Dr. Megan McElheran

Clinical Psychologist and CEO, Wayfound Mental Health Group, in partnership with Alberta Forestry Division

Dr. Megan McElheran is a clinical psychologist and chief executive officer (CEO) of Wayfound Mental Health Group. Dr. McElheran completed graduate training at the PAU-Stanford University Clinical Psychology Consortium, during which she obtained specialized training in the treatment of PTSD through the National Center for PTSD in Menlo Park, CA. Dr. McElheran has been in practice in Calgary since 2008. She continues to focus on work with first responders, and her clinical practice involves work with active-duty members of the Canadian Forces, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, members of the Calgary Fire Department, medical personnel, and others who are directly or vicariously impacted by traumatic events. Dr. McElheran also founded the Before Operational Stress (BOS) program to address the gap in preventative mental health training and support for public safety personnel and frontline workers. She is passionate about arming frontline workers with the tools they need to help manage their workplace stress and routinely engages in teaching and supervisory activity to ensure the sound dissemination of empirically grounded interventions for trauma. Dr. McElheran continues to engage in speaking events, both locally and internationally regularly.

Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser

Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist | Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame

Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser is considered one of the best female hockey players of all time. Canada’s all-time leading scorer, she has won seven world championships, made six Olympic appearances, and won five Olympic medals — four of them Gold. Today, Wickenheiser is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs as well as a community leader, medical doctor, and businesswoman who inspires audiences to give their best in everything they do.

A first-ballot Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Wickenheiser’s hockey IQ is highly respected in both the male and female game. She made hockey history as the first female player to notch a point in a men’s professional game and as the first woman in history to play in or coach at four NHL development camps with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wickenheiser’s ascent to the top of her sport started in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan where at age 15 she became the youngest member chosen for the Canadian Women’s National Team. Her Olympic career spanned 23 years and two sports as she also competed in softball at the 2000 Games. In 2014, Wickenheiser was Canada’s official flag bearer at the Sochi Olympics and she also served on the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission.

In 2017, Wickenheiser announced her retirement from the national women’s hockey team. In addition to her work with the Leafs, she is now a medical doctor practicing family and emergency medicine — a pursuit she has dreamt of her whole life. She is also a bestselling author having released her first book Over the Boards: Lessons from the Ice in 2021.

Wickenheiser has earned many accolades throughout her career, including being named on Sports Illustrated’s “Top 25 Toughest Athletes in the World” and twice named to their “Power 50 in Sports” list. She is also one of QMI Agency’s “Top 10 Greatest Female Athletes in the History of Sports”, a member of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, one of Canada’s “Top 40 Under 40”, and an inductee in both Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. In 2014, Wickenheiser was awarded Canada’s highest honour when she was appointed to the Order of Canada in recognition of her athletic achievements and contributions to the growth of women’s hockey.

Wickenheiser’s passion for sport is paralleled by her desire to give back to the community through her work with dozens of philanthropic organizations, including Jumpstart, KidSport, and Right to Play — organizations dedicated to ensuring kids of all financial and cultural backgrounds can play sports. She is also the founder of the world-renowned personal and athletic development weekend, The Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival, which provides mentoring and growth opportunities for young athletes around the world.

Wickenheiser holds several honourary degrees from institutions across Canada, as well as a Masters in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary, where she also earned her degree in medicine.

Dr. Maude Bouchard, Ph.D

Director of Research and Development
HALEO

Dr. Maude Bouchard has accumulated 15 years of expertise in the field of sleep. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Montreal under the guidance of Dr. Julie Carrier, an internationally renowned sleep researcher. During her studies, she received several research and excellence scholarships, including a prestigious Vanier Banting scholarship, the highest distinction in research for Canadian doctoral students.

Dr. Maude Bouchard has published her work in esteemed scientific journals such as Sleep and eLife and has presented at numerous international and national conferences over the years.

Driven by a passion for teaching and knowledge transfer, Dr. Maude Bouchard has served as an adjunct professor at the City College of New York and as a lecturer at the University of Montreal and the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi. Actively engaging with the wider community, she frequently participates in conferences and media appearances, discussing the crucial role of sleep in our overall health with the general population.

After serving as the clinical lead for the U.S. and international markets, Dr. Maude Bouchard currently holds the position of Director of Research and Development at HALEO. Her extensive background and commitment to advancing sleep science make her a key figure in the pursuit of innovative solutions within the organization.

Sheri Lux, B.Ed, B.A.

Author, Finding my Fire
Owner of Karys Layne Candles

Sheri is a former teacher who earned her B.A. and B.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan. Sheri was married to an RCMP officer, who was diagnosed with an Operational Stress Injury after thirteen years of service. He struggled with alcohol addiction and tragically lost his battle with PTSD a few years after his diagnosis. Following his suicide, Sheri left her teaching career to dedicate herself to her grieving children while also building her own company inspired by resiliency. Karys Layne Candles is where she now creates scented woodwick candles and crystal - infused artwork that embodies transformation and healing, which she openly talks about.

Sheri is also the author of Finding My Fire, a heartfelt memoir that chronicles her journey through grief, healing, and self-discovery. In its pages, Sheri vulnerably shares her experience of being married to a police officer, navigating the quiet weight of codependency, living alongside addiction, the heartbreak of loss, overcoming transformative surgeries, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s voice. Her message is both tender and empowering—a reminder that healing is possible, even in the wake of profound loss.

