Let’s introduce the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick team!
Ola Abuzayed
BounceBack Coach
Fredericton
Bio: Ola holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Psychological Counselling and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health. She began her career in the mental health field and is very thrilled to join CMHA of NB after 14 months of moving to Canada starting a new life. She is very passionate in mental health and the impact it can have not only on a person’s well-being and future, but also on society. She strongly believes that “one person can make a difference, and everyone should try”.
“I am community oriented and eager to make a positive impact in people’s lives, this mindset has allowed me to be a cultural broker and to participate in a variety of volunteering activities.”
Ola is currently enrolled in the Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology program at the University of New Brunswick.
Fun Fact: “I love plant-based food, and I enjoy baking my mum’s traditional bread as well as cakes and pastries.”
Christa Baldwin
Executive Director,
Fredericton
Bio: Christa previously worked as a Social Worker in Newfoundland, Ontario, and New Brunswick for over 20 years. Through those years she developed a passion for mental health, and became the Executive Director for the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick. She loves being part of the CMHA of NB family which allows her to help children and adults enhance their wellness, coupled with helping people thrive in their mental illness and addiction recovery journey. Kindness is the lens she applies to all situations.
Fun Fact: Christa was born and raised in Newfoundland and two of her favourite things are belly laughs and cod tongues!
Kristen Barnes
Director of Operations,
Fredericton
Bio: Over the years, Kristen Barnes, our Director of Operations, has gained very extensive knowledge of mental health and addiction, whether it was with her work with the Canadian Mental Health Association of NB, her previous work experience, or her studies in Law in Society and Sociology at the University of New Brunswick. Kristen has spent most of her career in diverse roles within the community sector. Kristen’s client-focused work ethic and passion for mental health keeps getting stronger and stronger, and one of her wishes is to people to feel comfortable to talk about mental health and mental illness.
Fun Fact: Kristen is a provincial wrestling gold medalist.
Lisa Cheney
Community Program Coordinator,
Charlotte County
Bio: Lisa’s love of people and passion for healthy communities has brought her to the Community Education Coordinator position with CMHA of NB. In her previous years she enjoyed being the facilitator of pre and post natal programs, mentoring the local high school and supply teaching. She continues to share her passion through the promotion of mental health for all.
Fun Fact: Lisa enjoys travelling down roads she’s never been before. Never know what you might find!
Martha Chown
Community Program Coordinator,
Sussex
Bio: Before working for CMHA of NB, Martha worked as a Certified Peer Support for Sussex Addictions Mental Health. As a person living with mental illness, she draws from her own experience to help community members improve their own mental health. Martha loves working for CMHA of NB as it keeps her on point with her own journey to wellness.
Fun Fact: Martha collects rolling pins and has 2097 to date!
Dustin Day
Community Program Coordinator,
Woodstock
Bio: Dustin recently joined CMHA of NB after nearly a decade of working with children, youth and families in community programming. Dustin has direct experience in guiding entire families through mental health care and walking alongside people through difficult seasons in life. This experience has given him a passion for educating the public on the importance of caring for and maintaining their mental health.
Fun Fact: Twice Dustin has found himself in a precarious situation when a lightning storm rolled in. Once when he was in the middle of a lake in a canoe. The second when he was exploring at one of the highest points on the Great Wall of China.
Dima Devana
BounceBack Program Manager, Fredericton
Bio: Dima holds a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Psychology and minor in Cognitive Neuroscience and she is currently enrolled in the Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology program at the University of New Brunswick. Dima witnessed first-hand the stigma around mental health that many people face, including newcomers when she worked with newcomers from all walks of life. She is excited to be working at a highly reputable and prestigious organization like CMHA of NB to help end the stigma around mental health and make a positive impact in the community.
Fun fact: Dima is passionate about educating and encouraging the world about the importance of practicing self-care to prevent burnout, so she delivered a TEDx Talk in 2017 about the value of self-care.
Michelle Deveau
Employment Counsellor,
Working: Stronger Together,
St. George
Bio: Michelle graduated from St. Thomas University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She began her career with the New Brunswick Association for Community Living as an employment facilitator for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Continuing with her love for non-profit organizations, Michelle graciously accepted an Employment Counsellor position with CMHA of NB in 2014. Michelle assists clients with different employment barriers to find meaningful and sustainable employment. She find working in the mental health field very rewarding and enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community!
Fun Fact: May 2018, Michelle was elected on the St. George Town Council; where she currently holds the Economic Development portfolio.
