Since the inception of this initiative in 2011, the advisory committee has played a key role in providing recommendations on various aspects of the project and supporting the promotion of project activities. We are grateful for the work of these professionals who represent regions across Canada as well as the settlement, social and health service sectors that support immigrants’ and refugees’ mental health. Below are the current advisory committee members.
- Mulugeta Abai , Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT)
- Monica Abdelkader , Director of Resettlement Services, Association for New Canadians, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Sihem Ait Hammouda , Bilingual Coordinator, Accessibility Initiative, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), Ontario
- Don Boddy , Small Centre Support Manager, Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations
- Yasmine Dossal , Director, Social Services, COSTI Immigrant Services, Ontario
- Teresa Dremetsikas , Programs Manager, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT), Ontario
- Elizabeth Gebremariam , Coordinator, Newcomer Community Wellness Program, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), Nova Scotia
- Carolyn Jenkins , Family Counselor, PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada
- Mariana Martinez Vieyra, Coordinator, Provincial Refugee Mental Health, Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST), British Columbia
- Arianne Melara , Director of Operations, New Brunswick Multicultural Council
- Mehreen Nayani , Program Manager, YMCA Greater Toronto Area
- Belma Podrug , Executive Director, Global Gathering Place, Saskatchewan
- Božana Šljuka , Case Manager, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, Alberta, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
- Nadia Sokhan , Director, Monitoring, Reporting and Partnerships, Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services, Ontario
- Hilary Thorne , Newcomer Support Social Worker, Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education
