Guest Speakers Amanda Keller Entrepreneur and Activist Amanda Keller is an entrepreneur, activist, researcher, former clinician and Ph.D. student. Through her advocacy work she is recognized as one of the most prominent voices in Quebec fighting for transformative change to child welfare services. She is the founder of CARE Jeunesse, a grassroots peer support organization for alumni of foster care. She has ten years of clinical experience working with youth suffering from complex difficulties such as addiction and mental health issues. She combines her personal, professional and academic knowledge to lead meaningful change. Amanda Keller Entrepreneur and Activist Amanda Keller is an entrepreneur, activist, researcher, former clinician and Ph.D. student. Through her advocacy work she is recognized as one of the most prominent voices in Quebec fighting for transformative change to child welfare services. She is the founder of CARE Jeunesse, a grassroots peer support organization for alumni of foster care. She has ten years of clinical experience working with youth suffering from complex difficulties such as addiction and mental health issues. She combines her personal, professional and academic knowledge to lead meaningful change. Angel Sanguino TBD Angel Sanguino is a Planning, Programming and Research Officer (PPRO) responsible for the English Language Access Program for the OMHSC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences and a Master’s degree in Health Services Management from the University of Montreal. Prior to becoming an APPR, he navigated the health care system as a medical assistant, radiation oncology technologist, clinical administration trainee and telephone interpreter among others. Passionate about social engagement (volunteering) with the underprivileged and aboriginal communities, science, history and languages, he strongly believes that teamwork, combined with active listening, is essential for effective and harmonious work management when interacting with a diversity of people in terms of skills, ideas, opinions, personal traits and life experiences. Angel Sanguino TBD Angel Sanguino is a Planning, Programming and Research Officer (PPRO) responsible for the English Language Access Program for the OMHSC.He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences and a Master’s degree in Health Services Management from the University of Montreal. Prior to becoming an APPR, he navigated the health care system as a medical assistant, radiation oncology technologist, clinical administration trainee and telephone interpreter among others. Passionate about social engagement (volunteering) with the underprivileged and aboriginal communities, science, history and languages, he strongly believes that teamwork, combined with active listening, is essential for effective and harmonious work management when interacting with a diversity of people in terms of skills, ideas, opinions, personal traits and life experiences. Anne Duchesne Planning, Programming, and Research Officer, English Language Services, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale Anne is an employee of Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s since 2008. She has since gotten to know the local English-speaking community first-hand, particularly in terms of its CLSC-type health and social service needs. Working as a homecare social worker for the Jeffery Hale Community Services, she quickly became the team leader of the Homecare Services. Anne Duchesne Planning, Programming, and Research Officer, English Language Services, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale Anne is an employee of Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s since 2008. She has since gotten to know the local English-speaking community first-hand, particularly in terms of its CLSC-type health and social service needs. Working as a homecare social worker for the Jeffery Hale Community Services, she quickly became the team leader of the Homecare Services. Because of her intellectual curiosity and her relational strengths, she now works as a Planning, Programs and Research Officer, serving the English-speaking community of the Quebec region for JHSB CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale. In this capacity, she actively collaborates with many partners, in both the public and community sectors, to coordinate, consolidate and develop programs and initiatives that better serve the health and well-being of the local English-speaking population. Since 2019, she is also a member of Eastern Quebec Learning Centre as chair board. Anne Usher Activist Anne is a nurse by profession and a long time activist in community development in Notre Dame de Grace district of Montreal and beyond. She has been part of the steering committee of the Community Network Table and its Forums since 2006. Anne Usher Activist Anne is a nurse by profession and a long time activist in community development in Notre Dame de Grace district of Montreal and beyond. She has been part of the steering committee of the Community Network Table and its Forums since 2006. Anta Niang | PhD | Psychologie socialeChercheure d’établissement | In-house researcherProfesseure associée | Adjunct professor École de travail social, Université de Sherbrooke Chercheure associée | Adjunct researcherChaire de recherche sur l’évaluation des actions publiques à l’égard des jeunes et des populations vulnérables (CREVAJ)Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication (LP3C), Université Rennes 2 (France) Anta Niang, PhD. in social psychology, is