DEI Working Group Biographies

Olga Hallborg is a registered nurse and a life-long-learner. She graduated from University of Saskatchewan with a bachelor degree in nursing with distinction in 2014. Initially, Olga worked in long-term care facilities in Southern BC and continued studying public health online. In October 2020 Olga joined the IPAC team and assisted a regional hospital in navigating through the COVID pandemic. In 2021 Olga graduated again from University of Saskatchewan as a Master of Public Health. In 2023 Olga successfully completed the IPAC professional development course with Queen’s University.

Olga is an immigrant and is familiar with how challenging it can be for a newcomer or representative of a cultural minority to navigate through the social and health care systems. Olga is originally from Ukraine. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of her home country, Olga actively supports Ukraine through raising awareness about the war and raising funds.

Olga is also very passionate about environmental action. Olga supports local and national environmental organizations. In 2020 Olga started a local group and movement, the Castlegar Butterflyway, with focus on supporting biodiversity of native pollinators and native plants.

While not working or volunteering, Olga enjoys spending time with her family and friends and exploring Nature.

I am currently working as an infection control professional at the Halton Healthcare with special interests in tuberculosis and creating IPAC electronic surveillance systems. I graduated from the University of Toronto with Honors in Bachelor of Science, specializing in the Human Biology program with minors in Mathematics and Zoology. Then completed my Post Graduate Diploma and Master of Science degree in Infectious Diseases from University of London (United Kingdom). I have been an active member of IPAC Canada since 2009. DEI is close to my heart as I belong to a minority group as well. I live in a multicultural town and have been an active member in the community for building tolerance and respect for different backgrounds. And hoping to improve my knowledge and understand their needs to cater them in an efficient way.

I have lived most of my life in Saskatchewan, on the fringe of the boreal forest. I am married with two adult children and one grand-child. In my professional life, I was a nurse and a nurse educator. After retirement, I decided to apply my professional skills to an area of personal interest—patient safety. As a result of witnessing a family member struggle to deal with a life threatening infection, I joined Patients for Patient Safety Canada (PFPSC). Since 2009, I have volunteered as a public representative on several infection prevention committees at the national level, with the end goal of safe patient care. 

As the Public Representative on the Board of Directors of IPAC Canada, it is my honour to work with this dedicated committee.  I hope to be able to contribute to their goal of providing educational information and resources to IPAC Canada members about diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare.

Michelle Mutton, a graduate of Laurentian University (BScN) and University of Phoenix (MSN/ED), has been a nurse for 32+ years.  She has had the great fortune of being employed coast to coast and even in the USA: thanks to her Military Pilot husband of 28 years.  Her main practice areas have been Labour & Delivery, Women’s Health, and Northern Nursing with Indigenous Services Canada. 

A member of IPAC Canada since 2018, and CIC qualified since 2022, she is currently employed with Indigenous Services Canada as the National Nurse Manager of the Communicable Disease Emergency and Infection Prevention and Control team.  As one of the newest members of the DEI Working Group, Michelle hopes that her experiences acquired throughout her career and most importantly working with Indigenous Peoples will be captured in the work undertaken by the working group. She feels that all communities, backgrounds and cultures need to be represented and heard.

Steven J. Schweon LLC, Saylorsburg PA 

Steve has been an infection preventionist since 1995, achieving continual certification since 1997.  Clinical experiences include the acute care and Long-Term Care settings.  He has authored / co-authored articles in peer reviewed publications, lectured / presented posters at national conferences, and presented national webinars. He has served on APIC, SHEA and AMDA national committees. He has authored chapters in APIC’s “Infection Preventionist Guide to Long-Term Care.”   Additionally, Steve has served as a faculty member for the AHRQ Safety Program for Long-Term Care: HAI/CAUTI. He is also an APIC EPI acute care/LTC faculty member. 

His interest with DEI, includes a greater awareness of individuals with disabilities and the elderly.  Inclusion awareness began by recognizing that others are often offensively labeled or whose disabilities are misinterpreted as barriers or whose differences are mocked.     

As a seasoned infection preventionist, Steve is also sensing aging concerns with received comments from colleagues and peers. He gently and kindly reminds folks that he “still has plenty of game left!” 

With a solid academic foundation in Nairobi, Kenya, Sonal Left the familiar shores of home to pursue a university degree in India where in 1997 she graduated with a Master’s degree in

Microbiology from S.P. University, Gujarat. Sonal’s passion for healthcare was evident from the start. Her pursuit of excellence continued with specialized studies in Infection Prevention & Control at Queens University, Canada and she obtained recognition for her degrees through World Education Services. Mrs. Shah’s journey in the realm of infection control is fortified by her attainment of Certification in Infection

Control (CIC) in 2016. This noteworthy achievement serves as a testament to her dedication and proficiency in upholding the highest standards of patient safety and public health.

Sonal’s expertise as an ICP shone brightly during her tenure at Woodstock Hospital & Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Currently with Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) and Huron Perth IPAC HUB, her dedication to patient safety and infection control strategies continue to help shape IPAC best practices in healthcare settings and beyond.

Sonal’s commitment to DEI is palpable through her involvement as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion committee at Woodstock Hospital, DEI Working group of IPAC Canada and expressed interest to join the DEI committee at HPHA. Serving as a Translation Facilitator for Hindi and Gujarati languages, she championed effective communication and understanding among diverse staff and patients.