Article Index
Mission
We connect people and organizations, foster the exchange of reliable information, and advance program and policy development on issues related to preventing the abuse of older adults. We do this work at the local, regional, provincial/territorial, and national levels.
Vision
We envision and work toward a Canadian society where older adults are valued, respected, and live free from abuse.
We strive to be the Canadian leader in our field—sharing information and coordinating resources for the prevention of elder abuse.
Values and Principles
Collaboration and Coordination - We provide opportunities for knowledge-sharing to build the capacity of Canada to respond to and prevent the abuse of older adults.
Respect and Inclusivity - We respect older people’s rights and autonomy. We celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Credibility and Accountability - We are accountable to hub users that we will only disseminate evidence-based research, information, and current/promising approaches to inform program and policy development.
Innovation - We seek and promote new and creative approaches.
Our Structure
The network is led by a pan Canadian board of directors who each bring their passion and varied expertise. The network has a membership of individuals and organizations from across Canada who come from all walks of life and who care about older adults and the prevention of harm in later life.
Becoming a member
CNPEA is a registered charity with Canada Revenue Agency
Charitable Registration Number: 866840523 RR0001
Board of Directors
Our board is comprised of seniors, individuals from organizations that serve or represent seniors, service providers, including police, individuals in government, and academics. The board is nominated from the membership once a year and meets monthly. As a working board, members serve on one or more special committees.
For any inquiry, contact the CNPEA Executive Director: Bénédicte Schoepflin
Board of Directors
Marie-Ève Bédard, Drummondville, Québec
Marie-Ève Bédard holds a doctorate (Ph.D.) in gerontology from the University of Sherbrooke. She is a principal researcher at the Collegial Center for Expertise in Gerontology (CCEG) at Cégep de Drummondville.Her research expertise includes: populations in vulnerable situations, including LGBT+ older adults; mistreatment and bullying of older adults; domestic violence among older adults; social participation of older adults, including defense of rights and intergenerationality; quality living environments for older adults.She has led and leads several action-research projects, including: Healthier, Safer, Welcoming and Inclusive Private Residences with a Serious Game Aiming to Prevent and Counter Mistreatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Older Adults (LGBT+) (2020-2022) ; Violence within elderly couples living at home during confinement: strengthening the feeling of security through a better understanding of these situations, and the production, distribution and evaluation of awareness-raising video clips (2021-2023); Promoting practices to prevent or counter the stigmatization of older adults with dementia in their community and promoting their inclusion (2021-2023).Marie-Ève is a social gerontologist whose work contributes to the health — physical, mental and financial — well-being, quality of life and safety of older adults, both in Quebec and internationally
Judy Beranger, Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador
Judy M. Beranger is an educator, counsellor, mediator, and author. She is Vice-Chairperson of SeniorsNL, President of Family Mediation Canada and a Past President of the Elder Mediation International Network, (EMIN). She is a nationally Family Comprehensive certified advanced Mediator and Nationally and internationally Advanced certified Elder Mediator. She is passionate about the importance of reducing ageism in our society and as a result reducing the likelihood of abuse and neglect. Judy has chaired nine world summits on Mediation with age-related issues. She was part of the development of the recently released International "Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults" Document. In 2012 Judy authored a report for Justice Canada: Exploring the Role of Elder Mediation in the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Judy is the recipient of several National Leadership Awards and an International Award for her global work in pioneering the specialty of Mediation with age-related issues.
David Burnes, Toronto, Ontario
Dr. Burnes is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. He holds a Canada Research Chair on Older Adult Mistreatment Prevention. Dr. Burnes completed a PhD at Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City, concentrating in gerontology and advanced practice. His program of research focuses on the issue of elder mistreatment, including the development of basic science (risk factors, prevalence, severity) and the design, evaluation, and measurement of interventions to prevent the mistreatment of older adults. He advises major international organizations on these topics, such as the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health. Dr. Burnes has worked with both the Canadian and Ontario governments to identify elder mistreatment risk factors and work toward the development a system of response to support older adult victims and their families.He also advises non-profit organizations, such as state-level adult protective services programs, on the development and implementation of elder abuse support programs and prevention strategies. Dr. Burnes’ “RISE” model of elder mistreatment intervention is currently being implemented across the state of Maine. His interest in elder mistreatment stems from both family experience and clinical practice with older adults.
