MJ DeCoteau

Executive Director

Past Life:

My Master’s thesis, The Post-Structural Pop Star: Academic Constructions of Madonna, was quite groundbreaking in its day. It took a while for the University of Saskatchewan English department to agree to the topic but in the end was a hit: It was the first in the history of the English department to be passed without a single revision.

Why Breast Cancer?

My mother passed away from breast cancer at age 53, when I was 22 years old. My grandmother also had breast cancer. I do not want my daughter to have to worry about breast cancer when she grows up. And, I want to be around to be a grandmother.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

We were barely a month old and I was very green but very keen and I left a long, babbling, passionate voicemail message for someone at the Council of Fashion Designers of America about wanting to bring the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign to Canada. When my call was returned the same day, I nearly fell off my chair with excitement. Ten years in, Fashion Targets has raised over $1.5 million for our programs.

In 5 Years I …will be pushing the age limit to be a spokesperson for a “young” women’s breast cancer charity!

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

I have three older brothers so, even though I’m small in that department, having boobs was definitely something that set me apart in our household growing up. Today, they are a daily reminder of why I do what I do.

Alison Gordon

VP Strategy, Marketing and Communications

Past Life:

I was doing a PhD in Cultural Studies at the University of Toronto, which led me to work as a strategic planner at advertising agencies TAXI and ZiG Ideas. It was the first time I had worked outside of a university and I learned so much about business, marketing and branding while working with clients like Molson, the Art Gallery of Ontario, YTV and more. I think I always had it in me to be an entrepreneur – I jumped on board with MJ from the get-go and never looked back!

Why Breast Cancer?

After writing an essay in grade six about breast cancer I became engaged in the importance of breast health! Years later I did a dissertation for my Master’s thesis on the discourse on women’s health in popular magazines. Essentially I was interested in how women’s magazines present and discuss women’s health issues. I realized that women’s magazines were actually ahead of the game in terms of how they made the information accessible and relevant to women. I was inspired to help MJ create this organization because of my desire to “rethink” all of the old approaches to the cause. My continued passion comes mostly from all of the young women we meet who have experienced breast cancer and from being a part of their extremely challenging journey.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

In 2002, MJ and I were chosen as one of the Top 10 marketers for Marketing magazine and graced the cover twice that year. It was really early on in Rethink’s history and it made me so proud that with very little money and a lot of passion we were able to create something that the industry was recognizing as innovative and important. This achievement helped spread the word about our organization and introduced us to the many women and men who have inspired us and helped us grow into what we are and continue to be.

In 5 Years I…hope that advancements in treatment and early detection have changed the lives of the many women experiencing breast cancer.

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

Not much – they’re really small! Honestly, I think a lot about my boobs because of my work with Rethink. It’s a complicated relationship.

Nikki Byrne

Manager, Donor Development

Past Life:

I spent a lot of time traveling after university (perhaps an attempt at justifying my degree in Social Anthropology?). When I finally landed back in Toronto I ended up working in post production and eventually commercial production. I threw several fundraising events for various charities and after volunteering for Rethink for a number of years was lucky enough to make it my full-time gig.

Why Breast Cancer?

I have two daughters. I hope that the work we do at Rethink means they never have to worry about breast cancer.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

Listening to one of the incredible women we support with metastatic breast cancer speak to a room full of people about what Rethink has done for her. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. I recall this moment on my hardest days at work – makes it all worthwhile.

In 5 Years I …

hope to have won the lottery so I can build my dream cottage on Georgian Bay. I promise to make a huge donation to Rethink if it ever happens!

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

My boobs provided nourishment for both of my kids. Since then (what is it about breast feeding that makes your boobs shrink!?) there’s not much left to think about!

Maura Young

Director, Finance and Human Resources

Past Life:

I worked in management accounting roles in manufacturing, retail, financial services and IT consulting companies in the UK and Canada for 17 years. Just before joining Rethink I was a finance manager at Accenture responsible for project accounting and worked closely with senior executives and consultants on large-scale external project implementations.

Why Breast Cancer?

There is a strong history of breast cancer in my family. My mother’s sister passed away from it in her early 50s and my mom passed away at 64 in 2004. I was diagnosed in 2005 and since discovered that I carry the BRCA1 genetic mutation. I have two children, a girl and a boy, so it is a huge worry for me that they might also carry the mutation.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

Meeting the women we subsidized to come to Breast Fest in 2009.

In 5 Years I…want to be cancer free.

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

When I was breastfeeding I was amazed at what breasts could do. Now I’m afraid of what they can do. Most importantly, I’ve discovered that boobs don’t define a woman – it’s very possible to be feminine and sexy without breasts.