currently a researcher at the University Institute Trial Line In Health Social Services of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS in Sherbrooke and an adjunct professor at the School of social work of the University of Sherbrooke. Her main research interests focus on the decision-making process in the youth field. More specifically, her work deals with decision-making related to the prevention of judicialization, the judicial practices, the dynamics of psychosocial interactions and the participation of youth and families in the juvenile justice and protection systems. Anta Niang | PhD | Psychologie socialeChercheure d’établissement | In-house researcherProfesseure associée | Adjunct professor École de travail social, Université de Sherbrooke Chercheure associée | Adjunct researcherChaire de recherche sur l’évaluation des actions publiques à l’égard des jeunes et des populations vulnérables (CREVAJ)Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication (LP3C), Université Rennes 2 (France) Anta Niang, PhD. in social psychology, is currently a researcher at the University Institute Trial Line In Health Social Services of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS in Sherbrooke and an adjunct professor at the School of social work of the University of Sherbrooke. Her main research interests focus on the decision-making process in the youth field. More specifically, her work deals with decision-making related to the prevention of judicialization, the judicial practices, the dynamics of psychosocial interactions and the participation of youth and families in the juvenile justice and protection systems. Antoine Désilets Executive Director at Société Santé en français Antoine Désilets was hired by Société Santé en français in 2011, and has been its Executive Director since April 2021. He previously held the position of Manager for Government Relations, Partnerships and Governance, among other roles. Born in Saint-Nicolas, Quebec, Antoine has lived in the Ottawa National Capital region for almost 15 years, where he developed a genuine passion for Francophonie. In addition to a decade at the SSF, he has worked for the federal government and for the University of Ottawa. In 2018, his interest for public policy led him to get involved in politics at the municipal level, where he served as campaign manager. He maintains an active involvement with his community as a member of the boards of directors of the Vanier Community Services Center and Le CAP centre, two organizations that provide services to the Francophone community of Ottawa. Antoine holds a bachelor’s degree in applied political studies from the University of Sherbrooke and a master’s degree in public and international affairs from the University of Ottawa. Antoine Désilets Executive Director at Société Santé en français Antoine Désilets was hired by Société Santé en français in 2011, and has been its Executive Director since April 2021. He previously held the position of Manager for Government Relations, Partnerships and Governance, among other roles. Born in Saint-Nicolas, Quebec, Antoine has lived in the Ottawa National Capital region for almost 15 years, where he developed a genuine passion for Francophonie. In addition to a decade at the SSF, he has worked for the federal government and for the University of Ottawa. In 2018, his interest for public policy led him to get involved in politics at the municipal level, where he served as campaign manager. He maintains an active involvement with his community as a member of the boards of directors of the Vanier Community Services Center and Le CAP centre, two organizations that provide services to the Francophone community of Ottawa. Antoine holds a bachelor’s degree in applied political studies from the University of Sherbrooke and a master’s degree in public and international affairs from the University of Ottawa. Argyle Institute Psychotherapy & Training Centre The core mission of the Argyle is to continue to offer excellence in psychotherapy & training at affordable rates. Argyle Institute Psychotherapy & Training Centre The core mission of the Argyle is to continue to offer excellence in psychotherapy & training at affordable rates. They offer a wide range of services: individual therapy, couple counselling, family therapy, counselling services for groups, training and supervision for professionals as well as community agencies, and the business world. The institute’s programs are constantly monitored for quality assurance and evolve to meet the needs of those we serve. Brian Daniel Quiz Master, Quiz Master Brian Brain Daniel is a professional trivia host who has lead events in and around Montreal, Quebec and Canada since 2004. He has appeared on televised Trivia in Canada’s show “SmartAsk” and “Reach For The Top”. Both times his mom said he looked handsome. Brian Daniel Quiz Master, Quiz Master Brian Brain Daniel is a professional trivia host who has lead events in and around Montreal, Quebec and Canada since 2004. He has appeared on televised Trivia in Canada’s show “SmartAsk” and “Reach For The Top”. Both times his mom said he looked handsome. Christian Lapointe Executive Director, ARC 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). Christian Lapointe Executive Director, ARC 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). Chrystal & Faye Assee Mental health professional (Chrystal), Social Worker (Faye) Both Faye and Chrystal Assee work with teenagers and young adults with mental health difficulties ranging from anxiety to depression and various crisis