Claire Checkland, Stittsville, Ontario
Claire is a passionate, results-oriented health advocate with 20 years of experience in government and stakeholder relations and policy analysis for national not-for-profit health organizations including the Canadian AIDS Society, Canadian Cancer Society and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health where she has helped the organization achieve sustainability and grow their membership to more than 2,000 individuals and organizations. Claire has a successful track record engaging varied stakeholders in progress towards common health and social goals and has an ability to identify and implement new, innovative approaches to organizational priority issues. She is adept at facilitating the establishment of sustained, meaningful relationships with community, stakeholders and government officials. Claire has an undergraduate-honours degree in Psychology as well as a Diploma of Social Sciences. She lives in Stittsville, Ontario with her husband and two sons.
Sean Fitch, Markham, Ontario
Sean is currently Secretary of the Board
Sean has over 10 years of experience in marketing and communications, having held progressive roles in agencies, higher education, non-profits and healthcare. He is currently Director of Marketing at Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC), Canada's largest accredited provider of treatment and recovery services for substance use disorder and addictive behaviours. Having entered the seniors' space at Canadian Association of Retired Persons in 2019, and then joining CanAge as Director of Marketing and Communications, Sean has a vested passion for issues affecting older Canadians. He worked for several years in collaboration with CNPEA on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day initiatives, building momentum year over year and engaging policymakers, members of the public and the broader sector on protecting older adults' rights. He is a compassionate communicator and business leader, bringing a person-centered lens to communications that drive people to care and take action. When he's not working, he can be found walking his dog, playing strategy board games with friends or thrifting for vintage clothing.
Marta Hajek, Toronto, Ontario
As Executive Director for Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, Marta has been working diligently with the Ontario government to build a stronger presence in the community; to advance the priorities of the ON Strategy and to build sustainable partnerships with agencies and other stakeholders. In the end, all EAPO strategic approaches aim towards improving the quality of life, for the most vulnerable Canadians, helping build community capacity to address the growing complexity of needs of vulnerable at-risk older adults or providing supports to their families and caregivers. Marta is currently serving her 3rd term appointment to the Ontario Securities Commission’s Senior Experts Advisory Committee.
Sandra Hirst, Calgary, Alberta
Sandra is currently Chair of the Board
Sandra P. Hirst RN, PhD, GNC(C) has held a number of leadership positions in gerontology including president of the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association; president of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, and president of the Alberta Association of Gerontology. Sandra has completed a three-year appointment from the Prime Minister to sit on the National Seniors Council. She currently sits on the Board of the IFA. Her areas of research and related scholarship focus on abuse and neglect of older adults, and the experiences of older adults who reside in long term care facilities. In 2012, she received the Jeanne Mance Award from the Canadian Nurses Association, the highest honour that a registered nurse can receive from her peers.
Andrew Iaboni, Markham, Ontario
Andrew is currently Treasurer of the Board
Andrew Iaboni brings 20 years of financial leadership experience to the Board. Andrew holds a CPA designation and received a Bachelor of Commerce and Major in Economics from the University of Toronto. Andrew is currently working in the real estate industry for a private equity owned global property management company and servers as Global Vice President, Corporate Finance.
Jennifer Josephson, Beaverton, Ontario
Jennifer Josephson has worked with older adults for over 20 years graduating with a Recreation and Leisure background. She started her career in long term care and retirement home settings in activation and adult day programs. In 2008 she expanded her education and experience in elder abuse, community health, and systems navigation by joining the Brock Community Health Centre as the Seniors and Community Health Worker within the Community Development Health Promotion Team. In this role she is working directly with older adults in the community, assisting them with connections to programs and services, creating and implementing various health promotion opportunities and food security programming within Brock Township and surrounding areas. This role has allowed her to work directly with police and other service providers on issues related to seniors safety and elder abuse. Since 2010, Jennifer has chaired the Durham Elder Abuse Network (DEAN) and completed a 1 year secondment with Durham Regional Police Services in a civilian position within the Seniors Response Unit. In 2020 Jennifer was the proud recipient of the first ever Tammy Rankin Legacy Award and of the Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario Recognition Award for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Besides her professional portfolio she is also a proud mother of 2 amazing boys Owen and Ben and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends participating in community activities and sports.
