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
Rick Connolly
Board Chair
Rick was Principal with Foremost Solutions Consulting Group, which specialized in negotiations. Prior to founding Foremost Solutions, he served several years in multiple executive positions with the B.C. Government, including Deputy Minister of Labour as well as Assistant Deputy Minister of Education.
“I lost my best friend to prostate cancer, and now live with with prostate cancer myself. Having been a user of the services, I felt it was time to give back and has done this by volunteering to serve on the Island Prostate Centre board.”
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”.
Dean Bethune
Board Treasurer
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”.
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.”
Ian Booth
Board Member
Ian has over 30 years of experience as a police officer and firefighter, retiring as an Assistant Fire Chief. Volunteering for over ten years with the Victoria Highland Games Association, Ian contributed significantly to the fundraising for and design of their Community Centre.
“Working with Island Prostate Centre is important to me because it allows me to contribute to a cause that impacts many lives. My background in public service has instilled a deep commitment to community well-being. By supporting the Centre, I can help advance vital health initiatives and provide support to those affected by prostate cancer.”
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.”
Gaynor Jackson
Board Member
Gaynor spent 28 years of her professional career as the Executive Director of the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to enhance the quality of life for military families. She has served on several national committees in efforts to enhance the quality of life for families in the military family community.
“I have lost several family members to various cancers, so am committed to working with the Island Prostate Centre team in supporting patients and their families across the Island.”
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.”
Download the independent evaluation summary of IPC’s impacts & opportunities:
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We’re a small but mighty team looking to get mightier by adding some extraordinary new members. Maybe that’s you.