Guest Speakers Page 6 Teeanna Munro University of Concordia, Project Coordinator for the Black Perspectives Office 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. Teeanna Munro University of Concordia, Project Coordinator for the Black Perspectives Office 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. Thierry Lindor Entrepreneur Thierry Lindor is a young entrepreneur, Canadian G20 YEA & UN Delegate; he’s won numerous awards through the success of his latest ventures, Influence ORB & Mindful, which included collaborations with Nobel peace prize laureates, Malala & Vice President Al Gore, to name a few. Thierry Lindor Entrepreneur Thierry Lindor is a young entrepreneur, Canadian G20 YEA & UN Delegate; he’s won numerous awards through the success of his latest ventures, Influence ORB & Mindful, which included collaborations with Nobel peace prize laureates, Malala & Vice President Al Gore, to name a few. In 2018, he won the Black Tech Matters “Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year” award in Washington DC. He was recently recognized at the United Nations as one of the Global Top 100 under 40 most Influential people of African Descent, an honor he shared with Naomi Osaka, Drake & Meghan Markle to name a few. Today, he launched a “Canadian Civil rights movement” by creating a platform called “Colors Of COVID” which collects race-based data while helping to raise $221M with the Federal Government and the private sector to support Canadian Entrepreneurs of African descent. Tina Montreuil Associate Professor, McGill University Dr. Tina Montreuil is an Assistant Professor in the department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and an Associate Member of the department of Psychiatry at McGill University. Tina Montreuil Associate Professor, McGill University Dr. Tina Montreuil is an Assistant Professor in the department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and an Associate Member of the department of Psychiatry at McGill University. She is also a Regular Investigator of the Research Unit of Children’s Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP) at McGill. As a licensed member of the Quebec Order of Psychologists and a credentialed member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies, she practices privately with children and family, focusing on cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness approaches. She has published in several peer‐reviewed journals and has been a lecturer at several international conferences. In 2013, Dr. Montreuil was awarded the title of “Champion” in Mental Health in the “Research” category from the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, and was more recently included in the top 150 Leading Canadians for Mental Health by CAMH Difference Makers. Dr. Montreuil’s current research focuses on investigating the role of emotion regulation, attitudes, and beliefs on the development and intergenerational transmission of psychopathology and how symptoms of mental health problems might interfere with self-regulated learning in a group context and ultimately, educational achievement. Mediators and moderators of emotion regulation and resiliency such as the role of parental socialization of emotions on the use of emotion regulation strategies in children are also investigated. In addition to the universal emotion regulation school-based program called Healthy Minds, Healthy Schools, C.A.R.E. Research Group has developed a complementary parenting program called Parenting C.A.R.E. In addition to promoting mental health literacy, much of Dr. Montreuil’s Research Group activities focus on advocating for the implementation of School-Based Mental Health practices and philosophies. She is currently a member of a number of regional and provincial working groups whose primary aim is to define how to implement and promote mental health and well-being in schools. Tony Alfonso Outreach Coordinator, AMI Quebec Tony Alfonso is the outreach coordinator at AMI Quebec. He has a masters in Youth Work and focus on getting as many people talking about mental health as possible through presentations, workshops and conversations to reduce stigma. Tony Alfonso Outreach Coordinator, AMI Quebec Tony Alfonso is the outreach coordinator at AMI Quebec. He has a masters in Youth Work and focus on getting as many people talking about mental health as possible through presentations, workshops and conversations to reduce stigma. Val Shah DROM 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. Val Shah DROM 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. Vanessa Anastasopoulos, Ph. D., ÉQ/CE Evaluation & Applied Research Consultant, VANASTAS Dr. Vanessa Anastasopoulos is a Credentialed Evaluator with 20 years of experience in evaluation and applied social research. She holds a doctoral degree in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Guelph (2005). Vanessa has conducted dozens of evaluation projects in a wide variety of domains, including health and social services, science and technology, education, and employment. Vanessa Anastasopoulos, Ph. D., ÉQ/CE Evaluation & Applied Research Consultant, VANASTAS Dr. Vanessa Anastasopoulos is a Credentialed Evaluator with 20 years of experience in evaluation and applied social research. She holds a doctoral degree in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Guelph (2005). Vanessa has conducted dozens of evaluation projects in a wide variety of domains, including health and social services, science and technology, education, and employment. Her evaluations often focus on programs geared toward addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as older adults, youth, women, immigrants, official language minorities and disadvantaged communities. As an evaluation specialist, Vanessa has led numerous evaluation and performance measurement projects for academic institutions and not-for-profit organizations operating in Montreal, in the province of Quebec, and across Canada. She has also worked extensively with Canadian federal government departments, guiding strategies for performance measurement and evaluating programs at the national level. Vanessa is known for her collaborative leadership style, her responsiveness to diversity, and her utilization-focused approach to evaluation. Vicky Springmann INSPQ Vicky Springmann holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University and a Masters of Public Health from the Université de Montréal. Over the past 10 years, she has worked as an epidemiologist for regional and provincial public health agencies. She specializes in public health surveillance and has worked on a range of public health issues, including chronic diseases and its determinants, the health of refugees and refugee claimants and the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 2022, she is a scientific advisor at the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, where she works on the surveillance of health and health inequalities in Quebec, with a specific focus on the health of language minority communities. Vicky Springmann INSPQ Vicky