Phyllis Fehr was given a working diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s at 53 years old. Phyllis worked first as an ICU nurse and then as a dementia human rights activist, strategist, policy creator, changer, researcher, teacher, mentor and more. Since the diagnosis, Phyllis commits much of her time doing anti-stigma work related to dementia and promotes the rights and abilities of people living with dementia locally, nationally, and internationally. Her work policy work includes past member of the Ontario Dementia Advisory board, Advisory Group for the Ontario Dementia strategy and the Early Stage Working Group.

Her work includes co-author of multiple research articles and keynote speaking on the lived experience of dementia, human rights and anti-stigma education. Phyllis spoke at the United Nations - the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and at the Senate of Canada, Social Affairs, Science and Technology. The World Health Organization on Non- communicable diseases.

She is currently a patient advisory to the Alzheimer’s Board for BHNHH. She is a current board member of Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice, Dementia Advocacy Canada: Human Rights Action Team Lead, Dementia Alliance International Alumni and provides local leadership to the Empowering Dementia-friendly Communities Hamilton, Haldimand project.