AN EXPERIENCED AND DYNANIC RESEARCH TEAM!
The Marguerite-d'Youville Research Chair has been gradually building its research team since its inception. Several research professionals have brought extensive clinical experience with seniors and caregivers as well as deep research expertise to the team. It gives us great pleasure to introduce them to you.
Danielle Bellemare is a Registered Nurse with a Master's degree in Nursing from Université de Montréal as well as a Master's degree in Public Administration from École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP). Her career has included many years working in clinical and administrative settings, both in the health network and in the professional system. Danielle Bellemare’s interests include the quality of life of seniors and their loved ones and the care provided to them. She has served as a research professional with the Chair since its inception.
danielle.bellemare.2@umontreal.ca
Mael Gagnon-Mailhot holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bishop’s University and a Master’s degree in Health Sciences from Université de Sherbrooke. He earned a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Montreal; he conducted his doctoral research at the Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital (CRCHUM). His research interests included qualitative and mixed-methods research, with a particular focus on the nature and experience of suffering, as well as chronic health conditions. He has extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative research, gained through several internships and research assistant positions in Canada and abroad. He joined the chair's team as a research assistant in 2025 while pursuing postdoctoral studies at McGill University.
mael.gagnon.mailhot@umontreal.ca
Audrey Lavoie is a Registered Nurse with a Master's degree and a PhD in Nursing from Université de Montréal. She has clinical experience in care for post-operative cardiac surgery patients. Audrey Lavoie’s research interests involve the development and evaluation of nursing interventions adapted to the needs of seniors living with chronic diseases, with the goal of promoting health through lifestyle changes. She joined the Chair's team as a research professional in 2018. While continuing her postdoctoral journey at the University of Sherbrooke, she continues to benefit the Chair's projects with her expertise.
audrey.lavoie.7@umontreal.ca
Odette Perreault holds a Master's degree in Nursing from Université de Montréal and a Master's degree in Public Administration from École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP). For many years she worked in community health and as a nursing and service manager in various settings in the health network. Odette Perreault participated in the creation of the cancer centre at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) as well as its interdisciplinary teams. Her interests include quality of care and services, professional development, and the development of nursing practices. Odette Perreault has served as the Chair’s coordinator since its inception.
odette.perreault.chum@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Isabelle Reid holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Université de Montréal. She is a member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec. She has several years of experience coordinating projects within various research teams at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal Research Center (CRIUGM) and the Research Centre on Aging in Sherbrooke (CdRV). In particular, she has worked with peolple living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers on nutritional intervention strategies aimed at maintaining their nutritional status, independence, and quality of life. Over the years, she has contributed to the transfer of research-based knowledge and the implementation of innovations in the fields of geriatric diet and nutrition and safe medication management. She joined the Chair’s team as a research professional in January 2025 and has served as the Chair’s coordinator since June 2026.
Philip Remus Vraciu holds a Bachelor’s degree and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Nursing at Université de Montréal. He has been very active as a volunteer working with the elderly. Mr. Vraciu has a clear interest in humanist interventions with the elderly and in supporting their caregivers. He joined the Chair’s team in 2023 as a research assistant.
Stéphanie Thibodeau holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (with a major in Research) and a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education. She also holds a Master’s degree in School and Social Adjustment. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in the interdisciplinary Health and Society program at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM). Her research interests focus on the impact of digital health on healthcare professionals’ cognitive processes. Ms. Thibodeau has also worked with vulnerable clienteles, including adults living with an autism spectrum disorder and others with an intellectual disability. She has worked as a teacher in remedial education with students who have learning difficulties and as an educational consultant with a school team. In June 2023, Ms. Thibodeau joined the team at the Marguerite-d'Youville Chair as a research professional.
Amélia Turgeon holds a Bachelor’s degree and is pursuing a Master’s in Nursing at the Université de Montréal. Actively engaged in both clinical and academic settings, she serves as a cohort representative and participated in the RECI program. Driven by a strong interest in humanistic care and research, she is particularly interested in supporting people in vulnerable situations. She joined the research team in 2025 through the RECI program and subsequently as a research assistant.
Odette Roy is a Registered Nurse and has a Master's degree in Nursing from Université de Montréal, a Master's degree in Public Administration from École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP), and a PhD in Education from Université de Montréal. Independent researcher, she has worked in a variety of settings, and her interests are focused on the development of nursing practices and the quality of care provided to individuals and their families. She joined the Chair’s team as a research professional in 2018.
odette.roy@umontreal.ca