Medical Appeal Panel
Anand, Amanda
Amanda Anand is a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Psychology. With nearly a decade of experience, Amanda has worked with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of counselling and psychological services. Amanda provides both psychotherapy and psychological assessments in a supportive, compassionate, and client-centred environment. Her areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, and relationship concerns.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Amanda was directly recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Friesen, Eunice
Eunice Friesen is a Registered Nurse and holds a Certificate in Mental Health Leadership through Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as well as a Master of Business Administration with a specialty in Innovation Leadership. Eunice is a founder and owner of several small businesses including Bear Creek Funeral Home in Grande Prairie and Peace Valley Funeral Home in Fairview and Peace River. She offers consulting services specializing in business development, strategic planning, and non-profit governance. Eunice is a Rotarian who has been an active volunteer in her community for nearly 40 years, including serving as City Councillor in Grande Prairie from 2017 to 2021.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Eunice was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Arcand, Marilyn
Marilyn Arcand is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and holds a Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from Alberta Hospital Ponoka School of Nursing (now an affiliate of MacEwan University). She is also a certified Basic Life Support/CPR instructor with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Marilyn has extensive community psychiatric nursing experience and specialized knowledge in addictions, dementia and geriatric mental health. She is currently a Mental Health Clinician providing treatment to clients experiencing mental health conditions in their homes and community settings.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Marilyn was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Underhay, Stephen
Stephen Underhay is an emergency services leader with 15 years of progressive experience spanning operations, governance, and professional regulation. He holds an Emergency Services Technology diploma from Lakeland College and will complete a Bachelor of Commerce with a concentration in Human Resources from Athabasca University in 2026. Stephen currently serves as an EMS Operations Manager and as President of the Alberta College of Paramedics.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Stephen was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Boparai, Sumandeep
Sumandeep Boparai is a Registered Nurse who holds a Bachelor of Nursing from Baba Farid University and a Master’s in Information Technology. She has over 11 years of diverse experience in pediatric, medical-surgical, nephrology, oncology and long-term care. Sumandeep has progressive nursing experience across acute care, long-term care, and outpatient clinical settings. She currently is working as an Oncology Nurse Clinician in addition to providing care to patients in assisted living communities.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Sumandeep was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Dixon, Irene
Irene Dixon is a retired nurse who holds a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta. She has years of clinical and management experience in diverse areas of nursing health care including Intensive Care, Burns, Surgery, Psychiatry, Dementia, Long Term Care and home care with disabled clients. She served on the Board of Directors of the Alberta Railway Museum for over 10 years. Irene is also a successful entrepreneur having built and operated an international candle business in Edmonton for 15 years. She currently designs fashionable safety wear to improve visibility at night and prevent pedestrian accidents.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Irene was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Ferenc-Berry, Veronika
Veronika Ferenc-Berry holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta, as well as a certificate in International Business Law from Queen’s University, England. Prior to her legal career, she worked as a Registered Nurse in an intensive care unit. Veronika has over 20 years of experience in legal and leadership roles. She is a long-standing municipal law lawyer who is currently the Supervisor, Land Practice Group for the City of Edmonton. Veronika has served as an Executive member on the Alberta Bar Association Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Executive Board member with the Ukrainian Cheremosh Society.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Veronika was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Holloway, Ashley
Ashley Holloway holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Liverpool, Practical Nurse Diploma from Bow Valley College and a Graduate Diploma in Global Leadership from Royal Roads University. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse with approximately 20 years experience across public health, acute care, corrections, assisted living and trauma units. Ashley is currently an instructor in a healthcare leadership program at Bow Valley College and is a published author of academic work. She has served in the Canadian Armed forces, as Vice-President of the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association, and on various Bow Valley College councils and committees.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Ashley was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Kassian, Brent
Brent Kassian holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Alberta. He was the President of Capilano Rehab Centre and has worked in the field of rehabilitation and sports medicine. He is the Pro Chaplain for the Edmonton Elks Football Club. Brent's governance experience includes serving on the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta, the Alberta Physiotherapy Association Insurance Task Force and the Alberta Department of Labour’s Workers Compensation Board Advisory Committee.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Brent was directly recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Nnaegbuna, Chibuzor
Chibuzor Nnaegbuna holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Athabasca University. She is a Registered Nurse and healthcare leader with over 17 years of progressive experience across continuing care, community health, mental health and addictions, clinical operations, care coordination, and nursing education. Chibuzor has extensive experience working within interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including contributing to complex case reviews, collaborative and consensus-based decision-making, and the application of healthcare legislation, policies, professional standards, and ethical principles.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Chibuzor was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Pearce, Alayna
Alayna Pearce is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Masters of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts from Grant MacEwan Community College. She is an experienced Mental Health Counsellor and Clinical Manager who is completing her Doctorate with a focus on innovative models of community-based care. Alayna is an executive leader and social worker known for advancing mental health, disability services, and community well-being across Alberta. She is the Founder and CEO of Your Way Support Services, a relationship-driven, community-embedded organization serving multiple Alberta Communities. Her career spans provincial leadership roles in mental health, disability programs and system redesign. Alayna has served as a member of the Heart Land Hospice Foundation, and as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Fort Saskatchewan Victim Programs Association.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Alayna was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Posas Guzman, Elsa (Yax)
Yax Posas Guzman holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta and a General Physician and Surgeon Certificate from the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas in Mexico. Yax is a Registered Occupational Therapist with 15 years of acute care and community-based experience. Yax has served as President of the Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace, a member of Rotary Club Grande Prairie and is a cofounder of the Binder Buddies initiative by the Northreach Society that provides free, gender-affirming garments to youth in the community.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Yax was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Stelmachovich, Donna
Donna Stelmachovich possesses a registered nurse designation from St. Michaels School of Nursing and completed the Health Care Administration Program at the University of Saskatchewan. She retired as the Vice-President of Seniors Health for Alberta Health Services in 2010. Donna’s governance experience includes Vice-President of the Chinook Health Region where she provided the second last level of appeals for various clients disputing service and funding levels and hearing various appeals as a member of the Citizen’s Appeal Panel.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Donna was directly recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Weich, Una
Una Weich holds a Master of Health Education from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Lethbridge, as well as her Registered Nursing education from Foothills Hospital/University of Calgary. Una is a Registered Nurse and Nursing Instructor at Medicine Hat College, bringing over 30 years of experience in undergraduate nursing education and curriculum delivery. Una has 30 years of public health nursing experience with expertise in health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based care working with marginalized populations.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Una was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.
Wright, Kelly
Kelly Wright holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Nursing from Athabasca University. She worked as a Registered Nurse for over 20 years, working in hospital nursing units, intensive care units, neurological units, surgical and medical units as well at a specialized public clinic. She transitioned to a career as a lawyer in 2009. Kelly is an advising lawyer and guest lecturer at Student Legal Assistance and a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary.
Competencies required for members of the Medical Appeal Panel include understanding the quasi-judicial appeal process and issues impacting Albertans, the ability to apply legislation, knowledge of disabilities and medical conditions, ability to interpret clinical data and understand functional capacity, medical literacy, communication, teamwork, and writing skills. Kelly was recruited and appointed based on acceptably meeting the competencies, skills and attributes as described above.