Leadership, Reports and Plans
CMHA is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. They meet regularly throughout the year to monitor organizational operations. The vision and mission are made possible with the work and support of our Board.
2019-2025 Strategic Plan
We are leading the way, driving innovation and integration of services for the best outcomes and experience for clients, families, staff and community partners.
View the Strategic Plan2023-2024 Annual Report
This report highlights our progress toward achieving our strategic goals, and shares stories of the wonderful work that our staff and volunteers are doing as we pursue mental health for all.
View the Annual Report2024-2028 Equity & Reconciliation Strategic Plan
This plan, shaped by listening and learning, commits us to making foundational changes that ensure justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility for all in our community.
View the Strategic PlanLeadership Team
Rebecca Shields
Chief Executive Officer
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Rebecca has been in senior leadership positions for over 25 years and considers herself fortunate to be enjoying a prolific career in the social profit sector.
She has earned nationwide recognition for her leadership in community development, inclusion for persons with disabilities, LGBTQ rights, support for youth at risk, mental health and addictions, equity, diversity and inclusion, and innovation. Currently, she is catalyzing innovation in a community framework for belonging that focuses on advancing community-based solutions for integrated and values-based care. Rebecca plays an integral role in Ontario’s restructuring of the health care system, serving as co-chair of the Ontario Health Central Region Mental Health and Addiction Table and serving on committees for planning and performance for both the Centre of Excellence for MHA and Ontario Health Central Region Health System Recovery Table. She leads the MHA Table for Southlake Community Ontario Health Team and is a member of three others. She is leading the development of the York Region Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Hub, co-chairs the Region’s Human Services Planning Board, and chaired the Region of York’s Service Coordination Council for Mental Health and Addictions for its three-year mandate.
Riyaz Abdulrasul
V.P. of Finance and Technology
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Riyaz Abdulrasul is a finance leader with over 25 years of strategic and operational leadership experience in large organizations, in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. He joins CMHA York Region and South Simcoe as Vice President Finance and Technology, with responsibility for providing strategic leadership and oversight over Information Technology, Information Management, Financial Services, Financial Planning and Analysis, Payroll, Procurement, and Business Services. Most recently he served in a leadership role at Southlake Regional Health Centre, and previously with Mackenzie Health, Proctor & Gamble, Unilever, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
Riyaz is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from York University. He has applied his skills in strategic thinking and operational excellence in a couple of Director roles on boards and currently sits on the board of a health-related enterprise. His executive interests include strategic planning, performance improvement, corporate governance, fiscal accountability, change management, and excellence in patient care
Chris Cecchini
V.P. People, Culture, & Organizational Effectiveness
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Chris has a broad suite of executive human resources expertise, including labour relations, occupational health, and safety, pay equity, recruitment and retention, legal compliance wellness, compensation administration, and mediation.
Prior to joining CMHA, Chris held the position of VP, Employee Experience and CHRO at Southlake Regional Health Centre for over four years. He also spent three years as Chief Human Resource Officer and Senior Director at Orillia’s Soldier’s Memorial Hospitals, as well as Vice President of Human Resources at Sun Country Health Region in Saskatchewan, where he was responsible for all aspects of the Human Resources portfolio across 28 healthcare facilities.
Chris holds the Certified Human Resources Executive designation (CHRE), the highest designation for Human Resources professional, a Master of Arts in Work and Society, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Labour Studies and Sociology.
He is also a part-time professor teaching business and management at Georgian College in Barrie.
Frances Reinholdt
V.P. Clinical Operations
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Frances is a proven leader committed to achieving results, improving outcomes of care, and creating an exceptional experience for clients, healthcare providers, and system partners. For the past 30 years, she has contributed her clinical and operational expertise through senior leadership and front line roles at leading hospitals and healthcare organizations including Trillium Gift of Life Network, Mackenzie Health, Closing the Gap, and Scarborough Health Network. Recognized as a systems thinker with an ability to achieve success and change agendas through partnerships, engagement, and collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders, Frances’ role at CMHA includes leadership for the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Hub.
Frances is very proud to be a Registered Nurse. She has a bachelor’s degree in health studies from York University and a master’s in leadership from the University of Guelph.
Richard Tam
Senior Advisor, Strategic Integration
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Richard Tam is an experienced healthcare executive and has held many senior leadership roles. Most recently, he served as the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Mackenzie Health. He has been in the healthcare industry for over 20 years and has played a pivotal role in implementing financial best practices and developing new business models with a focus on innovation and technology-enabled healthcare delivery. Richard actively participates in various committees in the health and technology sectors and the local community.
