DeAnn is the CEO of enCompass Community Safety Agency supporting those who have been affected by crime and social disorder. As a seasoned executive with more than 20 years in business, health care and the community sector, DeAnn is known for driving transformational change, maximizing operational excellence and building collaborations to enhance the lives of individuals. DeAnn is passionate about mental health and community development. She has held numerous community board appointments including Board Chair for Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters, Board Chair for Terra Centre and a Board member with the Mental Health Foundation. DeAnn holds an undergraduate degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a MBA in executive leadership. In her spare time, DeAnn can be found running in Edmonton’s beautiful river valley.

Donna is a CPA, CMA with over 25 years of experience in various industries including, construction, manufacturing, not-for-profit, and distribution. She is currently the Director of Shared Services for Women Building Futures Society, a not-for-profit providing training to women and assisting them to gain economic security.

Donna has been married for 34 years. Together, her and Travis have two grown children and three precious grandchildren. When not working or volunteering, Donna enjoys spending time with her family, reading, enjoying the outdoors, and socializing with friends.

Originally born and raised in Nottingham, England, Simon has been a resident of Edmonton since 1988. He graduated from the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia in 1995 with a degree in Biological Science, and from the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta in 1999 with an LLB. Simon has practiced law in Edmonton as a solicitor for his entire career and he is currently a senior partner with the law firm of Bennett Jones LLP. A significant part of Simon’s practice is dedicated to occupational health and safety law and through this work, he has become acutely aware of the vital importance of mental health support, advocacy, and programming in Alberta.

Simon is currently a special advisor to the Board of Directors of the Alberta Mining Safety Association, a member of the Board of Directors of Bennett Jones, a past member of the University of Alberta Alumni Association, and a past president of Grandview Heights School Council. Simon has been married to his wife, Tara, for 29 years, and together they have three grown children, Emma, Megan, and Spencer. His spare time is spent outdoors as much as possible and lifelong passions include gardening, cycling, trail running, skiing and golf.

Nicholas Mitchell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta, and the Senior Medical Director of the Addiction and Mental Health Strategic Clinical Network and Provincial Medical Director for the Addiction and Mental Health Provincial Team within Alberta Health Services. In his roles with AHS he is involved in government and community stakeholder relations, policy, strategy, and research and innovation with a goal of improving the quality of healthcare for Albertans.

Leanne is an experienced professional with over 20 years of expertise in community development, communications, and stakeholder relations, primarily within the Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo regions. Currently serving as the ESG Program Manager at SMS Equipment, Leanne leads strategic initiatives in sustainability, governance, and community engagement. Throughout her career, Leanne has held pivotal roles, including Communications & Community Investment Specialist at Bouchier, Executive Director of the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association, and Fundraising Coordinator at the Keyano College Foundation. In these positions, she championed internal and external communications, Indigenous relations, stakeholder engagement, and community development while building strong connections with community organizations and stakeholders. An accomplished board member, Leanne has provided governance and leadership to organizations like the Wood Buffalo Food Bank and Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce. With certifications in sustainability leadership and life coaching, alongside a Public Relations diploma from Grant MacEwan University, Leanne is a collaborative leader passionate about creating sustainable, inclusive communities and fostering impactful relationships. Leanne is also a proud mother to an amazing 19-year-old son who is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience at the University of Alberta. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and watching sports, socializing with friends, and exploring the many trails in and around Edmonton.

Puneeta McBryan is the CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, a role she took on in December of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as cities and downtowns grappled with the unknown reality ahead. As the lead convener, connector, and ‘chief optimist’ for Edmonton’s Downtown, Puneeta is working with all three orders of government, the private sector, the arts & cultural and post-secondary sectors, and her city’s social services and nonprofit leaders to help build vibrancy, social well-being, and economic prosperity for her community. This work has led to her recognition as the Inspired Leader of the Year in 2022 by IABC Edmonton, one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 by Edify Magazine in 2021, and the recipient of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Community Impact Award. In addition to the Mental Health Foundation, Puneeta sits on the Board of Directors for Health Cities, a nonprofit that helps to drive innovation and improved patient and community outcomes in healthcare delivery for Canadians. Prior to her current role, Puneeta was a marketing & communications strategist for public & private sector clients across Alberta, and she holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Management & Organization from the University of Alberta School of Business.

