Celebrating Resiliency Conference Celebrating Resiliency Conference A virtual event designed to celebrate and showcase the resiliency and contributions of Quebec’s English-speaking communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Presenters Jodie Glean-Mitchell Jodie Glean-Mitchell is an award winning anti-racism educator who has dedicated her career to developing programming in the field of anti-racism, equity and inclusion. Currently the Director of the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office at the University of Toronto, she is simultaneously completing her PhD in education at York University, focusing on the relationship of institutionalized equity, diversity and inclusion programming and anti-racism principles. She attained her Masters of Arts in educational studies from Concordia University in 2011. In September of 2016, Jodie founded REACT – Race Equity Advisory Consulting & Training Inc. which offers education programming and consultation services to create spaces for organizations and companies to meaningfully engage in critical dialogue and action planning to increase racial equity, diversity and inclusion. In 2017 and 2020, Jodie was the recipient of the Leadership in Learning Award from Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education and the Harry Jerome Diversity Award from the Black Business Professional Association respectively. Mélanie Joanisse Dr. Mélanie Joanisse is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Ottawa and works at Ontario’s only francophone hospital (Montfort) as part of a multidisciplinary team that manages patients with multi-morbidity and complex needs. Mélanie is also a clinical researcher, vice-chair of the Montfort Research Ethics Board and co-founder of the Orleans Psychological Health Team aimed at offering evidence-based psychological services in the community. Most recently, she was spotlighted for creating a funny and easy Guide to Wellness and resiliency for her frontline co-workers that has been translated and shared around the world. Jennifer Johnson Jennifer Johnson has been the Executive Director of the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN) since 2005 and worked for the organization since its inception in 2000. She is also the Executive Director of the Quebec Community Health and Social Services Foundation (QCHF) since 2011. Jennifer has been working on access issues for health and social services for the English-speaking community of Quebec since 1995. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in public health as well as a Certificate of international development from Institut universitaire des études de développement, Geneva, Switzerland and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of the South, Sewanee, TN. She immigrated to Canada from the United States in 1991 and has been living in Quebec City ever since. Kim Buffitt Kimberly Buffitt has worked at Coasters Association since 2004 in various roles including NPI Coordinator, Program Director, Director of Operations and Innovation, and currently Director of Engagement and Development. In every role, Kim strives to enhance the quality of life on the Quebec Lower North Shore by creating and supporting community and leadership development. She is also a committed volunteer, acting as President of various regional organizations and co-operatives. Helena Burke Helena Burke has been the Executive Director of the Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders (CAMI) since January 2007. Born and raised in Grosse-Ile, she has always had a strong sense of belonging to her community and is very familiar with the challenges they face as a minority. Helena has been successful in leading community strategic planning and visioning exercises, building and nurturing vital relationships (both government and non-government), and in leveraging resources to provide for the needs of the English-speaking community. President of the Regional Access Committee for Health and Social Services in English, Helena also sits on local committees and tables (notably the CISSS board of directors from 2013-2017) and is well known for bridge building and collaborating with the Francophone majority. Tania Callender Tania Callender studied in business administration and economics but took a turn from the corporate sector to the community non-profit sector eight years ago working as a volunteer then administrator and in 2015 the Executive Director of the African Canadian Development and Prevention Network (ACDPN). At ACDPN, Tania not only drives forth the mission of solidarity and inter-organizational collaboration across sectors that influence the health and wellness of the English-speaking Black community (ESBC) in Montreal but she also advocates for access to programs that are adapted both linguistically and culturally for this double minority. Mother of two young boys, Tania is inspired to make changes in the system that will positively impact the community now and for future generations. Kate Dupuis Dr. Kate Dupuis is the Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research. With a nearly 20-year history in both research and clinical settings, Kate is passionate about improving the quality of life and well-being of older adults and those who care for them. Her current focus is on the benefits of the arts for older individuals, identifying and helping overcome barriers to participation in recreation and leisure activities, and exploring what being “artistic” and “creative” mean to us across the lifespan. Kate’s specialties include project development and co-ordination, stakeholder relations, and working with and managing collaborative and interprofessional teams. She is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and Professor in the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. Christian Lapointe Born and raised on the South Shore of Montreal, Christian Lapointe retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after 25 years of service as a Physician Assistant (Clinical Nurse). He later trained as a massage therapist geared toward sports medicine, and in 2010 moved into community work at the Megantic English-speaking Community Development Corporation (MCDC) as an Outreach Coordinator. Christian found himself living once more in the South Shore of Montreal in 2018 where he became the Executive Director of the Assistance and Referral Center (ARC). Raphael Lavoie-Brand Raphael Lavoie-Brand is a certified massage therapist, leading expert in self-massage and founder of the Mindful Self-Massage Approach. He teaches in French and English to local and international audiences through online courses, businesses, community organizations, colleges and self-care oriented events. His passion is to help people discover the soothing power of their own hands. Keith Leclaire Keith Leclair is an Indigenous Health and Policy Consultant who brings 41 years of knowledge and experience to the field of Indigenous health. Chairperson of the Pathways Indigenous Advisory Circle, he also acts as a key member of the Board of Directors for the Onen’to:kon Healing Lodge, the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada. Keith's Master of health studies from Athabasca University and Bachelor of science in chemistry from Bishops University were useful jumping off points to better understand the policies, issues, and community planning involved with working in the Indigenous health field. Community engagement and leadership were central to his previous positions as Director General of the CLSC Naskapi at Kawawachikamach, Director of Health Policy at Kahnawake Shakotha’takehnhas Community Services, Director of Auxiliary Services at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Center of Kahnawake, and the Executive Director at Onen’to:kon Healing Lodge in Kanesatake. In 2019, Keith’s work and dedication was acknowledged by the First Nations Health Managers Association and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement when he was awarded the Excellence in Health Leadership Award. Teeanna Munro Teeanna Munro is the Project Coordinator for the Black Perspectives Office (BPO). Her role most directly serves Black students at Concordia and she leads all of the BPO’s student programming. Teeanna has over 12 years of community organizing and building experience across communities in Vancouver, Montreal, and San Francisco. Key highlights of her career include being the founder and co-designer of the Justice Program at DESTA Black Youth Network. At Captive Minds Teeanna created popular education workshops for Black youth on understanding the prison industrial complex and systemic anti-Black racism. She also connected Black youth with incarcerated mentors through their pen pal program. Teeanna holds a Bachelor’s in English literature from Concordia, 2016, and a Master’s in teaching and learning from McGIll, 2018. Teeanna thereafter worked in Nunavik as a secondary teacher and classroom management coach. As a first-generation university student, community organizer, and teacher, Teeanna’s approach and work is very much guided by equity and dismantling all forms of oppression and systemic discrimination in the educational system so that Black students can thrive as their authentic selves. Joanne Pocock Dr. Joanne Pocock is a sociologist with expertise in policy analysis, evaluation and multi-method research techniques who has devoted much of her academic and research career to the study of Quebec’s English-speaking minority communities. Her efforts have contributed to a body of knowledge supporting organizations serving the interests of minority language communities in various sectors and at national, provincial and regional levels. As a research consultant, Dr. Pocock supports CHSSN by studying the socio-demographic characteristics of English-speaking Quebec as well as health and social service access as a key social determinant of health and well-being. Pauline Wiedow For 22 years now, Pauline Wiedow has been involved in creating MWCN, a non-profit community organization, first with a few friends in Châteauguay, then later in the Montérégie Ouest region serving five MRCs. Pauline Wiedow’s vision, generosity and determination have never ceased to attract and mobilize friends, collaborators, volunteers and now a dozen employees who all work in unison to offer services to a community happy to meet and be together in English. As neighbours of Kahnawake, an indigenous community, we continue to find ways of working together to support this very valuable community partner. The MWCN serves an area with over 85,000 English speakers. Dana Vocisano Dana Vocisano is an evaluation and organizational development consultant with 30 years of experience in the community and philanthropic sectors. Before becoming a freelance consultant, Dana was a Program Director at the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, where she managed pan-Canadian initiatives such as collective impact for poverty reduction