Leeann is the Executive Director at the Clinic and has been a member of the management team since 2012. She loves toast, cats, and music. In 2020, she founded a rock band with her husband called The Looks. Leeann is passionate about equitable health care and gets a great deal of satisfaction from participating in the local redesign of the health and social system, so it can be client-centered, and easy to access.
Melissa has been the Administrative Assistant since the clinic opened in 2012, but she can be seen doing all sorts of odd jobs around the clinic. If it needs to be done, Melissa is always there to help! In her role, she provides support to the clinical and administrative staff with the many hats she wears. Her passion is digital tools and efficiency. She loves to learn, teach and support the staff with the latest tech, to ensure better health outcomes for clients and high-quality care. She also enjoys supporting clients with navigating the health and social system, by providing clients with a wide range of resources, support and information about how to access them.
When she is not working, she enjoys catching up with family, friends and her teenage son, whether fishing, playing catch, or taking a road trip. She lives in the country with her family and family pets, her dog Duke, and cats Tom, and Benny. She also has a small family run maple syrup operation called “Cumpson Sugar Swamp.” She has recently started bee keeping and loves the learning that comes with her new hobby.
Christine is an experienced medical admin professional and has been a medical secretary with the SFNPLC since 2020. She enjoys discovering all that the town of Smiths Falls has to offer.
She currently resides in Merrickville with her partner and her fur baby Duke, a husky mix. Having a husky means being outdoors often, enjoying camping, trail hikes, swimming and fishing. Although winter may be Duke’s favorite time of year, it is not Christine’s, so whenever possible she can be found indoors reading or crafting during the cold winter months!
Melissa is a medical secretary at the SFNPLC. She is born and raised in Smiths Falls. She enjoys welcoming familiar and new faces to the clinic.
She has two small girls who keep her on her toes. She enjoys spending lots of time with her family and friends, playing outdoors, swimming and going for bike rides. In her spare time, she also enjoys kayaking and gardening.
Jackie has been a Nurse Practitioner at the clinic since 2014. She provides primary care to her registered clients, as well as assisting with clinical operations as a NP Co-Lead. Jackie is married with two young children. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family biking, hiking, and camping. When she’s not outside, you can find her quietly enjoying a book or puzzle to relax.
Amie has been a Nurse Practitioner at the clinic since 2018, and her role is providing primary care, as well as assisting with clinical operations as a NP Co-Lead. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading, hiking with her husband, travelling, knitting, and hanging out with her family dogs, and cat.
I’m Clare Barnes, a Nurse Practitioner who enjoys caring for patients through all stages of life with a focus on health promotion and patient-centered care. Recently, I’ve stepped into the role of NP Co-Lead, which has given me the opportunity to contribute to our clinic in a different way.
Outside of the clinic, I’m happiest spending time with my three kids and husband – whether we’re at the cottage, hiking or just enjoying being outside. Running is another passion of mine, and I find it’s a way for me to recharge.
Ruth is one of our NPs and has been with the clinic since 2020 and recently went into the role of NP Co-Lead at the clinic. She is passionate about healthy living to prevent illness, and empowering clients to take control of their health. She is a proud mama of 3 kids and has been happily married to her sweetheart for 27 years. In her spare time, she enjoys downhill skiing, running, camping with her family, reading and gardening – especially plants you can eat!
Barb has been a Registered Nurse at the clinic since the fall of 2012. She has enjoyed caring for many babies and watching them grow over the years. She loves spending time with her family and friends and caring for the many animals on her farm. She also enjoys travelling, gardening, kayaking and reading. She has two labs named Gunner and Maverick.
Steph has been a Registered Nurse at the Smiths Falls Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic since 2022. She is passionate about health promotion, disease prevention, and anything cardiac related. She enjoys learning something new every day and caring for all different age groups.
In her spare time, you can find her outside relaxing with her family – and her 2 dogs; Charlie and Millie. In the winter, you can find her cheering on her favorite team #GoSensGo”
Marcia is a Registered Nurse at the SFNPLC. She sees clients of all ages for a variety of care needs. She loves caring for families, children and babies and helping them navigate their health journeys.
When she is not at work, she loves to spend time with her husband and 3 fur babies, Oliver, Hamish, and Kit (2 dogs + 1 cat). She loves to travel, find new places to explore (and shop, of course), and watch Star Wars. She is also a very proud big sister and loves to visit her family’s farm every chance she can. She loves meeting new clients at the SFNPLC and looks forward to every opportunity she has to help someone achieve better health.
Valerie is a registered social worker dedicated to advancing health equity and building stronger, healthier communities. She brings a deep commitment to anti-oppressive practice and works to foster inclusive, non-judgmental spaces where individuals feel supported and empowered. With a relational approach, Valerie meets people where they’re at and walks alongside them through life’s complexities. She believes that meaningful change happens when care is grounded in dignity, respect, and community collaboration. Outside of work, Valerie is a lifelong learner who enjoys hiking, watching reality TV, and spending time with her dog.
Kristina is a Registered Dietitian (MScFN, RD), proud Jamaican/ Canadian, and lover of all thing’s food, fun, and flavour. Kristina immigrated to Canada as a child, grew up in Brampton, and made the move to Southeastern Ontario during the pandemic…because why not change everything at once?
When she’s not talking about fibre, blood sugar, or meal prep, you’ll probably find her laughing, dancing in her kitchen, or chasing after her very opinionated rescue dog, Daphne.
She’s also a big fan of Pilates, aerial hoop (the circus kind!), and saying yes to just about every local event she can find. If there’s music, food, or something going on, she’ll be there, with snacks in hand.
Professionally, Kristina has earned a master’s in food & nutrition from Western University and completed her dietetic training across Ontario, working with all kinds of folks from all walks of life. She specializes in real-world, culturally sensitive nutrition that fits into your life.
Caribbean food? Love it. New Canadians navigating our wild grocery aisles? She’s been there. Complicated health stuff? Let’s tackle it together with practical advice, zero judgment, and maybe a few laughs along the way (if you can stand her jokes).
Whether you’re looking for help with your health goals, meal planning, or just want to know what chia seeds are good for, she’s here to help. At the Smiths Falls NPLC, her goal is to make nutrition easy, doable, affordable, and fun.
Lorne is a Pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator who has 40 years of experience with patient centred care and management in both community Pharmacy practice and the current clinical role he fulfills at the SFNPLC.
When not at work, Lorne finds relaxation hiking with his wife, walking his Bernese Mountain Dog, or experimenting in the kitchen- his personal favourite: sourdough pizza!