situations. Chrystal & Faye Assee Mental health professional (Chrystal), Social Worker (Faye) Both Faye and Chrystal Assee work with teenagers and young adults with mental health difficulties ranging from anxiety to depression and various crisis situations. During COVID-19, they offered a 6-month long free counseling service related to the difficulties with the pandemic. Many of the difficulties had to do with anticipatory anxiety, stress, and social-relational difficulties related to lockdown measures. These measures really impacted this cohort that has a very high need for socialization, this increased distress, loneliness, and depression for many of the young adult population we serve. All of our services have been streamlined to online services which did not negatively impact access to services, in fact, it increased access to receiving counseling mental health support. Our organization uses psychology, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to help all clients deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. Chrystal is a mental health professional and has been working in the field of mental health for 20 years, having worked with various populations and agencies after 15 years she decided with her identical twin sister to open their own company called Yogalogy. Faye is a Social Worker and has been working in the field for 20 years, having worked with various populations and agencies. Chrystal is also a trained yoga teacher, and therapist as well as a meditation teacher combining all these modalities into clinical practice to help clients with mental health difficulties. Faye is also a trained yoga teacher, and therapist, combining all these modalities into clinical practice to help clients with mental health difficulties. Crystal Baran Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Crystal is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Naturotherapist, specializing in stress and burnout. Crystal Baran Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Crystal is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Naturotherapist, specializing in stress and burnout. Crystal helps her clients to overcome the overwhelm, regain the confidence that they have deep inside and overall stress-less. She believes that we all have the ability to heal ourselves if only given the opportunity to tap into that healing power. Having overcome depression and corporate burnout herself, she now lives her authentic life by helping others light their paths to wellness. Dana Vocisano Consultant 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. Dana Vocisano Consultant
Amanda Keller Entrepreneur and Activist Amanda Keller is an entrepreneur, activist, researcher, former clinician and Ph.D. student. Through her advocacy work she is recognized as one of the most prominent voices in Quebec fighting for transformative change to child welfare services. She is the founder of CARE Jeunesse, a grassroots peer support organization for alumni of foster care. She has ten years of clinical experience working with youth suffering from complex difficulties such as addiction and mental health issues. She combines her personal, professional and academic knowledge to lead meaningful change. Amanda Keller Entrepreneur and Activist Amanda Keller is an entrepreneur, activist, researcher, former clinician and Ph.D. student. Through her advocacy work she is recognized as one of the most prominent voices in Quebec fighting for transformative change to child welfare services. She is the founder of CARE Jeunesse, a grassroots peer support organization for alumni of foster care. She has ten years of clinical experience working with youth suffering from complex difficulties such as addiction and mental health issues. She combines her personal, professional and academic knowledge to lead meaningful change.
Angel Sanguino TBD Angel Sanguino is a Planning, Programming and Research Officer (PPRO) responsible for the English Language Access Program for the OMHSC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences and a Master’s degree in Health Services Management from the University of Montreal. Prior to becoming an APPR, he navigated the health care system as a medical assistant, radiation oncology technologist, clinical administration trainee and telephone interpreter among others. Passionate about social engagement (volunteering) with the underprivileged and aboriginal communities, science, history and languages, he strongly believes that teamwork, combined with active listening, is essential for effective and harmonious work management when interacting with a diversity of people in terms of skills, ideas, opinions, personal traits and life experiences. Angel Sanguino TBD Angel Sanguino is a Planning, Programming and Research Officer (PPRO) responsible for the English Language Access Program for the OMHSC.He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences and a Master’s degree in Health Services Management from the University of Montreal. Prior to becoming an APPR, he navigated the health care system as a medical assistant, radiation oncology technologist, clinical administration trainee and telephone interpreter among others. Passionate about social engagement (volunteering) with the underprivileged and aboriginal communities, science, history and languages, he strongly believes that teamwork, combined with active listening, is essential for effective and harmonious work management when interacting with a diversity of people in terms of skills, ideas, opinions, personal traits and life experiences.