and sustaining family caregivers through policy changes. Prior to that, she was Executive Director of Head & Hands, a Montreal community organization for youth. More recently, Dana supported a resident-driven community action-plan and an “Age Friendly Cities” research project. Currently she supports learning and evaluation with CHSSN’s Bright Beginnings Program. She has volunteered with countless organizations. Dana participated in Michael Quinn Patton’s first Developmental Evaluation training and has a Master’s degree in Human Systems Intervention from Concordia University. Meagan Young A current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who can truly inspire and connect with her audience, Meagan Young is the founder of the holistic wellness inspired site www.growthroughflow.com She has been facilitating and providing educaitonal, professional thraining and speaking events at the local, provincial,, and national levels. Meagan is a recognized leader in the field of therapeutic recreation and one of the most passionate helping professionals you will meet. Roen Higgins Roen Higgins is an award-winning spoken word poet, educator, dynamic speaker, and certified impact coach. Founder of The Elevated Creative, her mission is to elevate her audience with important life skills such as self-care, resilience, leadership, creative literacy & community well-being. An active Special Care Counsellor for the past 20 years as well as a community change agent, Roen loves helping young people emerge and adults shift towards elevation. As a coach, she is dedicated to raising others to get unstuck and tap into their genius zone. Matt Mardini Matt Mardini is a crooner-singer based in Montreal, who originally hails from Aleppo, Syria. With more than 20 years of professional experience worldwide, he was received at the Bell Centre in 2017. Matt has since produced two albums; a tribute to the Canadian icons (HIBA, 2019) and a live recording of 9 songs performed at the prestigious Rialto theatre accompanied by his band of 12 musicians (Live at Rialto, 2021). When Matt isn’t performing he works as a Program Manager at Montérégie West Community Network (MWCN) spiffing up communication strategies, marketing and branding while maintaining and creating programs. Val Shah Val is the CEO and Founder of Val Shah Corp., an organization designed to energize, motivate, and inspire people through fun, easy and adaptable movement and mindfulness experiences. As a result of Val’s belief that anything is possible and her desire to help people live their best lives, she created a practice called DRōM™ – drumming combined with meditation (the “OM”). Val Shah Corp. specializes in helping people of all ages – from 2 to 96 – relieve stress, have fun and foster personal growth through movement and mindfulness experiences. Val is also a sought-after international presenter who promotes the importance of mental health and well-being through DRōM. No matter the size of the audience, she engages people to move, think creativity and feel a renewed sense of empowerment. No stranger to entrepreneurship and innovation, in 2006, Val followed her dream and co-founded DrumFIT®, a cardio drumming program (drumming on fitness balls). Since 2006, Val has worked with thousands of people across North America sharing her passion for movement and drumming. Val Shah Corp is a culmination of her vast experience and strong desire to empower people of all ages to “come alive”, play and have fun through movement and mindfulness — all through the DRōM™ experience. Griffin Payne Griffin Payne is a learning designer, facilitator, and social innovation enthusiast who believes deeply that humans are at their best when they are learning and creating together. Combining an eclectic background spanning the realms of education, mental health, and community-arts organizing, Griffin holds a Master's degree in human systems intervention from Concordia University weaving together their diverse skill-sets to accompanying organizations and communities towards creating lasting change and greater impact. A freelance consultant and creative misfit, Griffin currently works with community organizations, funders, and public sector institutions in their private practice and also through the INBO Learning Design Agency. Griffin addresses learning organization approaches, collaborative culture, governance, community-building, and organizational resilience in the context of crisis and complexity, among other topics. Agenda Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 1 Welcome & Networking Activity (DROM) 8:30 am - 9:00 am DROM is a unique combination of drumming (the DRUM) and meditation (the OM) to energize, relieve stress, bring clarity and calm – all while having fun drumming on an exercise ball or on tables and chairs. Russell Kueber Co-Host Val Shah Performer Keynote Presentation - Resilient Communities 9:00 am - 9:45 am Jennifer Johnson will share how CHSSN member organizations have demonstrated resiliency in their efforts to support their vulnerable English-speaking clientele amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The presentation will bring to light some important community resiliency themes drawn from an action research project undertaken by AMI-Quebec in collaboration with CHSSN. Jennifer Johnson Keynote Speaker Dana Vocisano Speaker Small Group Discussion (Resiliency) 9:45 am - 10:15 am Health Break 10:15 am - 10:30 am Concurrent Session 1 - The CHSSN Partnership Model 10:30 am - 11:45 