Who we are

Ron Kassies is a Financial Advisor at IPC Investment Corporation and works with his clients to set realistic and comfortable retirement plans. Prior to this, Ron was involved with a financial services startup at EWA Capital Partners. He was also Vice President of Business Planning and Strategic Initiatives at Investment Planning Counsel for ten years and before that held a variety of financial leadership roles in the retail industry including the Club Monaco and Footlocker brands. Ron has been participating in the Healing Cycle Ride since 2010 and was a Top 10 Fundraiser numerous times. He joined The Healing Cycle Foundation in 2013 as a member of the Advisory Committee, was elected to the Board in 2014, and became Board Chair in 2015. Ron was also the past Chair of the Glenway Preservation Association, helping a group of residents fight the development of the golf course community in which they used to live.

Gary Mistak has extensive experience both domestically and internationally in the Communications Infrastructure products market. Currently the Senior Vice President of Anixter Canada Inc., he is responsible for the sales and profitability of the Enterprise Cabling & Security Solutions division. Throughout his career he has held a number of roles of increasing responsibility and geographic scope and has been recognized on numerous occasions for sales and operational target achievements. A graduate of the Commerce program at Queen’s University, Gary also holds a CPA, CMA designation from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.

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An avid sports fan and participant, Gary has experience coaching youth activities. He recently completed a long-term Board assignment for the Lake Association where he owns a cottage. He joined The Healing Cycle Foundation in 2013 as a member of the Advisory Committee and was elected to the Board in 2014.

Helen has recently returned to Toronto after spending the past four years as the Chief Operating Officer for Artex, a privately held, national fine art services company headquartered in Washington, DC.  Helen’s 25-year business background includes leadership roles spanning a wide spectrum of industries and covering various stages of company growth - from start-up to acquisition.  Today, she works as a strategic advisor to a select group of business owners of privately held companies; assisting them to realize their company’s potential. She holds an MBA Ivey School of Business – Western University and a combined BA (Economics & Law) from Carleton University.

On a personal note, Helen has welcomed the opportunity to become a member of the Healing Cycle Board in 2019 and contribute to the Board’s efforts in supporting hospice palliative care.

Robert Jessup-Ramsay is deeply committed to palliative hospice care in Ontario.  He has worked as a senior Human Resources leader who has worked extensively in the public and private sectors, including leading his own strategic HR consulting business.. He has a Master of Applied Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.

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Robert has written for Carswell Publishing's Best Practices: Strategic Human Resources Management; and co-authored the book, “HR Managers’ Guide to Employee Wellness Programs”. In addition to being a Board Member of TCHF, he is a palliative care and bereavement volunteer at Dorothy Ley Hospice.
 

Glen Farrell is a highly skilled and experienced Technical consultant with a proven track record of success in the industry. With over two decades of experience working with a wide range of clients, he has developed a deep understanding of the latest technologies and how to apply them effectively to solve complex business challenges. In addition to his technical expertise, Glen is known for his strong communication skills and ability to build and maintain client relationships. Whether leading a team of developers or working independently, Glen consistently delivers high-quality results and exceeds expectations.

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Glen Farrell is the founder of a successful consulting firm after transitioning from a large public company. His love for cycling and belief in its ability to improve both physical and mental health was solidified after it helped him recover from a heart attack. Glen is grateful for the positive impact cycling has had on his life and is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and improve their well-being through this beloved activity.

Pearl has over 30 years’ experience in Finance and Accounting including 13 years in the charitable sector in senior roles.  Her last 8 years before retiring were spent as the Director of Finance at HeartHouse Hospice.  She has an MBA from York University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Pearl first learned of Hospice care when a friend spent the last month of her life in Carpenter House Hospice in Burlington. 

Pearl was pleasantly surprised to find the Hospice was a home-like and welcoming environment.  Pearl was excited to join The Healing Cycle Foundation as the Treasurer as a way of supporting the Hospice community. 

Colin Hayes is a Toronto-based nonprofit enthusiast with a passion for marketing. With three years of experience at the Healing Cycle Foundation and prior work with the Pinball Clemons Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, and Epilepsy Foundation, Colin is well-versed in the charitable sector.

As the founder of Colin Hayes Marketing Inc., he has fostered relationships with over 10 long-term partners and worked with more than 50 brands. Strong understanding of digital marketing and social media, with a track record of delivering measurable results for clients. Proven ability to adapt to changing market conditions and stay ahead of industry trends. Passionate about helping businesses succeed and grow.

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