Through her writing and public speaking, Sheri inspires others to turn their deepest pain into power and to rebuild lives rooted in authenticity, strength, and purpose. Sheri currently lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Scott Wilkinson E.C.F.O., B.P.E., P.C.P.

Deputy Chief, Fire Rescue Operations & Training
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service

Scott Wilkinson is a 34-year veteran of the fire and paramedic service and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Fire Rescue Operations & Training for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. Scott previously served as the Assistant Chief, Community Risk Reduction and prior to that as the Project Manager for Training and Safety Equipment. Scott is a Primary Care Paramedic and formerly managed the WFPS officer and chief officer development programs in his role as Senior Training Officer.
He is the former Peer Support Coordinator for the WFPS and continues to work with the department’s behavioural health and wellness programs.

Scott serves on the NFPA 1020: Fire Officer Professional Qualifications Technical Committee and is the developer of numerous departmental programs including RPAS and PPE Maintenance and co-developed the WFPS Diversity Equity Fire Training Program (DEFT).

He serves on various committees for the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) including Cancer Prevention, Leadership Development, Mental Health and Science, Technology, Interoperability, RPAS & Human Factors.

Scott holds the CAFC Executive Chief Fire Officer (ECFO) credential and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Manitoba.

Jason Whiteley

Fire Chief
North Bay Fire and Emergency Services

Jason Whiteley was appointed Fire Chief of North Bay Fire and Emergency Services in September of 2016 and has more than 35 years of fire service experience in the management of fire operations, including business administration, emergency management and response, fire prevention and education. Jason has many certifications and post-secondary education including Fire Protection Engineering, Ambulance and Emergency Care, Municipal Management diploma and Human Resource and Employment Law certificate, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mental Health Leadership and political science.

Jason is Director and former vice-president of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. He is currently the chair of the National Advisory Council for the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and a board member. Jason has also represented the fire service on several provincial, national, and international committees and organizations.

Prior to being appointed Fire Chief for North Bay, Jason was the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Woodstock and before that he was the Deputy Fire Chief of Norfolk County. Jason began his career as volunteer firefighter with the City of Burlington Fire Department; then spent 16 years with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services with various roles and responsibilities before moving into the management ranks.

Jason has been a presenter at many conferences on firefighter safety in the areas of cancer prevention and mental health.

Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli, PhD

Professor and Research Chair: Safety, Security, and Wellness
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli is Professor (PhD) and Research Chair in Safety, Security, and Wellness, at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Fisheries and Marine Institute. The winner of the 2023 International Corrections and Prison Association’s Research Excellence Award and the Canadian Sociological Association’s Angus Reid Applied Researcher Award, Ricciardelli was also elected to the Royal Society of Canada and is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Her research centers on evolving understandings of gender, vulnerabilities, risk, and experiences and issues within different facets of the criminal justice system and among mariners. She has published 17 books, 285+ journal articles and 70+ chapters all in the areas of police, firefighting, correctional workers, public safety communicators, and criminalized persons, and wellness – broadly defined. As a sex and gender researcher, her interests lay in the social health, identity construction, and lived experiences of individuals. She leads a longitudinal study on the mental health and well-being experiences of correctional officers employed by Correctional Services Canada.

J’lyn Nye

J’lyn Nye is an award-winning journalist who worked in television and radio in cities across Western Canada for 35 years. In late 2023, she turned off the microphone and set her sights on a new challenge, taking on the role of Director of Marketing and Digital Media for the Edmonton Police Service. J’lyn has been a longtime supporter of those in uniform and Wounded Warriors Canada.

J’lyn is the Honourary Colonel of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron with the RCAF and Patron of the Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre. She was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in 2022 and received the Queen Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023 for her steadfast commitment to the military and veteran community.

Alison Cocking BSc. PT, M.Ed.

Managing Director
Insight Health Solutions, Trillium Health Partners

Alison Cocking is a strategic healthcare leader who serves as Trillium Health Partner’s Managing Director, Insight Health Solutions, one of Canada’s largest hospital-based disability management third-party programs. As a senior leader in the healthcare sector, Alison has over three decades of experience leading high functioning teams and programs in their delivery of impactful value-based quality services. The ability to financially contribute Insight’s profits to the hospital’s programs and services to help create a new kind of healthcare for a healthier community, is what drives and inspires her. Alison is a UK-trained Physiotherapist with a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Toronto. An avid kayaker, hiker, traveler and general enthusiast of the great outdoors, Alison’s goal is to have visited 100 countries by 2045.

Scott Maxwell

Executive Director
Wounded Warriors Canada

On June 11, 2007 Trooper Darryl Caswell, a high school friend of Scott’s, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. From that day forward, Scott made a promise to himself that he would find a way to give back to those who bravely serve Canada. In 2013, Scott accepted the position of Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada. He embarked on a journey in the mental health sector that has seen him successfully transform what was a volunteer-based, local charitable fund into a national mental health service provider that supports over 2,000 Veterans, First Responders and their families each year.

Richard Ireland, Mayor of Jasper

Richard Ireland was born and raised in Jasper. He left Jasper to pursue a law degree and career, returning with his family in the late 1980s.

He was first elected to the Jasper Town Committee in 1989. The Jasper Town Committee was in place prior to the establishment of local government. For more than two decades he spearheaded efforts first to establish local government in Jasper and then to consolidate it. He has come to symbolize the community’s aspirations to achieve local self-determination.

