Diane Kanady

A clinical mental health counselor, Diane Kanady has worked in the healthcare industry for more than two decades. Most recently, Diane Kanady served as a patient and family advisory council (PFAC) program manager for one of the oldest general hospitals operating in the U.S. Her responsibilities included overseeing all PFAC initiatives at the hospital, including recruiting patients to volunteer on PFACs.

Prior to taking on the responsibilities of a PFAC program manager at the hospital, Diane Kanady spent nearly five years fulfilling the duties of a clinical mental health counselor in its Cancer Resource Room. She counseled patients and their families, furnishing both coping strategies and instructional sessions on living with cancer.

From 1999 to 2016, Ms. Kanady volunteered as a hospice caregiver. She assisted patients as they faced terminal illnesses, including sitting vigil during their final 48 hours and offering support to their families. For instance, she helped plan and coordinate fundraising activities and memorial services. She also prepared meals, ran errands, and engaged in other forms of support.