Dania is a Partner at Incite, a growth strategy consulting firm, where she advises owner managed companies, industry associations, Board-led non-profits, strategic buyers, and private equity in the areas of market and brand strategy, M&A communications and integration services, and strategic planning.

Dania holds a BComm and a Certificate in International Business from Grenoble École de Management in France. She is an active member of the community, including involvement with International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Edmonton Executives Association, and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), along with past work coaching UofA business students and serving on the board of the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE).

Having been impacted by mental health and addictions challenges, some indirectly and others directly, Dania became attentive to gaps in related supports and is driven to affect systemic change, starting with awareness.

Exploring different countries is a life-long love for Dania. She also enjoys engaging in various outdoor pursuits with her husband, Ryan, when she isn’t running.

Andrew Wallace is general counsel of PCL Constructors Inc. and is a member of PCL’s Office of the CEO, a group that includes the top leadership and senior executive management at PCL. As general counsel, Andrew is responsible for overseeing all legal issues affecting PCL’s operations. Andrew joined PCL’s legal team in 2008. Before joining PCL, Andrew was an associate at law firm Jenkins Marzban Logan and then worked at another contractor, where he was contract counsel. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Andrew worked as a geotechnical engineer in the mining and hydroelectric industries in Canada and the Philippines, and in the civil infrastructure sector. He has a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Alberta, a master of laws from Osgoode Hall in Toronto, and a bachelor of applied science in geological engineering from the University of British Columbia. He is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, a registered professional engineer with APEGA, and a Fellow of The Canadian College of Construction Lawyers.

Throughout his career, Darren has been drawn to work that brings people together to create meaningful, lasting change. He has spent more than two decades building and leading organizations across the private and non-profit sectors, blending strong business acumen with a people-first approach. For 19 years Darren was an integral part of Weldco Companies, progressing from Sales and Marketing roles to ultimately becoming the President.

His professional journey began in the non-profit sector and eventually brought him back again, with leadership and board roles at organizations including the Edmonton Humane Society, the Royal Tyrrell Museum Society, and Pilgrims Hospice Society.

Today, Darren Lunt leads the Mental Health Foundation with professional experience and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for people living with mental illness and addictions. Darren is motivated by the need to make it easier for Albertans to find help, feel supported, and access the care they need—without stigma, confusion, or barriers. He believes mental health supports should meet people where they are and that investing in early intervention can change lives, families, and communities.

Known for his approachable leadership style, sense of humor, and collaborative nature, Darren believes real progress happens when people feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Originally from Edmonton, Darren and his wife are proud parents of two young adults and when he’s not working, you’ll likely find him at his cabin with his best friend Cleo, the family dog.

Ashley is a graduate of NAIT’s Event Management Program, specializing in Program Planning. Driven by her profound commitment to mental health and wellness, she envisions a world where mental health services are universally equitable and accessible. Her mission is to harmonize wellness and social equity through transformative events, accomplished through her holistic approach to event planning and fundraising.

As a founding member of Event Minds Matter and a dedicated member of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Ashley stands at the forefront of event professionals. Her excellence was recognized when she became a finalist for the Future Leader award at the 2019 Edmonton Event Awards.

Ashley’s professional journey includes organizing local wellness events and curating virtual wellness retreats that draw participants from around the globe. She has also taken the stage as a speaker at various conferences, passionately advocating for the significance of mental health, community care, and social change.

As an interior-designer-turned-fundraising-event-professional, Ashley has always been able to see the “big picture” while meticulously attending to every detail. She is thrilled to bring her unique set of skills to the Mental Health Foundation to make an even bigger impact on mental health and addictions care across Alberta.

In her leisure time, you’ll find Ashley practicing yoga, browsing local bookstores, , or unwinding with her husband and cherished feline companion, Canela.

Natalie brings over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, beginning her career in Toronto, Ontario. She has developed a strong track record of building meaningful relationships with individuals, families, corporate partners, and foundations, helping connect people with causes that matter to them.

She began her career in international development, supporting fundraising efforts for communities in developing countries, with a focus on improving access to healthcare and education, as well as advancing gender equality.

Most recently, Natalie worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation, where she supported fundraising initiatives for Child and Youth Mental Health research and programming. During her time there, she contributed to CAMH’s $500-million campaign to build a new Research and Discovery Centre—an effort aimed at strengthening mental health research in Canada.

