Irene Andress
Irene Andress is a lifelong resident of East York and supporter of East Toronto. She worked as a public health nurse at East York Health Unit and then at Michael Garron Hospital for 30 years in progressive leadership roles from newborn to older adult care programs.
Irene joined Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in 2020 as Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, leading programs and services focused on strategy, continuous improvement, quality care, and inter-professional team empowerment, highlighting her commitment to advancing healthcare for children and youth with disabilities and neurodevelopmental differences.
Irene’s continuous learning and development in governance, data-informed healthcare, and large health system change and innovation, demonstrate her dedication to staying at the forefront of healthcare advancements.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Metropolitan Toronto University, a Master of Nursing (Administration) from the University of Toronto, and several senior executive leadership programs at Rotman’s School of Management at the University of Toronto, further underscoring her expertise and commitment to the field of healthcare.
"Abiona Centre not only gave me the ability to care for my child, but the motivation to get what I wanted for my life - to have my daughter with me and to live independently."
Abiona Centre is a client-centred infant and early childhood mental health organization which supports pregnant and parenting adolescents, aged 13 – 29.