Richard Ireland was elected as Jasper’s first Mayor in October 2001, acclaimed for a second term in 2004, re-elected in 2007, 2010, and 2013, acclaimed again in 2017; and re-elected in 2021.

The recent Jasper Wildfire Complex is the single, most significant event in many generations of Jasperites, and Mayor Ireland’s leadership, strength, and kindness shone through in his messages to displaced residents. At a time when he, his family, his friends and neighbours were all suffering immeasurable losses and struggling with their own next steps he remained focused on his important public role.

He extolled the efforts of all those who ensured the safe evacuation of over 20,000 people.

In the face of the community’s catastrophic loss, he reminded everyone that through the heroic efforts of firefighters, unified action, effective preparation, planning and training, 70% of the town’s structures and all critical infrastructure were saved: the base upon which a community for all would be rebuilt.

He now continues to work collaboratively with the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta on behalf of the community to move into the recovery and rebuilding phases. It will be a long and difficult process, fraught with challenges.

Mayor Ireland will persevere with the great determination, patience and confidence he has so consistently demonstrated.

Richard is married to Bonnie. They have two sons and two granddaughters.

Dr. Nadia Aleem MD, MHSc, CCFP, FRCP

Mental Health Lead
Insight Health Solutions, Trillium Health Partners

Dr. Aleem (she/ her) is currently the mental health lead at Insight Solutions through Trillium Health Partners and works as a Corporate Medical Director for Cleveland Clinic. Prior to this, she was the medical head at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health Work Stress and Health Clinic in addition to acting as the medical heads for both inpatient and outpatient programs.

Dr. Aleem specializes in treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and treats many workers who have suffered from workplace occupational mental health and stress injuries. This has involved extensive work with Public Safety Personnel both in assessment and treatment. She has extensive speaking experience, providing small workshop training and large group speaking engagements in a wide number of occupational sectors for multinational corporations and academic settings. She is currently an assistant professor at University of Toronto.

Dr. Heidi Cramm, Ph.D.

Professor, School of Rehabilitation Therapy
Queen’s University

Heidi Cramm, Ph.D. is Professor, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University and a registered occupational therapist with decades of experience in child and family mental health and wellbeing. She is the lead for Garnet Families, the hub for first responder, public safety, and defence families, and those who study, serve, and support them. She is also a Co-Principal Investigator for PSPNET Families (pspnetfamilies.ca), an online wellbeing hub for public safety families. As a longtime PSP spouse, she understands what it is like for families to be “on the job” and uses this first-hand knowledge to inform the work of Garnet Families.

Through Garnet Families, Dr. Cramm has enacted a vision for that brings together research, a network, and a formal partnership to make sure that free, evidence-based resources like PSPNET Families are available to everyone. Within Garnet Families, research responds to community priorities, helps to inform and develop programming and policy, and strengthens community capacity.  You can find out more about her work at garnetfamilies.com.

Mike Annan

Director of Service Dogs
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs

Mike Annan resides in Nanaimo, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Mike, began his career in 2004 by founding Sal Pacific Canine Obedience, where he led a team of trainers and developed puppy and competition-level obedience programs. His LIMA-based, positive training methods attracted up to 120 dogs in classes each month.

In 2008, Mike partnered with Dr. Jeff Grognet, DVM, to launch the Academy for Canine Educators (ACE), a behavior clinic and online education platform serving veterinarians, pet owners, and shelter workers. Their programs included seminars, e-books, and training courses delivered to organizations such as the BCSPCA.

In 2013, Mike was invited to pilot a service dog program for military veterans with PTSD. The project grew rapidly, leading to the creation of VICD Service Dogs. Mike oversaw the program’s first Assistance Dogs International accreditation in 2017—making it one of the first organizations in the world to be accredited under ADI’s Military-Related PTSD Service Dog Standards.

In 2019, VICD Service Dogs merged with BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, expanding operations to include Vancouver Island, Vancouver, The Lower Mainland, Edmonton and Calgary. Mike now serves as an ADI Accreditation Assessor, trainer certification committee member, and Wounded Warriors Canada National Service Dog Advisor. Mikes passion for championing collaboration and excellence in service dog programs has led him to help build OSI PTSD programs around the globe mentoring programs across Canada as well as Japan, Sweeden, USA, Australia and Poland. 

Dr. Lawrence Deck, Ph.D.

Registered Psychologist, Chief Clinical Officer
Wayfound Mental Health Group

Dr. Lawrence Deck is the Chief Clinical Officer at Wayfound. He has been practicing as a psychologist since 2009. Dr. Deck graduated with his Master’s degree in counseling from California State University, Fresno. He subsequently completed his Ph.D. in psychology, forensic specialization through Walden University (Minneapolis, MN). He is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association as well as the National Association of Forensic Counselors. Registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Dr. Deck’s areas of interest include trauma, anger and aggression, and youth with behavioural difficulties. Dr. Deck’s treatment approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), although he appreciates the usefulness of incorporating other approaches into his practice. In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Deck has extensive experience in multiple forms of assessment including; Cognitive, social-emotional, capacity, risk (sexual or violent risk), and comprehensive psychological evaluations. He has been formally recognized by the Alberta Provincial Court as an expert in the area of risk assessment and psychometrics. Dr. Deck completed his research in the area of violence and aggression and has specialized training in working with individuals who have offended sexually.

