Human Rights Day: Why mental health, housing and dignity are everyday essentials

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.