Our Team
At ARCH Hospice we are proud to have a caring team of staff, physicians and volunteers. Our physicians and nursing staff work closely with a team of other professionals and volunteers to care for our residents, 24 hours a day.
Care Team
Our Care Team is comprised of Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and a Medical Director. Alongside volunteers, our team creates a supportive environment for our residents and their families. We are committed to person-centred care which respects and values the individual’s right to dignity and self-determination when it comes to their end of life experience. Recognizing the importance of self-care and ongoing learning, we participate in annual training and wellness activities that continue to develop our skills.
Leadership Team
Our Leadership Teeam oversees various areas including supportive care, grief and bereavement services, administration, fundraising, building maintenance and day-to-day operations. The residence team supports the care the community has come to expect and deserve.
Nicole Pearce
Executive Director
Nicole is a longtime member of the ARCH team - she started as a volunteer at the hospice the first year ARCH opened its doors. Working with staff and volunteers, Nicole oversees finances, office administration and maintenance. You can catch her anywhere from the office to the boiler rooms, staining the building, or even fixing someone's laptop. A true jill-of-all-trades, she is a true master of organization and a calm multitasker. She is responsible for ensuring all internal ARCH operations run smoothly. She is an avid runner and has a love of fishing and traditional archery.
Julie Premo
Operations Manager
Julie is passionate about people, relationships, and wellness. She is responsible for Operations, along with the help in Fund Development. With the kitchen being the heart of any home, especially at Hospice, Julie works alongside Chef Tom to deliver our meal service program. At ARCH, she appreciates having the opportunity to learn from our residents and to help fulfil their wishes. They leave a lasting impression on her and continue to positively touch her life whether it be listening to their words of wisdom, their favourite quote or simply to remind her to live life to the fullest. Julie loves taking on Bucket Listing Challenges from running a marathon, parasailing, travelling to Costa Rica or cycling 100 km in support of ARCH. She is a proud mom of three beautiful children and enjoys spending time with family and friends in the beautiful scenic north.
Jude Edwards
Clinical Care Manager
Jude is an empathetic and passionate healthcare leader, with over 20 years of diverse nursing experience. Most recently, she provided travel medical assistance for folks all over the world, navigating different healthcare systems, cultures and languages. She is looking forward to making a difference closer to home as Clinical Care Manager. She is a proud mom of two, and pet parent to one dog and one cat. In her spare time, she enjoys being in nature, photography and spending time with family and friends.
Ellie Love
Office Manager
Ellie has been an avid long-time volunteer for ARCH, along with other charities such as the CIBC Run for the Cure and Days for Girls. She became a permanent member of the ARCH team at the beginning of 2023. She has more than 25 years of experience in office & and administration, and accounting & and payroll management which perfectly meets the needs of the ARCH office. Her organization and communications skills and perpetual positivity make her an asset to the organization. Ellie is compassionate and family-oriented, and In her spare time she is a crafter, and DIY’er.
Laura Andre
Supportive Care Manager
Meet Laura, our Supportive Care Manager. She has almost 20 years of clinical counseling experience with a specialization in addictions, trauma, and loss. Laura also has experience in group facilitation and workplace education and wellness. Her experience coupled with her pure passion for people is what has made her the perfect fit for this role. Laura is a ray of light and believes that joy, laughter, and compassion go a long way for those in some of life’s most trying times. She loves to support our community and has been involved with Soo Sings for Kids for 10 years, you can usually hear her humming or singing a tune in our hallways. Laura has strong family values, in her spare time you can find her spending time with her children, having a fun day with her sisters, or relaxing at her trailer with her partner and dog Lucy.
Katherine Williamson
Fund Development Supervisor
With style, creativity, and commitment to excellence, Katherine plays an important role in Fund Development. Her role at Hospice involves the planning and execution of all ARCH events. From small and intimate gatherings to grand galas, and fundraisers, each event is met with enthusiasm and unique ideas. She has gained valuable expertise working with third-party event organizers who graciously plan fundraisers for ARCH. With a background in Public Relations and Event Management, she has a knack for building and fostering relations with donors, community partners, resident families, and volunteers. You can ask her about fundraising, partnership opportunities, and lotteries. She is passionate about serving the community and values the incredible work that ARCH and her co-workers do. When she’s not planning or organizing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Jenna Polutanovich
Volunteer & Project Coordinator
Jenna has been at ARCH since her college field placement in 2018. She has developed and implemented the Children's Grief and Bereavement Program, Resident and Caregiver Wellness Program, along with the Staff and Volunteer Wellness Program - to name a few. She is responsible for the recruitment, retention and coordination of the 140 volunteers who serve at Hospice. She has written The ABCs of Death, a book to help our community navigate death and grief with Children. Recently stepping into the role of the Project Coordinator, Jenna is excited to educate and share her creativity, experiences and passion for end of life care, and grief and bereavement supports with our community. In her spare time, Jenna teaches dance, her favourite style is tap. She sometimes even teaches dance classes to our team as part of our wellness program. She has a love for family, friends, and all things nature. She especially adores spending time with her niece and nephew.