Mike Ellis

Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Alberta

Mike Ellis was sworn in as Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services on June 9, 2023. He previously served as Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

Prior to his service as an elected official, Mr. Ellis spent 12 years with the Calgary Police Service. During his tenure he served 8 years in the position of constable and three as patrol sergeant. In recognition of his service, he received a ten-year distinguished service medal in 2013.

Mr. Ellis has studied in the bachelor of policing program at Charles Sturt University in Australia. He also holds a management certificate from Mount Royal College and leadership certification from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Mr. Ellis is married to Hollie, and together they have 3 children.

Mike Ellis was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-West on October 27, 2014 and was re-elected on May 5, 2015, April 16, 2019 and May 29, 2023.

Dr. Megan McElheran R.Psych

Clinical Psychologist & CEO
Wayfound Mental Health Group

Dr. Megan McElheran is a Registered Clinical Psychologist and the CEO of Wayfound Mental Health Group. She completed her graduate training at the PAU-Stanford University Clinical Psychology Consortium, where she obtained specialized training in the treatment of PTSD through the National Center for PTSD in Menlo Park, CA. Dr. McElheran is passionate about arming frontline workers with the tools they need to help manage their workplace stress and has been in practice in Calgary, Alberta since 2008. She continues to focus on work with first responders, and her clinical practice involves work with active-duty members of the Canadian Forces, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, members of the Calgary Fire Department, medical personnel, and others who are directly or vicariously impacted by traumatic events. Dr. McElheran founded the Before Operational Stress (BOS) program to address the gap in preventative mental health training and support for public safety personnel and frontline workers. She routinely engages in teaching and supervisory activity to ensure the sound dissemination of empirically grounded interventions for trauma. Dr. McElheran is regularly engaged in speaking events, both locally and internationally.

Tim Moeller, Sargeant

Edmonton Police Service

Sgt. Tim Moeller began his Law Enforcement career in May 2001 with the Alberta Transportation Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Branch (CVEB) after graduating from Grant MacEwan University's Police and Security Program. Sgt. Moeller worked for CVEB from 2001-2007 before being hired by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) in February 2007.

From 2007-2011, Sgt. Moeller was a front-line patrol Constable in West Division Patrol. In 2011, Sgt. Moeller transferred into a Neighborhood Foot Patrol Unit along 124 St. From 2011-2015, Sgt. Moeller worked with community stakeholders in this high crime and disorder location to assist in reducing calls for service.

In 2015, Sgt. Moeller transferred into the Firearms Training Unit as a fulltime Firearms Instructor. From 2015-2020, Sgt. Moeller instructed new recruits and in-service members firearms and officer safety skills. In 2016, while in Firearms Training Unit, Sgt. Moeller joined the EPS Reintegration Team, where he worked with members after Officer Involved Shootings.

In 2020, Sgt. Moeller returned to the front-line working in West Division Patrol from 2020-2021. In 2021, Sgt. Moeller was promoted to the Sergeant i/c of the Reintegration Unit. In this role, Sgt. Moeller works with members returning to work after critical incidents, leaves of absence due to physical or psychological injury, and/or parental leaves. Sgt. Moeller also assists in training the EPS Critical Incident Reintegration Program across Canada, including presentations in the United States.

Dave Klein

Constable
Edmonton Police Service

Cst. Dave Klein began his Law Enforcement career in December 2007 with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) after graduating with distinction from the University of Alberta with a double major in Psychology and Sociology.

After graduating recruit class, Cst. Klein was assigned to Downtown division patrol for 5 years. In 2012 Cst. Klein was assigned to the Inner City Police and Crisis Team (ICPACT) where he worked along side a psychiatric nurse doing mental health assessments of Edmonton’s most vulnerable populations. After 3 years in ICPACT, Cst. Klein transitioned to Entertainment Zone Beats along Jasper Avenue where he worked along side community stakeholders for 3 years. In 2017, Cst. Klein transferred from Downtown Division to Training Section and began training new recruits and the general membership as a Firearms Instructor.

While with Firearms Training Unit, Cst. Klein became a member of the Reintegration Team and began working with members post-Officer Involved Shootings. In 2021, the EPS created a full time Reintegration Constable position and Cst. Klein was successful in obtaining that position, which he currently occupies. This full time role allows Cst. Klein to work more robustly with members who are returning to work after psychological or physical injury, as well as leaves of absences. It also allows the ability to proactively work with members after a critical incident, helping to both prevent psychological injury from occurring and keep the member at work.

Dr. Helena Hawryluk PhD. RSW

Warrior Kids Program Co-Creator & Director
Wounded Warriors Canada

Dr Helena Hawryluk, PhD, RSW and Jerris Popik, MSW, RSW, are program developers and Directors of the Warrior Kids Programs with Wounded Warriors Canada. Helena and Jerris have been working with families of Veterans and First-Responders within Canada as clinicians, researchers and, more importantly disrupters for change around designing evidence-based high-quality programs for young people within the community of Trauma Exposed Professionals. Warrior Kids was designed to support youth who are living with a loved one impacted by the unique exposure to operational stress. The program has had a profound impact on the lives of these youth and their families, fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being. Building healthy families starts with kids, as opposed to ends with kids. Warrior Kids is a one-of-a-kind mental health program supporting resilience in the unique lives of public safety families.

