Our Team

Catherine Smart
Executive Director

Catherine Smart became of the Executive Director of Living Better with Parkinson’s upon inception in the late early spring of 2022. Since that time, Living Better with Parkinson’s has grown significantly offering fitness, educational programs in support of people living with Parkinson’s Disease, their families, caregivers, and medical professionals in South Georgian Bay.

Catherine is also the founder of Smart Move Inc. providing expertise in the areas of project management, accessibility solutions and leadership coaching.

Leila Verheyen

Leila Verheyen brings over 24 years of experience in strategic leadership, fundraising, and community engagement to Living Better with Parkinson’s. She is the founder of LV Philanthropy & Co., an organization dedicated to empowering local charities in advancing their missions.

Leila’s deep connection to community organizations is reflected in her work with CNIB, United Way Simcoe Muskoka, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Special Olympics. A committed volunteer and lifelong learner, she is passionate about giving back to the communities she serves.

Leila looks forward to contributing her expertise to the Living Better with Parkinson’s team, helping to deliver impactful programming, support, and education to the South Georgian Bay community.

Sarah Rody-Spencer
Administration/Communications

Sarah Rody-Spencer brings over 26 years of administrative and project management experience and 13 years in the healthcare field, specifically dedicating the last 10 years to hospice alliative care, end-of-life care, and those living with life-limiting illnesses.

Sarah proudly and successfully led three Accreditations through Hospice Palliative Care Ontario gaining the organization high recognition for being the center of excellence.

Sarah understands the challenges and frustration that come when you have been diagnosed with a debilitating disease and is very much looking forward to helping our Community to live a better life.

Sarah is excited to contribute her attention to detail, knowledge, and experience to the Living Better with Parkinson’s team and the community as a whole.

Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and outdoor
adventures as well as volunteering at St. Luke’s Church
Food Bank.

Amanda LePiane

Amanda is a social media manager, best-selling co-author, and mom of two based in Collingwood, Ontario.

With an honest and kind approach, Amanda is changing the way we view online marketing. She is passionate about creating communities and contributing to the growth of small businesses and social causes. When Amanda sets her mind to something, she dedicates her whole heart to it.

Amanda grew up in a family of retail entrepreneurs, gaining insight into small business at an early age. She spent the early part of her career as a buyer for the Hudson Bay Company, where she learned the ins and outs of retail and eCommerce locally and globally.

Through founding Breeze, Amanda applies this experience to help independent entrepreneurs, from creative agency owners and coaches to yoga instructors and real estate agents, boost engagement and navigate their online platforms.

Beyond social media, Amanda is passionate about wellness, travel, the outdoors, and is even trained in classical music.

Amanda is driven by the desire to do good and is motivated to help small business owners who want to make a positive difference in the world.