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

Sandy Curtis Arnot

Cancer Coach, Hospice Care Ottawa

What inspires me about Cancer Coaching is the opportunity to listen and work together with individuals who are experiencing cancer on aspects that are important to them. With kindness and support we can create a plan that helps clients sort through what they need, and identifies tools and strategies to address those needs, towards improving their health and well being.

I currently provide Cancer Coaching in partnership with my full time job of Bereavement Care Coordinator at Hospice Care Ottawa. I have worked as a Registered Nurse in a variety of roles and hold additional certification in Hospice Palliative Care. I have particular interest in palliative care, caregiver support, and  bereavement support for partners and family  following a death.

Outside of my professional roles I enjoy time with family, outdoor activities, and artistic expression.

Michelle Renaud

Cancer Coach, Winchester District Memorial Hospital

As a chemotherapy nurse at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, I began Coaching 2-3 years ago as an extension of my Navigation role for families facing cancer in our region. What I like about Cancer Coaching is that it gives us the ability to deliver care closer to home; often patients will say they spend a lot of time driving long distances for medical appointments, and so they appreciate that this service is available in their neighbourhood.

As a registered nurse and Cancer Coach, I have supported patients and their family members in determining which treatment decisions are best for them, in understanding their disease, in managing the side effects of treatment, and in the many transitions in care including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, survivorship and end of life.

I enjoy supporting patients through many areas of their care, including palliative care and preparing patients and their families for what is ahead in their experience with cancer. Advanced Care Planning as well as Serious Illness conversations have been a focus of my learning in recent years.

Outside of work I enjoy golf, walking, cycling, quilting and spending time with my family and friends.