Richard has extensive experience in numerous fields including Healthcare Funding Reform, Information Technology, Capital Projects, Financial Services, Information Management Decision Support, Clinical Support Services, Business Development, Payroll, Parking, Facility Management, Support Services and Procurement. Richard is a strategic leader in the development of the Information Communication & Automation Technology (ICAT) Healthcare framework and the Internet of Healthcare Things (IoHTs) in Mackenzie Health.
In 2016, Richard was the recipient of the Innovation Award for Health Care Leadership from the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Richard holds an MBA from York University, a BSc from the University of Manchester and is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Ontario.
Board Members
Jo-anne Marr
Chair of the Board
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Jo-anne Marr is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oak Valley Health.
Throughout her career, Jo-anne’s focus has been on health system leadership and driving strategic and transformational initiatives that have a positive impact on the overall patient experience.
Prior to joining Oak Valley Health, formerly Markham Stouffville Hospital in 2015, Jo-anne was the CEO of the Central Community Care Access Centre. Previous to that, she held leadership positions at Mackenzie Health including interim CEO, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Jo-anne has extensive health care experience that spans academic and community hospitals, public and private sectors, and both administrative and clinical leadership positions, as well as healthcare consulting.
Jo-anne holds a Master of Science in Nursing, a Master of Business Administration and is a Certified Health Executive.
Sony Gokhale
Vice-Chair of the Board
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Sony is a seasoned corporate and commercial lawyer. Her legal experience includes coveted roles at top tier law firms such as Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and DLA Piper as well as leadership roles with companies in the technology sector and other high growth industries. Sony has worked with some of the most emerging, high profile and top performing private and public sector clients. She has led public and private company acquisitions, acted as corporate secretary and legal advisor to a board of directors, established and maintained compensation committees, audit committees, special projects and conflicts of interests committees. Additionally, she has subject matter expertise in strategic commercial contracting with a focus on large scale digital innovation projects, software as a service, consumer protection, privacy, e-commerce and procurement and licensing of technology products and services.
Joshua Campbell
Director
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Joshua has been in the real estate industry since 2005. He started his Real Estate Broker career with Coldwell Banker and has since evolved and founded the entity of Knowledge Broker. Joshua founded Pinnacle Ridge Capital, a company with divisions in mortgage financing, property management and property development. Joshua holds a Bachelor Degree in Administrative and Commercial Studies (BACS) from the University of Western Ontario and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University.Joshua is also actively involved with the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, Newmarket Smart City Council, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Western and Ryerson University Alumni, York Region Humane Society, Inn From the Cold and Southlake Regional Health Centre. Joshua, his wife Kristy and their two children, Maeve and Clive can often be seen supporting their community at local events around the Town of Newmarket.
Winnie Wong
Director
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As National Director of Marketing and Communications for the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Winnie Wong is responsible for developing and implementing the long-term marketing and communications vision for the CFPC. This includes planning, development, and implementation of the CFPC’s marketing strategies and communications, both internally and externally. Winnie oversees all services in marketing and communications including strategy, marketing plan development, crisis communications, media relations, writing and editorial, visual identity, design and production, web, social media, video, print communications and translation services. Prior to the CFPC, Winnie was Chief Marketing Officer with OCAD University where she was responsible for leading OCAD U’s institutional brand and communications and integrated marketing efforts including the university’s positioning, branding and identity, marketing campaigns, public relations, social media, and faculty marketing programs.
A Senior Global Marketing Executive with over 25 years of experience, Winnie has a successful track record in leading integrated marketing and communications, digital media, strategy, business development and partnerships and innovation labs for global organizations. Winnie led VIP Brand Experiences at Rogers Communications overseeing all experiences across Rogers Media and Rogers Enterprise and Consumer business units. Such branded experiences included The Grammy’s, Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training, NHL (Leafs, Oilers, Canucks) and NBA (Raptors) experiences, along with strategic media and enterprise customer facing brand experiences. Winnie has also held senior marketing and executive positions at Microsoft, Intel, TVO, eBay, Ogilvy Worldwide and Universal Music.
Winnie is an active member on the Patient and Family Advisory Council and sits on the Quality Improvement Committee at Sunnybrook Health Sciences and is also a huge supporter for organizations such as CAMH, Jack.org, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Shining Through (Autism for youth) and Ovarian Cancer. Winnie is also the recipient of Microsoft’s Marketing Award for her work on Microsoft’s Content Management Server and received the Business Impact Award from Rogers. Winnie holds an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University) in Marketing, Strategy and Global Business and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto.
