The CLF’s work is made possible by the people who bring their time, expertise, lived experience, and leadership to our shared mission. Our volunteer Board of Directors provides governance and strategic direction, while day-to-day operations are led by a full-time Executive Director and small staff team. Across Canada, committees, working groups, national collaborators, and project volunteers further strengthen our work in education, research, advocacy, awareness, and community connection.
Board of Directors
Siba Haykal, Board Chair
Dr. Haykal MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, researcher, and Associate Professor of Surgery at Yale School of Medicine, where she serves as Section Chief of Reconstructive Oncology within the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Her clinical expertise includes microsurgical breast reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction, sarcoma reconstruction, and advanced surgical treatment of lymphedema, including lymphovenous bypass and lymph node transplantation. Dr. Haykal completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa as class valedictorian and later earned a PhD in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine at the University of Toronto before completing fellowship training in microsurgical reconstruction at Albany Medical Center. Her research focuses on reconstructive surgery, tissue engineering, vascularized composite allotransplantation, and improving outcomes for patients living with lymphedema. Dr. Haykal has received numerous national and international honours, including recognition as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, and has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications.
Spencer Gibson, Vice-Chair
Dr. Spencer B. Gibson, PhD is Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta and the inaugural Dianne and Irving Kipnes Endowed Chair in Lymphatic Disorders. His research focuses on the biology of lymphedema and cancer, including the mechanisms of tissue injury, inflammation, and repair. Dr. Gibson is leading the development of a translational lymphedema research program and collaborative research network in Alberta, with the goal of improving treatment options and outcomes for patients living with lymphatic disorders. Nationally, he serves as Prairie Node Lead for the Terry Fox Research Institute and has published extensively in the fields of cancer biology and cell death research.
David Keast, Past Chair
David Keast MSc, Dip Ed, MD, CCFP, FCFP(LM), is a family physician, educator, researcher, and internationally recognized leader in chronic wound and lymphoedema management. A native of London, Ontario, he is Medical Director of the Outpatient Chronic Wound Management Clinic at Parkwood Institute, Clinical Adjunct Professor of Family Medicine at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Associate Scientist at Parkwood Research Institute. A founding co-chair of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework, he has also held leadership roles with Wounds Canada and the World Alliance for Wound and Lymphedema Care. Dr. Keast has participated in multiple clinical trials and published more than 90 papers and eight book chapters.
Naomi Dolgoy, Secretary
Naomi Dolgoy M.OT, CLT, PhD is an Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta, as well as a practising occupational therapist, certified lymphatic therapist, and clinical researcher. Her work focuses on cancer rehabilitation and functional outcomes, including the impacts of lymphedema on daily function, quality of life, and participation in work and activity. She is also interested in implementation science and the use of technology to support rehabilitation practice and patient care. Dr. Dolgoy has contributed to national lymphedema research and guideline development initiatives and is an active collaborator in cancer rehabilitation research across Canada. Outside of work, Naomi enjoys spending time outdoors in the Rocky Mountains.
Shirin Shallwani, Treasurer
Dr. Shirin M. Shallwani PhD, PT, CLT is a licensed physiotherapist and postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine of the University of Alberta. Her current research focuses on understanding the rehabilitation needs of individuals living with advanced-stage cancers and co-designing and implementing tailored evidence-based exercise rehabilitation strategies in cancer care. As a certified lymphedema therapist, she is also interested in investigating lymphedema risk reduction and management approaches in both cancer and non-cancer populations. She has been a longstanding member of the executive committee of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Oncology Division, currently serving in the role of Knowledge Translation Lead.
Shanzey Ali, Member
Shanzey Ali BSc, is a medical student at Queen’s University and a passionate advocate for individuals living with lymphedema. Diagnosed with primary lymphedema as a child, Shanzey has firsthand experience navigating the healthcare system. Her journey has been shaped by the many healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocates who make up the supportive lymphedema community. From receiving a children’s book about lymphedema shortly after her diagnosis to benefiting from the expertise and compassion of multidisciplinary care teams, these experiences inspired her commitment to giving back to the lymphedema community. She has completed an undergraduate degree in health sciences and has experience working in public health and policy research, as well as medical curriculum development. She hopes to combine this learning with her insights as a patient to develop her career as a future physician and lymphedema advocate.
Staffing, Support & Volunteers
Bonnie Baker, Executive Director
Bonnie leads the CLF’s day-to-day operations and works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and national collaborators to advance the organization’s mission to improve lymphedema awareness, education, research, advocacy, and care in Canada.
After serving as a CLF volunteer from 2009 to 2019, Bonnie rejoined the organization in 2021 and became its full-time Executive Director in 2022. Since then, she has helped strengthen the CLF’s governance, partnerships, communications, national events, fundraising, and educational initiatives during a period of significant organizational growth.
Bonnie is committed to building collaboration across Canada’s lymphedema community, including patients, clinicians, researchers, provincial associations, industry partners, donors, and other interest-holders. Her work focuses on strengthening connections, amplifying community voices, and supporting collective action toward better access to lymphedema care across Canada.
Anna Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief, Pathways Magazine
Anna is a CLF founding member and volunteer Editor-in-Chief of Pathways, the CLF’s official publication. She brings extensive leadership experience in communications, training, publishing, and non-profit service, along with a longstanding commitment to education, awareness, and support for people affected by lymphedema.
Before transitioning to the charitable sector in 2006, Anna spent 30 years in corporate senior management, working in training and communications for international companies including Thomas Cook and American Express, and later serving as Vice-President with Indigo-Chapters. She served as the CLF’s Executive Director from 2014 to 2019 and as a member of the Board of the International Lymphoedema Framework from 2012 to 2020.
A cancer survivor living with lymphedema, Anna brings lived experience, editorial leadership, and a deeply personal commitment to advancing trusted information, healthy living, and positive support for Canada’s lymphedema community.
Grace Neumayer, Marketing and Communications Manager
Grace joined the CLF in May 2023 and supports the organization’s communications, design, digital outreach, event promotion, and national awareness initiatives. She holds a degree in Global Business and Digital Arts from the University of Waterloo and brings skills in visual communication, digital design, event coordination, marketing, and audience engagement.
Since joining the CLF, Grace has contributed to national conferences, public education campaigns, digital communications, and ongoing efforts to strengthen connection across Canada’s lymphedema community. Her work helps make CLF information, resources, and events more visible, accessible, and engaging for patients, health professionals, partners, and the broader community.
Alisha Damji, Special Projects Coordinator
Alisha first joined the CLF in summer 2024 through Wilfrid Laurier University’s Honours Health Sciences program. Following two successful summer terms, we were pleased to welcome her back again in 2026. In her role with the CLF, Alisha has contributed to communications, outreach, administrative support, research-related activities, and a variety of special projects supporting the organization’s national initiatives. She brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a thoughtful approach to advancing awareness, education, and community engagement across Canada.
Rachelle McDonald, Bookkeeping
Rachelle has provided part-time bookkeeping services to the CLF since its inception in 2009. Her longstanding support has helped maintain continuity, accuracy, and financial organization as the CLF has grown and evolved.
Volunteers
The CLF’s work is strengthened by dedicated volunteers who generously contribute their time, skills, expertise, and lived experience. Our Board of Directors, Scientific Committee, Editorial Board, working groups, and project volunteers help guide, support, and advance the CLF’s national initiatives. We are deeply grateful for their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to improving lymphedema awareness, education, and care across Canada.
