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Category: News

See the Impact of HART Hub Oshawa

25 1001 HARTHub Purple Oshawa See the Impact of HART Hub Oshawa

HART Hub Oshawa, in partnership with CMHA Durham, is bringing primary care, mental health and addiction treatment, housing assistance, employment support, Indigenous services, and other essential supports together under one roof. In our new video, hear directly from people supported by the program, meet the dedicated teams behind its work, and learn how community partners […]

CMHA Durham Recognised as a Canadian HR Reporter 5-STAR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION EMPLOYERS 2026 Winner

HR Reporer graphic CMHA Durham Recognised as a Canadian HR Reporter 5-STAR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION EMPLOYERS 2026 Winner

Durham Region, Ontario, August 4, 2026 – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham is proud to announce its recognition as one of Canadian HR Reporter’s 5-STAR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION EMPLOYERS 2026, a prestigious honour that celebrates organisations demonstrating an outstanding commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable and accessible workplaces. The annual 5-STAR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND […]

CMHA Durham’s 2025-26 annual report now available

AR2026 socials Instagram Durham CMHA Durham’s 2025-26 annual report now available

CMHA Durham’s 2025-26 annual report now available Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham is pleased to present its annual report for its 2025-26 fiscal year, which highlights key projects and successes for the organization between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026. Click here to read it now. Within CMHA Durham’s 2025-26 annual report, you’ll […]

Save the Date- CMHA Durham’s Spotlight of Hope Fundraising Gala

Eventbrite Graphic Save the Date- CMHA Durham's Spotlight of Hope Fundraising Gala

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham is excited to invite you to our Spotlight of Hope Fundraising Gala on Friday, October 23rd, 2026. Join us for a vibrant evening inspired by the magic of the circus. This year, we’re transforming the fundraising gala into an immersive experience, full of energy, connection, and purpose, all in support of […]

Wear Your Story 

CMHA Durham Wear Your Story Poster Instagram Post 45 Wear Your Story 

Client led design for creative self-expression, community connection, and mental health awareness.  Wear Your Story invites client of CMHA Durham to collaborate in the design process and shape something that feels personal, authentic, and empowering. Each piece is created with the client at the center, making their voice, perspective, and story part of the result.  […]

CMHA Durham Shortlisted for Canada’s Safest Non-Profit Employer

CanSafeEmpNomiGraphic CMHA Durham Shortlisted for Canada's Safest Non-Profit Employer

Canadian Mental Health Association Durham has been named an excellence awardee in the 16th annual Canada’s Safest Employers Awards, presented by Geotab and supported by Canadian Occupational Safety, as on of Canada’s Safest Non-Profit Employer’s. This recognition reflects our organization’s deep commitment to creating a safe, healthy, and resilient workplace for employees, clients, and the […]

Nominate a Mental Health Champion for the 2026 GEM Awards!

1 Nominate a Mental Health Champion for the 2026 GEM Awards!

The GEM (Giving Excellence in Mental Health) Awards are dedicated to recognizing outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to mental health advocacy and support. This is your chance to honour those who have made a significant impact on mental health in our community. We invite you to nominate […]

Are screens getting the best of us?

Green carousel End Template Are screens getting the best of us?

Canadians are digitally connected, yet millions are very lonely. Technology means we can connect instantly with anyone, anywhere. And yet, people in Canada are struggling with loneliness. As we spend more time online, this Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is asking: what does it mean for our mental health? Youth are […]

CMHA Durham Open House

DRAFT QR Open House Poster 2026 Instagram Post 45 CMHA Durham Open House

Explore our programs and services through guided and self-directed tours. Meet our dedicated employees and learn how we support mental health and primary care in our community. Date: May 7, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (last entrance at 7:00 p.m.) Location: CMHA Durham, Oshawa Event Highlights Learn about CMHA Durham programs and services Meet the team supporting mental […]

HART Hub Oshawa launching in partnership with CMHA Durham

25 1001 HARTHub Purple Oshawa HART Hub Oshawa launching in partnership with CMHA Durham

A Vital Step Toward Addressing Mental Health, Addictions, and Homelessness Oshawa, ON — [March 23rd, 2026] — HART Hub Oshawa, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham, is proud to announce its official opening today. The HART (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs) Hub Model is an innovative, integrated care approach designed […]

Patrick Fradley-Davis

Port Perry, Ontario – Board Member

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Patrick is a retired human resources professional who dedicated 32 years of service to Ontario Hydro and Ontario Power Generation. Throughout his extensive career in human resources, he gained experience in a wide variety of areas, including health and safety, wellness, compensation and benefits, disability management, operational audit, and training.
Following his retirement, Patrick continued to contribute to the field by teaching human resources and occupational health and safety courses at George Brown College and Sheridan College (Access).
As a certified workplace investigator, for a small HR law firm, Patrick conducted investigations into harassment and discrimination claims under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
He remains closely connected to his community, volunteering on various local committees and participating in community projects. His board experience includes serving as the former Chair of the Board for the CMHA in Peel/Dufferin and Vice Chair at CMHA Waterloo Wellington.