Helena completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Concordia University, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary, and her Master of Clinical Social Work and PhD with the Faculty of Social Work. She has practiced as a social worker for over 15 years with families of the Canadian Armed Forces and Public Safety Personnel. Helena was awarded the Wounded Warriors Doctoral Scholarship for her research entitled “Through our Eyes,” showcasing the unique perspectives and needs of youth in military families impacted by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, post-Afghanistan war.

Jerris and Helena are currently the directors of the Warrior Kids Program. They are honoured to lead the Warrior Kids Team of facilitators and counsellors across Canada to support the youth in families impacted by operational stress injuries.

Jerris Popik MSW, RSW

Warrior Kids Program Co-Creator & Director
Wounded Warriors Canada

Dr Helena Hawryluk, PhD, RSW and Jerris Popik, MSW, RSW, are program developers and Directors of the Warrior Kids Programs with Wounded Warriors Canada. Helena and Jerris have been working with families of Veterans and First-Responders within Canada as clinicians, researchers and, more importantly disrupters for change around designing evidence-based high-quality programs for young people within the community of Trauma Exposed Professionals. Warrior Kids was designed to support youth who are living with a loved one impacted by the unique exposure to operational stress. The program has had a profound impact on the lives of these youth and their families, fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being. Building healthy families starts with kids, as opposed to ends with kids. Warrior Kids is a one-of-a-kind mental health program supporting resilience in the unique lives of public safety families.

Jerris Popik, received an applied psychology degree from Concordia University and a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Calgary. She has practiced as a social worker for over 15 years with families of the Canadian Armed Forces and Public Safety Personnel.

Jerris and Helena are currently the directors of the Warrior Kids Program. They are honoured to lead the Warrior Kids Team of facilitators and counsellors across Canada to support the youth in families impacted by operational stress injuries.

Dr. J. P. (John) Streukens, Ph.D., R.Psych.

Clinical Psychologist
Emergency Medical Services, Alberta Health Services

Dr. Streukens has spent 3 decades providing treatment services to individuals, couples, and groups. His primary areas of expertise include substance use disorders and clinical psychodiagnostics- primarily in the psychological disability management area. As the EMS Psychologist for Alberta Health Services, Dr. Streukens provides clinical guidance and consultation on EMS mental health and wellness programs and initiatives. Dr. Streukens is involved with operating his clinical practice, teaching in the Psychology Department at Mount Royal University and The University of Winnipeg, and overseeing the clinical assessments at two substance abuse treatment facilities

Dr. Streukens was educated at the University of Calgary and the University of Regina where his research interests consisted of the study of alcoholics in relation to personality, spirituality, moral development, and emotional maturity factors.

Dr. Streukens initiated the term SAE (Substance Abuse Expert) as a Canadian response to the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). Finally, Dr. Streukens is an active member of CAP, PAA, CRHSP, and the CACCF.

Dr. R. Nicholas Carleton Ph.D., R.D. Psych

University of Regina

R. Nicholas Carleton, Ph.D. is a Professor of Clinical Psychology and a registered clinical psychologist in Saskatchewan. His work is focused on supporting the mental health of first responders and other public safety personnel. He has published more than 270 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters exploring the fundamental bases of anxiety- and trauma-related disorders. He has completed more than 500 national and international conference presentations. He also serves as an active member of several national and international professional associations. As principal or co-principal investigator he has been awarded more than $72M in competitive external funding. He has received several prestigious awards and recognitions, including induction to the Royal Society of Canada’s College and as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and he was awarded the 2023 Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation Mid-Career Award and the 2020 Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research. He is principal investigator for the RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study (www.rcmpstudy.ca) and the associated extension study for Saskatchewan public safety personnel (www.saskptsistudy.ca), and co-investigator on the Federal Internet Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for public safety personnel (www.PSPSNET.ca).

Lieutenant-General (ret) The Honourable Roméo A. Dallaire

O.C., C.M.M., G.O.Q., M.S.C., C.D., L.O.M. (U.S.), B.ésS., LL.D. (Hon.), D.Sc.Mil (Hon.), D.U.

General Roméo Dallaire is a celebrated advocate for global human rights, as well as a highly-respected author, public speaker, leadership consultant, international advisor, former Canadian Senator, and founder of la Fondation Roméo Dallaire and the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security. Throughout his distinguished military career, General Dallaire served most notably as Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda during the 1994 genocide.

General Dallaire provided the United Nations with information about the planned massacre, which ultimately took more than 800,000 lives in less than 100 days; yet, the UN ordered him not to intervene and demanded his withdrawal. General Dallaire, along with a small contingent, including Canadian, Ghanaian, and Tunisian soldiers and military observers, disobeyed that order. They believed they had a moral obligation to stay, to help where they could, and to—at the very least—bear witness to what the rest of the world chose to turn its back.

Armed only with blue berets, General Dallaire saved 32,000 people from brutal massacre, while negotiating with rebels leaders to stop the killing, and begging UN member states and the international media to intervene. If he had received only a few thousand troops and some ammunition to back up his bluffs, General Dallaire likely could have put an end to the bloodshed. Instead, two million human beings were displaced and upwards of a million slaughtered.

General Dallaire’s courage and leadership during this mission earned him the Order of Canada, the Meritorious Service Cross, the United States Legion of Merit, the Aegis Award on Genocide Prevention, and the affection and admiration of people around the globe.

