Lianne Smith is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree at University of Waterloo. She is joining Mental Health Without Borders as a student for the academic year of 2020-2021. She has a Human Service Foundations certificate from Conestoga College and a degree in Social Development Studies from University of Waterloo.

 

She has a background in working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lianne shows an interest in macro level practice of social work and hopes to make positive changes within communities.

Dr. Amit Mistry is an Addiction Psychiatrist. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada and completed medical school at Windsor University School of Medicine in St. Kitts. He pursued his psychiatry residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City followed by a specialization in addiction psychiatry at University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas. 

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Amit’s goals as a psychiatrist is to not only work with individuals with mental illness but to also provide support and education for their loved ones and the community. His passion led him to volunteer at Mental Health Without Borders. Inspired by his proud parents, a loving wife, and wonderful group of friends. He enjoys traveling, cooking, sketching, and socializing.

Sherrie Mohamed is a skilled therapist and educator. She is the Senior Therapist for Therapy With Sherrie and has a decade of experience in providing individual and group therapy in Community Health Centres, women’s shelters and youth shelters. Sherrie is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and has provided educational workshops and presentations in schools across the GTA.

 

Sherrie identifies as Indo-Guyanese and is passionate about providing mental health support to Psychiatric Residents in Guyana.

 

Sherrie holds a Masters of Education (M.Ed) from Brock University, a Masters of Social Work (MSW) and an Honours B.A. in Politics and Governance from Ryerson University as well as certifications in Trauma Counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Simran has extensive experiences as a facilitator and researcher within the Mental Health

field. She obtained her Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto with a specialization in Mental Health and Health. Throughout her career, she has worked with youth and adults experiencing a variety of mental health concerns including trauma, depression, and anxiety. She also adopts a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and inclusive approach to her practice.

Her passion for mental health education and research led her to volunteer as an educator at MHWB. She is looking forward to working with students and supporting them in gaining relevant skills and knowledge to enhance their careers as mental health professionals. 

 

She enjoys travelling, reading, and cooking in her spare time. She is always looking for book recommendations as well!

Aaron Smith has taught courses in clinical social work, psychotherapy, and other subjects related to mental health care in universities across Canada. Aaron is also a Doctoral Candidate in the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University.

 

In addition to his experience as a mental health educator and researcher, Aaron has worked as a psychotherapist for more than ten years in a variety of settings, including private practice, community-based organizations, mental health institutions, and primary health care. Aaron has graduate degrees in Theological Studies and Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, and has received advanced training in Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia, and Compassion Fatigue for caregivers and health care providers.

 

In his spare time, Aaron enjoys baseball, music, being outdoors, and spending time with his wife and three beautiful daughters.

Mandy has always had a keen interest and aptitude for well-being, community development and engagement. Her professional career as a seasoned events, marketing, and fundraising professional spans over 15+ years, working in management and director roles for iYellow Wine Group, Photographers Without Borders, Pride Toronto, and now the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington as the Director, Community Engagement.

Her passion for community is also displayed through her ongoing volunteer work with Hillside Festival for close to 20 years, and she has recently joined their Board of Directors. 

 

With a strong level of competence in marketing, cultural growth, and strategic initiatives, Mandy is driven by the imagination and connection that comes from cultivating wonderful experiences and strengthening communities. As part of the Marketing and Communications committee for Mental Health Without Borders, she is thrilled to help develop creative ideas and plans to drive our mission forward.

Alicia Mizzi is a Masters of Social Work student at Dalhousie University and will be joining Mental Health without Borders in 2021. She previously completed a Bachelor of Social Development Studies, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Waterloo. 

 

Alicia has spent the last six years working in various positions within the restorative justice field with diverse populations. Alicia's currently spends her time raising her daughter Lucy, and when her arms are not holding a baby she can be found cooking, baking and crafting.

Clare is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Disability and Chronic Illness at Carleton University in Ottawa. Through her work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as her experience travelling to San Quintin Valley, Baja California with Live Different on a mission trip, Clare has developed a passion of working with, and learning from, people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Her past experiences, along with her interest in mental health and passion to reduce the stigma that surrounds it, has led Clare to become a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee with MHWB.

 

Clare is a member of the Carleton University Swim Team and in her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors and playing with her new puppy, Phoebe!

Kaitlyn Altwasser is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Mental Health with a minor in Psychology at Carleton University. By joining various clubs at her school, such as the Carleton Neuroscience Society and Stigma Ends at CU, she has demonstrated a strong interest towards being involved within the community. Having the opportunity to pursue her passion for mental health, as well as helping others on a global scale led her to volunteer with MHWB. She is excited to share her creativity and contribute to future initiatives as a member of the Marketing and Communications committee.

 

In her spare time, you can find her cross-country skiing with her family, kayaking down the river or exploring new trails in the forest.

Jessica is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Mental Health with a minor in Chemistry at Carleton University. Jessica is also a member of Stigma Ends at CU, a campaign at her university which aims to end the stigma surrounding substance use and addiction. Her education, passion to end the stigma surrounding mental health, and her desire to support access to sustainable mental health services has led her to MHWB, and to be a member of the Marketing and Communications team.

 

In her free time, Jessica enjoys travelling, hiking, and exploring new trails in Ottawa and Greater Ottawa area.

Macklin Hill is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley studying Psychology and Media Studies, with a minor in Education. Born and raised in the San Francisco, Bay Area, Macklin has done a lot of volunteering with children, including tutoring, mentoring, and teaching college preparation courses. She is passionate about the work Mental Health without Borders does in Guyana, specifically the impact it can make on the family members of the patients.

 

Macklin is new to the team this Spring 2021 and is excited to get involved and help Mental Health Without Borders reach new audiences.