Sheryl Wedderburn

Courtice, Ontario – Chief Executive Officer/Officer of the Board

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Sheryl Wedderburn is the Chief Executive Officer at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham. Appointed in 2021, she has led the organization through innovative key milestones. The transformation and modernization of housing programs for people with serious mental illness; maintaining Accreditation with exemplary standing and raising the profile of the organization within the mental health and addictions sector by co-partnering with lead service providers to support integrated care models. Sheryl has a proven track record in removing barriers between providers and designing client-centered systems while championing the expansion of the traditional catchment areas moving towards equitable access to care.

The former CEO and Principal Consultant for Bernard Consultancy, Sheryl has worked dutifully with Boards and Executive Teams inspiring them to cultivate inventive strategic plans, conduct quality-driven operational reviews and advancing the development, mentorship and successioning of their Board and leadership teams. As a seasoned Governor, Sheryl has served on various Boards since 1986, from hospital sector to community. In addition to her role as Officer of the esteemed CMHA Durham Board of Directors, she serves on the Alzheimer Society Durham Region Dementia Care Campus Steering Committee and on the Program Advisory Committee for the Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health program offered through Durham College.

Sheryl is the recipient of the 2025 Founders’ Award for the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region, where she continues to be a strong advocate for enhanced services to meet the growing diverse needs of people living with Alzheimer and associated Dementias. She is the Founding President for JCAN, a registered not-for-profit charity serving the Afro-Caribbean population. A life-long learner, Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Health Sciences and Certified Health Executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Past cross-appointments include Adjunct Faculty for the Nursing Degree Program at University of Toronto and Ontario Tech University.

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Kerrie Wriker

Colborne, Ontario – Chief Operating Officer/Board Secretary

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Kerrie has over 20 years of experience working in the community-based mental health and addictions sector and has held various leadership roles throughout her career. She attained formal education in Recreation and Leadership (Ontario Tech University), Professional Management (York University), and Harm Reduction. She is also a Green Belt in leading process improvement methodology Lean Six Sigma and holds a Change Management Practitioner certification. In her current role as CMHA Durham’s Chief Operating Officer, she effectively fulfills layered reporting obligations to numerous levels of government and ensures all services are integrated, planned, delivered, and evaluated in accordance with professional standards.
As a caregiver to a loved one with a severe mental disorder, Kerrie is a firm believer that connected and caring communities promote wellness. To that end, Kerrie volunteers as a panel member with the Ontario Caregiver Organization, member of an Advisory Board within her township, and is a Board Trustee with CMHA National Pension Plan in addition to her work with CMHA Durham.

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Sarah Moore

Ajax, Ontario – Board Member

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Sarah is an accessibility advocate with a passion for cultivating inclusion, standing up to stigma, and breaking down barriers alongside people with visible and invisible disabilities. She is an Accredited Municipal Professional with more than 15 years of local government experience. Her portfolio includes specialties in public administration, accessibility compliance, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as volunteer management. Sarah is an Honours graduate of the University of Toronto and obtained a certificate in Accessibility Practices from Toronto Metropolitan University. With both a personal and professional connection to mental health, supporting family members, friends, and colleagues with mood disorders, Sarah is eager to contribute to the promotion and enhancement of positive mental health within the Region as a member of the CMHA Durham Board of Directors. Outside of work, Sarah’s hobbies and interests include film, language studies (French and Spanish), baking, and spoiling Riley, her Shih-Tzu.

Nicole Seymour

Whitby, Ontario – Board Member

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Nicole Seymour is currently the Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer for a global property and casualty insurance organization. She has over 20 years of regulatory compliance experience in the insurance and financial industries and has held Chief Compliance Roles at insurers, mutual fund dealers, and life insurance MGAs. Throughout her career, Nicole has implemented successful compliance and regulatory risk management programs at multiple institutions. Continuously committed to her professional development, she holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo and has recently completed the Cambridge Business Sustainability Management Certificate and the Certificate in Regulatory Compliance and Legal Risk Management for Financial Institutions from Osgoode Hall. Nicole lives in Whitby with her husband and four children. She enjoys traveling and being a hockey/soccer mom.

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Katie Cosway

Courtice, Ontario – Board Member

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Over the past 15 years, Katie has dedicated her career to guiding organizations to build strong cultures that create inclusive and successful business outcomes. After completing her Honours BA at McMaster University and a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources at Durham College, Katie spent 10 years in organizational and career management consulting, delivering services across North America. She later took on a leadership role within the energy sector, where she focused on learning and development to support the growing demands of that industry. A certified Change Management Practitioner and Human Resources Leader (CHRL), Katie also has experience serving on a non-profit board within the financial sector and brings a governance/policy strength that has resulted in increased performance of the teams and projects she’s worked on. Growing up in Durham Region, and currently residing in Courtice with her family, Katie has a deep appreciation for community services such as the ones provided by CMHA Durham.

