Project Team

The Dementia Supports in Rural Saskatchewan project team is made up of the Backbone Management Group, the Advisory Committee & Collaborating Organizations.

Left to right: Dr. Bonnie Jeffery, Dr. Tom McIntosh & Dr. Nuelle Novik. Photo: U of R Photography

Backbone Management Group

Dr. Bonnie Jeffery, Project Lead
Faculty of Social Work & SPHERU, University of Regina – Saskatoon Campus

Dr. Tom McIntosh
Faculty of Arts Associate Dean (Research & Graduate Studies), Politics and International Studies & SPHERU, University of Regina

Dr. Nuelle Novik
Faculty of Social Work & SPHERU, University of Regina

Dr. Akram Mahani
Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy & SPHERU, University of Regina

Evaluation Coordinator
Dr. Nancy Akwen
SPHERU, University of Regina

Project Coordinator
Sue McGee (2023-2024)
SPHERU, University of Regina

Michelle Harazny (2019-2023)
SPHERU, University of Regina

Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee members bring a range of experiences and expertise in addressing the needs of those living with dementia in rural communities and small cities in Saskatchewan.

“With the projected number of Saskatchewan people living with dementia expected to increase, this initiative is timely and critically needed to develop community-driven programs and services to enhance the quality of life of rural residents in Saskatchewan, whose lives have been impacted by dementia.”

Dr. Laurie SchmidtAdvisory Committee Member

“This project is important as there is a strong need for lived experience and partnerships to develop innovative actions to address stigma and improve social inclusion for rural people with dementia and their care partners.”

Dr. Juanita BacsuAdvisory Committee Member

“This important project seeks to enhance community understanding of dementia while also focusing on initiatives to improve social contact by individuals with dementia. The economic benefits of this project can be substantial for patients, care givers, communities and the health care delivery system.”

John WrightAdvisory Committee Member

Advisory Committee Members:

Juanita Bacsu
Gord Grant
Claudia Grant
Candace Kopec
Megan O’Connell
Tina Kleisinger
Edna Parrott
Les Quennell
Laurie Schmidt
John Wright

Collaborating Organizations

The following Collaborating Organizations have launched sub-projects and interventions to support older adults living with dementia and their care partners. To learn more, please visit this page: Current Projects.