Who We Are

 

Heidi grew up in Hamburg, Germany, and moved to Canada in 1980. There, she studied psychology, volunteered for children's behavior studies at the M.F. McHugh School program located within the Royal Ottawa Hospital, and served as a group leader at the former ARC Industries adult vocational program. In 1988 she returned to Germany with her husband.

What was intended to be a one-year stay turned into three fulfilling decades of life and work in Munich. Although the focus of her work shifted more toward research, communication and education, the core purpose remained the same: connecting and engaging with people across ages, cultures, and walks of life.

Following twelve years in television production, audience research, and program planning, Heidi founded an independent media company. Partnering in EU science communication projects, her company contributed to the collective work of multinational consortia operating across Europe. Within these projects, her firm specialized in translating complex research in health, environmental science, and risk management into educational films and classroom materials directed at students and the public.

In 2020, Heidi and her husband returned to Canada to begin a new chapter in their lives. After three years back in Ottawa, they relocated to Brockville in 2023.

Volunteering at Brockville General Hospital is a vital way for Heidi to integrate into and give back to the community that has welcomed her. By working at the hospital gift shop and joining the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Association, she aims to achieve this goal — for the patients, her fellow volunteers, the hospital network, and the wider community.

Heidi enjoys learning Tai Chi and playing cards; she loves music and long walks in nature.

Carol’s career spanned over forty years working with volunteers in Not-for-Profit Agencies, Health Care, and Long-Term Care. After she retired from St. Lawrence Lodge, she traveled extensively and wintered in Florida. Her belief in the value of Volunteerism in the community has led her back to the BGVA, and she looks forward to working with the board.

Carol has served on several committees and boards over her 36 years in Brockville. Currently, she is an active member of the Breast Cancer Awareness Kingston Board and the Chestmates dragon boat team. Carol is learning to play the D’jembe the African drum and is a member of the choir Shout Sister.

She is a mother to 3 grown children and an active and adventurous Nana to her 5 grandchildren.

Dennis and his wife, Melinda transferred to the Prescott branch of RBC in 1994 and thought they would stay for 2-3 years then move. That was back in 1994 and they are still happily living in the area today. They both retired from RBC in 2012.

Today, they have 2 children & 3 grandchildren, living in Lyn and the Ottawa area. So they are fortunate to be active and involved.

Dennis and Melinda are active away from the hospital, either cycling when the weather allows and snowshoeing in the winter months.

 
During 2022, Melinda required orthopedic surgery, the couple felt they received such phenomenal care at Brockville General, that they decided to give back by volunteering. In late 2022 they joined as Volunteers and thoroughly enjoy their roles in Day Surgery and as Welcome Ambassadors. 

Dennis has been a Rotarian, and volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the BGH Foundation, 1000 Islands Habitat for Humanity, Heart & Stroke, Brockville Multicultural, Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Prescott BIA and the United Way of Leeds & Grenville allocation committee.

Peter grew up on a pig farm outside of Listowel, Ontario. Shortly after graduating from high school, he moved to Montreal, drawn by the city’s vibrant culture and opportunities. There, he pursued studies in physics, followed by a focus on art conservation, which led to a career with Parks Canada. Although not an expert on trees—his knowledge extending only to recognizing that the green part belongs on top—he has had the unique experience of handling Mackenzie King's crystal ball.

After a distinguished career that took him across the country with Parks Canada, Peter retired from federal service and settled in Brockville just before the onset of the global pandemic.

In his retirement, he has embraced a variety of activities, including beekeeping, kayaking, curling, and golf. In 2022, Peter welcomed Joey, a terrier mix rescue dog, into his life. Together, they have become involved in delivering Meals on Wheels, working at a local distillery, and participating in weekly therapy dog visits at the local hospital. With parents who volunteered at the Parry Sound Hospital for 30 years, community service seems to be in his blood.

Connie was born and raised in Montreal, she moved to Ontario when she married and settled in Brockville, her current home, in 1978.

Connie and her husband are the parents of two sons, one of whom has two daughters. Connie and Stewart are very involved in their granddaughter's activities, as both her sons and their families live in the Brockville area.
Connie was employed with the Royal Bank of Canada for 35 years completing her career here in Brockville as a Senior Account Manager.
Since the early 2000’s Connie has worked with the Pastoral Care Program at St Francis Xavier Church serving communion in the hospital as well as in the community. Connie contributed to Habitat for Humanity as a member of their Board of Directors and for the past 12 years, she has been actively helping her husband with his flower planting project at the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Currently, Connie is working with the Bereavement Team in the hospital and the Palliative Care team in the community.

Dan is an Environmental Geoscientist who has managed the Ottawa office of a large international engineering firm for over 30 years. In 2022, he and his wife, Vicki, retired and relocated to Brockville where they built their dream home on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Mallorytown. One of the reasons they decided to relocate to Brockville was the presence of the Brockville General Hospital. Having a quality and efficient healthcare system in their community is important to them, which is why they both volunteer at the BGH. They have two children who live and work in the Ottawa area, one as a nurse in the healthcare system and one as an engineer.

When he is not volunteering at the Brockville General, Dan is biking, hiking, boating, kayaking, and puttering around his workshop.