Dr. Rose Joudi, Calgary, Alberta
Rose Joudi, BSc (Psych), BA Psych (Hons), MSc Psych (Hons) and Ph.D. (Psych) is an Aging and Ethnic Diversity Consultant with more than 15 years of academic and research experience in the Psychology of Aging. Rose has worked with various stakeholders focusing on supporting the needs of vulnerable, marginalized and ethnically diverse populations. As a person who is from a visible minority and bilingual in English and Arabic, Rose believes that understanding the diverse backgrounds and needs of our older adults should be part of any well-being approach. She finds it imperative that professionals are encouraged and supported in using culturally competent strategies as well as holistic approaches when working with older adults. Rose is passionate about enhancing quality of life of older persons, protecting them from exploitation, supporting coping and resilience strategies that promote successful ageing, and ensuring that diversity is acknowledged in professional and community settings.
Ken Kuhn, Port Moody, British Columbia
Ken went to UBC & U of Oregon to receive his MBA & MSc degrees, and taught business courses in the Coquitlam School District, BCIT, & UBC. Ken retired from teaching about twelve years ago.Ken spends his retirement life “paying it forward” on seniors’ issues as Executive Director of the Tri-Cities Seniors’ Action Society (TCSAS) & Coordinator of the New Horizons Grants received by the TCSAS. Ken has written three successful NHSP grants over the last three years as well as a UBCM Age-Friendly grant for the City of Port Moody. As ED of TCSAS, Ken has organized several free events for seniors such as: Age-Friendly Tri-Cities, WorldFest—A Seniors’ Celebration of Cultures, the Elder Abuse & Wellness Forum, and Pathways to Better Health Forum.Ken is also a Regional Mentor for Fraser Valley West for the BC Association of Community Response Networks to promote Awareness of Adult Abuse. His network area includes the Lower Mainland communities of the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody), Maple Ridge, New Westminster, and Burnaby. Ken frequently offers workshops in adult abuse awareness in the Lower Mainland.Ken promotes immunization awareness for seniors in workshops and media through an educational grant from Sanofi-Pasteur Ken has a passion for seniors’ issues: abuse awareness and prevention, advocating for healthy aging, and keeping seniors connected in their communities.
Jodi Lee-White, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Jodi is currently Vice Chair of the Board
After starting out in private practice, Jodi undertook various roles in her professional association with exposure to a wide variety of legal issues. In 2014, she returned to her roots in estate planning, starting a mobile legal practice preparing Wills, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives.
She participates in various professional activities with the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society’s Bar Admission course and was a member of the NB Power of Attorney Action Group, a multi-disciplinary group of professionals who successfully advocated for new Enduring Powers of Attorney legislation which came into force in 2020.
She presents regularly to professionals and the public on estate planning topics including the Enduring Powers of Attorney Act, encouraging everyone over the age of majority to have valid, up-to-date, Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney with sufficient checks and balances to ensure their long-term care, autonomy and dignity is respected.
