Our Board of Directors
Francoise Raoult, BA, BEd, MEd
Board Chair
Fran joined the Board of Resilient Kids Canada in August of 2020 shortly after Resilient Kids Canada had been established as Not-For-Profit and as we saught status as a Registered Charity in September 2020. As the longest serving Board Member, Fran and has served as the Vice-Chair: Communications and Stakeholder Relation.
Fran is an international educator having taught in Japan, Canada and China. Following her role in an international school in Japan, Fran returned to Canada and taught with the Toronto Board of Education prior to accepting a second international teaching role in China. Having worked with children for the last 15+ years, she is an advocate for educational reform to be more inclusive of mental health awareness and resources for school communities.
Dr. Houda Sabra, BA, MA, PhD (Education)
Vice-Chair: Programmatic Research and Education
Dr. Sabra has served as one of Resilient Kids Canada’s Honourary Ambassadors. She is the Proram Evaluator: Department of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada; formally the Department of National Defense, Canada.
Dr. Sabra has had more than 20 years of professional experience in managing educational programs and providing support and instructional supervision for teachers. Prior to arriving in Canada from Lebanon, Houda functioned as a teacher, school principal, educational planner and development manager, a project coordinator and a researcher. While pursuing her PhD at the University of Ottawa, Houda became highly competent in developing evaluation frameworks and “Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning” (MEL) processes, as well as, toolkits for various projects that supported UNESCO’s initiatives of “Inclusive Education”, “Citizenship Education” and “Education for All”.
Dr. Sabra has experiences working in international development with refugee communities to empower women and support children’s education, and to strengthen gender-based violence prevention. She is recognized for having the contextual knowledge of theories and principles of evaluation with the integration of gender-based analysis, plus the policies, standards and principles required by the Government of Canada. With additional education in public policy and program evaluation, as well as management and leadership, Dr. Sabra has developed competencies in effective research and technical skills, including qualitative and quantitative methods including data analysis, developing surveys, interview guides and questions and case studies. And lastly, as a program evaluator with the Government of Canada, Dr. Sabra has Secret Level 11 Security.
Garratt Wootton, BSc.
Past-Chair
Garratt Wootton is an entrepreneur, and business executive specializing in communication and technology enabled process automation. As a Client Success and Business Development Executive with Datanova Software and a Business Development Consultant with Flywheel Strategic, he recognizes that business goals are meant to target companies, yet companies are run by humans and organizational strategies should reflect that. Garratt brings a human-centric approach to everything he does. He is quick to understand pain points and excels at finding unique human-experience-based solutions to the some of the trickiest situations.
Garratt has 10+ years of international management, acquisition and change management experience with fortune-100 companies where he worked on national accounts, wholesale contract negotiations, financing retail-investment and brand rejuvenation including bringing the Gulf Oil brand back to gas stations in Canada. He is the founder of a digital marketing and communications company and understands the value of a sound budget, creative solutions, and marketing execution. Garratt works with businesses and not-for-profits to assess and deploy digital experience solutions that enable data-driven acceleration of goals and objectives.
Garratt is a life-long resident of Burlington Ontario and is excited to share and shape the Art Gallery of Burlington as a Board Member and Member of the Development and Fundraising Committee . He and his wife have three children 4-7 years of age).
Robert Jendrzejczak
Vice-Chair: Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Robert has served as an accomplished entrepreneur and strategic leader with 20+ years of experience building sustainable businesses at the intersection of technology, real estate and community development. He has a provien track record of founding and scaling multiple multi-million dollar enterprises while maintaining unwavering commitment to social responsibility and positive community impact. Robert has expertise in organizational governance, strategic planning, technology, and stakeholder engagement positions to contribute meaningfully to board leadership in charitable and professional organizations. Robert’s diverse governance experience across multiple business entities and organizational structures combined with deep expertise in community impact, positions him to contribute strategice to board leadership. In summary, he brings the following to our Board:
- Proven governance experience across multiple business entities and organizational structures.
- Technology foresight enabling RKC to leverage AI and diginal transformation to advance our mission locallym nationally and internationally.
- Community impact orientation ensuring organizational decisions are aligned with broader social responsibility
- Financial acumen from building and scaling multi-million dollar enterprises
- Stakeholder management expertise developed through complex partnership negotiations and team leadership
- Innovation mindset driving sustainable solutions to complex organizational challenges
Robert is committed to leveraging his experience to advance RKC’s mission and is dedicated to positive community impact in his Vice-Chair role.
