Dr. Okorie serves as a Principal Investigator and Psychiatrist at the Kelowna Health & Memory Centre. With decades of experience in general and geriatric psychiatry, he has seen firsthand the limitations of current mental health treatments.
Dr. Okorie has been an Investigator in clinical research since 2016, committed to advancing investigational therapies that may offer more effective treatment options for his patients and the wider community. He is an expert in both mental and cognitive health providing assessments and care for patients with depression, anxiety, psychosis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and more.
He has played a significant role in helping to bring new Alzheimer's treatments to Canada and has served as an Investigator in trials for dementia therapies trials including Lecanemab, Donanemab, and Trontinemab. Outside of his clinical and research work, Dr. Okorie enjoys spending time with his wife and children and exploring new places with them through travel.
Dr. Maytham is a Principal Investigator at Kelowna Health & Memory Centre, bringing over two decades of experience in family practice and extensive experience in clinical research. Trained in South Africa, she has been practicing as a family physician in British Columbia since 2001, where her versatility continues to shape her work in research.
Her early career included maternity care and emergency medicine in Invermere before shifting her focus to family practice. It was through this work that she discovered a passion for clinical trials. What she values most is empowering patients by helping them better understand their health and medications and feel informed about the research behind their treatment options. Her ultimate goal is to focus on scientifically important research that aims to improve care in today’s community.
Nkiruka Sandra Okorie is a psychiatric nurse and healthcare leader with expertise in mental health, long-term care, and Alzheimer’s disease research. Sandra has worked across acute psychiatry and community settings and has served as a psychometric rater on international Alzheimer’s clinical trials, including studies evaluating treatments for early and mild Alzheimer’s disease.
She has also led independent research exploring the experiences of adult family members living alongside loved ones with dementia. Her career reflects a strong commitment to ethical research and high-quality support for patients and families.
As the Director of Research at KH&MC, Emily brings both scientific expertise and strong interpersonal skills to her work. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at UBC Okanagan, where she built a solid foundation in research, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Born and raised in Kelowna, Emily is deeply committed to supporting research that benefits her local community. She has extensive hands-on experience guiding participants through every stage of a clinical trial—from laboratory procedures and informed consent to regulatory documentation and day-to-day study coordination.
Her ability to clearly explain complex information, combined with her organized and detail-oriented approach, ensures that participants feel supported, informed, and comfortable throughout their research experience. Emily’s work reflects a balance of professionalism, empathy, and scientific rigor. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys cooking, baking, and experimenting with new recipes—interests that mirror her thoughtful, creative nature and her love of bringing care and precision into everything she does.
Sarena is the Administration and Finance Manager at KH&MC, where she plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of both the clinic and its research programs. With a background in the Medical Office Assistant program from the University of the Fraser Valley, she has developed a strong foundation in healthcare administration that has allowed her to support multiple key areas of clinical trials, including regulatory processes and financial coordination.
Her attention to detail, organizational skill, and deep commitment to patient-centered care make her an essential part of the team. Sarena is passionate about contributing to meaningful research and improving healthcare pathways—not only for today’s patients but for the future well-being of her own children and the broader community.
Chidera (Dera) Okorie is a motivated and detail-oriented scientist with a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine. With a solid foundation in research, Dera brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his work, shaped by experience in research support and community engagement.
Compassionate, driven, and highly organized, Dera is dedicated to building the knowledge and experience necessary to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. His long-term goal is to become a physician and contribute thoughtfully and effectively to patient care and medical advancement.
