Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre

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Making kids better, like Sebastien!

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Centre at CHEO provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach to treatment of children diagnosed with these disorders, the two most common sub-types being Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The Centre is within the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

The Centre is committed to delivering quality care through:

• improving patient outcomes
• commitment to research and knowledge sharing
• adopting a multidisciplinary approach
• translating evidence-based care into practice
• maintaining professional relationships with organizations and industry

Meet the IBD Centre team

Making a difference and obtaining the overall wellness for each child and youth is what we strive for. We have many experts working together to do this including:

Physicians

Dr. David Mack, MD, FRCPC Dr. Mack's Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship training was completed at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. Following training, Dr Mack was appointed to Faculty of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Centre prior to being recruited to Ottawa. In 2001, he was recruited to Ottawa with an appointment of Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa with a mandate and vision to develop a Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Aligning with excellence, staying focused on the goals, being consistent in optimism, patience, integrity, respectfulness, passion and communicating defined his tenure. Over the years the Division has recruited strong members to expand its clinical expertise, increase diagnostic capabilities for the children and youth served by CHEO and moved forward with a strong research program. While recently stepping down from Division Chief he will remain as Director of the CHEO IBD Centre, continue with translational intestinal microbiome research in IBD along with various national leadership roles. He recently received the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Distinguished Service Award. In 2020, Dr. Mack received the Distinguished Clinical Research Chair Award from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine. Distinguished Clinical Research Chair Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa Director, CHEO Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Centre Past Chief, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Dr. Joanna Stanisz, MD, FRCPC Dr. Stanisz's Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship training was completed at the University of Calgary. Dr. Stanisz was a Locum Staff Gastroenterologist within the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and Clinical Lecturer at the University of Calgary for a year prior to moving to Ottawa. In 2018, she was recruited to Ottawa to join the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at CHEO and with an appointment as Lecturer of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Stanisz has clinical interests in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), nutrition, and pancreatic disorders and is working with the CHEO IBD Centre and the cystic fibrosis clinic. Dr. Stanisz has interest in medical education at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Lecturer, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Dr. Carolina Jimenez, MD, FRCPCR Dr. Jimenez's Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship and Pediatric Liver disease and Liver transplantation was completed at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. Dr. Jimenez was a Hepatologist at the National Children’s Hospital in Costa Rica prior to moving to Ottawa. In 2006, she was recruited to Ottawa to join the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at CHEO and has been the Director of Liver Services. She was recently promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa and is currently the Chief of the Division since 2018. Her clinical and research interests are related to liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. Jimenez has served as member of the Hepatology Committee of the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. She is currently the Chair of the Canadian Pediatric Hepatology Research Group. Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa Chief, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Director, Liver Services

Nurse case managers

Rebecca Gillis, RN The CHEO IBD Centre is excited to have Rebecca on the team! She is an integral part of the interdisciplinary team approach to which the Centre subscribes. Rebecca brings over ten years of nursing experience. With her focus primarily being on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and supporting the CHEO IBD Centre research projects, Rebecca works hard to provide the best, safest and most compassionate care to the CHEO families who depend on us. Kathryn April, RN Kathryn joined the CHEO IBD Centre team in 2022. She is excited to be a part of the team! Donna Haas, RN, BScN Donna has been with the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition since 2004. Her clinical and research focus is in pediatric liver disease and post-transplant issues, as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Donna was the recipient of the 2012 prestigious Betty Kannon Award of Excellence in Nursing. This award recognizes a nurse who exemplifies the values of family-centered care and who is an advocate for children and youth.