In addition to Dan’s volunteer work in the Emergency Department, his current and past volunteer activities include: Member of the Environmental Advisory Committee for the Township of Front of Yonge; past Chair of the Land Development Committee for the Greely Community Association; former member of the Ottawa Chapter of The Executive Committee (TEC); past Board Member for the Project Management Institute (PMI); and former Executive Committee member for the Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Geotechnical Society.

Robyn began volunteering with the Brockville General Hospital Volunteer Association 18 months ago and quickly became a valued member of the volunteer team. She currently volunteers in the Gift Shop and on the Thursday afternoon Tea Cart, where her warm smile, genuine kindness, and natural ability to connect with people help staff, patients, and visitors feel welcomed, valued, and special.

Six years ago, Robyn and her partner relocated to Brockville from Oshawa to be closer to her elderly parents. During her mother's illness, Robyn became her caregiver as her family navigated care throughout Kingston, Gananoque, and Brockville. Through those experiences, Brockville General Hospital became especially meaningful to Robyn and her family, who experienced firsthand the exceptional care provided by hospital staff.

Professionally, Robyn brings valuable leadership experience from her career as a Department Manager with Walmart, along with experience as a Health and Safety Representative. She is known as someone who takes initiative, embraces challenges, and finds practical solutions. A natural relationship-builder, Robyn has a remarkable gift for making every person she meets feel important and heard.

Outside of volunteering, Robyn enjoys travelling with her partner and spending time with her family. She is the proud mother of a daughter in Oshawa and a son in Cornwall, and a devoted grandmother to two grandchildren.

Robyn joined the Board in 2026 and is excited to contribute her experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to supporting volunteers and enhancing the care experience at Brockville General Hospital.

 

Born and raised in Brockville, Wendy Onstein has always had a passion for serving others and giving back to her community.

Wendy’s career has included a variety of leadership and service-oriented roles, including leadership positions in the manufacturing sector, working as an educator within the community college system, and serving as a business consultant, helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. After “retiring” from full-time employment in 2021, Wendy began a new chapter as a licensed wedding officiant, where she now has the joy of helping couples celebrate one of life’s most special occasions.

Wendy and her husband, Charles, have been married for more than 50 years. They have two children, Brad and Carrie, and one grandson, James, who keeps them very proud and busy!

Throughout her career, Wendy has served on numerous volunteer boards and community organizations. She is excited to continue that tradition of service as a member of the Brockville General Hospital Volunteer Association Board.

At BGH, Wendy volunteers on the Palliative Care Unit and also serves as a Welcome Ambassador. She is grateful for the opportunity to support patients, families, staff and visitors, and looks forward to contributing to the important work of the Volunteer Association.

Tania was born and raised in Northern Ontario but has called Brockville home for 25+ years.  She recently retired from a career in Education working with Kindergarten to Adult Learners across Eastern Ontario; the last ten years were in Vice-Principal and Principal roles.  Areas of experience include supporting Newcomers to Canada, literacy and job skill programs, program development and health and safety.  Equity initiatives are close to Tania’s heart both personally and professionally. 

Lifelong learning and growth, remaining curious, engaging in positive environments, and being of service to one’s community are central to Tania’s approach to life, and volunteering provides the perfect opportunity to practice all.  It is a pleasure and honour to join the historic and energetic Brockville General Volunteer Association and to support patients and families on their journeys.  Tania volunteers in the Palliative Care Unit and is a representative on the BGH Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (AIDE) committee. 

Since retiring, Tania has appreciated having more time for family, gardening, Tai Chi, concerts, and tending to a sourdough starter named “Bubbles.”  Tania looks forward to getting to know her fellow volunteers and making a positive contribution to the BGVA Board.     

After retiring from a fulfilling career as a Certified Dental Assistant with the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit, Lainie began volunteering at the hospital ten years ago. During her time at the health unit, she served two terms as a Board Director with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association.

In addition to her local contributions, Lainie participated in two dental mission trips with Mercy Ships—one to Africa and one to Guatemala—where she found the experience deeply rewarding, providing an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate.

Lainie had always intended to give back to her community after retirement, and she felt the hospital would be a perfect fit. Having previously served on the BGVA board, she is eager to contribute once again. She can also be found volunteering at the Gift Shop on Thursday afternoons, so feel free to stop by and say hello!

Laura was born on an Air Force Base in Zweibrücken, Germany. Her family returned to Canada in 1959, spending several years out west before moving back to Germany in 1963. In 1967, they returned to Canada in time to celebrate the country’s Centennial, eventually settling in Nova Scotia where Laura spent her teenage years.

Laura enjoyed a rewarding 25-year career with Scotiabank before retiring in 2014. She has always loved to travel, with Italy being her favourite destination.

In 2003, Laura met her second husband, and together they moved to Ottawa in 2004. Fifteen years later, they relocated to Brockville, where Laura felt called to give back to her community. She began volunteering at the Brockville General Hospital, where she works in Day Surgery. Meeting patients and offering support during what can be a stressful time has become deeply meaningful to her, allowing her to feel she is making a positive difference.

Family is central in Laura’s life. She is the proud mother of three daughters who live in Nova Scotia and one stepson in Ontario, and she treasures her role as grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren.

In 2024, Laura’s husband passed away, and her volunteer work at BGH has since played an important role in helping her navigate her grief. Today, she continues to dedicate her time to the hospital, finding purpose and connection through service.