Community Representatives 2025: Profiles

Florence was diagnosed with RRMS in December 2019, just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeling isolated after her diagnosis, she turned to MS Canada’s Knowledge Network and began attending webinars and an online peer support group. Since then, Florence has become an active volunteer in the MS community, serving as an MS Ambassador and co-facilitating the Atlantic Canada MS Peer Support Group. Florence graduated as a Registered Nurse before switching careers to be a pharmaceutical representative for over 20 years.

As the sixth person in her family to be diagnosed with MS, Florence has a strong interest in research focused on risk factors and genetics.

Ardra Shephard was diagnosed with MS in 2001. She is the creator and host of AMI-TV’s Fashion Dis and the creator of Tripping on Air, an award-winning blog and podcast. Ardra is the author of Fallosophy, a memoir about finding confidence, identity, and meaning while living with chronic illness. Through storytelling and community engagement, she works to empower others navigating life with MS. 

As a Community Representative, Ardra is excited to learn more about upcoming research projects and to bring the perspective of someone living with MS to these important conversations.

Benjamin lives in Toronto with his two teenagers and partner, and works in the renewable energy sector as a Senior Land & Community Manager. After being diagnosed with RRMS in 2025, Benjamin is eager to bring a patient’s perspective to shape upcoming research and to ensure that lived experience is part of the conversation. Benjamin’s mother also lived with MS, giving him a unique multigenerational understanding of MS and its impact.

Benjamin is interested in research that impacts day-to-day life, such as managing symptoms more effectively through medication, diet, and exercise. As a Community Representative, Benjamin hopes to bring insight around topics like treatment side effects, barriers to access, and quality of life. 

After being diagnosed with MS, Christine experienced the emotional rollercoaster familiar to many — from shock and denial to grief and finally acceptance. 

Through MS Canada, she discovered a sense of connection and support among others living with MS. Over the years, Christine has participated in several fundraising events, offered peer support through MS Canada's 1:1 Peer Support Program, and completed the MS Canada Mentorship Program.

Christine has spent several decades working in London, Vienna, and Toronto as a financial engineer and risk management specialist for global financial institutions. Her analytical mindset now fuels her interest in MS research, particularly studies focused on improving treatment, care, and quality of life for people affected by MS.

Andrea was a caregiver to her mother who had progressive MS, and now lives with MS herself. Andrea has been volunteering with MS Canada from a young age. She has participated in events such as MS Walk, Burgers to Beat MS, and runs a local support group. Andrea is also a proud MS Ambassador and has met with elected officials to advocate for MS Canada’s mission of a world-free of MS.

Andrea is excited about the future of MS research, especially in areas such as myelin repair and the role of rehabilitation and physiotherapy in symptom management.

Heidi was diagnosed with RRMS at the age of 12. She co-founded one of the first young adult MS groups in Manitoba and is inspired every day by the people she meets in the MS community. As a Community Representative, Heidi is honoured to serve in this role and to help ensure the voices of people affected by MS are heard. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Community Health and Disability Studies. She is passionate about supporting vulnerable populations and helping them navigate the healthcare system.

Heidi’s research interest focus on mental health and MS, as many symptoms remain invisible but have a significant impact on quality of life.

Ingrid brings over 35 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. After her husband was diagnosed with MS, she applied her strategic thinking and collaborative skills to better understand MS to support her husband. Ingrid was inspired to become involved with MS Canada to support others navigating their MS journey, as either a person living with MS or as a caregiver, and to amplify the voices of everyone affected by MS.

As a Community Representative, Ingrid hopes to gain a deeper knowledge of MS research and to amplify the voices of those affected by the disease.  She also brings a unique perspective as a caregiver to her husband living with MS.

Louise brings over 30 years of experience in government scientific research as either a researcher or in managing research programs. Based on her experience, Louise understands the value of community input in evaluating research proposals, recognizing that this feedback helps identify research with the greatest potential impact.

Louise’s son was diagnosed with MS in 2020. His MS is now well-managed with medication that was not available just a few years ago, highlighting the importance of investing in research. Louise has a special interest in research in genetics related to MS and other inflammatory diseases. 

Mavra is a registered psychotherapist with five years of diverse research experience. Diagnosed with RRMS in 2025, Mavra is passionate about supporting others through health challenges. She will draw on her lived experience as an immigrant woman of colour to highlight the unique challenges faced by immigrant and marginalized communities. As a Community Representative, Mavra hopes to gain insight into how priorities are set in MS research.

Mavra is interested in research that explores the experiences of immigrant people of colour and MS, as well as improving access to education and support services for those living with MS.

Derek is a recipient of the Opal Award and has been a volunteer and fundraiser for several MS Walks. He became involved with MS Canada following his wife’s MS diagnosis, and remains inspired by her positivity and happiness. He has witnessed the change in MS diagnosis, treatment, and management due to advances in research over the past 30 years.

As a previous Community Representative, Derek understands the various areas of MS research and the important role Community Representatives play in the review process. He is excited to serve again and is particularly interested in research on Progressive MS, which affected his wife, Darleen.