Tanya grew up in the small town of Johnville, Quebec.  As a native English-speaking Townshipper, she is enthusiastic to be part of an organization that promotes and contributes to the well-being of the very community in which she was raised. 

In 2013 Tanya joined MHE as Intervener & Administrative Assistant.  During these first three years, she worked under the supervision of MHE Founder Judy Ross, and was inspired by Judy’s unwavering dedication and commitment to improving the lives of families and individuals living with mental illness.  In 2016, following Judy’s well-deserved retirement, Tanya was appointed Executive Director.

Tanya began a career in community work following a degree in Special Care Counseling from Champlain Regional College, and previous studies in the Social Sciences and Psychology. During her studies, she carried out several stages in the mental health field; at the Stanstead Mental Health Group, the Mental Health Department of the CSSS Memphremagog and Centre Nuhab.  These experiences inspired her passion for working in this field and to advocate for improved access to services for English-speakers impacted by mental illness. 

Tanya is determined to increase compassion and understanding for people living with a mental health problem.  She believes a diagnosis can be confusing and sometimes frightening, but no one should have to go through it alone.  Therefore she feels honored to be part of an organization that works directly with the community to offer support, guidance, education and advocacy to individuals and families affected by mental illness. 

Jennifer was raised in the Eastern Townships and currently lives in Magog. Jennifer is bilingual; she attended primary school in French in Stanstead; however, completed her other studies in English. She has had the pleasure of working in different settings with English and/or bilingual speakers. She joined the MHE team in January 2020, as Intervener and Administrative Assistant.  

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University with a major in psychology and minor in health studies. She also completed a Master of Arts degree from Adler University in Counselling Psychology and a Professional and Personal Coaching Certificate from Concordia University. Jennifer has a background in community work, with experience working in an eating disorders clinic (practicum), a youth center, and a residential treatment center for individuals living with an addiction with or without a mental illness. Despite having left the province of Quebec for her studies, Jennifer’s intention has always been to return home and be of service to her community. We hear the expression “home is where the heart is” and Jennifer’s heart is in the Eastern Townships! 

Emily was born and raised in the Eastern Townships. She spent many years broadening her horizons by travelling throughout Canada and the world. A few years ago, she returned to the region to pursue a degree in Special Care Counselling at Champlain College. She focused her fieldwork on mental health, and older adults with loss of autonomy.

Upon her graduation in 2019, she was presented with an award for excellence in the subject of Special Care Counselling. Emily has volunteered and worked for many local organizations and businesses throughout her lifetime.

Always a Townshipper at heart, Emily is pleased to be able to focus her skills and education on providing and expanding services within the local English community. When not working, she can most often be found working on creative projects, gardening, or otherwise appreciating the natural beauty of our region.

Shannon joined MHE in June of 2022 as a Mental Health Support Worker and is proud to be part of an organization that supports the English-speaking community.

Having lived in the Townships all her life, Shannon has enjoyed the beauty that the four seasons bring to the area. She can be found enjoying the many outdoor activities, whether it be on the mountains, trails or lakes in the region.

Shannon has studied in the Social Sciences at Champlain Regional College and has her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Applied Psychology at Bishop’s University. She is excited to learn and grow with the MHE team and to share her experiences and knowledge in the mental health field.

She believes that we can all benefit and learn from each other in a multitude of different ways. The first step is reaching out.

Tori joined the MHE team in January of 2023 as a practicum student through Bishop’s University’s psychology program. She not only received the opportunity to practice some of the skills she learned in her classes but also got to know the passion and conviction of the English-speaking community in Estrie.

Upon graduating from Bishop’s in May 2023 she received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in applied psychology and fine arts. She joined the team as a community mental health worker and now holds the information and referral coordinator role. Tori has been inspired by the compassion and empathy of the English-speaking community in supporting and advocating for each other. She is excited to help expand MHE’s resources and use the skills she has learned through her education.

When not working and learning about the community, Tori can usually be found enjoying the outdoors, curled up with a book, or finding ways to be creative.

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