The Board of Directors is happy to announce the appointments of Vicky Nicholson and Katarina Hedler to the Board effective immediately. Vicky and Katarina have agreed to step on the Board to complete the 2021 Season and help plan the 2022 Season. Both will stand for election at the next AGM. Both ladies bring the experience and expertise for our immediate needs and strengthen the existing Board.
Please join me in welcoming Vicky and Katarina!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Kind regards, Amanda Karahanas
President, DSAO
Vicky Nicholson
Victoria “Vicky” Nicholson started her healthcare career in 1979 as a new grad RN at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). After a decade at SickKids, Vicky utilized her leadership qualities in managerial roles for the next 20 years at Doctors Hospital (DH) then St. Joseph’s Health Centre (SJHC). After having honed her skills in paediatrics at SickKids and for part of the time at DH, Vicky switched focus to Mental Health & Addictions, mostly at SJHC. Vicky’s time working in acute healthcare settings gave her the opportunity to develop and enhance skills in program development, human resources, budget process/finance, customer service, social services, interdisciplinary teams, advocacy and understanding of the needs of vulnerable individuals. Prior to retiring in 2017, Vicky’s final work-life was with HealthForceOntario Marketing & Recruitment Agency (HFOMRA) in the capacity of administering locum services within the Province of Ontario. The last three years of her tenure at HFOMRA were in the role of Special Projects, Human Resources. At HFOMRA, Vicky gained experience in policy/procedure writing, project management, and staff training.
As someone who has always lived a short distance from a body of water, Vicky has enjoyed the sight, sound and feel of sailboats and sailing for as long as she can remember. More of a sailing participant than sailor, Vicky is grateful to be a part of DSAO efforts (first as a member/volunteer) to provide access to the sailing experience in a positive, safe and fun environment.
Vicky’s decision to become involved as a DSAO member/volunteer stems from her values based beliefs of inclusivity, respect, accountability, kindness and enabling happiness. In other words, DSAO and Vicky are a fit!
Katarina Hedler As a former British Columbian, Katarina grew up on the ocean. After moving to Toronto in 2018 she joined DSAO as a volunteer to stay connected to her watery roots. About to begin her fifth season at DSAO, Katarina balances sailing with her career as an auditor at Stern Cohen LLP, where she has worked since commencing her professional career in 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria (Economics and Business), a Post-Degree Diploma of Business Administration (Accounting) and is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant of Ontario. When not on the lake, Katarina enjoys reading, skiing, exploring new places, and spending time with her adorable pup Lizzie.