Jan Kasperski, RN, MHSc, CHE
Founding President & CEO
Jan is recognized as the driving force behind Resilient Kids Canada and its focus on the best start in life for young children. Advocacy for the most vulnerable Canadians especially children, has been a focus of her extensive career as a clinician, an administrator, an educator, a researcher and a consultant. Jan is skilled in government, media and physician/healthcare professional relations and is known as a “connector” with an extensive provincial, national and international professional network.
In addition to extensive hospital-based experiences, she has led two healthcare professional associations: the Ontario College of Family Physicians and the Ontario Psychological Association. In addition to a number of hospital Board positions, Jan has served on several on several not-for-profit and serves as the patient/family advisors at the local, regional and provincial level. As a mentor, coach and life-long learning, Jan is inspiring high school and university students to seek careers in our healthcare system.
Jan’s broad-based experiences and her dedication to the well-being of kids and parents, caregivers and educators are key to the effectiveness of Resilient Kids Canada and in ensuring that our vision becomes a reality.
Dr. Ewa Antczak, PhD, C. Psych
Board Member
Ewa is a registered child and youth psychologist in private practice at the Core Centre and at the Catholic District School Board. She is the Founder and CEO of the “IdealMe Enrichment Foundation” that promotes excellency and positive change through education, technology, and art. The Foundation created Talk2Alex, an innovative App that provides kids with a robo-friend that helps them to feel better and shows them how to take care of themselves.
Ewa is affiliated with the Ontario Psychological Association’s Section on Psychology in Education, a member of the Learning Disability Intensive Support Programming Committee, the Learning Disability Programming Recommendations Committee, as well as the Alternative Curriculum Committee where she is responsible for the development and implementation of specialized programs for students who have cognitive and behavioural problems.
Ewa is an author and co-author of several research papers and has presented at multiple conferences, workshops and training sessions on subjects such as social intelligence, anxiety, alexithymia, negative attitude changing, narrative mode, child development, cognitive and behavioural disabilities, and mental health. For many years, she has been affiliated with the pre-doctoral psychology internship consortium and provides supervision for several practicum and internship students at the Catholic District School Board.
Jana (Arber) Bartley, RN, MBA, LNC
Board Member
Jana has extensive knowledge and experience in the healthcare field as a Registered Nurse working as a clinician, unit manager, patient relations consultant, and legal nurse consultant. It became apparent after reviewing hundreds of cases that there was a desperate need for healthcare navigation services. So, in 2013, she founded Integrity Healthcare Consultants, one of the first Canadian Healthcare Navigation companies.
Working along side her team of highly educated professionals, she assists patients in navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare system. She also offers corporate clients with a realm of services including chronic disease management, occupational health and safety, mental health support, and overall workplace wellness. Since 2020 her team has been offering consultation on COVID-19 recovery and transition.
Dr. Anthony K.C. Chan MBSS, FRCPC, FRCPath, FRCPCH
Board Member: Professor, Pediatrics, McMaster University
Dr. Anthony Chan is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Hamilton Health Sciences and a Professor of Pediatrics at McMaster University. He currently holds the McMaster Children’s Hospital/Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation Chair in Pediatric Thrombosis and Hemostasis (third term). He is the Director of the Pediatric Thrombosis Clinic and Hemophilia Clinic at McMaster Children’s Hospital and is a clinical scientist with the Thrombosis & Atherosclerosis Research Institute (TaARI) and David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute (DBCVSRI). Dr. Chan is one of the leading experts in the field of pediatric thrombosis and stroke. He is involved in designing clinical studies in pediatric thrombosis, pediatric stroke and hemophilia from a hematology perspective. His research focus is on the development, characterization and application of a covalent antithrombin-heparin complex (ATH), a potent anticoagulant that can be used as a systemic drug or can be grafted onto the surface of medical devices to render them non-thrombogenic. He is continuing to contribute his expertise in thrombosis by providing around-the-clock free consultation worldwide through the 1800NOCLOTS service. He was awarded the Order of Ontario (2017) for his work in advancing the care of children with thrombosis and stroke. Dr. Chan was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Science in 2022 in recognition of his contributions to child health through research and clinical services. In addition, Dr. Chan was the recipient of the Ann Harrington Award (2023) from Hemophilia Ontario for his contributions to patient care, leadership, and education in hemophilia.