am Dr. Joanne Pocock will present our very own CHSSN partnership model, created over a decade of action research that defines the various stages to successful partnerships. Joanne will also review some key concepts associated with partnership development in English-speaking communities. Joanne Pocock Speaker Concurrent Session 2 - Partnering to Meet the Growing Needs of English-Speaking Seniors During the Pandemic 10:30 am - 11:45 am Helena Burke will present CAMI’s challenges related to the pandemic and how partnership development helped her increase access to services for the English-speaking senior population in the Magdalen Islands. In particular, the presentation will showcase how one partnership influenced a number of other interested francophone organizations to follow suit and take interest in the English-speaking community. Helena Burke Speaker Concurrent Session 3 - A Silver Lining of the Pandemic: Forging New Partnerships 10:30 am - 11:45 am Christian Lapointe from ARC will present how an increase in community needs related to the pandemic has led to some rather nontraditional partnerships. Participants will benefit from discussions related to how intersectoral partnerships are key to addressing the broader determinants of health within our English-speaking communities. Christian Lapointe Speaker Live Concert 11:45 am - 12:15 pm A toss up of Matt Mardini's crooner style on Jazz, Blues, Standards, Rock & Roll or Classics from the 40s, stay with us to give your ears a treat! Matt Mardini Performer Joanne Pocock's Memoir 11:45 am - 12:00 am Come and join us in celebrating the launch of Joanne Pocock's newly published memoir entitled, Geneva's Scrapbook: The Art of Piecing Together a Life Joanne Pocock Author Day 2 Welcome & Networking Activity 8:30 am - 9:00 am An experience to surface connection and belonging. Jenn Cooke Co-Host Griffin Payne Networking Keynote Presentation - Nurturing Equity and Inclusion in Outreach 9:00 am - 9:45 am How can we create meaningful and responsive initiatives in under-represented communities? How do we create a sense of belonging and communities of support? Jody Glean-Mitchell will share her experience and knowledge of the complexities of anti-racism and cultural diversity and how to foster inclusiveness through meaningful outreach. Jodie Glean-Mitchell Keynote Speaker Small Group Discussion (Outreach) 9:45 am - 10:15 am Health Break 10:15 am - 10:30 am Concurrent Session 1 - Outreach Strategies For Marginalized Communities 10:30 am - 11:45 am Tania Callender will illustrate how shared life experience becomes a bridge to building trust and connection with those who are hardest to reach. Tania Callender Speaker Concurrent Session 2 - Outreach to Indigenous Communities 10:30 am - 11:45 am An informative conversation about outreach and building relationships in the spirit and practice of reconciliation that respect the rights, and priorities of Indigenous Peoples in their communities. Keith Leclaire Speaker Pauline Wiedow Speaker Concurrent Session 3 - Outreach to Under-Represented Youth 10:30 am - 11:45 am How do we create an inclusive space that welcomes youth from ethnic and visible minority groups? Teeanna Munro will share best practices and tools that are used in her outreach work to under-represented youth to open the door to opportunities and possibilities. Teeanna Munro Speaker Closing Remarks & Spoken Word 11:45 am - 12:15 pm We invite you to join us on an inspirational journey of words and rhythm where the power of the story will reach out and paint a picture of empowerment and inclusion. Roen Higgins Performer Day 3 Welcome & Wake-Up Trivia Show 8:30 am - 9:15 am Start the day with trivia, laughs, music, and prizes. Larissa will lead us through an event not to be missed! Erica Botner Larissa Appleseed Keynote Presentation - Not Your Typical Self-Care Seminar: Prioritizing Connection Over Information 9:15 am - 10:30 am At a time when many health and social service professionals and community workers are feeling the effects of the last year and a half, this presentation has been developed to offer, above all, a moment to connect with yourself and your colleagues. The goal is to allow a moment reflection on your emotions and reactions through the pandemic, with emphasis on the past few months. We all know that we should prioritize our self-care, but why is it so hard for individuals in helping professions to follow through? Instead of presenting a long list of tips & tools, the goal of the presentation is to help you identify and discuss with your peers the common pitfalls that you may fall into that interferes with your ability to implement self-care strategies. Using humour and perspective taking, this presentation will hopefully allow you to increase your self-compassion and sense of belonging to your peers. Mélanie Joanisse Keynote Speaker Health Break 10:30 am - 10:45 am Concurrent Session 1 - Headversity: Supporting the Mental Health of Your Staff 10:45 am - 12:00 pm Headversity is a leading, evidence-based provider of preventative mental health technology for employers. In this session, Kimberly Buffitt will present a collaboration between several NPI organizations and Headversity to receive staff mental health resiliency training. She will present the successes and challenges and how Headversity is helping organizations upskill resilience, behavioral health and psychological safety so staff can think, feel and be their best. Kim Buffitt Speaker Concurrent Session 2 - Thriving in a High