Senior Leadership Team
Senior Leadership Team
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Susan Bisaillon
President & CEO
Susan Bisaillon is a healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience in academic and large community healthcare organizations as well as the community. She has expertise in leading health system transformation and providing a coordinated approach across systems to improve organizational effectiveness. As a healthcare leader, Susan has overseen operations in various clinical programs, patient flow, infection prevention and control and implementation of strategic priorities associated with a hospital merger. Currently, she is Chief Executive Officer at Safehaven.
As a healthcare leader, Susan is recognized for her strategic and operational experience, focus on quality and leading system change. Prior to Safehaven, she was Chief Operating Officer at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. At Trillium Health Partners she was Associate Vice President, Operational Coordination and pre-merger at Trillium Health Centre held the positions of Executive Director of Clinical Operations and Director of Neuroscience / Musculoskeletal Health System and Complex Care.
At the University Health Network, she assumed several leadership positions including Clinical Educator in Critical Care, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Cardiology, and Nurse Manager for the Coronary Intensive Care Unit and Cardiac Catheterization Labs in the Peter Munk Cardiac Program.
Susan holds a Master of Science in Nursing
from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Nursing from Memorial University in Newfoundland, and a Registered Nursing diploma from Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.
Susan is a surveyor with Accreditation
Canada and Accreditation Canada International.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Susan Bisaillon
President & CEO
Susan Bisaillon is a healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience in academic and large community healthcare organizations as well as the community. She has expertise in leading health system transformation and providing a coordinated approach across systems to improve organizational effectiveness. As a healthcare leader, Susan has overseen operations in various clinical programs, patient flow, infection prevention and control and implementation of strategic priorities associated with a hospital merger. Currently, she is Chief Executive Officer at Safehaven.
As a healthcare leader, Susan is recognized for her strategic and operational experience, focus on quality and leading system change. Prior to Safehaven, she was Chief Operating Officer at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. At Trillium Health Partners she was Associate Vice President, Operational Coordination and pre-merger at Trillium Health Centre held the positions of Executive Director of Clinical Operations and Director of Neuroscience / Musculoskeletal Health System and Complex Care.
At the University Health Network, she assumed several leadership positions including Clinical Educator in Critical Care, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Cardiology, and Nurse Manager for the Coronary Intensive Care Unit and Cardiac Catheterization Labs in the Peter Munk Cardiac Program.
Susan holds a Master of Science in Nursing
from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Nursing from Memorial University in Newfoundland, and a Registered Nursing diploma from Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.
Susan is a surveyor with Accreditation
Canada and Accreditation Canada International.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Susan Bisaillon
President & CEO
Susan Bisaillon is a healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience in academic and large community healthcare organizations as well as the community. She has expertise in leading health system transformation and providing a coordinated approach across systems to improve organizational effectiveness. As a healthcare leader, Susan has overseen operations in various clinical programs, patient flow, infection prevention and control and implementation of strategic priorities associated with a hospital merger. Currently, she is Chief Executive Officer at Safehaven.
As a healthcare leader, Susan is recognized for her strategic and operational experience, focus on quality and leading system change. Prior to Safehaven, she was Chief Operating Officer at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. At Trillium Health Partners she was Associate Vice President, Operational Coordination and pre-merger at Trillium Health Centre held the positions of Executive Director of Clinical Operations and Director of Neuroscience / Musculoskeletal Health System and Complex Care.
At the University Health Network, she assumed several leadership positions including Clinical Educator in Critical Care, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Cardiology, and Nurse Manager for the Coronary Intensive Care Unit and Cardiac Catheterization Labs in the Peter Munk Cardiac Program.
Susan holds a Master of Science in Nursing
from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Nursing from Memorial University in Newfoundland, and a Registered Nursing diploma from Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.
Susan is a surveyor with Accreditation
Canada and Accreditation Canada International.
Dr. Ronik Kanani
Medical Director
Dr. Ronik Kanani joined Safehaven in July 2023 as Medical Director. Dr. Kanani completed medical school at the University of Calgary in 2001, and went on to complete his Paediatrics Residency at the University of Toronto in 2005. After residency, he worked full time at the SickKids as a Staff Paediatrician from 2005-2007. He then joined North York General Hospital (NYGH) in 2007. From 2013-2024, he was the Chief of Paediatrics and Co-Medical Director of the Maternal, Newborn and Paediatrics Program. In his role as Chief, he contributed to significant advancements and improvements to the quality of care in the Paediatrics Department. He sat on many hospital leadership committees, and also had oversight of the Genetics Department from 2022-2024.