Corey Ferguson
Peer Support Consultant, Fredericton
Bio: Corey (originally from Nova Scotia) attended St. Thomas University and played varsity rugby for four years, winning an ACAA Championship in her final season. During her time at STU she struggled with mental health challenges which interfered with academic, social and personal functioning, culminating in two separate hospitalizations. She has almost 5 years of front-line client-based work experience, including four years working for Youth Impact as a residential counsellor for youth with emotional and behavioural challenges. In 2014, Corey graduated with a BA (majors Psychology & Criminology, minor Sociology) then joined CMHA of NB that same year. Her work with CMHA of NB has allowed her to use her personal experience and passion to engage and educate communities about mental wellness/ illness. For Corey, recovery is an everyday effort to not only manage her symptoms but more importantly to build her mental wellness, one piece at a time.
Fun Fact: She enjoys sports, volunteering with the Special Olympics, and quiet time at home reading or baking.
Vanessa Green
Community Program Coordinator, Miramichi
Bio: Originally from Jamaica, Vanessa moved to New Brunswick in 2021 and has immersed herself in the Miramichi community. She has volunteered her time to support newcomers and promote language diversity and cultural exchange with the Miramichi Regional Multicultural Association and currently serves on the Miramichi Seventh-Day Adventist Church Board and PALS Camp Board of Directors. Before moving to Canada, Vanessa taught general sciences four years to high school children (ages 12-18). Vanessa believes that the only way to live a meaningful life is to do good for others and thus has dedicated seven years to serving her community through teaching, counselling, and support. Vanessa hopes to make a much more meaningful impact through her work at CMHA!
Fun fact: “I have a BSc. in Food Chemistry that I never used. I was the 2023 Valedictorian at the NBCC Miramichi graduation, and I love singing.”
Diana Gregory
Senior Community Relations Coordinator, Moncton
Bio: After living in England for 14 years and working for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Diana decided it was time to return to her Canadian roots and have been working for Canadian Mental Health Association of NB Moncton office for the past 12 years. Diana has a great passion for mental health and for individuals to receive all the help they need to be healthy in mind, body and soul and free of judgement.
Fun Fact: “The harder I try to look poised and sophisticated I get reminded so very quickly that I can be a bit of a clutz and can trip over a simple paper clip. I really enjoy playing tennis, but I can also be found being a couch potato.”
Connie Locke
Payroll and Benefits Administrator, Fredericton
Bio: Straight from Newfoundland, Connie brought her knowledge and hard working skills to the benefit of the Canadian Mental Health Association of NB. Connie is our Executive Assistant. Through thick and thin, she always ties us up together and never fails to make you laugh. She developed a passion for mental health and wishes to help people get through their tough times.
Fun Fact: Connie naturally wakes up around 2 a.m. every morning… while most people are going to bed!
Camile Maynard
BounceBack Coach, Fredericton
Bio: After completing a bachelor’s degree in Honors Criminology and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Psychology and a minor in ASL at Carleton University, Camile moved from Ottawa to Oromocto. She began working in the mental health field while in school as a volunteer and eventually an employee of a distress centre. She was thrilled to join CMHA of NB where she works with a wonderful team that shares a similar passion for mental health. Having experience with individuals in distress and facing difficulties with mental health / illness, Camile saw the need for mental health resources and became very passionate about providing resources and support for members of her community.
Chloe McKenzie
BounceBack Coach,
Fredericton
Bio: Chloe graduated from St. Thomas University in May 2020 with her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a minor in Psychology. Before jointing CMHA of NB, she worked as a Commissionaire for a year, before realizing her passions lay elsewhere and accepting her position for the BounceBack program in March 2021. She is very passionate about ending the stigma around mental health and finds her job incredibly rewarding.
Fun Fact: She does her best work with her headphones in, listening to music (usually on full volume, sorry eardrums) and dancing in her chair while she types. She’s also studying for her LSATs with the hopes of eventually becoming a defense attorney, helping those who need it the most.
Dawn O’Dell
Community Program Coordinator,
Saint John
Bio: Since 2009, Dawn has been providing public education and awareness initiatives promoting mental wellness and supporting individuals experiencing mental illness. As a community liaison with a diverse group of stakeholders, mental health experts and funders Dawn creates a more comprehensive information and referral system for individuals within the greater Saint John area.
Fun Fact: Dawn enjoys curling and giving back to her community!
