Administrative Team

Jim Bowen is a clinical research manager within the Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative and Program Manager for the Health Technology Assessment and Network Analytics program within Diabetes Action Canada. His research interests include the development of methods related to the conduct of clinical trials, and other studies, designed to help inform health policy decisions related to technologies and interventions used within the health system.

Shannon Carkner is the Campaign Director for the diabetes campaign at UHN Foundation. Shannon is a passionate and experienced fundraiser and certified CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive), with a track record of achieving campaign results, primarily in the heath charity landscape. Her deep passion for the diabetes community is evidenced by her 5 years with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) prior to joining UHN Foundation to focus on the diabetes portfolio. Shannon is deeply committed to serving the diabetes community by raising the much needed funds to address the relentless and devastating impacts of living with diabetes.

Tracey Chambers, RN, MScN, is the research coordinator on the study, Aging, Community and Health Research Unit (ACHRU) Community Partnership Program for Diabetes Self-Management for Older Adults – Canada. Tracey is a Registered Nurse and has experience in conducting multi-site RCTs related to older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

Krista Lamb is the Communications Lead for Diabetes Action Canada. She is a writer, communications professional and podcast host. Krista specializes in helping translate complex medical, scientific and health-related topics into interesting and understandable stories for diverse mediums. In addition, Krista is the producer and host of multiple podcasts, including the Actions on Diabetes Podcast with Diabetes Action Canada. Her first book, Beyond Banting: From insulin to islet transplants, decoding Canada’s diabetes research superstars, is available now from Rock’s Mills Press.

Carlos Larrain Herrera joins Diabetes Action Canada after working as an Administrative Assistant with the Toronto General Research Hospital Institute at UHN. He brings years of experience from his role as a client success specialist and project manager in the start-up community where he managed client portfolios, developed business relationships, and created operational processes. He holds a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Chemistry and Biology with a minor in French Studies from the University of Toronto. While at university, he joined many student organizations in senior leadership positions including LSAS, MoveU, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and NAMUN. Coupled with his experience in the start-up sector, Carlos brings years of experience in time management, team work, organization, and interpersonal skills to the team.

Mildred Lim graduated in Economics from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. Her current role as the Business Officer at Diabetes Action Canada is to administer the financial matters and inter-institutional agreements for the Network, as well as provide administrative support to the Steering Council and its Standing Committees. Prior to joining the team at Diabetes Action Canada, Mildred provided administrative support to the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Toronto and the Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative. Mildred had considerable experience in coordinating the secretariat functions of the board of governors and senate, as well, the graduation ceremony of a tertiary institution in Singapore before her move to Canada.

Julie Makarski is the new DAC 2.0 Knowledge Mobilization Research Manager and Implementation Support Practitioner (2022). She brings 20+ years of research and leadership experience to the role, including knowledge mobilization and implementation science and practice. Julie has also held various roles in the health and social care fields including client-facing and volunteer roles involving program development and relationship building with various partners. 

Michelle Murray is the coordinator for the Training and Mentoring Program at Diabetes Action Canada. Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the Université de Moncton. Since her appointment in January 2017, Michelle has contributed to the development of the Training and Mentoring Program Performance Strategy and its Mentorship, Internship and Fellowship Programs. She has also collaborated with partners at Diabetes Canada in the organization of the Diabetes Canada Trainee Days offered in conjunction with the Diabetes Canada Professional Conference in the fall. Michelle also organizes and coordinates Patient-Oriented Research (POR) Training Sessions in both English and French. Michelle looks forward to working more closely with patient partners, trainees and researchers in developing future training sessions that will better address their needs.

Linxi Mytkolli started with Diabetes Action Canada as a Patient Partner for over a year, she is now excited to join the team in her new capacity as the Lead of Patient Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization. Prior to joining DAC, she was a Senior Program Manager supporting a national suicide prevention and life promotion program with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. In this work, she focused on centering the wisdom of those with lived and living experience, while also translating findings from academic partners into tangible tools for the participating communities. In addition to her leadership in the mental health space, Linxi has more than six years of experience leading national programs in urban research, youth wellbeing, and sustainability in healthcare. Linxi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biopharmaceutical Sciences (uOttawa) and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from the University of Toronto.

Conrad Pow holds the position of Senior Lead for Digital Health and has the responsibility of overseeing the National Diabetes Repository. This virtual platform plays a crucial role in securely analyzing primary care data. Conrad’s main areas of expertise lie in data governance and acquisition, ensuring privacy-preserving record linkage, and nurturing relationships with data partners, stakeholders, and industry leaders. His educational background includes studying Business Management with a specialization in Human Resources Management at Sheridan College. Notably, Conrad served as the College’s Senator for Community and Liberal Studies, showcasing his commitment to the institution. In 2014, he obtained a certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Conrad’s skill set encompasses various specialties, such as Project Management, Data Governance, Relationship Management, Government Liaison, and Process Management.