Devon Mymko
Director
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Devon has over 18 years of diverse experience in health care, having worked in hospitals, the community, seniors living, clinics, eHealth, and as part of provincial programs. Devon is currently Principal Consultant at Dartridge Group where he specializes in supporting public health agencies and private operators through business development, transformation, and strategic planning initiatives.
With an extensive background in Canadian home care, Devon has worked for government, not-for-profit, and for-profit agencies, previously leading a portfolio of over $210 million dollars and 4200 indirect reports across 4 provinces. In addition to his extensive leadership experience with private operators, Devon has completed numerous high-impact workforce modernization projects for health authorities in ON, MB, AB, and BC and believes in leveraging technology to increase access and quality.
Devon received his MHA from the University of British Columbia and BA from the University of Manitoba. In his free time, he enjoys traveling throughout Western Canada visiting family and catching any live sporting, concert, or theatre event that he can.
Cindy Lau
Director
Lisa Di Prospero
Director
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Lisa is the Director for Practice-Based Research and Innovation & the Education Research Unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SHSC). In 2017, she was appointed the Vice-Chair of the Research Ethics Board at SHSC. Previous to this appointment, she was the Professional Leader and Manager of Education and Research for Radiation Therapy at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (since 2010). She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Associate Member at the Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto. She received her undergraduate and graduate degree in biology at McMaster University under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Rainbow and graduated from the Toronto-Sunnybrook School of Radiation Therapy in 1996. Throughout her professional career, Lisa has held a number of appointments in both research and education. Previous to joining Sunnybrook, she was a Professor in the undergraduate Medical Radiation Sciences program at the Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences/The University of Toronto (since 2001). She continues to teach at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Lisa has authored and co-authored numerous articles and continues to mentor and coach both intra- and inter- professional colleagues. Lisa was named the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (JMIRS) in 2013 to 2019 and is currently Emeritus EIC, an international, peer-reviewed journal. Lisa currently serves on committees for both the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO) and the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT). Lisa is currently completing her doctoral studies at the University of Toronto’s Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation in the Health Services Research.
Robert Bull
Treasurer
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Rob Bull is the Executive Vice President, Finance, Facilities & Capital Development and Chief Financial Officer at Sinai Health System, one of Canada’s leading academic health science centres. Rob has over 20+ years of multi-national experience delivering diverse and complex financial advisory, assurance, and risk management services to the private and public sectors.
Prior to joining Sinai Health, Rob was the VP Finance, Technology and Innovation at Southlake Regional Health Centre where he led the hospital’s digital health strategy and helped establish Southlake as a national leader in innovation and value-based procurement. Prior to joining Southlake, Rob held progressively senior roles in the Government of the United Kingdom, PricewaterhouseCoopers (UK and Canada) and Oak Valley Health.
Rob is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Finance and a Master’s degree in Health Innovation. Rob is a 20+ year resident of York Region and is an active volunteer in the community, with a particular focus on assisting students and new Canadians with their professional careers.
Cherry Rose Tan
Director
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Fifth-generation entrepreneur Cherry Rose Tan is the Entrepreneur in Residence at the Schulich School of Business, based in Canada’s third largest university, where she advises an ecosystem of 245 startups and 3,000 members. She leads Advisory and Fundraising services, where Schulich founders have raised $44M in two years, while teaching three MBA courses on Entrepreneurship.
With 18 years of experience in Tech, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, she has a reputation as the First Mover in several industries. Tan served as Pre-Seed Investor of Paycase Financial, a Canadian blockchain pioneer that provides infrastructure to global markets. She was also a General Partner at Renew Venture Capital, an early-stage firm focused on impact and underrepresented founders.
Her previous company #REALTALK, the mental health movement for the tech industry, is known for being North America’s first and largest platform on Entrepreneurial Mental Health. Specializing in working with C-Suite leaders, Tan grew the movement to 40,000 leaders and 70 national champions in four years, with a synonymous Top 14 Business podcast on iTunes as well.
As an Innovation & Mental Health Speaker, she works with clients to ensure that leaders build the future of their organization, without burning out along the way. Speaking to corporations, associations, and universities around the globe, Tan is adept at demystifying complex technologies and translating possibility into reality through her methodology Possibility Executed™.
Her companies have been featured on Forbes, Inc., The Globe and Mail, CBC, Nasdaq, Reuters, and Insider for being disrupters in their industries. She also sits on the boards for Wellspring and the Canadian Mental Health Association, with her first book being released in October 2024.
Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey
Director
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Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey has been a member of York Regional Police for 24 years and has extensive investigative and administrative experience as a values-based leader.
He currently oversees the Support Branch which includes Operational Command, Information Services, Support Services and Community Services.
