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Our Team

Dr. Jeya Thayaparan, MD, FRCPC
Chair & Executive Director

Provides strategic leadership, vision, and organizational governance for Bridging Futures Canada Society (BFCS). Leads the development of evidence-based community engagement programs, establishing strong community and academic partnerships across Ontario universities and healthcare providers. Promotes collaborative research and evidence-based initiatives through partnerships with organizations and academic institutions.

Professor Nirusha Thavarajah, PhD
Co-Chair & Academic Lead

Overseeing academic partnerships in collaboration with the Chair, leading research initiatives, and coordinating research conference events and scientific paper development at the academic level.

Dr. Loji Umaharan
Dr. Loji Umaharan, MBBs, MSc
Community Health Lead and Community Program Director

Leading community health initiatives, host events in the community and  outreach programs, and intergenerational engagement.

Eilya Parsa
Program Coordinator & Community Research Coordinator

Oversees the planning and implementation of community-based and intergenerational programs focused on dementia care, mental health, and environmental health. Facilitates youth engagement, mentorship, and innovation projects that connect students with seniors to promote mutual learning, compassion, and social impact. Coordinates research and evidence-based initiatives that strengthen community partnerships and advance inclusive, health-focused programming.

Mentors

Dr. Alejandra Villalobos,
Dr. Alejandra Villalobos, MD, Senior Geriatric Consultant
BFCS Mentor
Dr. Aarabi Thayaparan
Dr. Aarabi Thayaparan, MD, Queens University Residency, University of Toronto Alumni
BFCS Mentor
Dr. Kavitha Jay, MD BFCS Health Promotion
Dr. Kavitha Jay, MD BFCS Health Promotion
Outreach programs, and intergenerational engagement.
Dr. Rizwana Lilani,
Dr. Rizwana Lilani, MD, CCFP (COE) Care of the Elderly and compassionate care consultant
BFCS Mentor
Dr. Thiru Shanmuganathan, MD
Dr. Thiru Shanmuganathan, MD Seniors Health Community Lead
Senior Wellness Coordination, Seniors Care Outreach
Dr. Erin Moore, MD
Dr. Erin Moore, MD
Medical Graduate Lead
Dr. Alejandra Villalobos,
Dr. Thamotharampillai Umaharan Global Mental Health Lead, Mental Health & Mentor Initiatives
BFCS Mentor

Advisors

Dr. J. Rajendra
Dr. J. Rajendra, MD, FRCPC Senior Psychiatric Consultant
BFCS Advisor
Ms. Cora Clearwater
Ms. Cora Clearwater, BA (Candidate) York University,
Indigenous Collaborative Lead BFCS Advisor

BFCS Students

Ms. Thuvaraha Vinothakaran, HBSC, BFCS Advocacy Lead
University of Toronto Scarborough
Ms. Kaarunya Kandeephan, HBSc,
Ms. Kaarunya Kandeephan, HBSc
University of Toronto, Music Research Lead
Ms. Cashvi Manivannan, HBSc, BFCS Music Lead
Toronto Metrpolitan University
Mr. Jhon Cana, HBSC, Youth Co-Lead
University of Toronto Scarborough
Mr. Samarrann Sivaloganathan, HBSC, Diversity Lead of BFCS
University of Toronto
Ms. Thishana Gnanachelvan, HBSc, Youth Co-Lead
University of Toronto
Ms. Joyline Melvin, HBSc
Ms. Joyline Melvin, HBSc
University of Toronto Scarborough
Ms. Sarah Chen, HBSc
Ms. Sarah Chen, HBSc
University of Toronto Scarborough
Ms. Alyssa Dela Cruz, HBSc
Ms. Alyssa Dela Cruz, HBSc
University of Toronto Scarborough
Ms. Asvini Thayaparan
Ms. Asvini Thayaparan, OSSD, BFCS Digital Health Youth Lead
St Augustine Catholic Highschool

“A small group can spark big change one smile at a time, and one step at a time, as generations work together for a sustainable future” – Dr. Jeya Thayaparan, MD, FRCPC

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