Kurt Downes, BA, BEd, MA, OCT, ChPC, PhD Candidate
Board Member
Kurt was a high-performance athlete with the University of Windsor Lancers. He transitioned into an elite track and field coach with the Canadian Olympic team and Athletics Canada. He is a teacher and coach with the Windsor-Essex Catholic School Board where he educates, coaches and mentors elementary school athletes. In addition, Kurt is pursuing his PhD in the Faculty of Human Kinetics/Department of Kinesiology at the University of Windsor.
As President & Head Coach at the Border City Athletic Club, Kurt is the coach of athletes aged 11 to the professional levels in the sprints, jumps and hurdles disciplines. As the President of the club, he manages various athletic meets, oversee registrations, media relations, website management, parent/public relations, the travel budget and arrangements, club promotion and sponsorships. His fundraising efforts for the club are aimed at providing children and youth from impoverished families and communities with opportunities to use physical activities, along with fostering positive mental health, to create greater health, well-being and success.
Kurt has organized several events aimed at getting BIPOC girls involved in sports. The “Girls Can” Summits are open to Black, Indigenous, and Girls of Colour in Grades 4-10 and provides them with the opportunities to learn track and field skills from Olympians and elite female athletes. Kurt also organized a virtual “Women Can Summit” series during the pandemic that drew 10 high-level female personalities in track and field and other sports. Proceeds from the event were used to sponsor 90 young Black girls at the Club and to provide a training session at Elite Training Sessions, along with new shoes and a personalized track and field bib. As an Ambassador with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Windsor-Essex County, he is active in the “Sole Focus Project” that raises funds to provide mental health education and training, as well as, bereavement services in Windsor and Essex County. Kurt has received the following honors and awards:
- The Dr. Doug Clement Coach of the Year (Athletics Canada)
- The Golden Shoe Community Builder of the Year (Canadian Running Magazine)
- Contribution to Catholic Education Award (Windsor-Essex Catholic School Board)
Beth Milliard, BA, MA, PhD
Board Member
Beth is a Staff Sergeant with the York Regional Police Services and a part-time Instructor at Georgian College and Simon Fraser University. Having completed her PhD in Criminal Justice/Law and Public Policy with an emphasis on mental health, Beth recently was recently appointed as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Regina. Her vast experiences in policing, academia and research has given her the requisite skills to help lead administrative, operational and investigative police teams for optimal growth.
She is nationally recognized for her passion for mental health that resulted in the creation of a Peer Support Unit at York Regional Police which is dedicated to police officers and their family's well-being. Recently, Beth was awarded “The 2024 World Police Inspiring Female Officer Award” at the World Police Conference held in Dubai. In addition to receiving such a well-served recognition at the international level, Beth is recognized nationally for her passion for the mental health of her peers. Beth oversaw the creation of the Peer Support Unit at the York Regional Police Services that is dedicate to the well-being of police officers and their families. She continues her work in police wellness by collaborating with academics writing articles, book chapters and teaching at the post-secondary level. Beth has completed her PhD in Criminal Justice/Law and Public Policy with an emphasis on mental health. Beth is a proud Mom and the spouse of a Police Officer and the daughter of a retired OPP Officer.
Jessie Nairn, B.Com.
Board Member
Jessie has served RKC with distinction as a Professional Advisor, while the Advancement Coordinator, Faculty of Social Services at McMaster University. Jessie is currently the Event Coordinator with Breast Cancer Canada.
Jessie passion in life is athletics and currently guides students in finding meaning placements with businesses and organizations like Resilient Kids Canada. Many of the young people who are founding members of Resilient Kids Canada’s Honourary Youth Ambassador’s Council are students that Jessie supported in obtaining a summer work placement with . She is also the Head Volleyball Coach for the Halton Region Volleyball Club and has just retired as the Operations Coordinator for the Ontario Volleyball Association. Jessie is the former Head Coach of the Elite Volleyball Player Inc.
Jessie volunteers as a Mental Health Executive with the McMaster Varsity Athletic Leadership Committee where she seeks to identify the mental health needs of student athletes and seeks to find ways to fulfil those needs. Jessie acts as a representative for the whole community of student athletes by communicating their needs to the Department of Athletics and Recreation. As the former McMaster student, Jessie was the Co-President of the McMaster Athletic Leadership Committee and led a group of student athletes to develop a sense of community and equality throughout the many clubs and varsity teams in the McMaster community. She encouraged the support for all of the teams to ensure that all of the McMaster athletes had an incredible experience throughout their years competing as a McMaster athlete.
