Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Holland Bloorview) is pleased to announce the appointment of three exceptional leaders to its board of directors and extends deep gratitude to two outgoing directors for their dedicated service and impactful contributions as they conclude their terms on the board.

The new directors are: 

Sonya Fraser

Sonya Fraser is the chief operating officer and chief financial officer at EY Canada. With over 30 years experience at EY, she has led major transformative initiatives in audit, finance, and environmental, social and governance (ESG), AI enablement and risk management. Her leadership as the lead audit partner for health care clients, combined with her commitment to sustainable growth, will be a valuable asset as Holland Bloorview continues to innovate and transform. The former board chair of the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Sonya has a passion for children’s health care.

Dr. Melanie Penner

Dr. Melanie Penner is a developmental paediatrician at Holland Bloorview, a senior clinician scientist at the Autism Research Centre in the Bloorview Research Institute and an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto. She is also the Bloorview Children’s Hospital Foundation research chair in developmental pediatrics. Dr. Penner brings extensive clinical expertise and a deep commitment to improving care for children and youth with disabilities. 

Dr. Lisa Richardson

Dr. Lisa Richardson is a physician, educator and advocate for Indigenous health equity. She practices general internal medicine at Toronto General Hospital and is vice-dean of strategy and governance at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. She is also the strategic lead in Indigenous health at Women’s College Hospital, where she founded Ganawishkadawe – The Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health.

“We are thrilled to welcome such outstanding leaders to our board,” says Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO, Holland Bloorview. “Their expertise and shared values seamlessly align with our vison of the most meaningful and healthy futures for all children, youth and families. I have every confidence that they will have an immediate impact as they begin their service on the board.”

As we welcome new voices, we also recognize Dr. Suzan Schneeweiss and Dr. Alysha Ladha for their dedicated service as they conclude their time on the board. They’ve both played an important role in shaping the hospital’s strategic direction. 

 “On behalf of the board, I extend sincere thanks to Suzan and Alysha for their impactful contributions,” says Catherine Roche, chair of the board of directors. “We are fortunate to have benefited from their wisdom and perspective. As their time with us concludes, I warmly welcome Lisa, Sonya and Melanie to the board. We will draw upon their knowledge and experience as we continue to advance our Holland Bloorview 2030 strategic goals.”

Changes to the Holland Bloorview board were confirmed at the Annual General Meeting held on June 11, 2025.

Learn more about our board of directors.