Denise Lemire, Orléans, Ontario
Having obtained a masters degree in Sociology from the University of Ottawa, Denise Lemire has carried out and directed a multitude of research projects in the fields of health, social services and education. For the last 30 years, Denise has been active in the world of the francophonie, as a researcher, consultant, E.D., Board member, and volunteer at large. For the last 17 years, Denise has managed grants for several organizations. Denise has co-coordinated the 2017 Older Adults Summit (Sommet des aînés 2017) with FAAFC (Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada); managed 5 workshops on Elder Abuse across Ontario; participated to the development of a provincial network of French-speaking elder abuse stakeholders in 2019 and participated in the recommendation of a White Paper on the Francophone seniors in Ontario (2019). She is Secretary-Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Association des membres individuels de la FARFO (AMI-FARFO)(Association of Individual Members of FARFO). As a consultant, she works with the Center Pauline-Charron (Ottawa, Vanier sector) in the creation of a social food service enterprise and other projects targeting Francophone seniors in the community. She is a member of the Seniors Table of the City of Ottawa since September 2019 and of the Advisory Committee of the Collegial Center of Expertise in Gerontology at Cégep de Drummondville (Centre collégial d’expertise en gérontologie du Cégep de Drummondville) in the creation of a serious game aimed at preventing and countering bullying in private residences for seniors.
Lisa Manuel, Toronto, Ontario
Lisa has been working in the social services field for over 25 years. Her first and continuing passion is working with seniors. She has worked in a variety of capacities as a staff person doing outreach and providing counselling supports to older people experiencing abuse. She has also worked as a manager supporting a team who provides prevention and intervention supports in this area, developing new programming such as an elder abuse consultation team and a safe haven for older people experiencing abuse (Pat's Place). Lisa is interested in deepening connections between the domestic violence and elder abuse fields and has worked at this intersection as a manager. As a trained researcher, she has participated on several research initiatives in elder abuse. As a senior Director of programs, she has a solid experience interacting with government officials and elected MPPs to advocate for the need for a comprehensive funded approach to working with community dwelling older adults who experience abuse.
Michele Markham, Edmonton, Alberta
Michele Markham is a Registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers and holds a Bachelor Degree in Human Service Administration. For the past six years she has worked at Sage Seniors Association in Edmonton as the Manager of the Seniors’ Safe House, a shelter for older adults needing safety from abuse. Michele participates on the management committee of the Seniors Protection Partnership, is a member of the Diverse Voices conference planning committee and co-chair of the Elder Abuse Consultation Team. In addition to working at Sage, Michele is a member of the MacEwan University School of Social Work Advisory Council, is a Public Member of the Mental Health Review Panel, and is past Chair of the Board of Directors of the George Spady Society. In addition to working in the field of social work for nearly 30 years, she has more than 20 years of experience with Board Governance and has facilitated numerous board development workshops as part of the Board Development program with the Alberta Government.
Greg Noseworthy, St John's, Newfoundland
Born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Greg Noseworthy has always taken an approach to understanding and addressing senior and elder issues within NL. While at law school and preparing for his eventual call to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador, Greg directed his energy to seniors issues within the law. Since then he has maintained a focussed law practice in senior issues, primarily by preventing elder abuse in the legal and non-legal worlds. This also includes his full-time work with a non-profit access to justice group that allows him to work with retired groups, 50+ clubs, and other senior and elder focussed organisations across Newfoundland and Labrador. Even as 28 year old Greg is quick to note that everyone in society focus on this issue as it is the only form of discrimination, prejudice, and abuse that affects all persons regardless of race, religion, sexuality, or other characteristics. With this mindset, Greg continues to actively participate in all opportunities to prevent elder abuse. This includes working with Seniors NL, the NL Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, and participating in government reviews of the provincial Adult Protection Act, among other committees and organisations. As a young man in one of the oldest provinces in the country, Greg recognises the needs of an aging population. Whether it be the physical, mental, emotional, financial, or other unique needs of the elder population, Greg has consistently geared his career to finding ways to make “golden years” truly golden.
Amy Peirone, Kingsville, Ontario 
Having recently completed her Ph.D. in Sociology with a Specialization in Social Justice, Dr. Amy Peirone is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher. Her research expertise is in research methodology and the study of various forms of violence. Amy’s current research explores the distinct types of intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by males and females in Canada and the multi-level factors related to these abusive experiences. In addition to her postdoctoral research, Amy is currently an Instructor at St. Clair College, where she teaches Criminology as well as Law, Power, and Social Justice. Other roles that Amy has taken on include Co-Director for the University of Windsor’s Health Research Centre for the Study of Violence Against Women, Coordinator for the Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee Windsor-Essex, and Amy is a long-standing member of the Board of Directors at St. Leonard’s House Windsor, a halfway house for federal offenders.