Miranda Leonard
Graphic Designer
Miranda has a passion for all things creative. She brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to ARCH with her background in both graphic design and visual arts. When she first joined the ARCH Team in 2020, Miranda discovered an interest in Hospice’s mission to provide comfortable end-of-life journeys. She moved to London two years later along with her desire to positively impact the palliative community. She continued her experience by working for London’s Hospice, and returned to ARCH in 2024. Miranda’s role reflects her skills and devotion as she is responsible for developing graphics and visual identities that represent ARCH. Miranda also works with the Fund Development Team to establish and implement fundraising concepts and acquire resources to best serve the residents and their families. Aside from her love of art and design, Miranda expresses herself through music and dance. She values spending quality time with her loved ones and believes that every day provides an opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
Jennifer Busuttil
Family Support Facilitator
Jennifer is excited to join the ARCH team as the Family Support Facilitator. An enthusiastic supporter of hospice care, she brings a unique perspective to the role. As a certified Yoga Therapist, Jennifer has in-depth knowledge in how to employ yoga asana (poses), breath exercises, and meditation for many different conditions, including anxiety, depression, and end of life & grief care. Her grounding and nurturing presence is felt by those she interacts with. Jennifer loves to sing and will often be heard singing in the hallways. In her free time, she loves hiking with her partner and dog, and spending time in her garden.
Ashlyn Hall
Children & Youth Grief Support
Ashlyn Hall is a passionate individual who has pursued a career working with children. With a strong educational background in child and youth care, Ashlyn is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide valuable support to children facing grief. Through her dedication and empathy, Ashlyn aims to make a positive impact on the lives of children by helping them cope with loss and navigate their emotions in a healthy way. In her free time, Ashlyn enjoys returning to Desbarats where she grew up to visit family. She also values her friendships and her partner, and always finds joy in their company. Recently Ashlyn embraced the role of a cat mom and fills her days caring for her new companion.
Dana Simpson
Metrics and Program Evaluation Lead
Dana Simpson serves as the Metrics and Program Evaluation Lead at ARCH, where she leverages her background in data analysis, facilitation, research, and aging to drive meaningful change. Her expertise in metrics allows for the development of evidence-based strategies and actionable recommendations. Dana has completed her Master's degree in Aging and Health at Queen's University. She is currently focusing on residential hospice and dementia as she completes her PhD.
Erica Wright
Early Resource Nurse
Erica Wright is a compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with 17 years of invaluable experience in the healthcare field. She started her journey with ARCH seven years ago, joining as a casual RN in June of 2017 and swiftly transitioned into a full-time role the following January. Erica’s dedication to her profession is matched by her passion for the outdoors, where she finds solace in activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Erica is deeply committed to her family and community, embodying caring, nurturing, and passionate qualities in all areas of her life. Known for her friendly demeanor and genuine warmth, Erica is a valued member of the ARCH Team.
Olivia Nyhuis
Referral & Intake Coorinator
Meet Olivia, our intake and referral coordinator. A kind and soft spoken woman. She prides herself in the quality of care she provides our patients and is always willing to go the extra mile. She started her career in 2019 working as an RN at Sault Area Hospital for a few years, then completed a contract with Algoma Public Health in infectious diseases. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats- Rudy and Zoey. She also fosters cats and enjoys volunteering at the humane society. You can trust you're in great care with Olivia!
Taryn Gazankas
Early Resource Nurse
Taryn is a dedicated member of our Collaborative Care Algoma team, serving as one of our Early Resource Nurses. With a profound commitment to her community and a strong desire to positively impact the lives of others, Taryn brings invaluable passion and devotion to her role. Having graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from Laurentian University in 2022, Taryn brings a wealth of fresh knowledge and expertise to ARCH. Her nursing experience in acute care and public health makes for an exceptionally empathetic approach to her care. She is passionate about sharing resources and promoting health and wellness within the community. Beyond her professional endeavors, Taryn finds joy in playing sports, with soccer holding a special place in her heart from her upbringing on various different competitive teams. She also enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family and has a passion for travelling.