Suzanne O’Brien, with her diverse international experience and profound expertise in social work, has been an integral part of Hope & Cope’s leadership team since 1997. Her journey in social work began in Australia, where she trained and worked across various cities before extending her skills to Hong Kong and, eventually, Montreal.
In her two decades as Executive Director of Hope & Cope, Suzanne has shown exceptional leadership and dedication. Following her tenure, she took on the role of Chair of the Board. Her commitment to Hope & Cope’s mission is evident in her long-standing involvement and significant contributions to the organization.
Suzanne’s clinical passions are deeply rooted in developing innovative programs for specific groups affected by cancer. She played a pivotal role in creating Cancer Fight Club, a dynamic support network for young adults with cancer, and Breast Friends, a support initiative for women living with metastatic breast cancer. Her focus extends beyond these groups, as she is also heavily involved in community projects in palliative care.
Currently, Suzanne co-chairs the McGill Council on Palliative Care Week and was a co-chair of Projection Week, a community engagement project focusing on end-of-life conversations. Her experience and insights have been invaluable to these initiatives, which aim to foster open discussions and understanding about palliative care in the community.
Her expertise is further recognized through her service on the Executive of the McGill International Congress on Palliative Care, where she has contributed to multiple sessions over the years.
