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Our Inside Stories

Maria: Finding Support Through the Journey

October 2, 2026
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For the past seven years, Wellspring has been part of Maria’s cancer journey. 

Her journey hasn’t always been easy, but having programs and support available through Wellspring has made a difference. Cancer Exercise and Healing Journey have been especially helpful to her, giving her ways to stay active, take care of herself and feel supported along the way. 

Maria also values being able to participate online. On days when getting to the centre isn’t possible, she can still take part and stay connected. 

As she puts it, “Wellspring has been an important source of support throughout my journey.” 

For Maria, that support has meant having somewhere to turn through the different stages of her cancer experience. 

Maria, Wellspring Member 

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David DiGregorio

David Di Gregorio

David Di Gregorio is a Partner at KMB Law where he leads the Banking and Financial Services Team and is a part of the Real Estate and Land Development Team. He has a broad commercial real estate practice, representing large corporations, small businesses, real estate developers, financial institutions, and private lenders. David’s commercial real estate practice is focused on: the purchase and sale of commercial properties and lands, and commercial leasing. In his secured lending practice, David advises financial institutions, private lenders and borrowers in debt financing transactions of all kinds, including real estate financings, construction/project financing, asset-based lending and other credit facilities (secured, non-secured, domestic, revolving and term). Before becoming a lawyer, David received his Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto in 2007. He subsequently completed his J.D. at the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Law. David is actively involved in the community and maintains an ever-expanding network of contacts in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Isa Cariati

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Isa is a breast cancer survivor and brings her experience in media and sales to Wellspring. 

After studying Italian and Art History in university, she received a college diploma in Broadcast Journalism. In 1999, Isa began working at CityTV as a video librarian, and then newswriter for City Pulse News and the launch of CP24. From there, Isa joined Telelatino Network as the Library and Program Manager. She worked there until 2005, then decided to stay home to raise her two children. 

In 2023, Isa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She learned about Wellspring Cancer Centre very quickly after her diagnosis and soon began participating in Wellspring Chinguacousy’s services – including peer support, individual therapy, and fitness and nutrition programs. It was these services that helped her both physically and emotionally during her recovery after having a double mastectomy. 

Wellspring Chinguacousy has become like a second family to her, and she feels a genuine connection to everyone who walks in.

Greg Bonnell

Greg Bonnell

Greg Bonnell worked as a print and broadcast journalist for 25 years before joining TD Bank as host of its MoneyTalk Live and TD Active Trader Live on-air programs. Over his career he has interviewed bank CEOs, politicians and movie stars. Greg grew up in Brampton and after a decade in Toronto returned in 2007 to raise his family. As a first-time board member, Greg is hoping his media experience can be of benefit to the important work being done by Wellspring Chinguacousy. 

Roberta Canning

Roberta

Roberta Canning is a dedicated community leader with decades of experience in community development, outreach, and collaboration across the Peel Region. A lifelong Brampton resident since 1961, Roberta brings deep local knowledge and strong relationships to her role as a Board Member with Wellspring Chinguacousy. She previously served for nearly 20 years with the City of Brampton in the Recreation and Performing Arts Divisions and currently works as Executive Assistant to the Lead Minister at North Bramalea United Church. Roberta is actively involved in several community organizations, including the Brampton Ladies Club and the Professors Lake Residents Association, and is passionate about supporting Wellspring’s mission of providing compassionate support, connection, and hope to individuals and families impacted by cancer.

David Pusateri

David Pusateri, President

As President of Xcel Construction since 2019, David Pusateri brings visionary leadership, strategic direction, and extensive industry expertise to every project. With over two decades of progressive experience in building envelope repairs and parking structure Restoration, David ensures Xcel is recognized for its integrity, quality, and innovation.  

David’s career began in skilled labor, where he developed a hands-on understanding of construction techniques before moving into project management, where he spent seven years leading complex restoration projects. He later served as Director of Construction at A-CON Construction Limited, overseeing operations, workforce coordination, and client relations, before assuming his current role at Xcel.A n Advanced Diploma graduate from George Brown College, David is recognized for his ability to multi-task, his strategic vision, and his proven leadership. His expertise spans  project execution, safety management, subcontractor negotiations, cost control, and  business development. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events and concerts, and sharing great meals with friends and loved ones. 

Michael Palleschi

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Born and raised in the Heart Lake area of Brampton, Michael Palleschi was first elected to Brampton City Council in 2014 as a Regional Councillor for Wards 2 & 6. Prior to being elected, Michael held various roles and positions in the energy sector.

Michael has seen the City grow from a farming community to one of the largest and fastest growing municipalities in Canada. He is dedicated to working with residents and community groups to ensure that their voices are heard and represented at the decision-making table. Being a single father of three children, community safety has been and will continue to be a key priority for Michael. Other key priorities for Michael include accountability, transparency and good governance; building and supporting inclusive communities and the environment.

Having grown up in a family heavily involved in their community, Michael has experienced firsthand the degree of dedication and hard work it takes to be an effective community leader. Michael’s experience in policy and procedure coupled with his unrelenting drive to improve the quality of life for his community are hallmarks of his commitment to Brampton City and Peel Regional Councils.

