(L-R, top to bottom): Robin Saunders, Nate Doornekamp, Deanna Davies, John Paterson
Kingston, ON, July 6, 2026 – Providence Village (“the Village”) is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors, effective June 29, 2026. Deanna Davies, John Paterson, Nathan Doornekamp, and Robin Saunders join the Board at an important time in the Village’s continued growth and evolution.
These appointments coincide with the completion of the terms of four valued Board members: Sister Sandra Shannon, Sister Frances O’Brien, Brian Hogan, and Carrie Batt. Sister Sandra, Sister Frances, and Brian have served as founding directors since Providence Village’s inception, while Carrie has provided important financial expertise, leadership, and accountability over the past three years.
This transition marks the end of an important chapter in Providence Village’s history. The vision, wisdom, leadership, and stewardship of the Sisters, together with the expertise and guidance of Brian and Carrie, have helped shape the Village and position it for the future.
Together, the incoming directors bring extensive experience in governance, finance, health care, community development, project management, and land development. Their expertise will help support the continued growth, sustainability, and stewardship of Providence Village as it advances its vision and carries forward the legacy of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.
“As we welcome these exceptional new directors, we also extend our deepest gratitude to Sister Sandra, Sister Frances, Brian, and Carrie for their dedicated service to Providence Village,” said Bhavana Varma, Chair, Providence Village Board of Directors. “Our departing directors have helped guide the Village from vision to reality, providing invaluable leadership, wisdom, and stewardship during a transformative period in our history.
At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Deanna, John, Nate, and Robin to the Board. Each brings unique expertise, perspectives, and a strong commitment to community wellbeing. They will strengthen our governance, bring valuable new perspectives, and help guide Providence Village through its next chapter as we continue to build on the Sisters’ remarkable legacy.”
Deanna Davies, MBA, PMP
Deanna Davies is a collaborative leader, educator, facilitator, and community builder with more than 30 years of experience spanning business, leadership, project management, community development, and economic development. Throughout her career, she has helped individuals, organizations, and communities navigate change, strengthen partnerships, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
“Providence Village’s mission resonates with me on both a professional and personal level,” shared Deanna. “The Village’s integrated approach, grounded in partnership, compassion, and social innovation, is exactly the kind of model our communities need to respond to aging populations, complex health needs, and growing social isolation. I look forward to joining the Board and contributing to the continued advancement of the organization’s mission.”
John Paterson, CPA
John Paterson is a Chartered Professional Accountant with eight years of post-designation experience in public accounting. He currently serves as Manager, Assurance and Taxation with Withey Addison LLP in Kingston and previously worked with Wilkinson & Company LLP. John mentors and leads a team of five junior accountants and has provided financial expertise and oversight in the charitable sector, including with the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area and two local church congregations.
“I appreciate the Village’s mission and strategic focus on financial sustainability, stability and governance,” shared John. “I hope to bring my background and experience in finance to support the organization’s financial planning and its long-term sustainability, helping to ensure it can continue serving our community for generations to come.”
Nathan (Nate) Doornekamp
Nate Doornekamp is a Shareholder and Director with the Doornekamp Group of Companies, a well-established development firm in Kingston and eastern Ontario. He leads development projects from land acquisition through planning, approvals, financing, construction, and long-term operational strategy. He approaches planning and development through a values-based lens focused on long-term outcomes, financial sustainability, and responsible stewardship.
“I admire the Sisters’ thoughtful transition and evolution of the Motherhouse and property in a way that honours their longstanding commitment to service and community care,” shared Nate. “I am eager to contribute my professional experience to support the Village’s continued growth, particularly as it explores future opportunities to enhance its lands and assets in service of community wellbeing.”
Robin Saunders, BSc, PMP
Robin Saunders is a retired senior health care leader with extensive experience in health care administration, information management, and organizational transformation. She previously served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Director of Information Management & Technology at Providence Care and was Regional CIO Lead for the Lumeo Project, supporting the planning and implementation of a regional health information system across six hospitals and 11 sites in southeastern Ontario.
“I have a strong interest in and commitment to Providence Village’s mission to build a supportive, community-focused environment grounded in the legacy of the Sisters of Providence,” said Robin. “I am excited for the opportunity to help advance that vision alongside an incredible group of Board members.”
The appointments come at an exciting time for Providence Village as the organization continues to implement its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, strengthen new and existing partnerships, and advance opportunities to support the health, wellness and connection of individuals and families in our community.
Learn more about the Providence Village Board of Directors here.
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About Providence Village (“The Village”)
Located in Kingston, Ontario, Providence Village is a welcoming community at 1200 Princess Street, which brings together diverse partners in a village-like setting to offer complementary care, health and wellness services to people across the region. Guided by the spirit and vision of its founders, the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, Providence Village fosters a sense of hope, belonging, and wellbeing for all who visit. A charitable organization sponsored by the Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario, Providence Village is dedicated to upholding the values and enduring legacy of the Sisters through community-centred care and services that drive meaningful social change. providencevillage.ca.
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Facebook: facebook.com/PVIVillage
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LinkedIn: Providence Village Inc.
Media Relations
Cory Angeletti-Szasz
Communications Consultant, Providence Village
cory.angeletti-szasz@providence.ca
647-273-2795