Research team

Ruth Singleton, RN, CCRP - Clinical Research Lead After graduating from nursing, Ruth has enjoyed diverse nursing experiences in Canada and the U.S. It was during her time in Toronto that evidence-based nursing and research became a passion. Following that, her appreciation and respect of children was apparent when she worked tirelessly during her 11 years in the U.S where she was granted the Nebraska PTA State Life Award for outstanding service to children and youth. The CHEO Research Institute recognized her for her work as Clinical Research Coordinator for Gastroenterology Research. This continued work ethic and enthusiasm is now focused on IBD Research. Adrienne Gowing, MSc, CCPA – Clinical Research Coordinator Adrienne joined the CHEO IBD Centre research team after having spent 5 years as the Physician Assistant for the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. During that time Adrienne cared for many of the children and youth who were admitted to hospital for management of their inflammatory bowel disease. She now brings her expertise and enthusiasm to the research studies involving Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Pauline Barbeau, BHSc, MSc - Clinical Research Coordinator Pauline graduated from the University of Ottawa’s Health Sciences Program in 2010 and completed her Master’s degree in Epidemiology. She is elated to be a part of the IBD research team where the health of children affected by gastroenterological issues are of top priority. As a research coordinator, she is excited to be involved with a variety of projects. Pauline's main focus is the Canadian Children Inflammatory Bowel Disease Network (CIDsCaNN). Nathan Baird, BSc – Clinical Research Assistant Nathan graduated from Carleton University with an Honours Bachelor of Science. With his main focus on the Human Microbiome study and Resistant Starch in IBD research trials, he works closely with the entire research team, including the CHEO pharmacy research staff. Nathan is a valuable member of the team who is integral in the process of keeping this multifaceted research moving forward. Tyrus Crawford - Clinical Research Coordinator, REDCap Data Manager Tyrus has been with the CHEO Research Institute since 2012. During this time, he has worked as a Research Assistant, Research Coordinator, and as the REDCap Administrator for the Research Institute and CHEO. From these roles, Tyrus has gained experience in both the coordination of clinical trials and also data management for these studies using REDCap. Tyrus is excited to be working as part of the IBD Centre Research Team as the REDCap Data Manager on a wide variety of projects. Mihaela Van Der Merwe, BSc - Research Student Mihaela graduated from the University of Montreal with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology. Following her passion for immunology and interest in research, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Ottawa and works as a trainee at the CHEO Research Institute. Her experience in research and drive for excellence have led Mihaela to focus on and contribute to specific research study areas here at the CHEO IBD Centre. Mihaela strives to move the studies forward and to be an integral part of their success. Her primary focus is on the Resistant Starch Trials. Amanda Mack, BScN, BEd, MSc - Clinical Research Coordinator REDCap Amanda started volunteering in the Division of Gastroenterology in 2006 and continues on as Research Coordinator. Amanda is a strong asset to many of the research and clinical projects underway at the CHEO IBD Centre. Her current focus concentrates on development and implementation of REDCap databases for the CHEO IBD Centre. She is a valuable member of the team volunteering to take on multiple projects outside of her work to support the CHEO IBD Centre and CHEO.

Social worker

Krystel Marleau-Rancourt, BSW, RSW Krystel has been working with children and families for more than 15 years. In 2010, she started her professional career at the Montreal Children’s Hospital with patients having acute needs and the patients with chronic needs. It was followed by a period in the education domain at the Conseil des Écoles Publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario and for a private institution abroad. The wellbeing of children and their families is her main focus and she is always glad to offer a listening ear. In 2020, she was pleased to join the CHEO IBD Centre. She facilitates adaptation to a new diagnosis and offers comforting support to youth and families.

Dietitians

Isabelle Desilets, RD Isabelle received a Bachelor of Science specializing in Nutrition from the University of Ottawa in 2016. She is a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Since joining CHEO in 2017, Isabelle has worked in multiple inpatient and outpatient clinics. She is excited to join the CHEO IBD team, where she will work with patients diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Isabelle supports the division of Gastroenterology and those with eosinophilic esophagitis, short bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and other GI conditions.

Pharmacy technician

Julie Lalonde, Registered Pharmacy Technician With over 20 years’ experience in retail pharmacy, Julie joined the CHEO IBD Centre in 2020. After graduating in 2003 with a degree in biochemistry, Julie bridged into courses in the pharmacy technician program that enabled her to become registered in Ontario in 2010. From them on, she has proudly worked at CHEO as a Registered Pharmacy Technician. You will now meet Julie at your Wednesday IBD appointments where she records patient measurements, vital signs, and reviews allergies and medications. Julie is an integral part of the IBD team.