Stress Environment 10:45 am - 12:00 pm We will dive into the skills to help you thrive in times of heightened stress and demand. Together we will work to gently lay down our many responsibilities, in order to to pick up the tools to build resilience and take care of our health and well-being. now is the time for us to reflect to ensure that every day, we are showing up for our lives and those we serve as our best selves. As the saying goes, self-care is healthcare. Meagan Young Speaker Concurrent Session 3 - Post-Pandemic Growth 10:45 am - 12:00 pm This presentation will explore the realities of working on the front lines during COVID-19 and the hope/joy staff have been able to find that has helped them push through. Data will be shared from the context of primary care, long-term care, and community-based care, and strategies for moving forward when faced with impossible situations and demands will be discussed. Kate Dupuis Speaker Self-Massage Workshop: Discover the Hidden Power of Your Own Hands to Release Stress and Muscular Tension 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Have you ever rubbed your neck because of soreness, or your face because of tiredness? If so, you already practice self-massage without noticing… but now is the time to let a pro show you real techniques. In this relaxing guided self-massage session, you will learn how to release common muscular tensions, while calming your mind at the same time. You may be surprised at how good of a massage you can give yourself! Raphael Lavoie-Brand Networking
Jodie Glean-Mitchell Jodie Glean-Mitchell is an award winning anti-racism educator who has dedicated her career to developing programming in the field of anti-racism, equity and inclusion. Currently the Director of the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office at the University of Toronto, she is simultaneously completing her PhD in education at York University, focusing on the relationship of institutionalized equity, diversity and inclusion programming and anti-racism principles. She attained her Masters of Arts in educational studies from Concordia University in 2011. In September of 2016, Jodie founded REACT – Race Equity Advisory Consulting & Training Inc. which offers education programming and consultation services to create spaces for organizations and companies to meaningfully engage in critical dialogue and action planning to increase racial equity, diversity and inclusion. In 2017 and 2020, Jodie was the recipient of the Leadership in Learning Award from Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education and the Harry Jerome Diversity Award from the Black Business Professional Association respectively.
Mélanie Joanisse Dr. Mélanie Joanisse is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Ottawa and works at Ontario’s only francophone hospital (Montfort) as part of a multidisciplinary team that manages patients with multi-morbidity and complex needs. Mélanie is also a clinical researcher, vice-chair of the Montfort Research Ethics Board and co-founder of the Orleans Psychological Health Team aimed at offering evidence-based psychological services in the community. Most recently, she was spotlighted for creating a funny and easy Guide to Wellness and resiliency for her frontline co-workers that has been translated and shared around the world.
Jennifer Johnson Jennifer Johnson has been the Executive Director of the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN) since 2005 and worked for the organization since its inception in 2000. She is also the Executive Director of the Quebec Community Health and Social Services Foundation (QCHF) since 2011. Jennifer has been working on access issues for health and social services for the English-speaking community of Quebec since 1995. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in public health as well as a Certificate of international development from Institut universitaire des études de développement, Geneva, Switzerland and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of the South, Sewanee, TN. She immigrated to Canada from the United States in 1991 and has been living in Quebec City ever since.
Kim Buffitt Kimberly Buffitt has worked at Coasters Association since 2004 in various roles including NPI Coordinator, Program Director, Director of Operations and Innovation, and currently Director of Engagement and Development. In every role, Kim strives to enhance the quality of life on the Quebec Lower North Shore by creating and supporting community and leadership development. She is also a committed volunteer, acting as President of various regional organizations and co-operatives.
Helena Burke Helena Burke has been the Executive Director of the Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders (CAMI) since January 2007. Born and raised in Grosse-Ile, she has always had a strong sense of belonging to her community and is very familiar with the challenges they face as a minority. Helena has been successful in leading community strategic planning and visioning exercises, building and nurturing vital relationships (both government and non-government), and in leveraging resources to provide for the needs of the English-speaking community. President of the Regional Access Committee for Health and Social Services in English, Helena also sits on local committees and tables (notably the CISSS board of directors from 2013-2017) and is well known for bridge building and collaborating with the Francophone majority.