Michelle Rothstein

Artistic Director, Breast Fest

Past Life:

I worked for many years in film festivals in Toronto and New York City. Then I moved into television producing and content development for the web. While staying home to raise my kids, I started a design business showcasing furniture and accessories by up-and-coming designers, all while starting up a nursery school.

Why Breast Cancer?

My very close friend and mentor Debra Plotkin, the director of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival in its infancy, died of breast cancer in 2000. Her death left a big hole in my life and I miss her to this day. I wanted to do something for the cause, and Breast Fest is that perfect intersection.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

Kind of an absurd one – not greatest, but a moment of great learning and self-awareness. At Breast Fest we have a peer consultant on hand for anyone who needs support, as the films tend to bring up many issues. Little did I realize that the peer support person would be used by me! Even though I work for Breast Fest, I had no idea that I would be thrown for such a loop. Reduced to a pile of tears, facing my intense loss of a friend, I recognized that none of us are immune to the ideas and emotions of Breast Fest. We are all a part of this unfortunately large community in one way or another, and there are always opportunities to learn and grow as a person. It was quite humbling.

In 5 Years I…see Breast Fest world domination! There will be smaller versions of the film festival popping up in major cities across the globe and giving support to more and more people. Breast Fest will be a household name in the worldwide breast cancer community. If you are affected by the cause, you will know about Breast Fest.

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

They used to drive me crazy – D cups that got a lot of attention – people meeting my boobs, not my eyes. But my kids changed me forever. They sucked the life out of my boobs, so I am now a demure B/C and I adore them in clothes! I feel liberated!

Lindsay Grange

Senior Manager, Events

Past Life:

I have been in events for my entire career (except for a brief stint as a jewelry designer). I worked at the MS Society and Canadian Cancer Society before coming to Rethink.

Why breast cancer?

It is an important cause that is very close to my heart. During my time at Rethink, I have met a number of amazing women dealing with breast cancer. Each of these women has inspired me to continue raising money for such an amazing cause.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

I have had a lot of great moments at Rethink – it’s hard to pick just one! I love when the team sits down for lunch club. The days are usually very hectic and it is nice take a break and catch up with the team. I especially like it when there is a huge celebrity scandal that needs to be discussed!

In 5 Years I…

would like to be living in New York and running the Rethink New York office. I would also like to be directing and performing in the Rethink Musical. It is going to be good!

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

I love my boobs! They make me feel feminine and sexy.

Tanya Baker

Office Manager & Donor Relations Coordinator

Past Life:

I ran away from my home country of Australia to chase my true love – a Canadian! Fifteen years later, we are married with two children. I will always call Australia home but I’ve fallen in love with Toronto. Since travel brought me here, it was only appropriate that I went into the travel industry. I then went on to have two children and hung out at home with them for a few years. I re-entered the workforce after hearing about a fantastic opportunity at Rethink.

Why Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer is so prevalent that it is hard not to know someone living with the disease. In my case, I have an aunty, a cousin and a close friend of my sister who have all recently been diagnosed. That fact that I’m a woman is reason enough to work for such an important cause.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

Our holiday party last year – there were 10 of us, in a private movie theatre, watching Auntie Mame. It was one of those moments when I realized that I work with a truly great bunch of people.

In 5 Years I…hope to see Rethink providing programs and support right across the country!

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

Pleasure, sustenance and the need for a good bra!

Allen Braude

Manager, Communications and PR

Past Life:

Following a degree in Film Studies from Simon Fraser University, I’ve worked with various film festivals including 10 years at the Toronto International Film Festival. Most recently I was the Co-Director of Learning at TIFF and head programmer of the Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children, where I enjoyed the opportunity to help educate youth about important issues using the engaging and entertaining medium of film. I’ve also been a member of the advisory board of the Breast Fest Film Festival since it began in 2008.

Why Breast Cancer?

I was excited to be part of Breast Fest and to raise awareness and understanding about an important issue in a creative way. As I got to know more about Rethink Breast Cancer, I was really impressed by their passion, imagination, intelligence and sense of fun. When I got to know the staff, I knew this would be a great place to work.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

The opening night film and party at the first Breast Fest. I wasn’t sure what to expect – would people show up? Would they find the event meaningful and have a great time? The Rethink team put together an outstanding evening that was a complete success. There was a full house and everyone said they had a fantastic time and were so happy that they attended. It was amazing to be part of it.

