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2023/2024 Board of Directors

CMHA Simcoe County’s Board of Directors leads with unwavering commitment and integrity. The Board’s regular Committees include Finance, Governance, and Quality, Risk, and Asset Management.

Our Board is skill-based, comprised of 5-11 proficient voting members and 1 ex-officio/non-voting member (our CEO). Representing diverse community backgrounds, the Board convenes a minimum of eight (8) times annually. Reach us at boardgovernors@cmhastarttalking.ca for further contact.

Join us! Now recruiting for our CMHA SCB Board of Directors

We’re looking for a passionate individual to make a real impact on mental health advocacy. Apply now and be part of a team dedicated to positive change. Your voice matters. Join us today!

Dr. Ayodele Akenroye

President

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Dr. Ayodele Akenroye

Meet Dr. Ayodele Akenroye, the President of the CMHA SCB Board of Directors. Seamlessly merging a distinguished legal career with community advocacy, he serves as a Federal Crown Prosecutor with expertise spanning criminal prosecutions, international law, anti-corruption, immigration, refugee law, and impactful academic research.

Dr. Akenroye’s global experiences, including The Hague’s International Criminal Court and Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, shape his profound insights. Beyond law, he shares wisdom at the Universities of Winnipeg and Toronto, nurturing future legal minds.

Outside his professional role, Dr. Akenroye finds solace in amateur photography and neighborhood cycling, reflecting his nurturing approach to life’s joys.

His academic journey, including degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Manitoba, and McGill University, underscores his commitment to growth. With licenses across jurisdictions and recognition as a Fellow of London’s Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, he stands as a testament to impactful contributions in the legal field.

Natalie Conlon

1st Vice President

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Natalie Conlon

Meet Natalie, a seasoned professional with over 32 years of experience in the financial services industry, currently serving as the National Business Manager for the Royal Bank of Canada. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including Branch Management, Credit Adjudication, Commercial and Personal Lending, Human Resources, and Sales.

Natalie’s passion for giving back to the community led her to volunteer with the CMHA SCB.  In 2015, after a personal tragedy, she sought support from CMHA, which inspired her to become a mental health advocate, especially focusing on supporting youth.

With her expertise in leadership and finance, Natalie is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her vision is to support mental health initiatives in the community and foster a safe space for open, honest, and non-judgmental discussions about mental health. Natalie’s advocacy aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, creating a more compassionate and understanding environment for all.

Angela Wiggins

2nd Vice President

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Angela Wiggins

Meet Angela, the Vice President of People & Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer at Georgian Bay General Hospital. With a background as a labour and employment lawyer and a micro-credential in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, she is dedicated to fostering inclusivity.

Angela’s community involvement includes serving on the Barrie Public Library Board of Trustees and coaching Barrie Softball. Mental health holds a special place in her heart, and she finds reward in supporting the work of CMHA SCB’s staff and ensuring accessible supports for Simcoe County residents.

Her affinity for reading by-laws and legislation makes her an ideal fit for the governance and quality committee. Angela is eager to contribute her expertise in modernizing structures and enhancing governance practices to ensure the highest quality of care for CMHA SCB clients.

Angela’s vision aligns with enhancing mental health services in the community. Her dedication and expertise significantly contribute to CMHA SCB’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health and well-being in Simcoe County.

Carrie Gater

Treasurer

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Carrie Gater

Meet Carrie, a dedicated professional holding CPA-CA and CPA (U.S.A) designations. As a self-employed accountant specializing in healthcare, she brings extensive financial expertise to the CMHA SCB Board of Directors.

Carrie’s commitment to mental health goes beyond her profession. She chairs the CMHA Simcoe County Branch Finance Committee and is a Director on the Mental Health Programs Barrie Board. Completing the Collaborative Health Governance program highlights her dedication to effective leadership.

A devoted member of a non-profit independent elementary school, Carrie serves as Treasurer and previously chaired the board. Her unwavering motivation to support vulnerable citizens in Simcoe County drives her. She aims to enhance healthy and meaningful lives while increasing public awareness about mental health and the importance of community programs.

With her strong financial expertise and dedicated advocacy, Carrie is poised to play a pivotal role on CMHA SCB’s Board of Directors, advancing their mission of supporting mental health and well-being in the community.

 

Mike Winn

Director of Risk

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Mike Winn

Meet Mike Winn, a dedicated Staff Sergeant with an impressive 29-year tenure in the Barrie Police Service. Currently leading the Community Safety Well Being Unit, which includes the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST), he actively works to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Driven by a purposeful mission, Mike joined the CMHA SCB Board of Directors to enhance his support for CMHA SCB’s initiatives and deepen his understanding of local issues concerning opioid addiction, mental health, and homelessness.

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Carleton University and leadership training in policing from the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management Executive Program, Mike possesses a well-rounded skillset to tackle community challenges.

Mike’s passion lies in combating the stigma of mental health and increasing awareness. Eager to lend his expertise, he actively supports CMHA SCB’s local initiatives, making a positive impact within the community.

Crystal Barnard

Director

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Crystal Barnard

Meet Crystal, a Chartered Professional Accountant who brings extensive financial expertise as the Financial Controller at Tatham Engineering Limited. With a focus on accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis, she has over 15 years of experience serving non-profit organizations, including charities.

