other community agencies.

Kathleen Mell

Kathleen Mell received a Bachelor and a Master of Arts Degree (English) as well as a Bachelor of Laws degree, all from the University of British Columbia. Ms. Mell practiced for several years in the field of criminal law focusing on Charter of Rights issues, this included appellate work, including at the Supreme Court of Canada. Ms. Mell then focused on administrative law and has served on a number of tribunals. She was an Adjudicator with the Crime Victim Assistance Program and then spent ten years adjudicating claims with the Indian Residential Schools Secretariat. Currently, Ms. Mell is a Review Officer with WorksafeBC reviewing claims involving physical and psychological injuries. Ms. Mell has also recently been appointed to Stand Informed's roster of lawyers providing legal advice to survivors of sexual assault.

Michael Billingham

Michael Billingham is President of Creative Paramedical Education LTD. Previously Mr. Billingham has been a Clinical Educator, a Primary Care Paramedic, a member of the Critical Care Infant Transport Team, and a Station Chief for BC Emergency Health Services. Active in his community, he was an Editorial Board Member of the Canadian Paramedicine Magazine. Mr. Billingham holds a Critical Care Paramedic (ITT) Certificate from the Justice Institute of BC.

Mosope Fagbongbe

Mosope Fagbongbe, Ph.D. is an Associate Counsel at Bekkering York Barristers (BYB) LLP. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Lagos, Lagos Nigeria, and was called to the Nigerian bar. She started her professional career as a Litigator with a law firm in Lagos. In academe, her responsibilities involved teaching constitutional law, legislative drafting, human rights, and facilitating continuing legal education programs for legal professionals in both the public and private sectors. She doubled as Special Adviser to the Director-General of Institutions until she pursued further studies in Canada. Mosope has also collaborated with local and international NonGovernmental Organisations for advocacy programs relating to Women’s and Children’s rights. In Canada, she completed a Master of Laws (LL.M) program at the University of Manitoba in 2004 as a precursor to a PhD program. In 2010, she completed her doctorate at the University of British Columbia. She obtained several scholarships and awards for academic excellence from the University of Manitoba and University of British Columbia. She is a member of the Alberta Bar and the Law Society of British Columbia. Mosope has been involved in community service through volunteering with social justice groups serving vulnerable people such as seniors and women in dangerous situations. She is currently a volunteer member of the Alumni UBC Advisory Council.

Nik Gandhi

Nik Gandhi has been a Pharmacist in BC since 2014. He is currently a Clinical Pharmacist at the First Nations Health Authority. He works with First Nations communities, healthcare providers, and regional and provincial partners to achieve equitable access to quality and culturally safe healthcare for First Nations individuals in British Columbia. As a pharmacist, he has worked in all the provincial health regions. Mr. Gandhi’s practice has provided him with experience in helping patients navigate BC's healthcare system, especially when it comes to access to medications, medical supplies, and health services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Toronto.

Pinder Cheema, K.C.

Pinder Cheema was called to the Bar and has practiced law in B.C. since September 1984. From 1989-2023, she practiced as Crown Counsel in Victoria. She continues her legal career in private practice. Over her career Ms. Cheema has been appointed to, and chaired, a number of administrative tribunals, including the Mental Health Review Board, Safety Standards Appeal Board, and the Community Care and Assistance Tribunal. She has also served her community as elected Bencher to the Law Society from 2014-2022, where she chaired a number of committees, including Credentials, Complainants Review, and Governance and Ethics. Currently she is Vice-Chair of the Board of the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives. Cheema received her Queen's Counsel designation in 2002. She speaks English, French and Punjabi.

Rachel Ling

Rachel Ling works as a regulator in the quality assurance department of a BC regulatory college. She is also a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine professional. Ms. Ling has served on several health regulatory boards, including the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals, the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia, and the former College of Dental Technicians of British Columbia. At the community level, she has been a Board Governor at Simon Fraser University and a Library Trustee of the Richmond Public Library. Ms. Ling holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University and is completing a Master’s degree in Public Policy.

Sandra Staats

Sandra Staats is a Sta Lawyer for BC First Nations Justice Counsel. Previously Ms. Staats was self-employed Lawyer, and Associate Counsel with Traxler Haines and a Lawyer with South Point Law Centre. Her career spanning over 25 years, includes practicing in the areas of criminal, family and Aboriginal law. Active in her community, Ms. Staats is a Member of the Independent Counsel. Previously she was a Committee Member of the Justice Education Society Northern Native Professional Legal Education Committee; President of the Vancouver Multicultural Society; and a Board Member of BC Counsel for Families and the Urban Native Education Society. Ms. Staats holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia.

Shelley Ball

Shelley Ball is the Principal of Shelsu Pacific Consulting Inc. which provides investigations, training and advising on sexual misconduct complaints and trauma-informed, compassionate practices, for public, private and union organizations. She was previously senior legal counsel in health regulation, and the director of investigations for the University of British Columbia, as well as the senior investigator for an Independent Officer of the Legislature in BC. Shelley's background includes administrative law, investigations, oversight, regulation, litigation and alternative dispute resolution. She is a subject matter professional in sexual misconduct and complaint processes. She also teaches regulated professionals about legal issues in healthcare, including investigations and traumainformed approaches. She is actively engaged in pro bono service as a member of the Education Planning Advisory Committee of the Canadian Network of Agencies for Regulation, and as an advisor for Forensic Guardians International. Shelley's postsecondary qualifications include an Honors degree in criminology and Juris Doctor as well as certification in human rights law and restorative justice facilitation.

Tamara Guimond

Tamara Guimond is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in governance, regulatory frameworks, and healthcare leadership. Since 2015, she has held numerous appointments as a board director, cultivating a deep understanding of policy oversight and strategic decision-making. While her governance trajectory was unforeseen, it has afforded her exceptional opportunities to collaborate with esteemed colleagues in the stewardship of regulatory and operational mandates. A pivotal aspect of Ms. Guimond’s career has been her distinguished engagement with the Nisga’a Nation. She was honoured to serve as a Board Director for the Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA) in recent years, where her expertise in governance and healthcare administration was instrumental. Her tenure subsequently led to two additional appointments as Chairperson of the NVHA, a role that provided an extraordinary vantage point on health system governed by a sovereign nation founded in the Nisga’a Final Agreement and other significant related government frameworks. She remains profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an impactful and revolutionary way in the autonomous management of uniquely protected healthcare for the Nisga’a people. Ms. Guimond maintains her nursing licensure with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) which has enabled her to dedicate recent years to the synthesis of operational and governance policies in the domain of nursing’s provincial professional advocacy. Her ability to bridge frontline healthcare expertise with high-level policy formulation underscores her commitment to advancing health systems through strategic governance and professional excellence. Her breadth of experience, coupled with her unwavering dedication to public health and governance, positions her as a valuable asset within the Ministry of Health, where she continues to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and effective healthcare policies.

Zac Waldman

Zac Waldman (he/him) is Emergency Nurse at Vancouver General Hospital, Clinical Practice Educator at Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) Paramedicine Program, and Primary Care Nurse and Clinical Coordinator at Northeast Urgent Primary Care Centre. Mr. Waldman also was Patient Care Coordinator and Educator at University of British Columbia Hospital, and Emergency Nurse at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Active in his community, he was Volunteer Registered Nurse at Shambhala Music Festival and at The Vancouver Sun Run. Mr. Waldman is a Registered Nurse with British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives. He holds an Advanced Certificate in Emergency Nursing from British Columbia Institute of Technology. Mr. Waldman holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Saskatchewan.