Don McDonald

Governance Committee Chair

Don McDonald

A trailblazer in the Canadian financial landscape, Don is committed to transforming the way small and mid-sized businesses grow.  As the founder and CEO of Waverley Corporate Financial Services Ltd., Canada’s largest exempt market dealer, Don has helped thousands of Canadians reach their financial goals through investing locally in Canadian small businesses. 

Don has served on numerous private, public, industry, and charity boards.  

Patricia McLaughlin

Fundraising Committee Chair

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Patricia has built her career in the non-profit industry over the past 16 years, working in community fundraising and events. She made the transition to non-profit industry with a role at Canadian Cancer Society in 2010. This is where she first became aware of Wellspring and the critical work that it does. That role involved working on Daffodil Month throughout the GTA and specifically with the Peel Community Office serving the same communities as Wellspring Chinguacousy.

From there she moved onto Cystic Fibrosis Canada working with volunteers and committees on events throughout Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Currently she is Director, Events and Community Partnerships for Southlake Health Foundation in Newmarket. One constant throughout these roles has been working to empower the community to raise funds and turn their passion for the cause into meaningful and impactful initiatives. 

Patricia raised her family in Brampton, blocks away from Wellspring Chinguacousy and moved to Orangeville a few years ago but remains connected to the Brampton community after having lived there for 23 years. She has an adult son and daughter and a very high-spirited Bichon Poodle who likes to offer his support during all virtual meetings. 

 

Navjit Kaur Brar

Programs Committee Chair

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Navjit Kaur Brar is a proud Bramptonian. She was born and brought up in Brampton, and is raising her three children with her partner in this city. Her election victory is historic as she becomes the first turban wearing councillor in Canada.

Navjit completed her undergraduate at the University of Toronto and continued her studies at Canadore College to become a fulltime Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). She worked as an RRT for the past decade in the Peel region.

Navjit is passionate about bringing better services to her residents and ensuring their voices are heard at City Hall.

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Yogeeta Jhodhan

Programs Committee Chair

Yogeeta

Yogeeta H. Jhodhan is a healthcare leader, consultant, educator, and podcast host, featured on various TV shows, Cityline, The Good Stuff, Rogers TV, known for her extensive work in the home care and community health sectors. She combines operational leadership with advocacy, education, and public engagement to improve home-based care services and support aging populations.  

Yogeeta’s career spans clinical, managerial, and community leadership roles across health, aging, and wellness sectors. She began her professional journey earning a Personal Support Worker diploma followed by an RPN designation from George Brown College, and later completing double degrees in Psychology and Adult Development and continues her education.  

Yogeeta’s community contributions & cultural work have been widely recognized. In 2012 she was among Canadians awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding service, and she received honors during International Women’s Month in Peel Region and various other awards regarding her community impact in community.  

Andrew Grossi

Treasurer

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Andrew Grossi is a senior manager at KPMG LLP in Vaughan. He specializes in advising clients in the GTA and guiding them through tax, audit and assurance issues, sales and acquisitions, operational improvement and general business matters. Andrew has over 10 years of experience working with privately held businesses ranging from small owner-managed companies to large multi-nationals. 

Prior to his current role, Andrew spent 5 years working with Danbury Global, helping businesses facing restructuring and insolvency issues to maximize returns through professional auctions, liquidations and private sales. 

Andrew is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with High Distinction from the University of Toronto. 

Andrew cares deeply about his community and has a passion for supporting those in need. He recognizes the importance of having a support network and helping with the quality of life of those impacted by cancer. 

Jason Da Silva

Vice Chair

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Jason Da Silva was born and raised in Brampton. He attended the University of Western Ontario where he received his Honours BACS in Finance.

Having grown up in and around his family’s catering business, Jason learned the value of hard work and community involvement at a very young age. He has a strong work ethic, showing drive and determination in business and a commitment to supporting his local community.

Jason established his own real estate business during University. This successful business venture led to him joining Rice Development Corp. in 2008 where he currently serves as C.E.O.

Wanting to contribute to the community on a more personal level, Jason explored several opportunities that ultimately led to him being appointed to the Board of Directors of Wellspring Chinguacousy. Jason also serves on the Board of Directors of The Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation.

Jason and Laura are very proud parents of their three children, Scarlette, Leo and Eleanor.

Kevin Travers

Board Chair, Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair

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Kevin has spent his entire career serving clients in Ontario’s public sector, including those operating in the Local Government, Healthcare and Not for Profit space. He brings 33 years of public accounting experience serving Cities, hospitals and other healthcare organizations, Ontario public sector entities, NPOs and associations. He has previously held multiple national leadership roles within the firm including most recently having served as the National Leader of KPMG’s Infrastructure, Government, and Healthcare audit practice, showcasing his leadership in the domain. Kevin combines strong technical abilities in the area of public sector financial reporting with an ability to explain key concepts to stakeholders who have varying degrees of comfort with public sector financial reporting. He has delivered numerous educational seminars and webinars and has provided guest lectures on how a public sector finance function can attract, develop and retain talent, how finance can be part of a strategic HR planning cycle and on non-profit accounting and auditing at a variety of post secondary education institutions.