Driven by her passion for mental health advocacy, Crystal joined the CMHA SCB Board of Directors. She believes in the importance of increased government funding and attention to mental health to better support the individuals served and their loved ones.

Crystal is dedicated to optimizing resources and enhancing accessibility to tailored mental health services at CMHA SCB. Her passion lies in raising awareness and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction.

Crystal’s dedication and financial expertise make her a valuable asset to the CMHA SCB Board. Her contributions play a crucial role in advancing the organization’s efforts to provide inclusive mental health and addiction support to the community.

Tamara Tschop Mclaren

Director

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Tamara Tschop Mclaren

Meet Tamara, a passionate advocate dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and youth. Serving as a Special Education Consultant at the Simcoe County District School Board, Tamara’s commitment shines through. Her academic journey includes a Masters of Education in Adult Learning & Teaching Methodologies from Lakehead University, along with an Advanced Degree in Education, B.Ed., and B.A. from Nipissing University.

Tamara’s profound impact extends to various realms, including facilitating English Language Learners and guiding Indigenous adults through the Navigating Employment Pathways program. Her history of executive roles within nonprofit educational associations highlights her proactive approach.

Now a valued member of the CMHA SCB Board of Directors, Tamara champions the cause of vulnerable citizens, striving to nurture their journey toward resilience and fulfillment. Her genuine aspiration to make a positive difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges exemplifies the spirit of CMHA SCB’s mission.

Craig Nixon

Director

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Craig Nixon

Meet Craig, a longtime Simcoe County resident for over 40 years. He spent his career in the Transportation business, owning a successful medium-sized trucking company in Barrie with his wife. After selling the business, he transitioned into Municipal Politics and now serves as the Councillor for Ward 2 on Barrie City Council.

When invited to join the CMHA Simcoe County Branch’s Board of Directors, Craig eagerly accepted the opportunity. He understands the significance of addressing Mental Health and Addiction issues, recognizing their impact on the community’s well-being. Through this opportunity, Craig aims to gain insights and contribute to effective solutions, working towards enhancing society and supporting those in need. His unwavering dedication drives him to foster a compassionate and better society, making a positive impact on the lives of others.

 

Rachael Crawford-Rendine

Director

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Rachael Crawford-Rendine

Meet Rachael, an accomplished professional and dedicated community leader. As the Director of Payroll for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), she oversees payroll services for 65,000+ employees while maintaining a strong governance and control environment.

Rachael’s passion for community engagement is evident through her work as a co-creator of RBC’s first Employee Resource group and her roles as Regional Co-Chair and National Co-Chair. She also serves on the RBC Royal Eagles Elder Council, offering strategic advice on Indigenous protocol and culture and mentoring both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals.

Known for her effective change leadership and crisis management, Rachael fosters trust and collaboration within diverse teams. As an Indigenous woman, she brings a unique voice to the dialogue surrounding mental health. Rachael is dedicated to supporting CMHA SCB’s vision of creating a more compassionate and inclusive community for all. Her commitment aligns with their goal of ensuring individuals living in Simcoe County can easily access high-quality mental health and addiction services that empower and respond to their unique circumstances.

Carly Wilkinson

Director

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Carly Wilkinson

Meet Carly, an accomplished educator and dedicated mental health advocate. In her role as a secondary math and business teacher, she leads curriculum development, highlighting her commitment to educational excellence. Carly holds both a Masters Degree and Grad Diploma in math education, solidifying her expertise.

Carly’s commitment shines through her volunteer work as a Crisis Responder for the Kids Help Phone, exemplifying her caring nature and unwavering community dedication. With specialized training in effective suicide intervention techniques, she is well equipped to offer essential support.

Carly’s commitment extends to ensuring top-tier quality and effective risk management, positioning her as a vital asset to CMHA SCB’s Risk and Asset Management committee. Driven by a passion for improving community well-being, Carly aligns seamlessly with CMHA SCB’s mission. Her strong leadership, collaborative spirit, and refined communication skills, cultivated through diverse experiences, make her an exceptional candidate for the board.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Valerie Grdisa

Chief Excecutive Officer and Secretary

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Dr. Valerie Grdisa

Meet Dr. Valerie Grdisa, an authentic leader who has made a lasting impact in healthcare and public service. In March 2020, she took on the role of CEO and Secretariat at the CMHA Simcoe County Branch. With over three decades of diverse experience spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors and government, Valerie is a distinguished and influential figure.

Her journey in healthcare began in 1988 as a nursing student at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Since then, she has risen through pivotal roles, including Chief Nurse Executive, CEO, and Assistant Deputy Minister. Valerie is renowned for her unwavering commitment to innovation and research, having served as the Executive Vice President for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute and transforming the Research and Innovation Branch at Alberta Health.

Valerie excels in large-scale transformation initiatives, spearheading efforts in care system redesign, governance, integration, budgeting, quality improvement, and innovative workforce strategies. Her groundbreaking PhD dissertation, funded by the Ministry of Children & Youth Services, explored the impact of mental health service integration on overall system performance. Valerie fosters a culture of collaboration, harnessing the creativity of internal and external stakeholders to co-create people-centered solutions. With a passion for enhancing lives and outcomes, she continues to be a driving force in the healthcare landscape, both nationally and globally.



CMHA SCB Board Committees

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