Whether as military commander, humanitarian, speaker, or author, Roméo Dallaire works tirelessly to bring national and international attention to situations too-often ignored, whether the prevention of mass atrocities and the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on veterans and their families, or strategic solutions for lasting peace.

Dr. Kelly Schwartz PhD

RPsych, Associate Professor, Registered Psychologist
University of Calgary

Dr. Kelly Dean Schwartz is an Associate Professor, School and Applied Child Psychology, in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. He has a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and an MSc in Educational Psychology from the University of Calgary. A registered psychologist since 1993, he has previously served as a school psychologist, program head, Director of Training, and clinic director. Dr. Schwartz continues to engage in private practice (PsyConsult Inc.) and is currently the Clinical Director, Child and Adolescent Assessment, at Wayfound Mental Health. He is a full member of the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institutes (ACHRI), the Owerko Centre, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health and Education. Dr. Schwartz is a Researcher with the Canadian Institute of Military and Veteran Health Research and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, and he is currently the Principal Investigator on a CIHR PSP Team Grant (2020-2024) building and testing evidence-informed programs for families of first responders.

Dr. Tim Black PhD, R. Psych.

National Clinical Director
Wounded Warriors Canada

Dr. Tim Black, R. Psych. is the National Clinical Director for Wounded Warriors Canada. During his more than 20-year career as a tenured Associate Professor at one of the top graduate counsellor education programs in the country, Dr. Black has been a researcher, clinician, program developer, program co-founder, and clinical supervisor specializing in group counselling approaches for working with Trauma Exposed Professionals (TExP) and Trauma Exposed Family (TExF) members. As National Clinical Director, Tim supports and oversees the development and delivery of WWC’s group counselling programs in Canada, as well as WWC’s TExP education and training programs, alongside an extensive team of dedicated mental health professionals committed to serving the needs of TExP and TExF communities.

Curtis Hoople

President
Edmonton Police Service

Curtis Hoople has been a police officer with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) for twenty-one years and has been a promoted Sergeant for over eleven years. Curtis has worked in many uniform and operational areas for the majority of his career. This includes work areas like Patrol, Neighborhood Foot Patrol (Beat Officer), Recruit Training Unit – Police Training Officer Program, Employee Family Assistance Section, and Disruption Section. In addition to his time with EPS, Curtis has represented the membership with the Edmonton Police Association since 2018 as a Director, Secretary, Vice President and now President. This is an elected position, and the Vice President and President roles are full-time positions which requires an approved leave from the EPS. Curtis handles various caseloads that deal with criminal, police act, labour, human rights, collective agreement, or internal matters that relate specifically to our 2000+ members of the EPA.

Away from policing, Curtis enjoys family time and various extracurricular activities like biking, fishing, and golfing. Curtis has a Physical Education Degree – Sport Performance and Coaching from the University of Alberta.

Codey McIntyre

President
Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association

Codey was elected President of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association (APFFPA) in May 2023. Prior to this role, he served as President of the Calgary Firefighters Association IAFF Local 255. Codey has been an active leader within the Local 255 Executive Board since 2015, holding various positions including Vice President and Executive Vice President. With nearly two decades of service in the Fire Service, he continues to work as a Firefighter with the City of Calgary Fire Department.

Dan Williams

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
Alberta

Dan Williams was sworn in as the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction on June 9, 2023. He was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Peace River on April 16, 2019, and was re-elected on May 29, 2023.

Minister Williams has been tasked with implementing Alberta’s mental health and addiction strategy, known as the 'Alberta Recovery Model'. This policy model focuses on the fact that recovery is possible, no matter what addiction or mental health challenge someone may face. Under his leadership, Alberta is building 11 recovery communities across the province, a record-breaking expansion to long-term addiction treatment. He has connected with communities, First Nations and families dealing with the addiction crisis. Alberta has now established a new mental health and addiction agency, Recovery Alberta, which is funded and overseen by the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

The province, under Minister Williams is also investing in mental health services, especially for children and youth. Partnerships with service providers are expanding services across the entire province and connecting families with the mental health support they need.

Dan is a devoted father and husband. Outside of his work, Dan is an avid mountaineer who enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

Michael Parker

President
HSAA

Mike Parker has been a first responder since 1992, volunteering in his local community of Coaldale, Alberta. He went on to work in the private ambulance industry in Andrew, Lamont, Morinville and Athabasca, before moving to Edmonton in 1996. He graduated as a paramedic in 1999.

He has been involved in the labour movement for many years, serving as a steward and as vice-president of his local with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). He became a member of HSAA in 2009 and served on the board before being elected as Vice-President in 2015. The following year, he became President. Mike has always been a strong proponent of the role of unions in protecting the rights of citizens and of the public sector in providing vital services.

Mike has also served as a volunteer with Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT), providing emergency assistance after disasters in the Philippines, Pakistan and Nepal. He has been recognized by the Governor General of Canada with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers for embodying the caring country we hope to build, and the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal for his more than 20 years of setting a high level of conduct while providing pre-hospital emergency aide.

As HSAA’s President, Mike is committed to helping Local Units create the conditions to ensure greater member engagement, knowing that we are all stronger when we work together.