Dr. Kanani’s main clinical area of interest is the care of children with medical complexity. In 2013, he started a satellite Complex Care Clinic at NYGH, which is currently the second largest clinic in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). He is also an outstanding educator, and enjoys teaching residents and medical students. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and has won several teaching awards over the years.
Dr. Kanani’s expertise in paediatric complex care and leadership experience will allow us to continue to enhance the quality of care we are providing at Safehaven.
Dr. Ronik Kanani
Medical Director
Dr. Ronik Kanani joined Safehaven in July 2023 as Medical Director. Dr. Kanani completed medical school at the University of Calgary in 2001, and went on to complete his Paediatrics Residency at the University of Toronto in 2005. After residency, he worked full time at the SickKids as a Staff Paediatrician from 2005-2007. He then joined North York General Hospital (NYGH) in 2007. From 2013-2024, he was the Chief of Paediatrics and Co-Medical Director of the Maternal, Newborn and Paediatrics Program. In his role as Chief, he contributed to significant advancements and improvements to the quality of care in the Paediatrics Department. He sat on many hospital leadership committees, and also had oversight of the Genetics Department from 2022-2024.
Dr. Kanani’s main clinical area of interest is the care of children with medical complexity. In 2013, he started a satellite Complex Care Clinic at NYGH, which is currently the second largest clinic in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). He is also an outstanding educator, and enjoys teaching residents and medical students. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and has won several teaching awards over the years.
Dr. Kanani’s expertise in paediatric complex care and leadership experience will allow us to continue to enhance the quality of care we are providing at Safehaven.
Dr. Ronik Kanani
Medical Director
Dr. Ronik Kanani joined Safehaven in July 2023 as Medical Director. Dr. Kanani completed medical school at the University of Calgary in 2001, and went on to complete his Paediatrics Residency at the University of Toronto in 2005. After residency, he worked full time at the SickKids as a Staff Paediatrician from 2005-2007. He then joined North York General Hospital (NYGH) in 2007. From 2013-2024, he was the Chief of Paediatrics and Co-Medical Director of the Maternal, Newborn and Paediatrics Program. In his role as Chief, he contributed to significant advancements and improvements to the quality of care in the Paediatrics Department. He sat on many hospital leadership committees, and also had oversight of the Genetics Department from 2022-2024.
Dr. Kanani’s main clinical area of interest is the care of children with medical complexity. In 2013, he started a satellite Complex Care Clinic at NYGH, which is currently the second largest clinic in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). He is also an outstanding educator, and enjoys teaching residents and medical students. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and has won several teaching awards over the years.
Dr. Kanani’s expertise in paediatric complex care and leadership experience will allow us to continue to enhance the quality of care we are providing at Safehaven.
Larissa Smit
Senior Director, Strategy and Systems Innovation
Larissa Smit joined Safehaven in January 2021 as Director of Strategy and Systems Innovation. She has held previous leadership roles in the health sector as Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Trillium Health Partners, Strategic Advisor at SickKids and Executive Director of Kids Health Alliance. She has extensive experience in government and politics as the Director of Health Policy to the Premier of Ontario where she was involved in the development of the health care transformation that established Ontario Health and Ontario Health Teams.
Larissa has a BA in Political Science from Brock University and completed her Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Ivey Business School (Western University) in 2022. Larissa’s expertise in strategy, policy, government relations and communications will support Safehaven’s future planning and growth.
Larissa Smit
Senior Director, Strategy and Systems Innovation
Larissa Smit joined Safehaven in January 2021 as Director of Strategy and Systems Innovation. She has held previous leadership roles in the health sector as Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Trillium Health Partners, Strategic Advisor at SickKids and Executive Director of Kids Health Alliance. She has extensive experience in government and politics as the Director of Health Policy to the Premier of Ontario where she was involved in the development of the health care transformation that established Ontario Health and Ontario Health Teams.
Larissa has a BA in Political Science from Brock University and completed her Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Ivey Business School (Western University) in 2022. Larissa’s expertise in strategy, policy, government relations and communications will support Safehaven’s future planning and growth.
