Meet the Speakers for Dying to Know
We’re excited to welcome back and introduce some new face to our lineup of experienced professionals in the field of end-of-life care at Dying To Know this fall. Read their bios below.
Yvonne Heath
In her 27 year nursing career, Yvonne Heath worked in the United States and Canada in many areas including emergency, chemotherapy, palliative care and hospice. She became disheartened by our society’s reluctance to talk about, plan and prepare for grief, transitions and end of life — causing excessive suffering. She suffered too, not knowing how to do it differently.
In 2015 she blazed a new trail to create social change and founded Love Your Life to Death and the I Just Showed Up Movement.
She shares her message with heart and humour. In 2019, she delivered her TEDx Talk — Transforming our Grief, by Just Showing Up.
Yvonne is most passionate about Supporting the Supporters and Creating Compassionate Communities. When they are not traveling, Yvonne and her husband Geordie (pronounced Jordy!) can be found wearing socks and sandals in their happy place in Huntsville with their cats, Calvin and Hobbes.
Lynn Weimer
Lynn Weimer has four decades of experience as a registered nurse, most of that time in the intensive care units. Today, she enjoys volunteering with Hospice of Waterloo Region, as well as raising butterflies and working in her gardens.
“I have met so many families in my years working with critically ill patients who had never discussed advance care planning. It was tragic to watch them go through the decision-making process without previous guidance regarding their loved one’s wishes. I hope the participants will discus their wishes with the important people in their lives.”
Patti Haskell
Patti Haskell had an extensive career in education and retired as the Director of Education for the Waterloo Region District School Board. She has also led many leadership and mentoring programs while also serving on numerous boards. She spends much of her time in retirement volunteering for a number of local organizations including Hospice of Waterloo Region.
“Having lost friends and family members, who experienced exceptional care and loving support through hospice locations across Ontario, I want to give back in appreciation for the support my loves ones have received. I would like others to realize that they are not alone and that Hospice can support them on their journey.”
Emily Cooper (she/her)
Field Superintendent | Community Paramedicine
Guelph Wellington Paramedic Service
City of Guelph
“Emily Cooper has been a paramedic since 2005 and is currently a Superintendent with the Guelph Wellington Community Paramedicine program. Emily has been involved in Community Paramedicine since it’s inception and has facilitated the growth and development of this innovative model of community-based healthcare. Community paramedics provide effective and timely healthcare and advocate for clients, and their families so they may remain at home safely.”
Dr. Kathryn Mannix
Kathryn trained in general internal medicine and then moved sideways from training in medical oncology to develop her interest in palliative care. Kathryn took early retirement in 2016 to campaign for better public understanding of dying. Her first book With The End In Mind was shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize, became a Sunday Times best-seller, and has been translated into 16 languages so far. Her second book, Listen: how to find the words for Tender Conversations, was published to critical acclaim in 2021.
Kathryn writes, broadcasts, podcasts and lectures across the UK and around the world, both for public information (e.g. BBC, CBC, New Zealand Broadcasting Company) and for medical audiences (e.g. Royal College of Emergency Medicine 2019 and 2024; McGill Palliative Care Institute 2023; Intensive Care Society 2023; UK Palliative Care Congress 2019 and 2022; New Zealand Palliative Care Nurses Association 2024). She has been a friend and supporter of Hospice Waterloo volunteers for several years and is delighted to be coming back to visit in 2024.
Dr. Erica Dickie
Dr. Erica Dickie, the founder of Black Creek Mobile Veterinary Services in Perth County, provides compassionate end-of-life care to pets in the comfort of their homes. Upon completion of her degree at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2011, she expanded her expertise by becoming a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian in 2020 and completing Pet Loss Grief Specialist Training in 2023. Dr. Erica’s mission revolves around honouring the bond, life, and love shared with our animal companions. Currently, she is palliating her 16-year-old ginger tabby, Porter, through gastrointestinal lymphoma & arthritis. Dr. Erica's recent initiative, Pet Comfort Vet, provides valuable end-of-life education through online courses, community, and support. She is a passionate advocate for animal end-of-life care and loves connecting with pet lovers, caregivers, and veterinary professionals alike in fostering open dialogue on compassionate comfort care and pet euthanasia.