Springmann holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University and a Masters of Public Health from the Université de Montréal. Over the past 10 years, she has worked as an epidemiologist for regional and provincial public health agencies. She specializes in public health surveillance and has worked on a range of public health issues, including chronic diseases and its determinants, the health of refugees and refugee claimants and the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 2022, she is a scientific advisor at the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, where she works on the surveillance of health and health inequalities in Quebec, with a specific focus on the health of language minority communities. William Floch Sous-ministre adjoint chargé du Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise au ministère des Finances William Floch, Sous-ministre adjoint au Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise au ministère des Finances. In November of 2017, William Floch was appointed as the first Secrétaire adjoint (Assistant Secretary) in the Ministère du Conseil exécutif and tasked with the responsibility of establishing the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise (SRQEA). Prior to this appointment, Mr. Floch worked in the area of research and policy development for the Department of Canadian Heritage beginning in the early 1990s. Before embarking on his career in government, Mr. Floch worked as a teacher and principal in the English-language school system in Quebec and also worked in the community sector for Townshippers’ Association in the Eastern Townships. William Floch Sous-ministre adjoint chargé du Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise au ministère des Finances William Floch, Sous-ministre adjoint au Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise au ministère des Finances. In November of 2017, William Floch was appointed as the first Secrétaire adjoint (Assistant Secretary) in the Ministère du Conseil exécutif and tasked with the responsibility of establishing the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise (SRQEA). Prior to this appointment, Mr. Floch worked in the area of research and policy development for the Department of Canadian Heritage beginning in the early 1990s.Before embarking on his career in government, Mr. Floch worked as a teacher and principal in the English-language school system in Quebec and also worked in the community sector for Townshippers’ Association in the Eastern Townships. Zelda Freitas Social Worker Zelda Freitas is a Social Worker with extensive experience in the delivery of psychosocial care to older adults in loss of autonomy. Zelda Freitas Social Worker Zelda Freitas is a Social Worker with extensive experience in the delivery of psychosocial care to older adults in loss of autonomy. As a research-practitioner and coordinator of the area of expertise in caregiving at the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS), she engages in the research, development, knowledge transfer and implementation of evidence-based practices related to psychosocial and interdisciplinary intervention in caregiving, palliative care, and bereavement.
Teeanna Munro University of Concordia, Project Coordinator for the Black Perspectives Office 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. Teeanna Munro University of Concordia, Project Coordinator for the Black Perspectives Office 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.
Thierry Lindor Entrepreneur Thierry Lindor is a young entrepreneur, Canadian G20 YEA & UN Delegate; he’s won numerous awards through the success of his latest ventures, Influence ORB & Mindful, which included collaborations with Nobel peace prize laureates, Malala & Vice President Al Gore, to name a few. Thierry Lindor Entrepreneur Thierry Lindor is a young entrepreneur, Canadian G20 YEA & UN Delegate; he’s won numerous awards through the success of his latest ventures, Influence ORB & Mindful, which included collaborations with Nobel peace prize laureates, Malala & Vice President Al Gore, to name a few. In 2018, he won the Black Tech Matters “Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year” award in Washington DC. He was recently recognized at the United Nations as one of the Global Top 100 under 40 most Influential people of African Descent, an honor he shared with Naomi Osaka, Drake & Meghan Markle to name a few. Today, he launched a “Canadian Civil rights movement” by creating a platform called “Colors Of COVID” which collects race-based data while helping to raise $221M with the Federal Government and the private sector to support Canadian Entrepreneurs of African descent.
Tina Montreuil Associate Professor, McGill University Dr. Tina Montreuil is an Assistant Professor in the department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and an Associate Member of the department of Psychiatry at McGill University. Tina Montreuil Associate Professor, McGill University Dr. Tina Montreuil is an Assistant Professor in the department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and an Associate Member of the department of Psychiatry at McGill University. She is also a Regular Investigator of the Research Unit of Children’s Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP) at McGill. As a licensed member of the Quebec Order of Psychologists and a credentialed member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies, she practices privately with children and family, focusing on cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness approaches. She has published in several peer‐reviewed journals and has been a lecturer at several international conferences. In 2013, Dr. Montreuil was awarded the title of “Champion” in Mental Health in the “Research” category from the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, and was more recently included in the top 150 Leading Canadians for Mental Health by CAMH Difference Makers. Dr. Montreuil’s current research focuses on investigating the role of emotion regulation, attitudes, and beliefs on the development and intergenerational transmission of psychopathology and how symptoms of mental health problems might interfere with self-regulated learning in a group context and ultimately, educational achievement. Mediators and moderators of emotion regulation and resiliency such as the role of parental socialization of emotions on the use of emotion regulation strategies in children are also investigated. In addition to the universal emotion regulation school-based program called Healthy Minds, Healthy Schools, C.A.R.E. Research Group has developed a complementary parenting program called Parenting C.A.R.E. In addition to promoting mental health literacy, much of Dr. Montreuil’s Research Group activities focus on advocating for the implementation of School-Based Mental Health practices and philosophies. She is currently a member of a number of regional and provincial working groups whose primary aim is to define how to implement and promote mental health and well-being in schools.
