MANAGEMENT TEAM
CANTRAIN Management Team
Bruno J. Battistini
BSc, MSc, PhD
National Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer
+1 (819) 345-8448
Sandra Peláez
BEdPsy., MSc, PhD
National Director, Clinical Trials Training Programs' Streams (CTTP)
+1 (514) 586-9171
Sandra is an adjunct professor at the Université de Montréal (Canada) and an affiliated researcher at the Research Centre of the St. Justine Hospital (Montreal, Canada). Sandra has a Bachelors in Educational Psychology, completed at the Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora (Bs. As., Argentina), a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (Madrid, Spain), a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Sciences at Concordia University (Montreal, Canada) and two postdoctorates, one from McGill University (Montreal, Canada, 2011-2013) in which she was trained in health education, and another one from the Institut national de recherche scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier (Montréal, Canada, 2015), in which she immersed herself in the field of epidemiology.
This training and expertise allowed her to join the Institut national d’excellence en santé et services sociaux (INESSS) as a scientific professional (Montreal, Canada, 2019 -2022). During her studies, Sandra was supported by multiple training awards.
Lisa M. Goos
HBScH, BEd, MA, PhD
National Director, Mentorship Programs and Experiential Learning
+1 (416) 516-1684
An exceptional corporate change agent, Lisa has held senior research administration positions at Baycrest Health Sciences, the Rotman Research Institute and The Hospital for Sick Children. In these roles, Lisa has driven institutional capacity development in order to optimize success in clinical research. She has developed both corporate and divisional strategic plans, led teams through the completion of large strategic projects, and implemented operational systems and procedures to support the effective management of the research enterprise.
Aude Le Rendu
BScN, MSc
Manager, Administration & Human Resources
+1 (438) 540-1866
Mohamed Mahfoudi
Manager/Administrator, IT Systems
+1 (438) 518-2015
During his career, Mohamed also worked as a consultant, network and web administrator with several companies where he had to manage computers, network parks, web servers and websites.
Sharmistha Biswas
MD, MBA, PhD(c)
Manager, Awards & Internships Programs
+1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Luis Armando García Garza
BEng
Research Software Developer
+1 (438) 495-0376
In his Canadian experience in Montreal, Quebec, Luis Armando has served as an IT Consultant for the Respiplus organization (www.respiplus.com), implementing the graphic design of teaching materials, the development for an online exercise learning platform, and the well-known ‘’Living Well with COPD’’ series. He also served as technical coordinator for the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, contributing to the rebranding and design for the new website of the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (CanCOLD www.cancold.ca).
Andrea Florencio
BBA, MBA
Administrative assistant
+1 (438) 509-2988
Caroline Buote
BSc, MSc
National Program Designer & Developer of CTTP
+1 (819) 943-1825
Caroline later moved to the South Shore of Montreal and, while working part-time for the NPO Sherbrooke Genomic Medicine as a next-gen sequencing (NGS) data analyst, began working as a clinical research coordinator in oncology at the Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIM) within the RI-MUHC. Having worked there for more than 5 years, she has managed clinical trials on head and neck cancers, sarcomas, gastrointestinal cancers, breast cancers and melanomas.
Within the last 3 years, she has been specializing in training: building content, developing an onboarding program including hands-on practice, workshop and training delivery for staff and C&RA Experience students, creating eLearning modules integrated to a learning management system, authoring multiple working instructions as a subject matter expert (SME) and being a big part of the CIM compliance committee.
Khoa Ha
BBA, MBA
National Program Designer & Developer of CTTP
+1 (902) 979-2774
and Nova Scotia Health Authority
on various projects, Khoa brings his expertise and knowledge to enrich learner’s training experience and contribute to the development of CANTRAIN’s programs.
Katie Bainbridge
BA, MIS
National Coordinator, Trialists Stream
+1 (416) 662-4561
Christina Farant
National Coordinator, Graduate & Postdoctoral Trainee Stream
+1 (514) XXX-XXXX
Christina previously worked as the Training Coordinator for the Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training (DCAT) of the McGill University Health Centre’s Research Institute (RI-MUHC, Montréal). Her primary responsibility was to plan and coordinate postgraduate trainees’ career exploration and development training programs, activities, and events. Christina is passionate about instructional and graphic design and is committed to expanding her education and skill set in order to provide students with the finest experience possible.