Jason Langley

Clarington, Ontario – Board Member

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Jason is a Director of Strategy at a leading North American financial institution, where he leads strategic planning and innovation across core banking products. His role focuses on shaping customer experiences, driving growth, and guiding product evolution in a rapidly changing financial landscape. A passionate coach and mentor, Jason is committed to developing future leaders and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams. He is a staunch advocate for mental health, both professionally and personally, and recently completed LivingWorks ASIST training. Jason holds an MBA and Certificate in Responsible Leadership from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Commerce from Ontario Tech University, and is a Certified Change Management Practitioner. Having grown up in Oshawa, he now lives in Clarington with his wife, and two young children. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors and is an avid fisherman.

Duncan Kerr

Brooklin, Ontario – Board Member

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Duncan Kerr is an experienced leader currently serving as the Director of Training and Work Methods with Toronto Hydro. He is responsible for leading a team of professionals charged with developing and managing short and long-term training and workforce skills development strategies, as well as directing and managing the organization’s training systems, processes, and programs. Duncan also has experience driving change in the pursuit of compliance and continual improvement of environment, social, and governance (ESG).  Prior to Toronto Hydro, Duncan held professional and leadership roles in both health and safety and operations at General Motors in Canada, the United States, and Australia. His impact is supported by a diverse education, including a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University, a Master of Science in Biomechanics from the University of Guelph, and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University.  He is also a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and an Environmental Professional (EP). Duncan has lived in Brooklin for more than 18 years, with his wife of nearly 25 years and their two sons.

Elizabeth McSavaney

Pickering, Ontario – Board Member

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Elizabeth is currently a Human Resources (HR) Executive for a leading global insurance organization.  Elizabeth has obtained her Canadian Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation and carries a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Windsor. Over the course of her career, she has led teams in both the private and public sectors across North America.  She has driven complex transformational change projects in corporate and manufacturing environments and has worked in a variety of HR disciplines. In addition to her HR qualifications, Elizabeth has served as a professor at Algonquin College’s School of Business. Beyond work, Elizabeth is a passionate health advocate, with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa. She keenly understands the value that focused strategies can bring to the health outcomes of individuals, organizations, and the broader community. When Elizabeth is not at work she enjoys CrossFit, running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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Earlene Worrall

Blackstock, Ontario – Board Member

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Earlene seeks to leverage her knowledge and skills in ways that make a meaningful difference for others, both professionally and personally. With expertise in brand-building, marketing, and strategy, she has spent the last fifteen years working with healthcare clients in a trusted advisor capacity to help them tackle their toughest strategic challenges. Most recently as Founder of the strategy consultancy BrandDancer (www.branddancer.com), Earlene deeply understands the underlying drivers of behaviour, uncovers the insights that matter, and unfailingly pulls through to actionable strategy – ultimately helping to improve the lived experience of patients, their loved ones, and the healthcare providers who treat them. Earlene is equally committed to contributing to her community. Her volunteer roles over the past two decades have spanned her interests in the environment, the arts, social services, and healthcare. Earlene holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University. She and her husband live in Blackstock.

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Melissa Beaucaire

Oshawa, Ontario – Vice Chair

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Melissa brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in the non-profit sector, with a strong foundation in both academic and practical disciplines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College. Currently serving as Manager of Child Care and Early Years in the Region of Durham, she continues to champion initiatives that support children and families across the community.

Her governance experience includes previous board roles as Secretary and Treasurer for various non-profit organizations, reflecting her commitment to organizational stewardship and community impact. A lifelong learner, Melissa has pursued ongoing professional development in key areas such as mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion, special needs, addiction, management, and leadership.

She deeply values the mission of the Canadian Mental Health Association and is honoured to contribute to its work in supporting individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. Outside of her professional endeavors, family remains central to her life. Melissa and her family are proud long-time residents of the Durham Region. 

Dave Wheeler

Whitby, Ontario – Board Chair

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Dave Wheeler is a passionate advocate for mental health, and a trusted advisor to CMHA Durham. He has brought his empathetic and effective approach to professional and organizational advancement to roles at several notable companies, including his current position as senior manager of sales and operations at one of Canada’s leading financial institutions. Dave’s expertise is backed by a Master of Business Administration from Queens University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Lean Six Sigma Canada. As CMHA Durham Board Chair, Dave effectively develops strong relationships with stakeholders, while ensuring the appropriate processes are in place to monitor and measure the organization’s performance and efficacy outcomes. Beyond his professional endeavours, Dave enjoys travelling, golf, hockey, baseball, running, and coaching sports.

Preya Singh-Cushnie

Ajax, Ontario – Treasurer

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Preya Singh-Cushnie is a respected insurance and wealth management executive with over two decades of leadership experience. She’s known for driving meaningful transformation, building trusted partnerships, while leading high performing and engaged teams. 

As Associate Executive Director at the Ontario Medical Association, Preya leads the insurance organization and a team of licensed professionals who support physicians and their families with financial solutions. She has guided many key initiatives, including complex program transition, launching new award-winning financial products and technology tools.

Preya is deeply committed to community impact, championing mental health and equity through her leadership as Board Director and Treasurer at CMHA Durham.