Jessica Bennett

Registered Provisional Psychologist, BHSc, MACP
Emergency Medical Services – Alberta Health Services

Jessica Bennett is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science Degree in Addiction Counselling from the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University; she has been in practice since 2010. Jessica works with individuals, couples, and groups. She specializes in therapy, program development, and education for public safety personnel, perinatal, military, veteran, and healthcare/frontline populations. Jessica provides clinical guidance and ongoing evaluation of the Alberta Health Services EMS Reintegration Program and has supported the creation and development of numerous other programs and initiatives within Alberta Health Services. Having grown up in a family of public safety personnel and healthcare workers, Jessica witnessed the daily challenges that these populations encounter, both personally and professionally. She is passionate about supporting “the helpers” and feels incredibly connected to the work that she does.

As a mother to three busy boys, including twins, Jessica enjoys cheering on her little athletes, being active, going to concerts, and watching sports.

Cst. Steven Hopper

School Resource Officer
Calgary Police Service

Steven Hopper was born and raised in Alberta and grew up on an acreage outside of the small northern town of Beaverlodge. Desiring a career in policing he was able to join the Calgary Police Service in 2010 and has worked most of his career in a uniform capacity in the Northeast of Calgary. Was diagnosed with PTSD in 2021 and after a few dark years was able get healthy and come back stronger through Faith, Family and Friends. He has learned a few things along the way that he hopes can help other first responders and their loved ones struggling with mental health.

Tavia Nazarko MA, RN, BN

Manager, Organizational Wellness
Calgary Police Service

Tavia is a registered nurse and has worked in the field of Mental Health and Addictions for the past 25 years supporting individuals in their wellness and recovery. She has worked in acute and community mental health settings; then transitioned her focus into therapy, specializing in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. In 2010 she completed her Masters in Healthcare Leadership and has since worked in roles developing programming for community crisis support and outreach.

Following the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods Tavia was a member of the team to support recovery within Calgary and surrounding areas. This work was accomplished though collaboration with several community service providers and organizations focused on disaster recovery and preparedness initiatives.

Tavia joined CPS in July 2022 as a member of the Organizational Wellness Unit initially as the Peer Support Nurse therapist and currently holds the position of Manager of the Organizational Wellness Unit. Her work now focuses on public safety personnel aimed at providing exemplary member wellness programming and services for CPS members and their families.

Sgt. John Grillone

Peer Support Coordinator
Calgary Police Service

John’s first responder journey began in 1994 when he started as an EMT. In 1996, he advanced his skills and became an Advanced Care Paramedic working in the city of Calgary as well as other rural services. In 2005, John transitioned to the Calgary Police Service, where he has worked in various roles, including patrol, Special Duties, Serious Habitual Offender Program and as a detective in General Investigations. His diverse experience has equipped him with a broad skill set and deep understanding of public safety.

Currently, John serves as a Peer Support Coordinator, passionately advocating for the mental health and well-being of sworn and civilian members.

Mike Wionzek

Chief Operating Officer
Warrior Health

Mike Wionzek joined the Warrior health team as Director – Operations and Partner Support, following a 35-year career as a soldier, paramedic and Deputy Chief. Mike served as the Deputy Chief of Toronto Paramedic Services (TPS), the largest municipal Paramedic Service in Canada with over 1,600 staff that respond to over 320,000 emergency calls annually. Mike’s portfolio included the TPS communications centre (CACC), education and quality improvement, IT and systems engineering, hospital liaison, and system performance.

During the COVID pandemic Mike was seconded to Toronto Public Health and the city’s Immunization Task Force as the Director responsible for managing the COVID-19 Mass Immunization Clinic and mobile response plan. Mike led the design, implementation and operationalization of the largest successful Mass Immunization Clinic (MIC) plan including the hiring and developing of over 2,000 new staff that vaccinated hundreds of thousands of clients, while working collaboratively with provincial, municipal, and local partners and organizations.

Mike has served over 35 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and is currently serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Health Services. Mike has held various positions including most recently Commanding Officer of 25 Field Ambulance and Deputy Commander and Reserve Advisor for the 4 Health Service Group. Mike also served internationally as a military observer and peacekeeper in Sudan, Africa.

Mike has been awarded the Order of St. John, Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) Medal, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, King’s Coronation Medal, Canadian Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal, and long service medals for the Canadian Armed Forces, St. John Ambulance, and Toronto Paramedic Service. Mike is also Knight in The Order of St. George where he volunteers his time in raising funds for veterans’ organizations.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Pre-Hospital Care from Charles Sturt University and a Masters of Defence Studies degree from Royal Military College.

Mike believes in supporting our front-line public safety professionals (PSP) and advocates for the reduction of barriers to education and support. Leveraging his ability to build teams and processes Mike will assist in the Warrior Health team in ensuring that every PSP has ongoing and continual access to the best resources available.

Inspector Dawn-Lyn Black

Inspector of Operations
Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service

Dawn- Lyn Blake (Johnson) grew up in Southern Ontario on the Six Nations, First Nation Reserve of the Grand River/Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Dawn is proud to represent the Iroquois Nation and identifies as she/her - Cayuga & Irish.

She comes from a large family of 4 sisters and 3 brothers, who all live back home on Six Nations and Brantford, Ontario.

Dawn graduated from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy in 1998 and served in Saskatchewan and Alberta until 2010. After 12 years with the RCMP she began a new journey with the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service and is in her 27th year in policing.

