Career testimonials Testimonials Carolyn A. Goard, PhD "I joined Arthritis Society Canada in 2018, first overseeing our Canada-wide knowledge translation portfolio, and now also our patient and public education resources. I love that I get to communicate about the latest research and medical evidence in an accessible way to inform and empower the arthritis community, and work with colleagues in different departments to collectively make an impact as we transform what it means to have arthritis. It continues to inspire me to work alongside such talented, values-driven colleagues and volunteers everyday, and I have never felt so united as a team." Carolyn A. Goard, PhD Director, Knowledge Translation & Exchange George Ratna "I have had the pleasure of working at Arthritis Society Canada since 2014, first joining as the Manager, Online Marketing. Right from the start, I found a supportive culture and colleagues nationwide who cared for each other, the work we do and the people we serve. I am also fortunate to have been given opportunities to grow as a leader with coaching, mentoring and many development opportunities. Today I am honoured, through my leadership role, to make a true impact in moving forward our mission of helping people with arthritis fight the fire of this terrible disease and live better. I would not have had this privilege without the supportive culture at Arthritis Society Canada that’s focused on unity, transformation and impact." George Ratna Senior Director, Digital Engagement Tara Stier "Working as an Occupational Therapist in today’s health care system comes with its challenges. Here at Arthritis Society Canada, I feel supported and inspired in my day-to-day work within our Ontario-based arthritis education and rehabilitation program (AREP), and know that our leadership team is committed to supporting us, not just as clinicians, but as people. United is one of our core values, and I feel not only united with my colleagues provincially and nationwide, but also with the population we serve to deliver the very best treatment outcomes to. Our corporate culture is contagiously positive, and I feel passionate and engaged with my work everyday." Tara Stier Occupational Therapist Albena Petkova "I feel privileged to be part of Arthritis Society Canada’s amazing team of professionals and values-aligned stakeholders, working together to extinguish the fire of arthritis. We all share the same passion for driving innovation and transformative impact. As part of our nationwide fundraising team, I see first-hand our organization’s national scope, combined with the local impact in the community here in Montreal where I am based. Our donors and partners instill in us the daily inspiration that motivates us to aim for the stars, and our courageous leaders across all teams enables us to aim even higher." Albena Petkova Manager, Major & Planned Giving Alfred Szutu "It is a pleasure working here at Arthritis Society Canada. Everyday is a new challenge that keeps me on my toes. I get to work alongside great people and feel greatly appreciated as well. Specifically, as a System Analyst in IT, I get to work with various technologies to provide better support for my team and the organization. Management inspires me to do my best, being part of a team that promotes a positive and supportive work environment. With a forward-facing direction, nothing is ever repetitive as there is always a new skill to learn and someone to connect with." Alfred Szutu System Analyst