Tony Alfonso Outreach Coordinator, AMI Quebec Tony Alfonso is the outreach coordinator at AMI Quebec. He has a masters in Youth Work and focus on getting as many people talking about mental health as possible through presentations, workshops and conversations to reduce stigma. Tony Alfonso Outreach Coordinator, AMI Quebec Tony Alfonso is the outreach coordinator at AMI Quebec. He has a masters in Youth Work and focus on getting as many people talking about mental health as possible through presentations, workshops and conversations to reduce stigma.
Val Shah DROM 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. Val Shah DROM 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.
Vanessa Anastasopoulos, Ph. D., ÉQ/CE Evaluation & Applied Research Consultant, VANASTAS Dr. Vanessa Anastasopoulos is a Credentialed Evaluator with 20 years of experience in evaluation and applied social research. She holds a doctoral degree in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Guelph (2005). Vanessa has conducted dozens of evaluation projects in a wide variety of domains, including health and social services, science and technology, education, and employment. Vanessa Anastasopoulos, Ph. D., ÉQ/CE Evaluation & Applied Research Consultant, VANASTAS Dr. Vanessa Anastasopoulos is a Credentialed Evaluator with 20 years of experience in evaluation and applied social research. She holds a doctoral degree in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Guelph (2005). Vanessa has conducted dozens of evaluation projects in a wide variety of domains, including health and social services, science and technology, education, and employment. Her evaluations often focus on programs geared toward addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as older adults, youth, women, immigrants, official language minorities and disadvantaged communities. As an evaluation specialist, Vanessa has led numerous evaluation and performance measurement projects for academic institutions and not-for-profit organizations operating in Montreal, in the province of Quebec, and across Canada. She has also worked extensively with Canadian federal government departments, guiding strategies for performance measurement and evaluating programs at the national level. Vanessa is known for her collaborative leadership style, her responsiveness to diversity, and her utilization-focused approach to evaluation.
Vicky Springmann INSPQ Vicky Springmann holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University and a Masters of Public Health from the Université de Montréal. Over the past 10 years, she has worked as an epidemiologist for regional and provincial public health agencies. She specializes in public health surveillance and has worked on a range of public health issues, including chronic diseases and its determinants, the health of refugees and refugee claimants and the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 2022, she is a scientific advisor at the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, where she works on the surveillance of health and health inequalities in Quebec, with a specific focus on the health of language minority communities. Vicky Springmann INSPQ Vicky Springmann holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University and a Masters of Public Health from the Université de Montréal. Over the past 10 years, she has worked as an epidemiologist for regional and provincial public health agencies. She specializes in public health surveillance and has worked on a range of public health issues, including chronic diseases and its determinants, the health of refugees and refugee claimants and the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 2022, she is a scientific advisor at the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, where she works on the surveillance of health and health inequalities in Quebec, with a specific focus on the health of language minority communities.
William Floch Sous-ministre adjoint chargé du Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise au ministère des Finances William Floch, Sous-ministre adjoint au Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise au ministère des Finances. In November of 2017, William Floch was appointed as the first Secrétaire adjoint (Assistant Secretary) in the Ministère du Conseil exécutif and tasked with the responsibility of establishing the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise (SRQEA). Prior to this appointment, Mr. Floch worked in the area of research and policy development for the Department of Canadian Heritage beginning in the early 1990s. Before embarking on his career in government, Mr. Floch worked as a teacher and principal in the English-language school system in Quebec and also worked in the community sector for Townshippers’ Association in the Eastern Townships. William Floch Sous-ministre adjoint chargé du Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise au ministère des Finances William Floch, Sous-ministre adjoint au Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise au ministère des Finances. In November of 2017, William Floch was appointed as the first Secrétaire adjoint (Assistant Secretary) in the Ministère du Conseil exécutif and tasked with the responsibility of establishing the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise (SRQEA). Prior to this appointment, Mr. Floch worked in the area of research and policy development for the Department of Canadian Heritage beginning in the early 1990s.Before embarking on his career in government, Mr. Floch worked as a teacher and principal in the English-language school system in Quebec and also worked in the community sector for Townshippers’ Association in the Eastern Townships.
Zelda Freitas Social Worker Zelda Freitas is a Social Worker with extensive experience in the delivery of psychosocial care to older adults in loss of autonomy. Zelda Freitas Social Worker Zelda Freitas is a Social Worker with extensive experience in the delivery of psychosocial care to older adults in loss of autonomy. As a research-practitioner and coordinator of the area of expertise in caregiving at the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS), she engages in the research, development, knowledge transfer and implementation of evidence-based practices related to psychosocial and interdisciplinary intervention in caregiving, palliative care, and bereavement.