Board Members

Valéry is a passionate speaker, writer and mental health advocate. She began volunteering for Distress Centre Durham in 2013, starting as a crisis helpline responder and then becoming a mentor, trainer and supervisor. In 2017, DCD awarded her their Volunteer of the Year Award and in 2018 – prior to becoming a board member – she won DCO’s Spirit of Volunteerism Award. She brings experience, training and education in delivering mental health services and a great passion for mental health awareness. She is beginning a Master’s of Social Work in September 2022 at the University of Windsor.

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.

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.

Shady witnessed the positive effect his wife, who is a mental health and addiction nurse, has had on the lives of others. Shady relishes to also have the opportunity to help those in need in the community. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in financial management and a strategic mindset. Shady hopes to use his entrepreneurial and business experience and skillset to aid DCO in its efforts to provide advocacy, training and leadership for the distress/crisis sector.

Mark will be sitting on the Board of Directors as an agency member. He has several years of prior board experience in the mental health sector, where he has served as a Chair, Audit Committee Chair, and Treasurer. He brings a wealth of financial knowledge, project management experience, and an entrepreneurial spirit. While working in senior in-home care as a Project and Business Manager, he implemented a new mobile scheduling CRM for two different agencies. In a prior business, he co-created a product and marketed it on the internet.

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.

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.

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.