Natalie’s interest in mental health and addictions is both professional and personal. She is passionate about improving access to care and supporting initiatives that address gaps in the healthcare system. She remains committed to this work and to contributing to meaningful, lasting impact for individuals, families, and communities.

Angelika is a graduate of NAIT’s Radio and Television Arts Program and a seasoned storyteller with a passion for connecting people. As the Mental Health Foundation’s Stewardship & Volunteer Relations Officer, she is dedicated to ensuring that every donor, partner, and volunteer feels heard, recognized, and valued.

Angelika’s commitment to mental health advocacy is deeply personal—she has seen firsthand through her son’s journey how vital it is for people to have access to timely, compassionate care and resources. This fuels her mission to strengthen community relationships and engage more Albertans in supporting mental illness and addictions care, whether through their time, talent, or treasure.

Her career path has woven together leadership, relationship building, and program management. At Junior Achievement Northern Alberta, she played a key role in developing volunteer engagement strategies, overseeing educational programming, and supporting fund development through stewardship metrics and reporting. Previously, she spent over a decade in broadcasting with Shaw TV Edmonton and Corus Entertainment, where she honed her skills in storytelling, communication, and community engagement.

New to the fundraising world but a long-time volunteer herself, Angelika was drawn to the Mental Health Foundation by its strong sense of community—among donors, partners, and staff—and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Albertans. She brings a natural talent for building connections and a sincere belief in the power of shared stories to inspire change.

Outside of work, you’ll find Angelika camping with her family, cheering on her two young boys at the hockey rink, or relaxing with a good book.

Yemariam Abebayehu brings a strong foundation in community engagement, youth support, and communications, shaped by both her academic background and hands-on work with community-based organizations. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology and Education from the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and French Language and Literature from the University of Alberta, grounding her work in a deep understanding of human development, mental health, and inclusive practice.

Her experience spans organizations such as iHuman Youth Society, YouthWrite Society Canada, and AdO Preventeam, where she has worked directly with young people as a trusted first point of contact, supported access to essential services, and contributed to harm-reduction efforts in community settings. She has coordinated programs and events, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, and led outreach through communications, social media, and content creation, helping build meaningful connections and strengthen community participation.

Alongside her professional work, Yemariam is an accomplished poet and performer. She is the author of two poetry collections and has shared her work through performances and publications across Edmonton and beyond. Her creative practice informs her professional approach, shaping how she listens, tells stories, and creates spaces where people feel seen and heard. As a multilingual communicator, she is deeply committed to connecting with diverse communities and using storytelling as a tool to foster dialogue, reduce stigma, and bring people together around mental health and shared purpose.

Jill is a professional fundraiser with over 11 years of hands-on experience in the nonprofit industry. She holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Okanagan College with a double major in Management and Marketing. Jill spent several years working in fund development at Camp Health, Hope & Happiness (i.e. Camp He Ho Ha) and thoroughly enjoyed making summer camp dreams come true for children and adults with disabilities.

She joined the Mental Health Foundation in July 2022 in the newly created position of Grants Coordinator. She brings creativity, enthusiasm, and passion for mental health. Jill is excited about contributing to building resilient individuals, organizations, and communities through accessible and holistic mental health programs and support.

She volunteers with Edmonton Cause Players as an administrative board member and costumed entertainer; bringing smiles to children at community events throughout the greater Edmonton area. In her spare time, Jill is either creating a new costume, dressing up as a princess at a charity event, throwing weights around at CrossFit, camping, or spending time with her incredible spouse, Ryan.

Wyatt recently earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on finance and accounting from NAIT. With a strong foundation in financial principles, Wyatt is currently working toward his CPA designation, demonstrating his commitment to continued professional growth and excellence in the field.

Before joining the nonprofit sector, Wyatt worked in production planning within the heavy steel manufacturing industry. In that role, he developed strong skills in data analytics, process optimization, and financial planning. These experiences equipped him with a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, which are essential in his dual role supporting both finance and donor prospect research.

Wyatt is passionate about the importance of mental health and is proud to contribute his skills to an organization dedicated to making a difference in this space. He believes that mental well-being is foundational to one’s overall health and success. Motivated by the stories of resilience he has encountered throughout his life, Wyatt is committed to advocating for accessible mental health resources and reducing stigma. His work behind the scenes supports the nonprofit’s mission by helping ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability, enabling front-line programs to reach those who need them most.