As a result of Jessie’s contributions to McMasters athletes, Jessie was chosen to be McMaster University’s Female Graduating Athlete of the Year in 2022 and the OUA Award of Merit, and award granted to athletes for all around accomplishments including high grades, high athletic ability and achievement, as well as extensive community involvement. In addition, Jessie was a U Sports Academic All-Canada in 2019, 2020,and 2022 for having maintained an average of 80% or more over each academic year while competing for one or more university varsity teams. Jessie has the passion to assist athletes and coaches to develop the environments and experiences for young kids on their pathway to resilience.
Elizabeth Akinsola
Co-Chair: Honourary Youth Ambassadors Council
Resilient Kids Canada is honoured to have Elizabeth representing the Honourary Youth Ambassadors Council on our Board. As the Co-Chair of the Honourary Youth Ambassadors Council, Elizabath strives to bring a unique blend of leadership, dedication, and a commitment to empoweringthe next generation if change-makers,. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree at Macmaster University, with hopes of specializing in Pediatrics. She is passionate about Resilient Kids Canada’s mission of providing programs and resources to give children the cognitive, social and emotional skills to live life happily as they grow and develop resilieciency in the face of adversity. Her goal is to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within the Council and envisions a future where we have opportunities to shape policies, and advocate for positive change.
Ryan Morley
Chief Operation Officer
Christine has served with distinction as a Professional Advisor and we are pleased to have Christine as a member of the Board.
Christine earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology and functions as a Research Scientist, an Associate Professor in Pediatrics and an Associate Member of the Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University. She has been an active scientist, publishing in peer-reviewed journals since 1987. Her research focuses on youth who have had adverse childhood experiences and their current mental health and resilience. Christine and team have developed a youth resilience app, JoyPopTM, to support day-to-day resilient functioning.
Her new book with colleagues, Child Maltreatment (2nd Edition), is targeted to those whose practice engages them in the issues of child maltreatment. She also is Editor-in-Chief of the premier international journal, Child Abuse & Neglect, and founding editor of the open-access journal, International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience. She led the Maltreatment and Adolescent Pathways Research Study partnered with Canada’s largest child welfare agencies to track youth outcomes across adolescence.
Christine’s team grant (#CIHRTeamSV) focuses on the impact of sexual violence victimization among male youth and young adults, seeking to understand components of resilience and developing intervention innovations. This work is ongoing with ECPAT International as a key partner (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes). Visit Christine’s website Resilient in Youth (www.youthresilience.net)
Dr. Christine Wekerle, PhD
Board Member
Christine has served with distinction as a Professional Advisor and we are pleased to have Christine as a member of the Board.
Christine earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology and functions as a Research Scientist, an Associate Professor in Pediatrics and an Associate Member of the Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University. She has been an active scientist, publishing in peer-reviewed journals since 1987. Her research focuses on youth who have had adverse childhood experiences and their current mental health and resilience. Christine and team have developed a youth resilience app, JoyPopTM, to support day-to-day resilient functioning.
Her new book with colleagues, Child Maltreatment (2nd Edition), is targeted to those whose practice engages them in the issues of child maltreatment. She also is Editor-in-Chief of the premier international journal, Child Abuse & Neglect, and founding editor of the open-access journal, International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience. She led the Maltreatment and Adolescent Pathways Research Study partnered with Canada’s largest child welfare agencies to track youth outcomes across adolescence.
Christine’s team grant (#CIHRTeamSV) focuses on the impact of sexual violence victimization among male youth and young adults, seeking to understand components of resilience and developing intervention innovations. This work is ongoing with ECPAT International as a key partner (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes). Visit Christine’s website Resilient in Youth (www.youthresilience.net)
Resilient Kids Canada
We do not provide mental health services. If you require assistance, we recommend you contact:
Crisis Services Canada: to help you to find distress centres and crisis organizations across Canada. You can assess immediate help by calling 1-833-456-4566 (toll-free and available 24/7) or by Texting 45645 (4 pm – 12 am ET).
Kids Help Phone: available 24 hours a day for young people aged five (5) to twenty-nine (29). Phone 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text Connect 686868.
Hope for Wellness Helpline: a 24/7 crisis counselling helpline for Indigenous people across Canada who are suffering from mental health issues. Contact them at 1-855-242-3310 or visit their chat line at www.hopeforwellness.ca
Resilient Kids Canada’s Registered Charity Number 718447477 RR 001
Land Acknowledgment: Our lands spanning from Lake Ontario to the Niagara Escarpment are steeped in the Indigenous History and Modern Traditions of the many Firsts Nations and Métis. The territory is mutually covered by the Dishwith One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Ojibway and other allied Nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is part of the Tready Land and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.