Mary Bayliss

Director

Mary graduated from Fanshawe College’s Respiratory Therapy program in 1984, earning her Registered Respiratory Therapist designation the same year. A committed lifelong learner, she later completed numerous certifications in education, investigations, change management, coaching, and leadership, as well as a Master’s degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph.

Mary began her career as a bedside therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Women’s College Hospital in Toronto before working abroad at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. After the Gulf War, she returned to Canada with her husband and shifted her focus to patient education in asthma, COPD, and respiratory rehabilitation, followed by roles in RT education.

She later joined the CRTO as a Professional Practice Advisor and eventually Deputy Registrar. After nearly a decade in regulation, Mary returned to acute care in leadership roles, managing an inpatient ALC unit and respiratory therapy services, and later serving as Director of Interprofessional Practice and Education. She continued her work in professional regulation and education with the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of Family Physicians before retiring in 2024—briefly. Soon after, she was delighted to return to the profession as Executive Director of the RTSO.

Mary has also been an active community volunteer, serving nearly eight years on the Board of Community and Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS), including four as Chair. Now living in a new community, she is excited to continue this work as a Board member with Helping Hands.