Larissa Smit
Senior Director, Strategy and Systems Innovation
Larissa Smit joined Safehaven in January 2021 as Director of Strategy and Systems Innovation. She has held previous leadership roles in the health sector as Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Trillium Health Partners, Strategic Advisor at SickKids and Executive Director of Kids Health Alliance. She has extensive experience in government and politics as the Director of Health Policy to the Premier of Ontario where she was involved in the development of the health care transformation that established Ontario Health and Ontario Health Teams.
Larissa has a BA in Political Science from Brock University and completed her Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Ivey Business School (Western University) in 2022. Larissa’s expertise in strategy, policy, government relations and communications will support Safehaven’s future planning and growth.
Kimberly Hunter
Senior Director, Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety
Kimberly Hunter joined Safehaven in December 2023 as the Director of Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety. Kimberly has 20 years of experience working in the healthcare system at Bridgepoint Health (now Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). At CAMH, she took on progressively senior roles over her 17 years there supporting a large portfolio and was most recently the Director of Quality, Safety and Patient/Family Experience.
Kimberly is an occupational therapist and has a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Kimberly brings her expertise in advancing client- and family-centred care, and a culture of continuous quality improvement, innovation, and safety to Safehaven.
Kimberly Hunter
Senior Director, Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety
Kimberly Hunter joined Safehaven in December 2023 as the Director of Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety. Kimberly has 20 years of experience working in the healthcare system at Bridgepoint Health (now Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). At CAMH, she took on progressively senior roles over her 17 years there supporting a large portfolio and was most recently the Director of Quality, Safety and Patient/Family Experience.
Kimberly is an occupational therapist and has a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Kimberly brings her expertise in advancing client- and family-centred care, and a culture of continuous quality improvement, innovation, and safety to Safehaven.
Kimberly Hunter
Senior Director, Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety
Kimberly Hunter joined Safehaven in December 2023 as the Director of Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety. Kimberly has 20 years of experience working in the healthcare system at Bridgepoint Health (now Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). At CAMH, she took on progressively senior roles over her 17 years there supporting a large portfolio and was most recently the Director of Quality, Safety and Patient/Family Experience.
Kimberly is an occupational therapist and has a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Kimberly brings her expertise in advancing client- and family-centred care, and a culture of continuous quality improvement, innovation, and safety to Safehaven.
Rachel Truant
Senior Director, Philanthropy
Rachel Truant joined Safehaven in October 2023 as Director of Philanthropy. Rachel is a seasoned fundraising leader with over 15 years of experience fundraising for children and youth causes. Prior to joining Safehaven, Rachel was the Director, Resource Development at Abiona Centre for Infant and Early Mental Health and she also spent eight years fundraising for Geneva Centre for Autism.
Her entrepreneurial spirit has enabled her to build successful fundraising programs from the ground up. Her expertise lies in strategic fundraising plan development and execution, major gift fundraising, donor stewardship, and annual campaigns.
Rachel has a BA in International Development from Trent University.
Rachel Truant
Senior Director, Philanthropy
Rachel Truant joined Safehaven in October 2023 as Director of Philanthropy. Rachel is a seasoned fundraising leader with over 15 years of experience fundraising for children and youth causes. Prior to joining Safehaven, Rachel was the Director, Resource Development at Abiona Centre for Infant and Early Mental Health and she also spent eight years fundraising for Geneva Centre for Autism.
Her entrepreneurial spirit has enabled her to build successful fundraising programs from the ground up. Her expertise lies in strategic fundraising plan development and execution, major gift fundraising, donor stewardship, and annual campaigns.
Rachel has a BA in International Development from Trent University.
Rachel Truant
Senior Director, Philanthropy
Rachel Truant joined Safehaven in October 2023 as Director of Philanthropy. Rachel is a seasoned fundraising leader with over 15 years of experience fundraising for children and youth causes. Prior to joining Safehaven, Rachel was the Director, Resource Development at Abiona Centre for Infant and Early Mental Health and she also spent eight years fundraising for Geneva Centre for Autism.
Her entrepreneurial spirit has enabled her to build successful fundraising programs from the ground up. Her expertise lies in strategic fundraising plan development and execution, major gift fundraising, donor stewardship, and annual campaigns.
Rachel has a BA in International Development from Trent University.
