Our Teams

Shannon Jackson is Board Chair, an educational consultant, and a parent coach with Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC). She brings experience supporting children, youth, and families navigating mental health challenges, school absenteeism, and the demands of caregiving. Grounded in family advocacy, her work focuses on helping families access compassionate, practical support and strengthening the connections between home, school, and community so young people can learn, participate, and thrive.

Colin Salciccioli Lyons is an educator from Hamilton, Ontario, and serves as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC). He holds a degree in Sociology (Specialist Option) from McMaster University, with minors in Mental Health and Addictions and History, and a Bachelor of Education in the Primary/Junior division from Wilfrid Laurier University. Colin has contributed to YMHC’s work for the past three years, bringing his background in education and social sciences to his leadership role.

Faye Billings brings experience in administration, project management, and municipal activities through her work with the City of Grimsby, healthcare offices, nonprofit organizations, and corporations. She is active on several boards, drawing on her professional background and community, nonprofit, and corporate experience.

School wellness counsellor at Calgary Catholic School District

Chaplain. Trauma/Child Counsellor. MACP, B.A (Hon.) Social Work/Religion and Theology, Addictions counsellor.

Greater Calgary Metropolitan Area

My name is Tracey (she/they)(Chaplain, CCTP, MACP). I am currently a counsellor as trauma and child specialist, with a passion for working with children, youth and their family in area’s of mental health and wellness. Also providing care to those in the Deaf community, by providing counselling therapy in ASL and English. With a diverse education background with a focus on trauma, crisis intervention, counselling, and addictions.

Specialties: Trauma, ACEs, addiction, 2SLGBTQIA+, Deaf communities, people with disabilities, children, youth, families, faith-based trauma, spiritual counselling, screenings

Modalities: EMDR, parts work, Addictions, trauma-informed, person-centred, CBT, play-based, child focused, family therapy, spiritual care, crisis intervention, assessment/screening.

Tracey began working with YMHC in April 2020 and has contributed in a variety of ways: virtual workshops, social media posts, Instagram Live Chats, and Board director.

He/Him

MD Candidate, Degroote School of Medicine Class of 2029 I BHSc, McMaster University Alum I MCAT Instructor, Tutor and Coach I Mental Health & Child Adversity/Resilience Research Assistant

Greater Toronto Area, Canada

Ante is a diligent, results-oriented person with a passion for community advocacy, mental health awareness, and comprehensive teaching/tutoring opportunities that simultaneously support the education and healthcare systems to enhance educational access and equity. He founding McMaster’s Building Bridges Mentorship in 2023 to provide tutor, mentorship, and workshop opportunities for students in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Since 2026, BBM has been under the umbrella of YMHC and expanded its reach with another McMaster student program, JDCC, to include students from across Canada.

Janey Dickinson is a social science graduate specializing in addictions and mental health. At YMHC, she coordinates the Building Bridges program, bringing academic knowledge and a compassionate, youth-centered approach to supporting connection, resilience, and wellbeing.

Brianna is a graduate of the Applied Psychology, Human Behavior program at McMaster University. Her focus is on community-based, trauma-informed approaches that emphasize connection, cultural sensitivity, and resilience. She incorporates her culture in her work through creativity and using art as a meaningful tool for healing, story-telling, and strengthening community connections.

She/Her

First Year Student @ McMaster iSci | Human Rights Advocate

Greater Toronto Area, Canada

I am a first-year Integrated Science student at McMaster University with a strong interest in the intersection of science, public health, and law. My academic focus combines chemical biology with interdisciplinary problem-solving, allowing me to explore how scientific research can inform ethical decision-making, policy, and community well-being.

Through experience in neuroscience, pharmaceuticals, youth mental health initiatives, and science communication, I have developed strong skills in research, organization, communication, and critical thinking. Alongside my academic pursuits, I work as a freelance debate coach, helping students strengthen their argumentation, public speaking, and analytical reasoning. This role has reinforced my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, collaborate with diverse individuals, and foster thoughtful, evidence-based discussion.

Beyond academics, I enjoy contributing to initiatives that promote education and community engagement. My interests in creative writing, music, and civic issues complement my scientific background by encouraging curiosity, empathy, and effective communication.

Ultimately, my goal is to bridge science and policy to create meaningful, evidence-based solutions that improve public health and strengthen communities.

Aaliya began working with YMHC in March 2026 as a high school co-op student. She has now joined the Advisory Council and hopes to enhance the youth perspective on the work we do.

She/Her

Child & Family Support | Child & Youth Advocate | IBCLC | Researcher | Advocate for Young People with Chronic Illness/ Dynamic Disabilities

YMHC: Board Co-chair, Parent Coach

Lincoln, Ontario, Canada

My work providing interdisciplinary support for children and families has been shaped by experiences across healthcare, education, research, and community settings. Through these experiences, I have come to value an approach rooted in social justice that bridges evidence-based practice with accessible, meaningful support for children, youth, and families.