Jennifer Price
Employment Counsellor,
Working: Stronger Together,
St. Stephen
Bio: Jennifer is a graduate from University of New Brunswick with a Major in Psychology. She has worked in the field of employment counselling for 16 years and provides employment related services to persons living with disabilities. Jennifer is client-focused and extremely passionate about helping individuals navigate their educational or employment goals and empowering them to maximize their potential.
Fun Fact: Jennifer loves to spend time with family at their cottage on Lake Utopia.
Lucie Robichaud
Community Program Coordinator,
Shippagan
Bio: During Lucie’s teenage years, Lucie met people with mental illness, whether they were friends, acquaintances, etc. During her studies, she felt that she could bring something to people living with mental illness on a daily basis. Lucie has worked with children with special needs with Social Development, in the psychiatric hospital as a psychiatric care worker and subsequently for the reintegration of psychiatric patients into the community. She loved this job and when the Canadian Mental Health Association Regional Community Worker told her about the organization, Lucie developed a CMHA branch in her area. The day the RCW position was released in the Acadian Peninsula, she jumped at the chance to get the position that she’s had now held for 33 years.
Quote from Lucie: “Loving your job from the first day and even more… for I know my job better now than at the very beginning, is a privilege. I am happy to be part of the great CMHA team and I look forward to staying for many more years.”
Kimberly Somerville
Director of Finance and Human Resources,
Fredericton
Bio: Kimberly has been a valuable staff member of CMHA of NB since 2000. Kimberly’s passion and dedication for making a difference for others is evident through every aspect of her job. Currently, as the Director of Finance and Human Resources, she provides leadership, guidance, and support to staff across the province, in addition to managing the financial aspects of our organization. Kimberly has been a champion for wellness and inspires others through her commitment to grow wellness within the workplace and for herself personally.
Fun Fact: Kimberly is an outdoors enthusiast. From growing her own vegetable garden, to hiking, camping, and many other adventures.
Jean-Paul Soucy
Community Program Coordinator,
Grand Falls
Bio: Over the years, Jean-Paul has gained diversified work experiences in roles such as an administrator, entrepreneur, cultural and community agent for the school district, healthcare customer service in nursing homes, and a career of more than 20 years in provincial and federal politics. His professional experience in politics allowed him to participate in international sessions in France, England, Scotland, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, and Romania, to name a few. He graduated from l’École Grand-Rivière de Saint-Léonard. He has a Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Philosophy, French Literature, and Religious Sciences at Université de Moncton and a diploma in Missionary Cooperation, Spanish Second Language from Séminaire Saint-Augustin in Québec and at Luque in Paraguay.
Fun Fact: Jean-Paul (JP) is in love with fishing and likes to decorate his house and have open house parties. If you meet JP, ask him to see what socks he’s wearing today.
Ckhyamoj Townsend
Community Peer Support Worker,
St. George
Bio: Ckhyamoj (pronounced [ke-YA-mo]) was raised in rural Alma, NB, and has since lived in six provinces. She made 30 cross-continental trips before she turned 30 years old. She finished a BA with combined Honours in Sociology and Creative Writing in 2010 from Dalhousie University. She earned the first medal given for academic achievement in Creative Writing from Dalhousie. She completed the Specialized Peer Interventions Training through CMHA of NB in the spring of 2023.
Ckhyamoj has dealt with mental illness throughout her life. She describes her recovery as a journey made up of daily choices that support her mental health through ongoing symptom management, self-care, and steps toward personal goals.
She currently resides in St. Andrews with her fiancé where they walk their rescued dog on the beach at low tide.
Fun fact: Ckhyamoj’s first career was at a large yarn shop where she taught knitting classes and helped customers with their yarn projects. Her love of knitting remains a nearly daily activity in her life.
Lauren White
Peer Support Consultant,
Campbellton
Bio: Following many years of education at both St. Thomas University and the University of Maine, Lauren came to CMHA with a passion to help others. Lauren has lived with mental illness for several years and it is this lived experience that has influenced her to dedicate herself to the support of others. Lauren is passionate about supporting one another through our recovery journey and the inclusion of all within the community.
Fun Fact: Lauren loves all dogs and her dream is to one day open a rescue shelter.
Lauren Whiteway
Community Program Coordinator,
Moncton
Bio: Lauren holds a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, and Social research Methodologies from Mount Allison University. Struggling with her mental health for most of her life, Lauren uses her lived experience to help people learn how to take care of themselves and be there for others. She envisions a future where accessible, affordable, and appropriate mental health support is available to all Canadians when they need it.
Fun Fact: : Lauren has received the Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth from CAMIMH and a Governor General Sovereign’s Medal for her mental health advocacy work.