Nicholas Joachimides
Director, Clinical Programs
Nicholas Joachimides joined Safehaven in July 2025 with more than 20 years of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership. He began his career in acute pediatrics at Scarborough General Hospital before spending over two decades at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where he advanced into leadership roles including Clinical Educator, Manager of Patient Safety and Infection Control, and Manager of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team.
He has also served as Executive Director of the Scarborough Academic Family Health Team and continues to work as a casual Corrections Nurse.
A Certified Pediatric Nurse and Certified Health Executive, Nicholas holds master’s degrees in Wound Healing (Western University), Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (University of Toronto), and Health Evaluation (University of Waterloo).
Nicholas brings extensive expertise in pediatric care, wound, ostomy and continence nursing, patient safety, and quality improvement to advance Safehaven’s clinical programs and commitment to excellence in care.
Nicholas Joachimides
Director, Clinical Programs
Nicholas Joachimides joined Safehaven in July 2025 with more than 20 years of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership. He began his career in acute pediatrics at Scarborough General Hospital before spending over two decades at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where he advanced into leadership roles including Clinical Educator, Manager of Patient Safety and Infection Control, and Manager of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team.
He has also served as Executive Director of the Scarborough Academic Family Health Team and continues to work as a casual Corrections Nurse.
A Certified Pediatric Nurse and Certified Health Executive, Nicholas holds master’s degrees in Wound Healing (Western University), Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (University of Toronto), and Health Evaluation (University of Waterloo).
Nicholas brings extensive expertise in pediatric care, wound, ostomy and continence nursing, patient safety, and quality improvement to advance Safehaven’s clinical programs and commitment to excellence in care.
Nicholas Joachimides
Director, Clinical Programs
Nicholas Joachimides joined Safehaven in July 2025 with more than 20 years of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership. He began his career in acute pediatrics at Scarborough General Hospital before spending over two decades at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where he advanced into leadership roles including Clinical Educator, Manager of Patient Safety and Infection Control, and Manager of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team.
He has also served as Executive Director of the Scarborough Academic Family Health Team and continues to work as a casual Corrections Nurse.
A Certified Pediatric Nurse and Certified Health Executive, Nicholas holds master’s degrees in Wound Healing (Western University), Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (University of Toronto), and Health Evaluation (University of Waterloo).
Nicholas brings extensive expertise in pediatric care, wound, ostomy and continence nursing, patient safety, and quality improvement to advance Safehaven’s clinical programs and commitment to excellence in care.
Nichola Higgs
Associate Director, Clinical Programs, Quality & Safety
Nichola Higgs joined Safehaven in 2016 as a Registered Practical Nurse and has since taken on progressive leadership roles, becoming Associate Director of Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety in 2023. With more than 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider and leader, she has built a strong foundation in both direct client care and team leadership, ensuring licensing standards are met and quality care is consistently delivered.
Passionate about pediatrics and inspired by Safehaven’s mission, Nichola is dedicated to advancing compassionate, high-quality care for children, youth, and adults with complex
care needs.
Nichola Higgs
Associate Director, Clinical Programs, Quality & Safety
Nichola Higgs joined Safehaven in 2016 as a Registered Practical Nurse and has since taken on progressive leadership roles, becoming Associate Director of Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety in 2023. With more than 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider and leader, she has built a strong foundation in both direct client care and team leadership, ensuring licensing standards are met and quality care is consistently delivered.
Passionate about pediatrics and inspired by Safehaven’s mission, Nichola is dedicated to advancing compassionate, high-quality care for children, youth, and adults with complex
care needs.
Nichola Higgs
Associate Director, Clinical Programs, Quality & Safety
Nichola Higgs joined Safehaven in 2016 as a Registered Practical Nurse and has since taken on progressive leadership roles, becoming Associate Director of Clinical Programs, Quality and Safety in 2023. With more than 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider and leader, she has built a strong foundation in both direct client care and team leadership, ensuring licensing standards are met and quality care is consistently delivered.
Passionate about pediatrics and inspired by Safehaven’s mission, Nichola is dedicated to advancing compassionate, high-quality care for children, youth, and adults with complex
care needs.
Charitable Business Number: 12659 9208 RR0001
Charitable Business Number: 12659 9208 RR0001
Charitable Business Number: 12659 9208 RR0001
