Our Expert Advisors
Our Expert Advisors are individuals with lived and living experience who draw on their firsthand knowledge of dementia, caregiving, and long-term care to inform, co-design, and guide our programs, research, and organizational decision-making.
Shirley McGugan
Shirley McGugan is a seasoned speech-language pathologist with extensive experience in
cognitive-communication consultation, assessment, and therapy for adults living with acquired
brain injuries and progressive neurological conditions. Her work has also involved advocacy and
support for clients transitioning to long-term care, as well as education for families and staff on
effective communication strategies. A dedicated community advocate, she has collaborated with
local traumatic brain injury associations to promote access to resources enhancing quality of
life. Now residing at Perley Health, Shirley continues her commitment to person-centered care
through active participation in the Residents’ Community Council.
- Email:kaliy012@uottawa.ca
Kate Hawley
Kate Hawley lives in Newcastle, UK, with her American husband, Scott, and their two young
children. Her journey into patient and public involvement was driven by a deeply personal
loss—her best friend passed away in her early thirties from a rare form of mouth cancer, leaving
behind two preschool-aged children. During her illness, Kate’s friend lost the ability to speak,
making Kate’s role in amplifying the patient ‘voice’ even more meaningful. Now an experienced
advocate, Kate serves on multiple NIHR panels, assessing PPIE contributions to funding
applications, and is actively involved in Patient Advisory Groups for Cancer Research UK, the
British Heart Foundation, NICE, NHS England, and Great Ormond Street Hospital. She was
recently elected as a Governor for Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust. Beyond her advocacy work,
Kate is a senior manager at the Forestry Commission, overseeing government grants for
woodland creation and management across Northumberland and Yorkshire.
- Email:s1441990@ed.ac.uk
Joan Olinik
Joan Olinik has been a dedicated volunteer with Perley Health since 2013, inspired by the
exceptional care her father received there. Over more than a decade, she has significantly
supported Seniors and Veterans, enhancing their lives. Joan actively contributes to Perley’s
Family and Friends Council as an executive member, advocating for residents and nurturing a
compassionate community. She serves as an adjunct advisor to the Quality of Life and Safety
committee and participates in several other committees focused on improving residents' well-
being. She also serves on Veterans Research Advisory Committee as well as on other Centre of
Excellence's research project committees in her advisory role. Joan’s long-term commitment
and passion make a meaningful impact on the Perley Health community, inspiring those around
her.
- Email:V.Sai@sms.ed.ac.uk
Judith Argles
Judith Argles is a Public Contributor at the Advance Care Research Centre at the Usher Institute. As a qualified social worker, she has placed older adults in care homes and understand the complexities of the system. She also has personal experience supporting a close relative in a care home, giving insight into the challenges residents and their family members face.
Brenda Thompson
Brenda Thompson has been a proud Perley Health resident for three years, living vibrantly while
managing a rare muscle disease. With a background in nursing and project management, she
brings both compassion and precision to everything she does. Brenda previously ran her own
telecommunications solutions company and managed operations at a major Toronto wedding
store, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. Fuelled by curiosity and
powered by passion and optimism, she approaches each day with energy and purpose—always
with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, her favorite companion for creativity and connection.