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Neta Gear
Executive Director
Executive Director's Message
Excerpt from the 2025-2026 Annual Report:
As we reflect on 2025/6, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication, compassion, and resilience that continue to define the crisis and distress support sector across Ontario. This year has once again demonstrated the critical importance of accessible, responsive, and human-centered crisis services in communities large and small.
At Distress and Crisis Ontario, we have continued to strengthen collaboration across our member organizations, partners, and stakeholders while navigating increasing complexity within mental health and social service systems. Demand for crisis support continues to rise, reflecting not only the ongoing impacts of trauma, isolation, grief, substance use, housing insecurity, and economic uncertainty, but also a growing willingness for individuals to reach out for help. Behind every call, text, and conversation is a person seeking connection, safety, and hope.
This year also marked continued growth and evolution within crisis response systems provincially and nationally. As communities adapt to new service pathways and increased awareness surrounding suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing, the role of distress and crisis services remains essential. Our sector continues to provide not only immediate intervention, but also compassion, dignity, and human connection during moments of profound vulnerability. I remain continually inspired by the frontline responders, volunteers, leaders, educators, and community partners who sustain this work each day. Crisis services are built on relationships—on the willingness of individuals to listen deeply, respond compassionately, and stand alongside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. The commitment of our member centres and sector partners continues to reflect the very best of community care.
Benjamin Zaiser
Board Chair, Board of Directors
Community Member
Benni’s commitment to improving mental health and addiction support across Greater Toronto and beyond started when he became a Distress Centre volunteer responder. He now works with police services as a mental health support officer. He is a published behavioural scientist who regularly speaks internationally about the cognitive and social psychology of crisis intervention. He sees his mission in leveraging the distinct perspectives he has as a community resource, a police officer, and an active researcher to gain a better understanding of the individual as well as systemic challenges that those in the community living with mental illness and addictions face.
Elie Labaky
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Lawyer in Private Practice
Elie’s dedication to philanthropic pursuits stems from his devotion to humanity. As a lawyer working with law enforcement professionals and marginalized populations, Elie understands that we live in tumultuous times where many are struggling with instability. Occupying the role of director on various boards for nearly a decade, he brings a plethora of experience surrounding governance and executive decision-making. Understanding that community connection is essential to the fortification of a person’s mental health, Elie supports the provincial scope, role, and efforts of DCO in contributing to clients living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Diwa Satkunanathan
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Accountant, RLB LLP
Diwa’s passion is giving back to her community and helping people to be better versions of themselves. She witnessed the impact of mental health issues with a family member and saw how much difference it can make when people feel heard. As a senior accountant, Diwa brings with her experience in financial management, human resources, and a strategic mindset. Being a DCO Board member bridges the cap between what she feels good about and what she is passionate about.
Shri (Shrinivasan) Kalyanasundaram
Director, Board of Directors
Chief Growth Officer, Field Effect Security
Shri brings skills and experience that include partnership agreements, commercial negotiations, call centre technology, and public relations. Coming from a society where mental health issues were taboo, Shri wants to contribute to changing that. Past volunteer experiences with mentoring new immigrant professionals showed that the most important issue to newcomers to Canada is loneliness and having someone to talk to. Becoming a new parent was the catalyst to wanting to set a good example by making a difference in society.
Sneha Sathaye
Director, Board of Directors
Manager, Treasury Services, Ernst & Young LLP
Sneha is passionate about supporting the most vulnerable members of the community. Her personal experiences have impressed upon her the importance of mental and physical fitness and the impact it has on the quality of life. As a member of a global professional services firm, Sneha has spent years advising small- and large-scale organizations on governance, risk, and treasury matters. With her, she brings her knowledge, partnership skills, and innovative approach to serving the needs of the community.
Tricia Korbut
Director, Board of Directors
PlaySmart Advisor, Responsible Gambling Council
Tricia has more than 30 years of experience in the social services field, most notably in crisis and information and referral. With more than 15 years as an ASIST trainer at LivingWorks and experience at ConnexOntario, she brings deep system knowledge, a collaborative approach, and a strong commitment to improving access to timely, compassionate support.