Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Karen Dechandt

Port Dover,ON

Summary

Senior Quality Assurance Specialist with extensive experience in product and process development and validation within pharmaceutical manufacturing. Proven ability to lead collaboration with project stakeholders, ensuring that all planning and validation activities meet stringent quality, regulatory, and industry standards.

Recently certified in Data Analytics, leveraging data to drive decision-making, and enhancing process control and compliance

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Quality Assurance Specialist

BWXT Medical
05.2021 - 08.2023

Led quality approvals for the development and validation of a new manufacturing facility for BWXT Medical

  • Expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive quality plans, process flows, test methods, verification protocols, reports, and procedures, significantly enhancing process efficiency and risk management.
  • Achieved 100% approval for multiple assets and documents in asset management and quality management databases.
  • Supported process validations life-cycle by investigating deviations, implementing corrective actions, and contributing to process improvement through change control management
  • Led quality approval and training of updated procedures and other controlled records in the quality management database
  • Cross-analyzed user and functional requirement specifications for software development and validation of automated radiopharmaceutical facilities

Validation Specialist

Canopy Growth Corporartion
01.2018 - 08.2020


  • Led process improvement initiatives, utilizing Six Sigma methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and product quality
  • Conducted risk assessments, developed, and implemented risk mitigation controls, improving process reliability and safety
  • Managed projects from conception through to completion, including facility qualifications and asset management
  • Implemented and managed corrective actions (CAPAs), change controls, and supplier qualifications

Quality Assurance Specialist

Saputo Dairy Canada
01.2010 - 12.2017
  • Verified and documented in-process controls to ensure food safety under Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations and BRC global standards
  • Managed non-conformances, evaluated analytical methods and led training to processes improvement and quality standards, significantly reducing non-conformance rates
  • Participated in internal audits and work in compliance with established safe work practices and procedures

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree - Chemistry

Carleton University
02-2009

Skills

  • Process Improvement (Six Sigma)
  • (FMEA), Failure Mode Effect Analysis
  • ERP database for control of materials and suppliers
  • Customer Focus
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Visualization
  • Internal Audits
  • Project Management
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Software Validation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Regulatory Submission Support
  • (QMS) Quality Management System
  • (CAPA) Corrective and Preventive Action
  • Quality SOP Development
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Equipment Calibration
  • Detail-oriented
  • Problem-solving Skills

Certification

Data Analytics Course,2024

Accomplishments

  • Successfully qualified multiple manufacturing facilities, ensuring they met stringent regulatory requirements.
  • Reduced process variability by20% through the application of Six Sigma techniques.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive process documentation, leading to improved audit outcomes with zero major observations.

Languages

Portuguese
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Quality Assurance Specialist

BWXT Medical
05.2021 - 08.2023

Validation Specialist

Canopy Growth Corporartion
01.2018 - 08.2020

Quality Assurance Specialist

Saputo Dairy Canada
01.2010 - 12.2017
Data Analytics Course,2024

Bachelor of Science Degree - Chemistry

Carleton University
Karen Dechandt