Administrative team

Susan Lemieux  Susan is a graduate of the Secretarial Science program at Vanier College in Montreal, Quebec and received her certificate in French Studies from Concordia University. She previously worked at The Montreal Children’s Hospital in administration before joining CHEO in March 2011. Susan is the Administrative Assistant for the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Riley Screaton, PSC Riley joined Clinic C3 as the Clinic Service Clerk where everyone who comes to the clinic is greeted by her including patients of the CHEO IBD Centre. Riley is an amazing member of the team!

Need more information? Visit our online resource section to access CHEO recommended websites, books, apps, videos and more!

Events

IBD Youth Gut Together 2021 postponed until further notice

Scholarship opportunities

Featured stories

Researchers tackle Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in children

Genome Canada recently awarded Dr. David Mack, Dr. Alain Stintzi along with a team of researchers at the University of Ottawa and CHEO $9.1 million to help crack the mystery of the intestinal microbiome in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD) and find better treatments. With these funds, the team expects to make a significant difference in the lives of children like Sebastien. Read Sebastien's story.

Meet our benefactors

Be inspired by the outstanding commitment, leadership and support exemplified by our donors. Learn more about the significant ways in which these incredibly generous donors and friends have contributed to the CHEO IBD Centre, and how they continue to help us build a community of healthy children both here and around the world.

IBD Foundation Supports IBD Research with the “Wheels of Research”

The “Wheels of Research” is an interactive tool that engages families in Research Projects. Made possible by the generous funding and resources of the IBD Foundation, the “Wheels” are spinning with new ideas, research overviews and the opportunity for discussion. Placed in the CHEO IBD Centre beside a wall of published articles already produced from research that our families have participated in, families are encouraged to ask about research and have opportunity to be involved.

IBD Foundation Donates “Your Child With Inflammatory Bowel Disease” books for every family newly diagnosed at the CHEO IBD Centre

The book "Your Child with Inflammatory Bowel Disease" is an educational resource for parents of children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It was written by expert specialists in pediatric IBD who are members of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). Dr. Mack, Director of the CHEO IBD Centre, is a contributing author to this book. It is designed to help families understand what is happening or might happen to their child when he or she has been diagnosed with this chronic intestinal condition. The family of every child diagnosed with IBD at the CHEO IBD Centre is given a copy of this book to take home thanks to a generous donation and the continued support by the IBD Foundation.

Kick Off For Kids Tailgate Party

RedBlacks President Jeff Hunt and the IBD Foundation hosted the “Kick Off For Kids” Tailgate Party to raise awareness and funds for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Centre at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Event ambassador Angus Albinati, 11 yrs old, donated funds he raised and stored in his piggy bank to total the dollars raised at the event to over $17,000.00! Pictured are IBD Champions who were given the VIP treatment at the home opener and were illuminated on the Big Screen while feeling what is like to stand on the field at half time!

Research

As well as providing patient care and family support based on the most current approaches to diagnosis, treatment and long-term management, the Centre conducts basic laboratory research and patient studies in pediatric IBD. The research is conducted both through the CHEO Research Institute and collaboratively with other related institutes and centres.

We value and strive to uphold the attributes of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability in our group's research culture.

Learn more about Inflammatory Bowel Disease research at the CHEO Research Institute

Education and training

The IBD Centre is committed to sharing knowledge of the oftentimes complex and specialized care that may be required for children with IBD and their families.

The IBD Centre also provides training and education opportunities for learners, health professionals and researchers in our region and beyond.  

With an environment of learning and knowledge transfer between patients, care personnel and scientists we hope optimizing patient outcomes will be the result.

Donate now

You can help fund important research by donating to our IBD fund through the CHEO Foundation. When making your donation, please select 'other' and specify either gastroenterology fund or IBD fund.

Make a donation

We value and strive to uphold the attributes of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability in our group's research culture.