Outside the office, Christina enjoys reading novels and listening to true crime and history podcasts. In her hometown of Montreal, Quebec, she enjoys spending time with her husband, young daughter, and their two cats.
Monique Ostrout
BSc, DESS
National Coordinator, Clinical Research Professionals Stream
+1 (514) 464-1561
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Biology from McGill University and a Diploma of Superior Studies Specialized in Toxicology from the University of Montreal. Her experience spans from preclinical research to clinical research where she assumed pivotal roles within several organizations, including Sr CRA, Project Manager, Manager and Director.
Monique’s profound interest in both the human element and the quality of clinical trials led her into management roles where she was able to drive new initiatives aimed at building strong teams and elevating project delivery standards. Alongside managing her teams, she was appointed as a subject matter expert within her organization, to train the next generation of project leaders across North America and, as the Canadian agent for quality and global processes harmonization. She also spearheaded the establishment of a project management unit, defining roles, training programs and materials to equip teams for success. She contributed clinical expertise in the strategic plan for a national initiative aimed at optimizing the operational efficiency of clinical trials conducted in university hospital centers.
She believes that empowering professionals responsible for trial management is pivotal for their individual growth and engagement but also for the overall performance and quality of clinical trials.
Monique is a clinical research consultant and she will share her time with CANTRAIN as a National Educator developing and designing clinical trials training programs
Linda Hunter
RN MScN, PhD(C)
National Coordinator, Stream for Community Partners & Patients
+1 (613) 884-5932
Lucie Couderc
BSc
National Program Designer & Developer of CTTP
+1 (514) 809-1651
Before joining CANTRAIN, Lucie worked as a scientist and trainer. Beyond training her colleagues and developing educational materials, she was responsible for ensuring the transfer of knowledge and the standardization of processes across the various sites of her company. Lucie is convinced that by offering the appropriate tools and resources to students and professionals, we allow them to achieve professional success and broaden their horizons.
Outside of work, Lucie is passionate about sports, especially Pilates and rugby, which she has been practicing for several years.
Mei Li
BN, MHM
Quebec Institutional Clinical Research Educator (CRE)
+1 (514) 839-3118
Part of her previous work focused mainly on infectious diseases while she also coordinated studies in respiratory, cardiac, and endocrine disorders. She worked in several provinces including Nova Scotia, British Colombia, and now Newfoundland. Krista has a strong interest in rural nursing education, dissemination of knowledge, and knowledge translation. Her work has a critical theory lens and a strong focus on anti-oppressive education.
As the designated CRE in AlbertaNewfoundland and Labrador, she is responsible for introducing CANTRAIN Clinical Trials Training Programs to graduate and postgraduate trainees, clinical research professionals and Trialists across all Nfld academic institutions, organizations and clinical trials’ sites.
Renee George
BM
Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Coordinator
+1 (709) 752-4636
Krista Cuff
BScN, RN, MN
Newfoundland & Labrador Clinical Research Educator (CRE)
+1 (709) 777-6996
Part of her previous work focused mainly on infectious diseases while she also coordinated studies in respiratory, cardiac, and endocrine disorders. She worked in several provinces including Nova Scotia, British Colombia, and now Newfoundland. Krista has a strong interest in rural nursing education, dissemination of knowledge, and knowledge translation. Her work has a critical theory lens and a strong focus on anti-oppressive education.
As the designated CRE in Newfoundland and Labrador, she is responsible for introducing CANTRAIN Clinical Trials Training Programs to graduate and postgraduate trainees, clinical research professionals and Trialists across all Nfld academic institutions, organizations and clinical trials’ sites.
