Our Team

Ameen Abdelmajid

Ameen Abdelmajid is a seasoned clinical research professional and pharmacist with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, clinical data management, and medical communication. Based Atlantic Canada, he has worked with renowned organizations such as Sanofi, IQVIA, and Abbott, leading clinical trials and regulatory submissions. With certifications in SAS programming and data visualization, Ameen specializes in designing protocols, statistical analysis plans, and managing large-scale data studies. Ameen is committed to advancing innovation in pediatric rare disorders.

Nawel Akli

Nawel is a clinical research coordinator at CHU Sainte-Justine since May 2023. She has scientific background with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and is currently completing a Master's degree in drug development, with a specialization in Canadian regulations. She mainly manages study visits and regulatory filing. She trains new employees on electronic ethics’ committee submission. She is very happy and excited to start this new challenge with MICYRN and to share her knowledge and competencies!

Ali Dicks

Ali is the Research Navigator at the CHEO Research Institute in Ottawa, ON. With nearly a decade of involvement in clinical trials, Ali has extensive experience supporting researchers to navigate complex multi-centre studies. She serves as the primary point of contact for investigators and research teams during the study start up process. Key responsibilities include budget negotiations, supporting feasibility assessments and ensuring regulatory compliance. In addition, Ali aids teams to overcome challenges and assists with program development and growth.

Sarah Côté-Bigras

I am the coordinator of the Plateau d’Expertise Clinique (PEC), a CRCHUS platform offering study management services to clinicians for fulfilling an occasional need in resources at every stage of a clinical trial. We run clinical trials ranging from phases I to IV. We support our researchers and industrial partners in the implementation of their clinical research projects in a timely manner. I firmly believe that science can lead us to better futures if we lead with hope. One of the things that gives me hope is the work that I’m doing, along with many other incredibly talented co-workers.

Davy Eng

Davy is an experienced Clinical Research Professional with over 15 years of experience. Since April 2022, she has managed the Pediatric Clinical Research Unit (PCRU) at CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (CRCHU) where she oversees daily operations and ensures adherence to both local and international regulations. Her key responsibilities include managing feasibility assessments, coordinating start-up activities, and leading budget negotiations with sponsors and CROs. Since April 2024, Davy has taken on the role of Clinical Trial Navigator for the MICYRN-RareKids-CAN Initiatives, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing pediatric rare disease research by facilitating project feasibility assessments and supporting start-up processes at CRCHU

Lisa Genore

Lisa is an experienced Clinical Research Professional with over 10 years year in the field. She manages single and multi-site clinical trials in neurodevelopmental disorders in the Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, ensuring regulatory compliance, as well as conducting psychometric assessments. Lisa joined the MICYRN RareKids-CAN project in the summer of 2024, expanding support for clinical trials in the rare disease space at Holland Bloorview.

Cara Grobbecker

Cara Grobbecker is a Research Coordinator and Clinical Trial Navigator at Children’s Hospital London Health Sciences Centre. She works with several Investigators in implementing clinical trials for pediatric rare diseases and serves as the local point of contact for pediatric rare disease clinical trial inquiries.

Geneviève Legault

My role at the Department of Pediatrics is to facilitate the research activities of members of the department. I have expertise in project management and clinical research, and have participated in various research projects in neonatology, PICU and general pediatrics. I am very interested in improving the clinical research experience for pediatricians, as I firmly believe that it is a key factor in increasing their research capacity and ultimately improve quality, equity and access to health care for children. I also love winter sports and my family, but not in that order!

Dori-Ann Martin

Dori-Ann Martin is an RN and also the Clinical Trials and Implementation Specialist with the One Child Every Child Program at the Alberta Children's Hospital. Prior to that she was the Research Coordinator within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for 14 years. She has experience in all levels of study coordination and is now taking on a new role focused on expanding support for clinical trials to enhance access to research for the children of the Alberta Children's Hospital.

Dr. Sahar Mohamed

My passion for research, teaching, learning is limitless, as I have worked as a clinical oncologist for 15 years in different countries and have tremendous clinical, research, and teaching experience. Since October 2021, I started to work as a clinical research associate, Department of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. As a senior research associate, and one of the National Clinical Trial Navigators (CTNs), I am cherishing the high standards of excellence in operations with regulatory and compliance accountabilities of the professional enterprise across Queen’s university and Pediatric Rare Disease Clinical Trials Network/ Maternal Infant Child Youth Research Network (RareKids-Can/ MICYRN).

Natalia Morykon

Bio coming soon!

Laura Motran

I have a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Sciences and I have been working in Clinical Research since 2011 in various supportive roles, including CRPC. Most of my career has been with SickKids, as I very much enjoy working with children. I look forward to continuing my career in clinical research and keep up with the ever-changing facet of this role!

Henry Okpaladigbo

Henry works closely with the British Columbia national collaboration, Dr. Turvey, and local investigators to bring innovative treatments to children and families impacted by rare diseases. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University, gaining a deep understanding of health's social, behavioral, and biological factors. Henry has supported various projects at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, including divisions like Rheumatology, Oncology, and Clinical Teaching Unit. He is committed to advancing healthcare and improving access to therapies for children across BC. Henry finds purpose in helping turn hope into reality for families facing rare diseases.

Dory Sample

Dory has many years of experience in research: in a clinical environment as a research nurse, in a CRO in drug safety, and in industry as a monitor, medical writer, and project manager of international clinical drug trials. She is currently the Clinical Research Director for the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute in Edmonton. Through all of this, Dory has gained a deep understanding of clinical research studies and processes, and strives to think globally and strategically, while promoting the strength and value of collaboration.

Jeannine Schellenberg

Jeannine Schellenberg is the Trial Manager of the Research Support Unit at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. She plays a key role in facilitation of external relationships with clinicians, researchers, faculty, academic and health care institutions, and industry. Jeannine is the point of contact for any investigator or organization wishing to engage support services from the RSU for the conduct of clinical trials within the institute. Jeannine started her career as an NICU nurse caring for our most vulnerable patients, then as a research coordinator. She continues to seek to improve the lives of all pregnant people, children, youth, and families in Manitoba through quality research.

Daislyn Vidal

Hello! My name is Daislyn Vidal. I am the Clinical Navigator at the University of Saskatchewan. My clinical research experiences include patient recruitment, the coordination of study visits, data and sample collection, project office work and other aspects of different studies concerning the prevalence of non- communicable diseases & conditions. My research passions include knowledge translation & education and the development of strategies to prevent or overcome different health conditions or diseases. I am also very passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion in clinical research. In my spare time I love keeping active and trying foods from different cultures!