Meet Our Coaching Team

Patricia Barrett-Robillard

Cancer Coach, Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation

What inspired me to come and work for the Cancer Foundation was their commitment to the concept of client empowerment and personalized health care. As a Cancer Coach, I focus on what matters most to you.  Working together, we will focus on you as a whole person, paying attention to body, mind and spirit, and will explore strategies to improve your overall health, help you feel more in control and have a good quality of life no matter what your unique situation is.

As a registered nurse and as a Cancer Coach, I have worked with individuals and their families through all stages of cancer, including those newly diagnosed, in treatment, going through post treatment transitions or approaching end of life.

My areas of particular interest and experience include:  understanding diagnosis and treatment options, improved coping with side effects and symptoms, managing stress and emotions, implementing healthy lifestyle changes, support around sexual health and intimacy, and caregiver support.  I work with all age groups, but have additional experience and training in senior’s health.

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, especially running, cycling, hiking and cross-country skiing, as well as reading poetry and watching hockey.

Mélina Ladouceur

Cancer Coach, Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation

What drew me to Cancer Coaching is that it’s all about improving your confidence and your sense of control, something so many people I work with feel they begin to lose when they face a new diagnosis. My own approach to coaching is collaborative and honest; I believe each person has unique strengths and inner wisdom based on their own life experiences. In our sessions, we don’t just talk about change; we ensure that you leave with a plan that feels right to you, and then we work together to help you in making the shift from where you are to where you want to be.

Every day I get to take part in meaningful conversations with people about what’s most important to them, including what types of changes they want to make in their lives to improve their health and well-being and how they can move forward when they or a loved one are facing cancer. We may not be able to control the things that happen in our lives, but we can take steps to help ourselves and to be our best selves no matter our situation.

My areas of particular interest and experience include working with individuals and families living with chronic and advanced cancers, people living with cancer who want to manage stress and emotions or cope with cancer-related fatigue, caregivers, parents supporting children impacted by cancer, people returning to life and work post-treatment, and individuals wanting to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Cancer Coaching draws upon my clinical background as a Registered Social Worker caring for adults and children facing difficult life challenges. I also have additional training in community and health system navigation, and I completed a one-year Nutrition certificate program with an in-depth look at cancer, heart disease, fatigue and weight management. In my spare time, I love spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, writing and cooking.

“The real journey of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust

Gina Pilon

Cancer Coach, Arnprior District Memorial Hospital

I was drawn to Cancer Coaching because it is an avenue for empowerment. It is incredible to be able to support others as they become more empowered to take action in their physical, emotional, and mental health. As a Life Coach, Integrative Nutritional Health Coach and Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist I have had the opportunity to work with many people who are personally struggling with cancer, or who have been greatly impacted by the devastation it can have on individuals and their families. I have felt this on a personal level as well.

I believe that we are not meant to travel alone on our journey to health, which is why I look forward to partnering with you as your Coach. We need support, we need encouragement, and we need the understanding that a Cancer Coach can provide.

Being a strong advocate for self-empowerment and personal responsibility, I love supporting individuals in gaining a sense of control in all areas of life.  Cancer Coaching is a wonderful way to contribute to someone’s life journey.   I feel it is an honour and privilege to be able to provide support to those in need and I am grateful for every opportunity I am given.

“The first wealth is health.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Callie Laurin

Cancer Coach, Winchester District Memorial Hospital

The cancer care journey is unique to each individual, and navigating your diagnosis at all stages can be overwhelming.

I first became interested in Cancer Coaching as an extension of my role as a Registered Nurse in Oncology to support my patients. A cancer diagnosis can be difficult, and there is a lot of support that can be offered – from information to emotional and physical needs throughout their journey. My hope is to have meaningful conversations that empower individuals to uncover their values and strengths, what means the most to them, and help them meet their wellness goals.

My nursing experience has allowed me to develop an understanding of the emotional and physical needs of patients from initial diagnosis, during active treatment, and at many different points in their care, as well as survivorship and wellness beyond cancer. Specific areas of interest include symptom management and managing side effects, understanding diagnosis and body changes, preparing patients for what is next in their journey, advanced care planning, and end-of-life support.

“Peace: it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.” – Unknown.