Our Team

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Antonia Palmer (she/her)

Executive Director

Antonia entered the world of cancer in 2009 when her two-year-old son was diagnosed with stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma.  Antonia is the co-founder of Advocacy for Canadian Childhood Oncology Research Network (Ac2orn), founder of Neuroblastoma Canada, past inaugural chair of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) Patient and Family Advisory Committee, research advocate for the St. Baldrick’s-Stand Up to Cancer Pediatric Cancer Dream Team (now called EPICC), BioCanRx board member, and volunteers for other cancer-focused organizations and projects in Canada and internationally.  She is a published author and co-author of two advocate-only articles published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Pediatric Blood & Cancer, examining issues of importance to the childhood cancer community. 

 

Antonia's passion to make a difference includes community initiatives and giving.  She focuses on building meaningful and respectful partnerships to establish innovative and high-impact programs such as the Youth Mental Health Grant and the Kindred Cares grant for palliative and hospice care. She volunteers regularly with the Burlington Hub Food Programs and Weston Area Emergency Support. 

Antonia holds a master’s degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo and lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband Aaron and their three beautiful boys, Nate, Alex and Jonathan - who fill her heart with pride and love every day.  Whenever possible, Antonia is out running (road and trail), spending time outside, and growing her new love of cycling.


Please email Antonia if you have any questions or comments about Kindred Foundation.

Leah Monette (she/her)

Program Manager

Leah has been involved in the cancer research field since 2017. This began with laboratory work, which progressed into an Honours thesis at Queen’s University and a Master’s degree from the University of Ottawa. This was followed by clinical research experience aimed at improving oncological outcomes and perioperative procedures.

Leah has always enjoyed volunteering for different organizations and participating in community support initiatives. In her spare time Leah likes to keep active through a variety of sports including skiing, running, biking, soccer and skating. Food has always been one of Leah's biggest passions so she loves spending time cooking, baking and trying new restaurants. Leah has had the opportunity to travel to many countries and continues travelling to learn about different ways of life, try new cuisines and hike mountains.

At Kindred Foundation, Leah gets to combine and expand her experience and interests to help make a difference in various areas that need support.