Spotlight of Hope Fundraising Gala October 23rd

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Category: News

A Night for the Stars: Honouring Champions of Mental Health in Durham Region

1 Logo Blk Ver A Night for the Stars: Honouring Champions of Mental Health in Durham Region

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham is celebrating the overwhelming success of its signature fundraising event, the “A Night for the Stars Gala”. Held at the beautiful Harmony Events Centre, the gala was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a purpose. Thanks to the overwhelming support […]

CMHA Durham Launches MIRA: A New AI Chatbot Supporting Mental Health Access

MIRA colour CMHA Durham Launches MIRA: A New AI Chatbot Supporting Mental Health Access

The Canadian Mental Health Association Durham (CMHA Durham) is proud to announce the launch of MIRA (Mental Health Interactive Recovery Assistant), a new AI-powered chatbot now available on the CMHA Durham website. This innovative digital tool is designed to help individuals explore mental health topics, access trusted resources, and connect with support services, anytime, anywhere. […]

Why mental health belongs on every back-to-school list

BTS ENG Web1 Why mental health belongs on every back-to-school list

Back-to-school season rewrites daily rhythms, expectations and even identities. And this shift can be felt in both households and classrooms alike. Some students welcome the change with excitement, while others approach it with hesitation or anxiety. It’s important to remember that both experiences are valid. Whether you’re a teenager navigating new social hierarchies or a […]

CMHA Durham Hosts 2025 Safety Expo to Empower Youth and Promote Mental Wellness

1 CMHA Durham Hosts 2025 Safety Expo to Empower Youth and Promote Mental Wellness

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham is proud to announce its annual Safety Expo, taking place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Durham College South Village Residence (32 Commencement Dr., Oshawa). This year’s event is generously sponsored by Elexicon Energy and focuses on youth empowerment and mental […]

CMHA Durham’s Mission United Program Wins Transformative Change Award

Gala Award Winners 2025 C.Pena 2 CMHA Durham's Mission United Program Wins Transformative Change Award

Oshawa, ON – June 6, 2025 – The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham is proud to announce that its Mission United Program has been honored with the prestigious Transformative Change Award at the Alliance for Healthier Communities Gala held on June 4th, 2025. This award recognizes exceptional examples of transformative change in improving the health […]

CMHA Durham Honoured with City of Oshawa’s 2025 Accessibility Improvement Award

63dcaa59 da02 4244 a063 ec4c7347655f 1 CMHA Durham Honoured with City of Oshawa’s 2025 Accessibility Improvement Award

Oshawa, Ontario – June 5, 2025 – The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham is thrilled to announce that it has received the City of Oshawa’s 2025 Accessibility Improvement Award. This prestigious honour is a meaningful acknowledgment of how CMHA Durham’s EDIA-A values (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism) program works to enhance accessibility for […]

Join Us for CMHA Durham’s Open House!

2025 Open House 2160 x 1080 px Join Us for CMHA Durham's Open House!

Explore our programs and services through guided and self-directed tours. Meet our dedicated staff and learn how we support mental health and primary care in our community. 📅 Date: May 28th, 2025 🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Last tour at 7:00 PM) 📍 Location: 60 Bond St West Oshawa Please be advised that online registration is now closed. However, […]

CMHA Durham Unveils Vibrant New Mural Celebrating Unity and Inclusion

CMHA Durham EDIA Mural CMHA Durham Unveils Vibrant New Mural Celebrating Unity and Inclusion

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham is thrilled to announce the installation of a stunning new mural on the first floor of their Oshawa location. Entitled “Untitled,” the large-scale artwork was created by local multidisciplinary artist Jon Colwell, a proud member of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Jon was specially selected to […]

Mental health association warns of rising tariffs’ impact on well-being

Tariffs Banner ENG Mental health association warns of rising tariffs’ impact on well-being

(Toronto, Feb. 3, 2025) — As international trade tensions escalate, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is warning of the significant negative impacts this will bring on Ontarians’ mental well-being. While Ontario’s party leaders debate how to combat new tariffs by the U.S. government, studies show the consequences are not just economic. Research shows […]

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.

Carolyn Wilson

Whitby, Ontario – Board Member

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Carolyn Wilson is a local healthcare lawyer from Whitby. Carolyn has lived in Whitby for most of her life and has served the community through her professional practice and through her volunteer work. Carolyn has previous board experience, having served as Chair of the Alzheimer’s Society of Durham Region and as Chair of the Research Ethics Board at Ontario Shores.  Carolyn has been a lawyer since 2001 and has served a range of healthcare organizations such as hospitals, hospice and community healthcare organizations. 

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.

Cynthia Domjancic

Whitby, Ontario – Board Member

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Cynthia Domjancic is a senior executive and community-minded leader with more than 25 years of experience across finance, human resources, labour relations, ethics, governance, and strategic transformation. She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief Ethics Officer at Ontario Power Generation, where she brings together business discipline, people leadership, and ethical decision-making to help large, complex organizations deliver sustainable results. Throughout her career, Cynthia has been known for her ability to connect strategy, financial stewardship, organizational capability, and risk while keeping people at the center of decisions.

Cynthia is passionate about serving the community and supporting initiatives that improve access to mental health programs, reduce stigma, and strengthen the well-being of individuals and families. Her interest in mental health is deeply personal, and she is committed to contributing her experience in service of an organization whose mission is rooted in care, dignity, inclusion, and community impact. She believes strong governance should not only ensure accountability and sustainability but also protect and advance the human purpose at the heart of an organization’s work.

Cynthia’s board and volunteer experience reflects a longstanding commitment to community service, learning, and youth development. She currently serves as a Governor on the Board of Governors for Ontario Tech University and has contributed as a business mentor with FIRST Robotics, as well as through volunteer leadership roles in community sport and professional associations. These experiences have strengthened her appreciation for inclusive decision-making, stewardship, and the importance of organizations that create opportunities and support people in meaningful ways.

Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. She will bring a thoughtful balance of oversight, governance discipline, financial acumen, ethics-informed leadership, and a genuine personal commitment to mental health, community well-being, and service.

 

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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.