In 5 Years I…

would like to see legislation passed that bans all chemicals, pesticides and pollutants that are known carcinogens, and to have run a marathon or two (I am training to run a half-marathon)

Jen Lagzdins

Coordinator, Support & Education Programs

Past Life:

After completing my university degree, I got not just bitten, but kidnapped by the travel bug. I enjoyed exploring Europe, teaching kindergarten in South Korea, and backpacking solo through Southeast Asia. I so often wished that “Adventurer” would count as valid work experience on a professional resume. A small town girl, I eventually (and awkwardly) settled into the big city of Toronto. I enjoyed a few of years of inspiring dialogue surrounding diverse issues while working with Sprockets and the Toronto International Film Festival. Somewhere in there, health became paramount. I took a life-changing trip to India and obtained my yoga teacher’s training certificate. I now enjoy teaching and practicing yoga, and studying the Indian science of life, ayurveda.

Why Breast Cancer?

Growing up with big boobs in school sucked…I hated them without realizing what a damaging thing it is to hate even one piece of your body. It was a moment of freedom when I learnt to love them. My mom and my aunt are both breast cancer survivors. Upon realizing the incredible challenges and changes that occur, I feel proud to be able to help provide support to this amazing community of women. Uplifting community – that’s what it’s all about!

Greatest Rethink Moment:

In the first week of starting work at Rethink, I attended a meeting with Karyn Stowe to discuss her upcoming book that aims to help kids cope as a parent deals with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. It was astounding to me that a woman could turn her crisis into such creative energy and opportunity for sharing. I really realized the power of helping someone feel supported during a difficult time, and how this support empowers and inspires them to help others exponentially.

In 5 Years I …

want to have travelled across Canada – and see lots of Live Laugh Learn communities sprouting up along the way! I try not to plan too far ahead into the future – surprise is indulgence of mine – but I’d say if I’m still living, laughing and learning, I will be exactly where I want to be.

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

They are an extension of my heart.

Paulina Perzynska

Designer & Marketing Coordinator

Past Life:

I grew up in beautiful South Africa, before moving to Canada at the age of 19. After completing my degree in psychology, I did a 180 and decided to pursue post-graduate studies in publishing and design – a lifelong dream. My focus was print design and I had been involved in various freelance projects with Rethink. I was designing a poster for the monthly donor campaign with Nikki Byrne when she jokingly said, “Why can’t you just come work here?” As luck had it, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator position had recently opened up. I applied, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Why Breast Cancer?

Almost everyone knows, or knows of, someone who has breast cancer. As a woman, that is a frightening statistic. I want to do what I can to bring attention and change to this issue.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

Attending my first Breast Fest. Not only were the films deeply moving, but meeting the women who directly benefit from the work we do at Rethink, was a humbling and motivating experience.

In 5 Years I…

would like to see Rethink’s website, facebook and twitter supporters grow exponentially, so that more and more young women know that they have a place to turn to for information, resources and support.

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

For now, they fill out my favourite shirts and later they will hopefully nourish my baby.

Shawna Ginsberg

Manager, Support & Education Programs

Past Life:

I might have been a pastry chef or chocolatier – or the editor of a fashion magazine….I love fashion and food!  After a degree in psychology, a post graduate diploma in Child Life, and a long time focus on bereavement, I discovered my passion for outreach and advocacy work.  There is nothing better than the feeling of being able to support someone during one of the hardest periods in their life.  To sit with a person in their pain and just listen is powerful and humbling. It really makes you appreciate all the things in life we tend to take for granted.

Why Breast Cancer?

Two of my most favorite people just lost a close friend to breast cancer, Leanne Coppen, the witty writer who touched thousands by sharing her breast cancer journey through her blog for Chatelaine magazine. Although I did not know Leanne personally, I was deeply affected by the compassion and humanity that brought this group of friends even closer together.  The stories of survival that I am listening to every day at Rethink are inspiring.  I also want my two boys to know that their mom does something meaningful, beyond loving and nagging them.

Greatest Rethink Moment:

There have been many!  The one that sticks out is the comedy night Tits N’ Sass at this year’s Breast Fest.  Watching everyone in the auditorium laughing, especially some of the women in our support programs was infectious.  I felt really proud to be a part of such a dynamic organization.

In 5 Years I…

Hope to have made a significant contribution in supporting and educating young women with breast cancer, and expanding Rethink’s programs nationwide.  I would also like to see all of my boys happy and healthy.

What Do Your Boobs Mean to You?

I am not sure… I think it is a complicated relationship.  My proudest moment when it came to my breasts was when I was able to nurse my babies.  I thought, “OMG!  Look what my boobs can do!”  Now I just want them to be healthy.  I much prefer them in a pretty bra.

Ashley Mac Isaac-Butler

Senior Advocacy Manager

Dianna Klisanin

Director of Development