Honorary member
Elizabeth Podnieks, Toronto, Ontario
Elizabeth is one of the founding members of three key organizations in this area: Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA), CNPEA~RCPMTA, and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). She has served on the Executive for all three bodies and has actively promoted the value of Networks at all levels.
She was the architect of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in 2003 and Chair of the WEAAD Steering Committee.
For nearly a quarter century, Elizabeth has conducted research and published extensively in the area of abuse and neglect, as well as having supported the efforts of others. She has presented at numerous conferences, workshops, scientific and educational meetings at both the national and international level.
She received the Order of Canada for her work in the area of abuse prevention, including the first Canadian incidence study in 1989. On June 14th, 2012, she also received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of her lifetime commitment and efforts. Elizabeth was recently elected honorary director of the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. (United States)
She has been the source of passion and imagination on numerous initiatives in this area. She generated the project "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in Cyberspace" working with national and international partners to harness social media in raising awareness of senior abuse.
Elizabeth received the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) National Rosalie Wolf Award 2013 and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA)International Rosalie Wolf Award for 2013, becoming the first person to be the recipient of two Rosalie Wolf awards in the same year.
Strategic Objectives for 2019-2024
Since the launch of the Hub in 2015, CNPEA’s membership and reach increased by 35%, and CNPEA continues to ensure that projects and tools being developed are not lost, due to lack of dissemination or isolation. We also continue to build relationships with stakeholders, governments, and organizations, across sectors and disciplines to support our strategic goals. Over the past few years, CNPEA has also led projects on family violence and access to justice for older victims of sexual assault.
In order to support the Network’s expansion and CNPEA’s growth as a leader in knowledge exchange on elder abuse prevention and intervention in Canada and internationally, the Board of Directors has developed a new Strategic Planning for 2019-2024. This document presents the main pillars of this plan.
Strategic Plan Review
- Year 1 Review (2020) - Read it here
- Year 2 Review (2021) - Read it here
- Year 3 Review (2022) - Read it here NEW!
Knowledge Sharing Project (2013-2016)
The CNPEA Knowledge Sharing Project was a three-year initiative to support the exchange of ideas and resources among key stakeholders who are working to prevent and respond to elder abuse in Canada. Key goals of the Knowledge Sharing Project:
- Create mechanisms for sharing information about promising approaches in elder abuse prevention and response. This website exists to realize that goal. It is a national electronic hub for connecting service providers and seniors’ organizations. The hub serves as a central point of contact for elder abuse information and resources across Canada.
- Increase the capacity of organizations and networks to prevent and respond to cases of elder abuse, by
- facilitating access to reliable information and key resources
- connecting stakeholders to each other through the hub
Welcome to www.cnpea.ca,
the Knowledge-Sharing Hub!
What is it?
- A user-friendly website, informed by the expertise of CNPEA members. The content of this site is curated for and provided by elder abuse stakeholders from across the country.
- An interactive way to connect and collaborate with your peers and with experts, to share and find recent resources, and to blog about your views.
- A national platform - ideal to disseminate your research to a diverse audience.
- An overview of available resources, publications, research and promising projects for community members and stakeholders involved in a variety of sectors and disciplines.
- A source of information for elders in need.
Find it all here.
Explore the Hub...
1-Read:
- Browse our blog and resources. You can consult them by chronological order or by using the "Browse by Tag" option at the top right-hand corner of the page.
2- Be part of the community:
- Become a member (it's free) and stay informed of the latest news via our monthly newsletter
- Discover our online community at large: on Twitter, on Facebook or on LinkedIn. Connect with us in the way that suits you best.
3- Share your views
- Are you a student? Learn how you can become your school’s ambassador at CNPEA
- Become a guest blogger
- Can you think of a good resource? Did you find a gap? Let us know about it.
4- Provide feedback
- Use the "Feedback/Ideas" red tab on the left-hand side of your screen to let us know about your experience
The Knowledge-Sharing Hub was funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program (2013-2016).