Dawn rose to the rank of Inspector by demonstrating her ongoing commitment to community centered policing, developing programming and crime prevention strategies to strengthen relations between community, officers and youth.

Dawn continues to advocate and implement change within Indigenous communities by changing the way we look at our current systems and colonial processes in collaboration with the Tsuut’ina community members.

One of her roles was to write grants and create innovative opportunities to supplement the financial inequities within First Nations policing so Indigenous policing can deliver the same quality standard of policing as other provincial policing partners.

Dawn loves spending her time with her family, two dogs and travelling to hot destinations.

Cst. Roy William Fairbrother Jr.

Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service

Roy William Fairbrother Jr, named after his father, (his mother didn’t know what to call him)
Roy’s father came from the UK, his mother is from the Siksika Nation. His Native name is too long to interpret but a short version would be “watches over the camp to be out on patrol” Roy is a father, grandfather, brother an uncle and a friend to those who know him, well some of them. 

Born and raised on the farm in southern Alberta , Roy grew up around cattle and horses but chose a different path in life.

Roy enjoys watching sports, movies, misses the rodeo life, loves outdoor activities, nothing better than 80’s rock and country to listen to.Roy started his policing career in 1998 with the Siksika Nation Police. He came to work for the Tsuut’ina Police a second time in 2008 where he is currently enjoying his career and hopefully making an impact with society, he has no plans to retire but should be at least thinking about it. 

Paul Hills

Advanced Care Paramedic, Saskatoon Paramedics

Paul Hills has spent over 27 years on the front lines as an Advanced Care Paramedic in Saskatoon, SK. A career that has covered care from the ground, air to ERs and ICUs, he’s seen the best and worst of humanity — and carried the weight that comes with it. Beyond the job, he’s served as a union leader, advocate, and relentless voice for first-responder mental health and wellbeing across Saskatchewan and Canada.

In 2016, Paul was diagnosed with Complex PTSD and depression after years of trauma exposure. He fought to return to work but in 2020, a struggle with suicidality forced him to step away again. This time, the path back wasn’t just about survival — it was about transformation.

Paul began to rebuild with the support of his wife and two sons and the right people around him searching for healing modalities. He stopped pretending he was fine and started living the truth: that real strength is asking for help and that healing takes a community and time.

Paul brings lived experience, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose. His passion is clear: to shift hearts and minds, open doors to support, and ensure that no First Responder — or their family — has to carry the weight alone.

Andrea Hunt

Director, Special Care Services & Health Care Strategy, WCB-Alberta

Andrea Hunt leads Special Care Services & Health Care Strategy at WCB-Alberta. She has helped Alberta’s injured workers for over 25 years. Andrea champions human-centered care, recognizing the profound impact workplace injury and recovery have on individuals, families, and the broader community.

Andrea’s approach is rooted in collaboration with health care providers and frontline professionals. She has led province-wide initiatives to enhance service delivery, focusing on positive outcomes and the lived experience of those affected by workplace injuries.

Holding a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation and certifications in business analysis and information privacy, Andrea brings both expertise and empathy to her work. She is known for developing innovative solutions that support physical and mental health and foster resilience.

“By creating space for collaboration, listening deeply, and researching and innovating together, we achieve outcomes greater than any one of us could alone. In health care it’s about showing up with empathy, courage, and a commitment to continuous improvement.”

Outside of work, Andrea plays soccer and has volunteered as a youth soccer coach, reflecting her passion for empowering young people and strengthening community resilience.

Rory Thompson

Principal, Anthem Resiliency Consulting | Co-Founder, Pulling Together for Mental Health

Born and raised in the Scottish Borders, Rory Thompson’s life has been defined by service, leadership, and community. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he began his career as a technical officer in the British Army, leading operations in Iraq, supporting the British Secret Intelligence Service, and earning selection into the UK’s elite Parachute Regiment. His military experience taught him how to lead under pressure, build trust, and bring clarity to chaos.

After transitioning to civilian life, Rory spent six years with Canadian Pacific Railway, where he earned seven promotions in roles across operations, HR, equity and inclusion, and learning. He was later headhunted to join the Calgary Police Service as Executive Director of Learning & Recruitment, where he led a large-scale transformation of how the Service attracts, trains, and develops future officers.

In 2024, Rory and his wife Jade co-founded Pulling Together for Mental Health, a Calgary-based movement that unites communities in support of veteran and first responder wellness. Together, they have raised more than $214,000 for Wounded Warriors Canada, where they both proudly serve as ambassadors.

Over the years, Rory has been recognised with multiple honours and awards, but the one he is most proud of is the Whistler Trophy for Leadership in Iraq. A lifelong elite athlete, he continues to test his limits through challenging physical pursuits that reinforce his belief that resilience is built, not given; it takes intention, consistency, and courage.

Today, as Principal of Anthem Resiliency Consulting, Rory brings the full breadth of his military, corporate, and public safety experience to help organisations and teams achieve clarity, alignment, and sustainable performance. His work centres on one guiding belief: when people are aligned to purpose and equipped to perform, they create impact that lasts.

Joe Burrows

OHS Consultant | Government of Alberta

Joe is a Forestry Occupational Health and Safety Consultant with expertise in safety and mental health program development. He currently serves as a Safety Officer for Wildfire Operations with Alberta Forestry. His career includes service as a Correctional Peace Officer at the Edmonton Remand Centre and as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.