Anne Duchesne Planning, Programming, and Research Officer, English Language Services, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale Anne is an employee of Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s since 2008. She has since gotten to know the local English-speaking community first-hand, particularly in terms of its CLSC-type health and social service needs. Working as a homecare social worker for the Jeffery Hale Community Services, she quickly became the team leader of the Homecare Services. Anne Duchesne Planning, Programming, and Research Officer, English Language Services, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale Anne is an employee of Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s since 2008. She has since gotten to know the local English-speaking community first-hand, particularly in terms of its CLSC-type health and social service needs. Working as a homecare social worker for the Jeffery Hale Community Services, she quickly became the team leader of the Homecare Services. Because of her intellectual curiosity and her relational strengths, she now works as a Planning, Programs and Research Officer, serving the English-speaking community of the Quebec region for JHSB CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale. In this capacity, she actively collaborates with many partners, in both the public and community sectors, to coordinate, consolidate and develop programs and initiatives that better serve the health and well-being of the local English-speaking population. Since 2019, she is also a member of Eastern Quebec Learning Centre as chair board.
Anne Usher Activist Anne is a nurse by profession and a long time activist in community development in Notre Dame de Grace district of Montreal and beyond. She has been part of the steering committee of the Community Network Table and its Forums since 2006. Anne Usher Activist Anne is a nurse by profession and a long time activist in community development in Notre Dame de Grace district of Montreal and beyond. She has been part of the steering committee of the Community Network Table and its Forums since 2006.
Anta Niang | PhD | Psychologie socialeChercheure d’établissement | In-house researcherProfesseure associée | Adjunct professor École de travail social, Université de Sherbrooke Chercheure associée | Adjunct researcherChaire de recherche sur l’évaluation des actions publiques à l’égard des jeunes et des populations vulnérables (CREVAJ)Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication (LP3C), Université Rennes 2 (France) Anta Niang, PhD. in social psychology, is currently a researcher at the University Institute Trial Line In Health Social Services of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS in Sherbrooke and an adjunct professor at the School of social work of the University of Sherbrooke. Her main research interests focus on the decision-making process in the youth field. More specifically, her work deals with decision-making related to the prevention of judicialization, the judicial practices, the dynamics of psychosocial interactions and the participation of youth and families in the juvenile justice and protection systems. Anta Niang | PhD | Psychologie socialeChercheure d’établissement | In-house researcherProfesseure associée | Adjunct professor École de travail social, Université de Sherbrooke Chercheure associée | Adjunct researcherChaire de recherche sur l’évaluation des actions publiques à l’égard des jeunes et des populations vulnérables (CREVAJ)Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication (LP3C), Université Rennes 2 (France) Anta Niang, PhD. in social psychology, is currently a researcher at the University Institute Trial Line In Health Social Services of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS in Sherbrooke and an adjunct professor at the School of social work of the University of Sherbrooke. Her main research interests focus on the decision-making process in the youth field. More specifically, her work deals with decision-making related to the prevention of judicialization, the judicial practices, the dynamics of psychosocial interactions and the participation of youth and families in the juvenile justice and protection systems.