Grounded in lived experience, my research and advocacy focus on amplifying the voices and experiences of youth living with invisible and dynamic disabilities, with a particular emphasis on participation, education, and belonging. This work informs my advocacy for more inclusive and responsive systems that recognize and support the realities of youth living with dynamic disabilities.

Central to my work is cultivating spaces where care honours young people’s lived experiences, centres their voices, and supports their ability to make meaningful contributions. This aligns with YMHC’s commitment to accessible, meaningful resources that support the healthy growth of young people.

Chelsea Wong is a medical student at the University of Alberta with a BSc in Psychology from the University of Calgary. Since 2020, she has contributed to YMHC as a volunteer and Board member, supporting community initiatives that advance accessibility and inclusive environments. Her work is guided by a commitment to empowering youth through compassion and evidence-informed approaches to mental wellness.

Hello, my name is Walden, and I am from Nanaimo, British Columbia. I am currently an undergraduate student studying Health Sciences at Queen's University. I have been with YMHC since February 2026 and have helped develop and review educational course content. I joined the advisory council in September 2026. I am excited to continue supporting YMHC's meaningful work, including its values of educational equity, youth empowerment, student voice, and hope.

Sheryl Boswell is the Founder and Executive Director of Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC), an educator, author, and advocate for youth mental health and accessible education. Her experience spans elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education in Canada and Africa, beginning with special education teaching in Zimbabwe. With more than 30 years of experience addressing school attendance challenges, Sheryl brings together education, mental wellness, human rights, equity, and disability inclusion to support young people and the adults who care for them.

Sheryl has authored mental wellness workbooks, guidebooks, a comprehensive school attendance handbook, and online courses that provide practical, evidence-informed strategies for students, families, educators, community workers, and mental health professionals. Through her writing, workshops, training, and advocacy, she advances compassionate responses to mental health challenges and chronic school absenteeism, helping schools and communities strengthen belonging, remove barriers to education, and build hope.

I’m Janey Dickinson, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. I bring both academic understanding and heartfelt compassion to the work I do.I believe that every young person carries within them a universe of strength, waiting to be seen and supported. I walk beside them with empathy and intention by listening, learning, and helping them rediscover their resilience. To me, mental health is not simply the absence of struggle, but the presence of connection, courage, and care. I started working with YMHC in 2025 as a placement student, joined the Board of Directors/Advisory Council, and now work part-time as a coordinator of the YMHC Building Bridges program.

Jim is the Digital Operations Manager and Chief Information Officer at Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC), bringing extensive experience in web development, digital storytelling, and data-driven platform creation to support the organization’s mission. With a Master’s in Computer and Information Technology from the University of Pennsylvania, Jim has expertly led the development and maintenance of YMHC’s digital presence since 2015, initially as a volunteer and in a formal part-time capacity since 2022. His technical expertise spans a broad stack, which he has leveraged to enhance YMHC’s operational efficiency, public outreach, and advocacy for youth mental health in Canada.

We at Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC) are immensely grateful for the exceptional support and pro bono hours contributed by Alstra Solutions. Their dedication to helping us embrace the digital era has been invaluable, enhancing our website, IT systems, and automating our processes.

Alstra Solutions offers a comprehensive range of online solutions that extend beyond website design. They specialize in corporate website design, search engine optimization, online advertising, and traffic intelligence data analysis.

For charities, nonprofit organizations and public service projects, Alstra provides substantial discounts and even free website hosting for extended periods. Visit Alstra's website https://alstra.ca for more details.

Thank you, Alstra Solutions, for being a part of our journey and helping us make a significant impact in youth mental health.

Website: Alstra Solutions - Toronto Website Design Agency

Hi, I’m Rita Bruno-Gallo, your dedicated partner behind Rita B Designs. My curiosity for marketing led me to study Advertising, and my career has taken me through various design and print shops in Hamilton and Toronto, where I honed my skills in design software and print techniques. In 2005, I started my own business, began to travel the world to fuel my creativity and inspiration and grow my business in a way that suited my lifestyle.

I’m now your trusted studio for all things branding, graphic design, and print. Nestled in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Ontario, we bring over 20 years of experience, combining fun creativity with strategic marketing to make your business shine within any budget. Our boutique approach ensures that every project is personalized, reflecting your unique vision while attracting your ideal clients and boosting your profits.

Now back in Hamilton; where I call home, I’m dedicated to helping businesses and entrepreneurs thrive with budget-friendly, effective design and print solutions. Whether you need brand strategy, logo design, or marketing materials, I’m here to support your success.

You can find me at the Cotton Factory, cuddled with my cat, Zelda in my home office, at a local coffee shop, or visiting clients in Niagara, Toronto, and beyond. Come join me and let’s create something amazing together!