Tania Callender Tania Callender studied in business administration and economics but took a turn from the corporate sector to the community non-profit sector eight years ago working as a volunteer then administrator and in 2015 the Executive Director of the African Canadian Development and Prevention Network (ACDPN). At ACDPN, Tania not only drives forth the mission of solidarity and inter-organizational collaboration across sectors that influence the health and wellness of the English-speaking Black community (ESBC) in Montreal but she also advocates for access to programs that are adapted both linguistically and culturally for this double minority. Mother of two young boys, Tania is inspired to make changes in the system that will positively impact the community now and for future generations.
Kate Dupuis Dr. Kate Dupuis is the Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research. With a nearly 20-year history in both research and clinical settings, Kate is passionate about improving the quality of life and well-being of older adults and those who care for them. Her current focus is on the benefits of the arts for older individuals, identifying and helping overcome barriers to participation in recreation and leisure activities, and exploring what being “artistic” and “creative” mean to us across the lifespan. Kate’s specialties include project development and co-ordination, stakeholder relations, and working with and managing collaborative and interprofessional teams. She is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and Professor in the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario.
Christian Lapointe Born and raised on the South Shore of Montreal, Christian Lapointe retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after 25 years of service as a Physician Assistant (Clinical Nurse). He later trained as a massage therapist geared toward sports medicine, and in 2010 moved into community work at the Megantic English-speaking Community Development Corporation (MCDC) as an Outreach Coordinator. Christian found himself living once more in the South Shore of Montreal in 2018 where he became the Executive Director of the Assistance and Referral Center (ARC).
Raphael Lavoie-Brand Raphael Lavoie-Brand is a certified massage therapist, leading expert in self-massage and founder of the Mindful Self-Massage Approach. He teaches in French and English to local and international audiences through online courses, businesses, community organizations, colleges and self-care oriented events. His passion is to help people discover the soothing power of their own hands.
Keith Leclaire Keith Leclair is an Indigenous Health and Policy Consultant who brings 41 years of knowledge and experience to the field of Indigenous health. Chairperson of the Pathways Indigenous Advisory Circle, he also acts as a key member of the Board of Directors for the Onen’to:kon Healing Lodge, the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada. Keith's Master of health studies from Athabasca University and Bachelor of science in chemistry from Bishops University were useful jumping off points to better understand the policies, issues, and community planning involved with working in the Indigenous health field. Community engagement and leadership were central to his previous positions as Director General of the CLSC Naskapi at Kawawachikamach, Director of Health Policy at Kahnawake Shakotha’takehnhas Community Services, Director of Auxiliary Services at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Center of Kahnawake, and the Executive Director at Onen’to:kon Healing Lodge in Kanesatake. In 2019, Keith’s work and dedication was acknowledged by the First Nations Health Managers Association and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement when he was awarded the Excellence in Health Leadership Award.
Teeanna Munro Teeanna Munro is the Project Coordinator for the Black Perspectives Office (BPO). Her role most directly serves Black students at Concordia and she leads all of the BPO’s student programming. Teeanna has over 12 years of community organizing and building experience across communities in Vancouver, Montreal, and San Francisco. Key highlights of her career include being the founder and co-designer of the Justice Program at DESTA Black Youth Network. At Captive Minds Teeanna created popular education workshops for Black youth on understanding the prison industrial complex and systemic anti-Black racism. She also connected Black youth with incarcerated mentors through their pen pal program. Teeanna holds a Bachelor’s in English literature from Concordia, 2016, and a Master’s in teaching and learning from McGIll, 2018. Teeanna thereafter worked in Nunavik as a secondary teacher and classroom management coach. As a first-generation university student, community organizer, and teacher, Teeanna’s approach and work is very much guided by equity and dismantling all forms of oppression and systemic discrimination in the educational system so that Black students can thrive as their authentic selves.
Joanne Pocock Dr. Joanne Pocock is a sociologist with expertise in policy analysis, evaluation and multi-method research techniques who has devoted much of her academic and research career to the study of Quebec’s English-speaking minority communities. Her efforts have contributed to a body of knowledge supporting organizations serving the interests of minority language communities in various sectors and at national, provincial and regional levels. As a research consultant, Dr. Pocock supports CHSSN by studying the socio-demographic characteristics of English-speaking Quebec as well as health and social service access as a key social determinant of health and well-being.