Jeffrey Narayan
BSc, Msc, CCRA
Alberta Clinical Research Educator
+1 (780) 222-4491
Janis Cole
BSc
Alberta Clinical Research Educator (CRE)
+1 (780) 914-8598
Raif Abdallah
BSc, Msc, CCRA
Nova Scotia Provincial Coordinator
+1 (902) 499-4769
Thus far, his journey included roles as a clinical educator in both college and clinical settings. Raif’s experience in clinical trial research includes providing clinical support in the oncology research program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, part of the University Health Network. During his time at UHN, he actively participated in several research projects related to COVID-19. These include measuring immunity in healthcare workers as a result of “micro exposures” to the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, a testing clinic that sought to measure the infection rate of food factory workers, who were a high-risk group at the height of the pandemic.
Raif is serving as one of the dedicated Provincial Coordinator to engage, present and guide institutions into CANTRAIN clinical trials training programs in Nova Scotia. His aspiration is to extend the presence and usage of the platform programs to all academic institutions and clinical research organizations in Nova Scotia, aiming to establish the province as a prominent location for high-quality clinical trial research in Canada.
Dan Lafreniere
BSc
Nova Scotia Clinical Research Educator
+1 (902) 430-0702
Through work as a Medical Writer in the Pharmaceutical Industry, Dan had the opportunity to lead regulatory applications from their initial conceptualization to their final presentation at international regulatory body hearings. Dan has first-authored peer-reviewed clinical/scientific reviews and book chapters, in addition to a two-part medical education podcast and an award-winning accessible writing media publication.
As a Manager within the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, Dan supported the strategic development of “Priority Interdisciplinary Medical Research’’. This work spurred Dan’s interest in the use of evaluation methods for impact assessment.
Dan’s involvement in clinical research at Nova Scotia Health has allowed him to observe the process of clinical trials from the perspective of Trialists-Clinical Investigators, Clinical Research Educator for Nova Scotia, and patient partners. As the designated Clinical Research Educator for Nova Scotia, Dan will support the development and delivery of CANTRAIN Clinical Trials Training Platform across academic institutions, organizations, and clinical trials’ sites.
Roland Ismael
BA
Ontario Provincial Coordinator
+1 (647) 291-7545
His wealth of experience comes from 10 years of engagement in academic and healthcare institutions, engaging in many projects in planning, administration & coordination stages, having worked for Sinai Health, Toronto Western & now back to SickKids.
He has coordinated eLearning database functions for Learning Management Systems. He has managed the web content for the Centre for Global Child Health communications team. He has also trained staff for the Command Centre’s Emergency Preparedness Plan. His support for V-Suite and C-Suite Executives allowed him to foster collaboration and build networks with the utmost professionalism.
In his projects, he leveraged qualitative and quantitative data to analyze user behaviour, applying principles of psychology at various stages of the patient/user decision making process, enabling the mapping of patient/user journeys. Just prior to joining CANTRAIN, he was applying his user research and analytical skills to projects working within the Capital Redevelopment team at Sinai Health.
He now takes on the Provincial Coordinator role to engage, introduce and connect CANTRAIN Clinical Trials Training Programs to all of Ontario Clinical Trials’ sites.
Sara Paré
BSc, MSc
National Advisor of the Clinical Trials Training Programs for Clinical Research Professionals
+1 (581) 985-2961
Jacquie van Ierssel
PT, BPE, BSc, MSc, PhD
Ontario Clinical Research Educator (CRE)
+1 (613) 612-2930
She held leadership positions on national pediatric and adult concussion guidelines, was committee member of the 6th International Consensus on Concussion. Jacquie is passionate about knowledge translation (Sport Physiotherapy Canada).
Jacquie’s clinical research interest is in improving health outcomes in children with neurological disorders. Her work has been adopted into clinical practice, informed industry programs of care, received international recognition (International Brain Injury Association), and has been published in high impact journals. She has presented on concussion at numerous conferences, scientific meetings, on broadcast interviews, and has won clinical teaching awards. She will now use all of her experience and expertise toward constructing the next generation of knowledge and competency-based e-Training modules and engaging graduate and postgraduate students, clinical research professionals and trialists at the OHRI and those across Ontario in the pursuit of clinical trials.
