Our Team

Andrea Tomchuk is the Founder and President of the WillaSTRONG Foundation, but above all else, she is Willa's mom.

Andrea witnessed first hand the strength of community, the importance of support, and the realities families face during treatment, rehabilitation, and loss. Through this journey she has dedicated herself to advocating for her child and navigating the many challenges that come with a life-altering diagnosis.

Andrea has spear headed multiple events in the community: The WillaStrong Book Drive in April 2025 that resulted in 1000 donated to Willa's elementary school - Ronald Harvey and Willa's Lemonade Stand in August 2024 that raised $1500 to the Benny Brave Foundation.

Following Willa's passing, Andrea created The WillaSTRONG Foundation to honour her daughter's legacy and the incredible impact she had on everyone who knew her. The foundation is Andrea’s commitment to helping other families facing difficult journeys while ensuring Willa's story continues to bring hope and connection to others.

Karen brings more than 12 years of volunteer experience with Scouts Canada, where she currently serves as Group Commissioner. In this role, she provides direction and oversight to volunteer teams, supports governance and organizational planning, promotes safe and inclusive programming, and works to strengthen membership growth and volunteer engagement. She is passionate about connecting people with a shared purpose and creating opportunities that positively impact children, youth, and families.

Karen's commitment to the Foundation is deeply personal. Willa was her niece and goddaughter, and throughout Willa's seven-year journey with brain cancer, Karen witnessed firsthand the challenges families face while navigating complex medical conditions, as well as the profound impact that compassionate community support can have. Those experiences inspired her dedication to helping other families facing similar challenges. Honoring Willa's legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility, and Karen is proud to help build a foundation that carries forward Willa's courage, kindness, and hope while making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Joyce Pastor is a Licensed Practical Nurse specializing in pediatric care, with most of her career dedicated to supporting children with complex medical needs and their families in community and school settings. Her passion for advocacy, inclusion, and family-centered care has been the foundation of both her professional and volunteer work.

An active member of the Edmonton community, Joyce has volunteered with numerous organizations, including serving as Co-Chair of the Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer in 2017 and as Marshal Coordinator from 2014 to 2016. She is deeply committed to creating more inclusive opportunities for children with medical complexities and special needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and fully participate in their community.

Joyce had the honor and privilege of being Willa’s nurse in both her home and school environments. Willa’s strength and journey deeply shaped Joyce’s understanding of pediatric care and advocacy. She often reflects that Willa changed her not only as a nurse, but as a person—an influence that continues to guide every child and family she cares for today.

Michelle is an Occupational Therapist who has spent the past 16 years supporting children and families through both everyday challenges and life-altering diagnoses. While working on the inpatient units at the Stollery Children's Hospital, she met the family whose remarkable daughter  would later inspire this foundation. Michelle had the privilege of being her Occupational Therapist during her admission and remained connected to the family in the years that followed.

The impact this young girl and her family had on Michelle's life cannot be overstated. Their journey shaped her understanding of courage, resilience, grief, and the profound importance of supporting families through some of their most difficult moments. They changed the way she approaches her work, her relationships, and her perspective on what it means to live with purpose and love deeply.

As a wife and mother of two young daughters, Michelle is passionate about building a kinder and more compassionate world. She believes that even in loss and hardship, there can be meaning, connection, and opportunities to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. She is honoured to support a foundation that reflects the spirit, strength, and legacy of a young girl and family who continue to inspire her every day.