Meet our Board

Board Chair

I have over 15 years of experience in healthcare finance, starting at Brant Community Healthcare System in Finance and Decision Support, and serving for the past 11 years as Senior Director of Accounts Payable Services and Site Facilities Management at Mohawk Medbuy Corporation. Throughout this time, I have been actively involved with GRCHC, including seven years of Board service. This fall, I will complete my eighth and final year on the Board. I greatly admire GRCHC’s growth and its commitment to serving the community through diverse programs and services.

Treasurer

Wanda Mersereau, MA, is a healthcare and communications professional with extensive experience in financial services leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client experience management across healthcare, education, and community organizations.With a strong background in organizational strategy, reporting, and process improvement, Wanda is committed to strengthening systems that improve patient and community experiences while supporting financial responsibility and equitable access to care.Wanda has a special interest in health literacy, health equity, and improving healthcare experiences for marginalized populations, with a commitment to advancing inclusive, accessible, and patient-centered systems of care.

Director

Ashish Patel is an entrepreneur specializing in hospitality and property operations, with a focus on efficiency and regulatory compliance. He has practical experience in managing accommodations and delivering consistent service standards, and is committed to supporting the local community through responsible business practices. He serves on several City of Brantford Advisory Committees and Boards, including the Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area, Grand River Community Health Centre, Committee of Adjustment, and Economic Development, Tourism, and Cultural Initiatives. He also serves as a member of the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) at the Real Estate Council of Ontario, supporting a safe and informed real estate marketplace.

Director

I am very excited to serve on the Board of Directors for the Grand River Community Health Center. I am a life long resident of Brantford with a background professional background in Social Services. I have a dedication in community involvement being a current Kiwanian and a past JCI Brantford member and I look forward to carrying this commitment over to the Board at GRCHC.

Director

Committee Membership: Chair of the Human Resources & Board Development Committee / Member of the Riverside Hub Transition & Incorporation Committee

Derek Bond is a life-long resident of Brantford. He is an active volunteer and community leader, having spent most of his adult life giving back to the community he loves. His career focus has been and still lies in the Music/Arts and Education sectors. A near life-ending medical crisis and lengthy recovery which began in 2022 caused him to think that it was time to contribute to the Health sector, resulting in his joining the team at the GRCHC in September, 2025 as a Board Director.

Director

I was born in Brantford as well as my husband and two adult children and 5 grandchildren. My career was with Hallmark Canada as a Sales Manager and I am now retired. I have been a health care advocate ever since my mother went to a retirement home in 2009 and then into long term care. Since then many family members have journeyed down the path of health care and I have been a caregiver for many of them. I became aware of the programs that Grand River Community Healthcare Centre offers to our community and was very impressed. I wanted to be a part of this worthwhile organization and have been a board member since 2024.

Director

Joan is a retired registered nurse and public health manager who has worked both overseas an in Brantford/Brant. Brantford is her hometown and she gets great satisfaction working with others in our community to improve the health and well-being of everyone. Being a Board Member at the GRCHC offers a strong opportunity to continue to learn about the  people, issues and solutions within our community. 

Director

Committee: Program & Quality Committee Chair

Melissa is a Healthy Workplace Specialist at Hamilton Health Sciences and specializes in health promotion, workplace wellness, and occupational health & safety. She has her Master of Public Health & Bachelor of Biomedical Science degrees from the University of Guelph and has 12 years of experience working in healthcare & public health. Melissa grew up in Brant County and is raising her young family in Brantford. She is passionate about the advocacy of the social determinants of health and addressing health inequities through collaboration with community partners.

Director

I am very excited to serve on the Board of Directors for the Grand River Community Health Center. I am a life long resident of Brantford with a background professional background in Social Services. I have a dedication in community involvement being a current Kiwanian and a past JCI Brantford member and I look forward to carrying this commitment over to the Board at GRCHC.

Director