Marie was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a child and has navigated many stages of life (student life, work-life, motherhood, joint surgery, etc) with active arthritis. She has volunteered with Arthritis Society Canada since 2015.

Marie was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a child and has navigated many stages of life (s... Read More

Eileen Davidson, also known online as Chronic Eileen, is a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate, writer and speaker from Vancouver BC. She is a regular writer for arthritis publication Creaky Joints since 2019. She actively advocates for arthritis patients through her involvement with various organizations and committees such as The Arthritis Research Canada Patient Advisory Board, Doctors of BC Shared Care Chronic Pain Advisory Committee, Arthritis Society Canada and Canadian Institutes of Health Research as a Patient Engagement Research Ambassador (alumni 2020-2023). Healthline, Everyday Health and Health Central have called her blog and social media channels one of the best in the arthritis community to follow. Eileen is dedicated to raising awareness about arthritis and providing support to those living with the condition.

Eileen Davidson, also known online as Chronic Eileen, is a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate,... Read More

Hello, my name is Karen. I am a retired teacher living with osteoarthritis. Recently I have undergone bilateral knee replacement which has been a game changer for me. I have been involved with Arthritis Society Canada for about two years as a facilitator for Arthritis Connections. I have enjoyed meeting others who also have arthritis and who are willing to share their stories and successes with the disease. The conversations are rich with ideas, strategies and support. Come and join us.

Hello, my name is Karen. I am a retired teacher living with osteoarthritis. Recently I have under... Read More

Hi, I’m Michelle!

I am a volunteer with Arthritis Society Canada in various capacities, and I am also a person living with Arthritis, specifically - Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondylitis.

My passions include fitness, supporting and advocating for physical and emotional wellness, nostalgic TV and movies, and video games.

I am certified in Mindfulness Meditation, and am a Certified Personal Trainer - I love a good group chat, laughter, and sharing ideas.

Please feel free to join my rooms that will focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis and General Arthritis, where we can share ideas, stories, supports, or just take time to exist together in a supportive environment.

Everyone is welcome!

Hi, I’m Michelle! I am a volunteer with Arthritis Society Canada in various capacities, and I am... Read More

Volunteer Profile

Educational Background I graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Social Work in 1997. Upskilling in my current role led to me becoming a Certified Coach in 2022.

Area of Work I have had the privilege of coaching and leading teams in the Commercial sector for the past 13 years.

Location I reside in beautiful British Columbia.

Interesting Fact I have lived and worked in 4 provinces and love all that Canada offers from Coast to Coast.

Why Arthritis Society Canada

I was diagnosed with RA & OA as a young teenager. Having moved a lot as an adult, I quickly became aware of gaps in the system as I tried to navigate support in each location. Volunteering with Arthritis Society Canada is my way of helping raise awareness, advocate and give back.

Volunteer Profile Educational Background I graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree... Read More

My name is Jacquie. I am celebrating my 34th wedding anniversary this year and we have 2 adult children. I live with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my first memorable flare at 14 years old, I was diagnosed at 51 years old. I worked as an elementary school teacher, played the french horn in the symphony and local small orchestras, was a fitness instructor and instructor trainer. I presently work as an online media manager and content creator. I am passionate about living as well as possible with arthritis. I learn everything I can and have built what I believe is a great management toolkit and support team.

My name is Jacquie. I am celebrating my 34th wedding anniversary this year and we have 2 adult ch... Read More

I have lived with chronic pain for 45 years due to initial car accident, then 5 consecutive accidents. I have since developed chronic migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. For the last 7 years I have become an advocate for the lived experience, I have worked with Pain BC, UVIC Self Management program both as a coach and a support group facilitator and most recently Arthritis Society Canada. I have gotten involved with Patient Voices Network, working on many committees both local, interior, provincial and Canadian wide telling my story, helping change the narrative in our medical system and hopefully bringing change. I also love helping others learn how to manage their chronic pain better with many different types of self management modalities.

I have lived with chronic pain for 45 years due to initial car accident, then 5 consecutive accid... Read More

Hi, I’m Michele from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

I’m currently retired but worked my career as an HR professional for our local utility for 34 years.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have had it since I was 25. I’ve been down the road with the disease from working fulltime, to raising a son. I’ve been on LTD and back to work again.

My involvement with Arthritis Society Canada began in 1999. Currently I’m a Board of Directors member and an online facilitator.

Hi, I’m Michele from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador I’m currently retired but worked my c... Read More

Hi there! My name is Sophie. I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis at the age of 11.

I am a recent graduate from the University of Ottawa and am hoping to pursue a career as a rheumatologist.

I am also an avid cyclist and compete in cycling races as well as triathlons throughout the maritimes.

Hi there! My name is Sophie. I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and chronic recurrent multi... Read More