About us
We are the first research-based community centre dedicated to reducing dementia risk and promoting healthy brain aging. Our team, led by Dr. Howard Chertkow, MD, Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicole Anderson, PhD, Associate Scientific Director, are committed to identifying your dementia risk factors and providing you with a personalized, evidence-based wellness and lifestyle programming to help reduce your specific risk factors. Open to adults aged 50 and over, our programs focus on areas such as diet and nutrition, social engagement, cognitive functioning, physical activity, and mental wellbeing.
Our Facilities
We Provide an Environment for Our Members to Grow & Excel
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The Kimel Family Centre is equipped with a gym, warm water pool, creative arts studio, open-concept theatre, and multipurpose areas for group classes and more!
We welcome innovative and passionate instructors to facilitate our full spectrum of offerings, while volunteers and students play an integral role in the day-to-day operations and growth at the centre.
Also, The Kimel Family Centre provides a “living lab” for additional research on brain healthy aging, providing leading experts with state-of-the-art office and working space.
Hours: The Kimel Family Centre is not currently open. Once open, our hours for assessments will be will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. As programs begin, the Kimel Family Centre hours will shift to 7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
What we stand for
Mission
We deliver personalized, evidence-based wellness and lifestyle programming to reduce dementia risk and sustain healthy brain aging.
Vision
We are creating a world where every older adult can maximize their brain health to live a life of purpose, inspiration, and fulfilment.
Values
We embrace our Baycrest values of innovation, compassion, advocacy, respect, and excellence in our evidence-based programming to support brain health and reduce dementia risk.
The Team
Dr. Howard Chertkow, MD
Scientific Director
Dr. Nicole Anderson, PhD
Associate Scientific Director
Melanie Santarossa, MA, MSc
Manager, Programs and Operations
Dr. Danielle D'Amico, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Maliha Chowdhury
Senior Research Coordinator
Brian Tan
Research Lead
Alyssa Manalo, R.Kin
Fitness Coordinator
Deanise Berba
Administrative and Research Support Assistant
Faya Zhang
Administrative and Research Support Assistant
Marilou Tribaco
Administrative and Research Support Assistant
Kimel Family Centre Students
Marley Cameron
Fall 2023/Winter 2024 Student
Elisa Gasparro
Fall 2023/Winter 2024 Student
Donors
The Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness was established thanks to the vision and philanthropy of Warren & Debbie Kimel and Ron & Vanessa Kimel, and the generosity of many other donors in our community. We are grateful for their kind and generous support.
Dr. Howard Chertkow, Scientific Director, MD
Dr. Chertkow is a cognitive neurologist at Baycrest. He is a Senior Scientist and Chair in Cognitive Neurology and Innovation at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute. He is a Professor in the Dept. of Medicine (Neurology) at University of Toronto. His major areas of research interest include early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, and therapy of dementia using neuromodulation approaches such as transcranial direct current stimulation. Dr. Chertkow is Scientific Director for the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA), a national organization established by the Canadian government via CIHR and partners.
Dr. Nicole Anderson, Associate Scientific Director, PhD
Dr. Anderson is a registered clinical neuropsychologist. She is a Senior Scientist, Interim Executive Director of Academic and Scientific Affairs, and Director of the Ben & Hilda Katz Interprofessional Research Program in Geriatric and Dementia Care at the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education. She is a Professor in the Depts. of Psychology and Medicine (Psychiatry) at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on how memory is affected by healthy aging and mild cognitive impairment, and on cognitive and lifestyle interventions to promote brain health and reduce dementia risk.
Melanie Santarossa, Program Manager, MA., MSc
Melanie Santarossa is an experienced professional in the field of adult education, gerontology, and program development and evaluation. With a deep passion for older adults, Melanie has dedicated her career to developing and implementing innovative programs and services that improve the lives of older adults.
Alyssa Manalo, Fitness Coordinator
Alyssa Manalo is a Registered Kinesiologist with robust experience working with all ages. Her focus specializes in achieving her client’s functional, movement, and activity goals. Working in a variety of health, workplace, and performance settings, Alyssa has adopted a holistic view when it comes to programming. Alyssa aims to support each client by creating custom programs specific to the client’s lifestyle that are both enjoyable and sustainable.
Marilou Tribaco, Administrative and Research Support Assistant
Marilou Tribaco has years of experience with seniors working at a senior living facility and at a healthcare clinic. During the pandemic, learning how isolation had a negative impact on our brain and mental health, she deems it crucial to find resources that can aid in aging healthily. She values profound connections with seniors and team members and is delighted to be a part of the Kimel Family Centre.
Dr. Danielle D’Amico, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Danielle D’Amico is a postdoctoral fellow at Baycrest. Funded by the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, Dr. D’Amico’s research aims to evaluate how effective Kimel Family Centre personalized plans are at reducing dementia risk and promoting brain health. Dr. D’Amico interest is in risk and protective factors for healthy brain aging, with a focus on the experiences of stress across a lifespan. She is passionate about bringing the science of healthy aging into the greater community.
Maliha Chowdhury, Senior Research Coordinator
Maliha Chowdhury is an experienced clinical researcher with a demonstrated history of working in FDA-approved clinical trials in the field of neurology. Combining her International Medical Training and credentials in Clinical Research, Maliha aims to transform healthcare through evidence-based solutions. She is deeply committed to executing the Kimel Family Centre’s mission and vision of extending healthy brain aging to the greater community through holistic, sustainable, and innovative programs.
Deanise Berba, Administrative and Research Support Assistant
Deanise Berba is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto and is determined to making meaningful impacts in healthcare. She has various experiences in both customer service and the healthcare field, demonstrating a commitment to creating a safe environment for all members of the community and faculty.
Faya Zhang, Administrative and Research Support Assistant
Faya is a skilled professional with a broad range of experience across various industries such as healthcare, hotel hospitality, banking, and the energy sector. She enjoys interacting with diverse individuals and establishing trusting relationships with clientele. Faya aims to continue dedicating herself to delivering exceptional customer service, driven by the goal of enhancing the lives of senior adults.
Brian Tan
Brian has extensive experience in the research data management space. His contributions are centered around developing and implementing the overall data strategy to support the Kimel Family Centre’s goals, including the tools and mechanisms that enable data-driven insights . Brian believes that high-quality, accessible data can be a key component to help people make informed health decisions.
Marley Cameron, Student
Marley Cameron is a second-year Occupational Therapy master’s student with a background in Cognitive Neuroscience. She loves the holistic approach of her field used to help people do what is meaningful to them. She has developed a passion for working with other adults and promoting their well-being and independence. Marley has years of experience working in community centres delivering programming for all ages, and is excited to approach this with a new lens.
Elisa Gasparro, Student
Elisa Gasparro is a second-year Occupational Therapy master’s student at the University of Toronto. Once she completed her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences, she worked with both adults and older adults living in long-term-care and developed a passion for improving quality of life through engaging in activities and social connections. She is excited to bring her current skills and evolve as a learner through this opportunity at the Kimel Centre.
Advisory Committees
The Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness has two advisory committees composed of older adult volunteers, university students, and Baycrest staff members.
- Visionary Advisory Committee (VAC): The VAC encourages our culture of innovation, diversity, and engagement. This group is composed of four subcommittees focused on the experiences of: Members, Instructors, Volunteers; and Student placements.
- Business Advisory Committee (BAC): The BAC supports our financial sustainability and growth, by assessing business opportunities, suggesting new partnerships, and providing budgetary guidance.
Sign up to be a Prospective Member
The Kimel Family Centre is not yet open, but if you are eager to get your name on our Prospective Member List, please sign up.