Pauline Wiedow For 22 years now, Pauline Wiedow has been involved in creating MWCN, a non-profit community organization, first with a few friends in Châteauguay, then later in the Montérégie Ouest region serving five MRCs. Pauline Wiedow’s vision, generosity and determination have never ceased to attract and mobilize friends, collaborators, volunteers and now a dozen employees who all work in unison to offer services to a community happy to meet and be together in English. As neighbours of Kahnawake, an indigenous community, we continue to find ways of working together to support this very valuable community partner. The MWCN serves an area with over 85,000 English speakers.
Dana Vocisano Dana Vocisano is an evaluation and organizational development consultant with 30 years of experience in the community and philanthropic sectors. Before becoming a freelance consultant, Dana was a Program Director at the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, where she managed pan-Canadian initiatives such as collective impact for poverty reduction and sustaining family caregivers through policy changes. Prior to that, she was Executive Director of Head & Hands, a Montreal community organization for youth. More recently, Dana supported a resident-driven community action-plan and an “Age Friendly Cities” research project. Currently she supports learning and evaluation with CHSSN’s Bright Beginnings Program. She has volunteered with countless organizations. Dana participated in Michael Quinn Patton’s first Developmental Evaluation training and has a Master’s degree in Human Systems Intervention from Concordia University.
Meagan Young A current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who can truly inspire and connect with her audience, Meagan Young is the founder of the holistic wellness inspired site www.growthroughflow.com She has been facilitating and providing educaitonal, professional thraining and speaking events at the local, provincial,, and national levels. Meagan is a recognized leader in the field of therapeutic recreation and one of the most passionate helping professionals you will meet.
Roen Higgins Roen Higgins is an award-winning spoken word poet, educator, dynamic speaker, and certified impact coach. Founder of The Elevated Creative, her mission is to elevate her audience with important life skills such as self-care, resilience, leadership, creative literacy & community well-being. An active Special Care Counsellor for the past 20 years as well as a community change agent, Roen loves helping young people emerge and adults shift towards elevation. As a coach, she is dedicated to raising others to get unstuck and tap into their genius zone.
Matt Mardini Matt Mardini is a crooner-singer based in Montreal, who originally hails from Aleppo, Syria. With more than 20 years of professional experience worldwide, he was received at the Bell Centre in 2017. Matt has since produced two albums; a tribute to the Canadian icons (HIBA, 2019) and a live recording of 9 songs performed at the prestigious Rialto theatre accompanied by his band of 12 musicians (Live at Rialto, 2021). When Matt isn’t performing he works as a Program Manager at Montérégie West Community Network (MWCN) spiffing up communication strategies, marketing and branding while maintaining and creating programs.
Val Shah Val is the CEO and Founder of Val Shah Corp., an organization designed to energize, motivate, and inspire people through fun, easy and adaptable movement and mindfulness experiences. As a result of Val’s belief that anything is possible and her desire to help people live their best lives, she created a practice called DRōM™ – drumming combined with meditation (the “OM”). Val Shah Corp. specializes in helping people of all ages – from 2 to 96 – relieve stress, have fun and foster personal growth through movement and mindfulness experiences. Val is also a sought-after international presenter who promotes the importance of mental health and well-being through DRōM. No matter the size of the audience, she engages people to move, think creativity and feel a renewed sense of empowerment. No stranger to entrepreneurship and innovation, in 2006, Val followed her dream and co-founded DrumFIT®, a cardio drumming program (drumming on fitness balls). Since 2006, Val has worked with thousands of people across North America sharing her passion for movement and drumming. Val Shah Corp is a culmination of her vast experience and strong desire to empower people of all ages to “come alive”, play and have fun through movement and mindfulness — all through the DRōM™ experience.
Griffin Payne Griffin Payne is a learning designer, facilitator, and social innovation enthusiast who believes deeply that humans are at their best when they are learning and creating together. Combining an eclectic background spanning the realms of education, mental health, and community-arts organizing, Griffin holds a Master's degree in human systems intervention from Concordia University weaving together their diverse skill-sets to accompanying organizations and communities towards creating lasting change and greater impact. A freelance consultant and creative misfit, Griffin currently works with community organizations, funders, and public sector institutions in their private practice and also through the INBO Learning Design Agency. Griffin addresses learning organization approaches, collaborative culture, governance, community-building, and organizational resilience in the context of crisis and complexity, among other topics.
Women’s Health and Social Services Online Event 9 September, 2021 Women’s Health and Social Services Online Event
Montreal Community Forum: Mental Health & COVID-19 30 - 31 March, 2021 Montreal Community Forum: Mental Health & COVID-19