Our Board

Heather has held the position of board member for CMHA HKPR since 2017. She was raised in Peterborough and eventually moved to Ottawa to complete her degree in criminology followed by a certificate at Fleming College in Emergency Management Planning. Heather has worked in Public Administration in the Justice System for fourteen years working predominantly in labour relations and most recently in pandemic recovery. She is most passionate about supporting organizations and teams through transformations in service delivery.

Sandra is dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental health issues with a focus on strengthening access to healthcare and ensuring that patients and families are included in mental health decision making. Her passion for improving the delivery of mental health treatment is personal and is rooted in her own family’s lived experience with mental health. In addition to her role as secretary of the board for CMHA HKPR, Sandra is also a member of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Mental Health Quality Council, a steering committee member on the Peterborough Ontario Health Team and is the Co-Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee for the Peterborough Ontario Health Team. Sandra has recently retired from the Ontario Public Service after 34 years of service working in both Social Services and the Ministry of Natural Resources as the Business Manager for Corporate Services. Sandra has held the position of board member for CMHA HKPR since 2019.

Twenty years ago, Caroline recognized the need to help herself as her own mental health was suffering. Once she could help herself, she helped her family. Caroline joined the Board to give back and make a difference in her community. Caroline is currently self-employed as the Principal Consultant for IMPACT Now, a company that provides consulting, coaching and learning opportunities to organizations. Caroline has a Masters of Arts in Learning and Technology together with C.H.R.L. and C.T.D.P. designations. She has worked for more than twenty five years for private and public companies. Her passion is working with people in a learning and development capacity to help them become comfortable with what they once thought was uncomfortable. Caroline has held the position of board member for CMHA HKPR since 2017.

For the past 10 years, Matthew has been working in Operations Management and Business Development from a foundation, experience, and knowledge based in Human Resources management.  The industries he serves span real estate development, construction, hospitality, and entertainment for businesses across Canada.  Being responsible for the administration, business relations, and human resources and relations gives Matthew an outlet to work with the people and partners that are the foundation of our workplaces.  It has also allowed him to hone his collaborative approach to adapt to the changing workplaces that the range of industries served provides.

A firm believer in continued education and ongoing training, Matthew takes on any opportunity to learn, rounding out his education from Sir Sandford Fleming College and Ryerson University. Matthew has held the position of board member for CMHA HKPR since 2021.

Jason founded and co-owns Wards Lawyers, a full-service firm in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Prior to retiring in 2022 after more than 20 years practicing law, Jason practiced civil litigation generally, particularly family law, estate disputes and employment law.

In 2021, Jason was designated as and appointed a Certified Specialist – Civil Litigation, by the Law Society of Ontario.

Jason is dedicated to his community and has been awarded the Business Leader of the Year Award by the Chamber of Commerce. Jason has served on local boards and offered advisory services to local non-profit and charitable organizations and is passionate about youth mental health. Jason hosts the largest kids’ road hockey tournament in Ontario, if not beyond, raising money and awareness for youth mental health. He also passionately donates and actively participates in many, effective youth mental health awareness initiatives in his community. Jason joined the CMHA HKPR Board in 2023.

Chhavi is passionate about spreading awareness to highlight the importance of mental health across various communities. Chhavi graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Trent University. This knowledge of human behavior from her education has proven invaluable and allows her to approach challenges with empathy and creativity, and to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

Chhavi is a results-oriented professional with a background in administration, customer service, and working and volunteering for non-for-profit organizations. With over 6 years of experience in these fields, she has developed a unique set of skills that allows her to deliver outstanding results. Chhavi is currently working as an Executive Assistant in the Vice President’s office at Trent University.

Michelle is honored and excited to be serving on the CMHA HKPR Board of Directors. Michelle feels grateful to be welcomed into such a diverse and inclusive organization.

At 30, Michelle was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. She has a fundamental respect for those facing psychosis, marginalization, stigma, and homelessness, as she has experienced these challenges herself.

After 20 years of treatment and recovery, Michelle is empowering others and giving back to the community. She is compassionate towards finding a path to good mental health for all.