Previously in his career, he was the officer in charge of Corporate Development, leading the Training and Education, Professional Development and Recruiting Units. He served as commander of the Professional Standards Bureau and spent nearly a decade working in the Homicide and Intelligence Units.
He has a strong foundation in change-management projects that include collaboration, policing partnerships and member and community engagement.
Deputy Chief McCloskey is an advocate of People First leadership that empowers others to lead. He demonstrates vision and strategy in his approach to the complexities of policing and is a respected leader who supports staff.
Holding an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree from York University, Deputy Chief McCloskey sits on the Ontario Association of Chief’s of Police Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee, is the Executive Sponsor for Special Olympics Ontario at YRP and is a strong advocate for the Holiday Heroes program that serves thousands of York Region families during the holiday season.
Deputy Chief McCloskey is a very proud husband and father and calls York Region his home.
Monica Lam
Director
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Monica Lam (she/her) is an experienced case manager, currently working with the Regional Municipality of York. As a registered social worker, Monica has expertise in advocacy, research and policy, community outreach, and program development. She obtained her Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, Bachelor of Social Work from York University, and Master of Social Work from Ryerson University. On her free time, Monica publishes articles based off her lived experiences; using it as a platform for advocacy.
Leah Dunbar
Director
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Leah Dunbar has over 15 years of experience in health care and education, in Canada and internationally, with a passion for strategic planning and program management. Previously, Leah managed a mental health partnership between six Toronto hospitals and Toronto Police Service where she aligned operational planning with the goals of the partner agencies and community needs through collaboration and linking evaluation and program development. Leah has also worked in various community health projects across Ontario and gained experience as a teacher in Ontario and Qatar. In addition to her professional experience, Leah is a member of the Richmond Hill Public Library Community Advisory Panel, Toronto Police Service Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Panel, and a Regional Evaluator for the Prime Minister’s Teaching Awards. Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University and Master of Education from Niagara University. In her free time, you can find Leah backpacking through different countries, volunteering, and baking cookies.
Matt Boudreau
Director
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Matt is a health-focused public affairs professional with over 15 years’ experience in policy and politics. As Vice-President and Toronto Public Affairs Lead at Hill & Knowlton, Matt helps clients across the health sector successfully push forward advocacy goals, from small non-profits to some of the largest health-focused companies in the world.
Prior to his time at H&K, Matt provided communications, governance and public affairs support in the home and community sector, at the Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centers. Matt advised senior executives as the association prepared to transition its functions to a newly-created agency.
Matt began his public policy career with more than six years at Queen’s Park, including as policy advisor to the Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, where he led complex initiatives including long-term care redevelopment and the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy. Before that, he provided issues management advice to the Health Minister and, as legislative assistant, helped shepherd a dozen bills through the legislative process.
Naomi Abegunde
Director
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Naomi is a dynamic healthcare leader with over 13 years of expertise in project management, change management, governance, and strategy development. She is currently the Primary Care Manager at Scarborough Ontario Health Team. In this role, she spearheads the overall leadership, operations, and advancement of the strategic priorities for Scarborough Family Physicians Network. Naomi oversees a diverse range of projects, including digital initiatives, quality improvement, health equity, and health system integration. Naomi holds a Master’s degree in Health Informatics from the University of Toronto and is a Certified Project Management Professional. Naomi excels in steering complex projects, facilitating seamless implementations, and fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders. Her dedication to healthcare transformation underscores her passion for driving positive change in healthcare.
Tahir Shafiq
Director
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Tahir Shafiq is a seasoned Senior Business Executive/Management Consultant and professional engineer with over 25 years of experience. He holds an MBA and a robust global business development background with multinational defence and technology companies including L3 Harris, Raytheon Technologies and Trimble Inc. He has 15 years of expertise in governance. He is also a Fellow of Engineers Canada.
Tahir has been deeply engaged, as a member of the Board of Directors, in community service contributing to organizations such as the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, Fighting Blindness Canada, Wexford Residence, National Kidney Foundation, Hospice of Richmond Hill and Aurora, Arthritis Society of Canada and York South Community Living. His volunteer efforts have earned him numerous accolades.
Tahir has been a pivotal member of the York Region Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Board for nine years. His roles have included Chair, Vice-Chair & Treasurer of the Board, and Chair of the People Management Taskforce. His financial management and governance expertise were instrumental during the Agency’s transition from a hybrid to a full governance model Board, leadership challenges and hiring a new CEO, eliminating the Agency’s budget deficit and directing resources toward staff training & technological integration, the establishment of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism) Committee and the implementation of comprehensive diversity and anti-racism training for the Board members and staff.
