Dana Gies, MBA, CPA, CMA (Executive Director)
Responsible for overseeing all facets of CSPA, Dana drives the mission, fundraising, operations, and engagement along with the board of directors. Dana brings over 20 years of experience in non-profit and higher education sectors and has taught Business and Management courses part-time, holds an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, an Honors Bachelor of Commerce (French Minor) from McMaster University and a CPA Designation.
As an Inclusion Champion in previous roles, Dana has also taught DEI courses and is dedicated to advocating and aligning her work around the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Personally, Dana has been volunteering within the non-profit space beginning in her youth as a camp counsellor, then with big sisters and habitat for humanity. This resolve stuck with her into her adult and professional career where she has been a volunteer Executive Board Member with Cystic Fibrosis Canada (CF) for more than 20 years and instrumental member of the planning committee for the annual Walk to Cure CF.
Dana looks forward to collaborating and advocating to improve the lives of people affected by skin, hair and nail conditions. Dana can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sabrina Ribau, R.Kin (Programs Manager)
With a background in disability case management and health promotion, and a focus on mental health initiatives and support for vulnerable populations, Sabrina strengthens CSPA's strategic priorities by improving patient education, advocacy, and supporting the skin patient community as they navigate health care and social services resources at local, provincial, and federal levels across Canada.
Sabrina holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology with distinction from the University of Toronto, and conducted research on social support for family members of ill and injured military personnel competing in the Invictus Games. As a Registered Kinesiologist and national team coach with over 15 years of non-profit experience, she brings a biopsychosocial approach to supporting and improving client/patient care.
Sabrina is excited to be a part of the CSPA community in a time where patient advocacy and patient engagement are gaining traction throughout the healthcare system. Her work is focused on empowering skin patient communities to access the care they deserve and expanding the tools and resources available to support their health and well-being. She is also raising awareness about the barriers facing people impacted by skin, hair, and nail conditions, particularly the ways in which health care teams and institutions can work with patients to make spaces more inclusive and accessible for all. Sabrina can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Mary Pagnotta (Stakeholder Relations Manager)
Mary Pagnotta has enjoyed a career in many diverse roles that have helped her to develop broad communications and administrative skills. Positions with Buffalo’s PBS station and with Brock University’s BrockTV.ca have allowed her to contribute to literacy programming, community outreach, and to collaborate with educators, students, artists, viewers, and community partners. Additional roles at educational institutions (secondary and college) have allowed her to lead departments devoted to development, public relations, marketing, and recruitment; she has also been a private career college instructor.
Mary is a proud CSPA team member! She enjoys supporting our Affiliate Member organizations by promoting and assisting with their various initiatives and by fostering connections between groups. She additionally collaborates with volunteers, addresses inquiries from patients and the general public. Mary is pleased to share CSPA’s resources and to assist the needs of all of its stakeholders. Mary can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..