About
Island Prostate Centre (IPC) is the only non-profit that guides and empowers Vancouver Island patients and their families as they navigate the uncertainty of a prostate cancer diagnosis.
We uniquely offer the time and space you need to explore your options and human supports so you never walk alone.
Our Staff
Leanne Kopp
Executive Director
As Executive Director, I’m dedicated to building community capacity and relationships that better the health journey of men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families. After 25 years in the non-profit sector, I’ve seen the impact our work can have in the community. It motivates me to push for strong organizational leadership and a ‘people first’ perspective.
Holly Heinz
Nurse Navigator
As a Nurse Navigator, I guide prostate cancer patients throughout their cancer journey, supporting their physical, mental and emotional needs along the way.
I started my nursing career, working on a variety of units (including oncology and urology) as a travel nurse in the United States. For the last 17 years and prior to starting at Island Prostate Centre, I have been a nurse educator, teaching in a registered nursing program.
Our Board of Directors
Svein Haugen
Board Chair
Svein recently retired as a realtor with RE/MAX Camosun. Prior to that, he retired from the BC Public Service after a 35-year career applying his financial, analytical and management expertise as a CPA-CGA, primarily working on multi-billion dollar highway projects.
“I’d participated in the Ride to Live event for many years, but it was a total surprise when I discovered I had prostate cancer during a Men’s Health Day clinic. I owe IPC so much for my early diagnosis. A role with the Board is my way of giving back.”
Lisa Nye
Board Vice Chair
Lisa is a consultant and business owner with expertise in policy, negotiations, strategic planning, and Indigenous engagement. Through her consultancy and 28 years with the BC Government, she has built extensive personal and business networks.
“Within my circle of friends, I’ve witnessed the struggles of those facing prostate cancer. I want to do what I can to sustain and grow IPC support services.”
Sheila Schmidt
Board Secretary
Sheila is a retired registered nurse and worked in acute care at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for over 30 years with many of those years spent working in oncology and caring for men with prostate cancer.
“We all know someone who has received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Recently I lost my uncle to the disease. Happily, I also have friends who are living their lives and thriving due to advances in diagnosis and treatment. Volunteering with Island Prostate Centre gives me the opportunity to give back and spread the word that support is available”.
Robert Attwell
Board Member
Rob is Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Careteam Technologies, a digital health platform designed to improve the care journey of people with complex conditions. He is the past Chair of the Neil Squire Society a national not-for-profit serving people with disabilities.
“I have seen many friends experience the challenges of prostate cancer and the difficulty of making treatment decisions, they have all needed support in their journey.”
Sharon Torgerson
Board Member
Sharon has over 25 years of progressive leadership experience across both public and private sector in Human Resources. Sharon brings with her a wealth of experience in BC Health Care from serving as an executive for BC Clinical and Support Services (BCCSS) to currently serving as an Island Health Vice President. .
“I joined the board of IPC to enable additional supports for men and their families as they navigate the difficult diagnosis of Prostate Cancer. In the last five years I have watched family and friends struggle with getting the help and advice they needed.”
Sandy Dudzinski
Board Member
Sandy is a part owner of an online company and has over 30 years experience in sales, marketing and communications. She has applied these skills to help grow the business within Canada and the US.
We have all been affected by family members and friends who have struggled with the diagnosis, treatment and after care of cancer. I have joined the IPC board to assist in the growth of support services provided.
Keerene Carty
Board Member
Keerene is a Victoria-based senior professional with over 15 years of management and leadership experience in marketing and business development. She has actively marketed health products and services, contributing to numerous public health campaigns across North America. Keerene now leverages her expertise in the non-profit sector to support IPC’s mission.
“I joined IPC because a close relative of mine was diagnosed with prostate cancer, profoundly affecting him and our entire family. Thankfully, he is now in remission thanks to early detection. This experience has fueled my dedication to ensuring that others receive the crucial support they need during such challenging times.”
Dean Bethune
Board Member
Dean Bethune is a Chartered Professional Accountant (Chartered Accountant) residing in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He has held senior executive roles with both public and private enterprises in the fields of renewable energy solutions, oil and gas (oilfield services), manufacturing, and information technology.
“Joining the board of Island Prostate Centre is a personal journey intertwined with a collective mission. As a new member, I am driven by the belief that together, through advocacy, education, and research, we can empower individuals, families, and communities affected by prostate cancer. Each step forward is a testament to our shared commitment to turning awareness into progress and hope into healing”.
Download the independent evaluation summary of IPC’s impacts & opportunities:
Make us better.
We’re a small but mighty team looking to get mightier by adding some extraordinary new members. Maybe that’s you.