Antoine Désilets Executive Director at Société Santé en français Antoine Désilets was hired by Société Santé en français in 2011, and has been its Executive Director since April 2021. He previously held the position of Manager for Government Relations, Partnerships and Governance, among other roles. Born in Saint-Nicolas, Quebec, Antoine has lived in the Ottawa National Capital region for almost 15 years, where he developed a genuine passion for Francophonie. In addition to a decade at the SSF, he has worked for the federal government and for the University of Ottawa. In 2018, his interest for public policy led him to get involved in politics at the municipal level, where he served as campaign manager. He maintains an active involvement with his community as a member of the boards of directors of the Vanier Community Services Center and Le CAP centre, two organizations that provide services to the Francophone community of Ottawa. Antoine holds a bachelor’s degree in applied political studies from the University of Sherbrooke and a master’s degree in public and international affairs from the University of Ottawa. Antoine Désilets Executive Director at Société Santé en français Antoine Désilets was hired by Société Santé en français in 2011, and has been its Executive Director since April 2021. He previously held the position of Manager for Government Relations, Partnerships and Governance, among other roles. Born in Saint-Nicolas, Quebec, Antoine has lived in the Ottawa National Capital region for almost 15 years, where he developed a genuine passion for Francophonie. In addition to a decade at the SSF, he has worked for the federal government and for the University of Ottawa. In 2018, his interest for public policy led him to get involved in politics at the municipal level, where he served as campaign manager. He maintains an active involvement with his community as a member of the boards of directors of the Vanier Community Services Center and Le CAP centre, two organizations that provide services to the Francophone community of Ottawa. Antoine holds a bachelor’s degree in applied political studies from the University of Sherbrooke and a master’s degree in public and international affairs from the University of Ottawa.
Argyle Institute Psychotherapy & Training Centre The core mission of the Argyle is to continue to offer excellence in psychotherapy & training at affordable rates. Argyle Institute Psychotherapy & Training Centre The core mission of the Argyle is to continue to offer excellence in psychotherapy & training at affordable rates. They offer a wide range of services: individual therapy, couple counselling, family therapy, counselling services for groups, training and supervision for professionals as well as community agencies, and the business world. The institute’s programs are constantly monitored for quality assurance and evolve to meet the needs of those we serve.
Brian Daniel Quiz Master, Quiz Master Brian Brain Daniel is a professional trivia host who has lead events in and around Montreal, Quebec and Canada since 2004. He has appeared on televised Trivia in Canada’s show “SmartAsk” and “Reach For The Top”. Both times his mom said he looked handsome. Brian Daniel Quiz Master, Quiz Master Brian Brain Daniel is a professional trivia host who has lead events in and around Montreal, Quebec and Canada since 2004. He has appeared on televised Trivia in Canada’s show “SmartAsk” and “Reach For The Top”. Both times his mom said he looked handsome.
Christian Lapointe Executive Director, ARC 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). Christian Lapointe Executive Director, ARC 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).
Chrystal & Faye Assee Mental health professional (Chrystal), Social Worker (Faye) Both Faye and Chrystal Assee work with teenagers and young adults with mental health difficulties ranging from anxiety to depression and various crisis situations. Chrystal & Faye Assee Mental health professional (Chrystal), Social Worker (Faye) Both Faye and Chrystal Assee work with teenagers and young adults with mental health difficulties ranging from anxiety to depression and various crisis situations. During COVID-19, they offered a 6-month long free counseling service related to the difficulties with the pandemic. Many of the difficulties had to do with anticipatory anxiety, stress, and social-relational difficulties related to lockdown measures. These measures really impacted this cohort that has a very high need for socialization, this increased distress, loneliness, and depression for many of the young adult population we serve. All of our services have been streamlined to online services which did not negatively impact access to services, in fact, it increased access to receiving counseling mental health support. Our organization uses psychology, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to help all clients deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. Chrystal is a mental health professional and has been working in the field of mental health for 20 years, having worked with various populations and agencies after 15 years she decided with her identical twin sister to open their own company called Yogalogy. Faye is a Social Worker and has been working in the field for 20 years, having worked with various populations and agencies. Chrystal is also a trained yoga teacher, and therapist as well as a meditation teacher combining all these modalities into clinical practice to help clients with mental health difficulties. Faye is also a trained yoga teacher, and therapist, combining all these modalities into clinical practice to help clients with mental health difficulties.
Crystal Baran Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Crystal is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Naturotherapist, specializing in stress and burnout. Crystal Baran Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Crystal is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Naturotherapist, specializing in stress and burnout. Crystal helps her clients to overcome the overwhelm, regain the confidence that they have deep inside and overall stress-less. She believes that we all have the ability to heal ourselves if only given the opportunity to tap into that healing power. Having overcome depression and corporate burnout herself, she now lives her authentic life by helping others light their paths to wellness.
Dana Vocisano Consultant 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. Dana Vocisano Consultant