Team of health care providers

Cancer Support Team

The Cancer Support Team comprises a specialized team of healthcare providers who will provide information regarding support services available during and post-treatment. The individual meets with the team's providers to understand how their services could benefit them.

You can meet with any or all of the following healthcare providers:

Patient Care Navigator: The Patient Care Navigator will assist with navigating services and making referrals as necessary. Guidance is available for the completion of disability forms and parking passes. Smoking cessation is also available.

Mental Health Service: As part of a whole-person approach to cancer care, individuals can meet with a mental health counsellor to alleviate the social, emotional, and psychological distress and challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis.

Registered Dietitian: Maintaining good nutrition during cancer treatment is important. The Registered Dietitian will review the individual's current intake pattern and weight history and address nutrition-related questions and concerns.

Registered Nurse: Offers blood pressure management.

Kinesiologist: The Kinesiologist can work with the individual to develop and implement a safe exercise program to maintain current function and quality of life.

Contact your physician, nurse practitioner, Family Health Team, or oncology staff for a referral to this program.

Kerry Gagne

Registered Dietitian

Kerry graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Human Ecology in Foods and Nutrition in 1991. She completed her Clinical Dietetics at the University of Alberta in 1992 and is a member of the Dietitians of Canada.

Previous work experience as Consulting Dietitian based out of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre and servicing area communities, Certified Diabetes Educator, Clinical Dietitian at the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Hospital before accepting a position with the Dryden Regional Health Centre/Dryden Area Family Health Teamin 2005.

Reaghann McGinn

Registered Nurse

Reaghann was born in Dryden, Ontario and raised in both Dryden and Sioux Lookout. She graduated from Confederation College in Thunder Bay as a Registered Nurse in 2004.

After graduating, Reaghann worked in London, Ontario on a busy medical ward for a few months before returning back to Thunder Bay to work in the Stroke and Acquired Brain Injury Rehab floor at. St Joseph's Hospital.

Reaghann accepted a position with the Dryden Regional Health Centre in 2005 and enjoyed working there as a staff nurse in the Maternity, Critical Care Area, Surgical and Medical/Chronic care areas. In 2012, Reaghann started working at the Family Health Team as a primary care nurse in the Healthy New Beginnings and Heart Health programs.

Keri Stemkoski

Patient Care Navigator

Keri was born in Dryden, Ontario and raised enjoying the vast lakes and the beautiful outdoors. She graduated from St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario and is a Registered Social Services Worker.

Keri has a considerable amount experience as a front line counsellor and responder; she has spent most of her professional career, assisting local communities and those most vulnerable. "I strongly believe in working with integrity, always being mindful and having compassion for those who are in need of support and services". As the Patient Care Navigator, she is able to provide a patient centered approach. Focusing on enhancing and coordinating care for individuals while providing support and resources for patients who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Patient advocacy is coordinated to include family members, heath care provides, social services and other supports that may be required to ensure a full care team approach. Keri also provides support through the Dryden Area Family Health Team Cardiac Education program, the Dryden Regional Health CentreCancer Support Team and Palliative Care Committee; providing linkages, referrals and case management.