An Inside Look at the CAMH Engage 2025 Board of Directors
- CAMH Engage
- Dec 31, 2025
- 13 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
CAMH Engage is a dynamic nonprofit volunteer group dedicated to building meaningful connections within the community and raising crucial funds for the CAMH Foundation. Our board is composed of passionate young professionals who are committed to making a significant impact on mental health care.
Why Young Professionals Join CAMH Engage
In this post, we proudly invite our board members to share their personal stories, revealing what drove them to get involved, the profound importance of this cause in their lives, and the transformative impact it has had on them. Through their experiences, we aim to underscore the vital role of community engagement in advancing mental health initiatives.
To skip ahead to a specific board member, see below:
Meran Glass, Board Co-Chair
Mark Goad, Board Co-Chair
Val Kugathasan, Sponsorship
Devansh Dubey, Sponsorship
Alyssia Watkin, Education & Awareness
Jonathan Watkin, Education & Awareness
Kathryn Brown, Education & Awareness
Lauren Nicoll, Gala
Manjeet Grewal, Gala
Lauren Sansalone, Gala
Courtney Duncan, Marketing & Communications
Samantha Gorys, Marketing & Communications
Kyleigh Stubbs, Community
Nick Nesbitt, Community
Jessica Ugiagbe, Operations
Board Co-Chairs
We would not be who we are without our Co-Chairs, who are at the core of our strategy. They are constantly working to improve our organization and work closely with the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Meran Glass
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
I chose to join CAMH Engage because it offers a unique way for young professionals to make a meaningful impact in mental health advocacy. I was drawn to the opportunity to work alongside ambitious peers who share the same passion for driving change and supporting CAMH’s mission
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Through CAMH Engage, I’ve not only helped raise funds and awareness, but I’ve also become part of a community that’s empowering the next generation of donors and leaders for CAMH Foundation. It’s been inspiring to see how young professionals can make a real difference when we come together around a shared cause.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage means being part of a movement. It’s about creating space for young professionals to get involved—whether that’s through volunteering, attending events, or simply having open conversations about mental health. Every step helps shift the narrative and reduce stigma
Mark Goad
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
I’ve been involved with CAMH for the past 5 years because I’ve seen and felt the effects of untreated or unacknowledged mental health and addictions cases in our communities. I wanted to contribute to positive change, and CAMH Engage offered an amazing platform to do that.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Being part of CAMH Engage has been incredibly inspiring. The team is small but works on high-impact initiatives with impressive talent density. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most successful rising executives in Toronto across industries like tech, consulting, finance, and law. The pace and output of the team continuously push me to grow.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage represents community, purpose, and impact. It's a space where driven people come together to make a meaningful difference on mental health challenges that matter deeply to our society.
Sponsorship
The Sponsorship team focuses on securing sponsors to support our events and fundraising efforts. They are committed to creating a positive influence in our community by collaborating with fellow advocates.
Val Kugathasan
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
Like many people, I’ve seen the impact of mental health challenges on friends and family—and how life-changing the right support can be. During the pandemic, I became more mindful of my own well-being and the importance of mental health in all aspects of life. That experience deepened my appreciation for the work CAMH does and inspired me to get involved in a more meaningful way.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Seeing the full scope of impact—from fundraising to directly supporting patients through programs like Gifts of Light—has given me a deep sense of purpose. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to something so tangible and mission-driven, especially in a way that feels distinct from other board or advisory roles I’ve held. It’s also been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated, like-minded individuals at the CAMH Foundation and on the Engage board.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
CAMH Engage is a way for me to turn advocacy into action. It’s about being part of a community that’s actively working to reduce stigma, raise critical funds, and support better mental health outcomes in Canada. It means showing up for a cause that touches us all, and using my voice, network, and skills to help make a difference.
Devansh Dubey
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
Similar to a lot of people, I struggled with my mental health during COVID, I was drawn to CAMH Engage because the cause became personal to me.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Seeing how generously people respond to CAMH—often because someone they know has been impacted—has been incredibly motivating and eye-opening.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage is a passionate community where every member brings something unique to support mental health awareness and meaningful change.
Education & Awareness
E&A organizes and hosts community events aimed at educating the public and fostering engagement CAMH. From social gatherings to sports tournaments, these activities strengthen the bond the community and the cause.
Alyssia Watkin
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
I’ve always been passionate about creating spaces where mental health brings people together, rather than driving them apart through stigma. I knew that by joining CAMH Engage, we could create fun, welcoming, and comfortable spaces—through community events—that engage people beyond the heaviness often associated with mental health. Making it easier for people to connect, relate and realize they’re not alone and there is community behind them. For me, it’s especially about reaching the next generation and building a sense of belonging that feels natural, uplifting, and empowering.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Being part of CAMH Engage has opened my eyes to how much people hunger for genuine community around mental health. Every time we host an event—whether it’s a casual social or a bigger gathering—I see people light up, connect, and show up for each other. It’s a reminder that mental health touches everyone, everywhere, and that when you create space for it, that’s when positive change is made. This work has made me believe more than ever that change happens when community comes together.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage is about building the future of mental health advocacy—one that’s vibrant, inclusive, and free from stigma. It’s about creating a world where mental health is part of the everyday fabric of our lives, not something hidden or whispered about. And the best part is doing it alongside an incredible group of leaders who inspire me daily with their passion, empathy, and commitment. Whether we’re at an event, brainstorming ideas, or just supporting each other as a team, we’re building a long-overdue space where everyone feels they belong and that mental health matters.
Jonathan Watkin
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
Mental health is near and dear to my heart and CAMH Engage gave me a way to raise funds and awareness in my community. All of us have seen the impacts of mental health, in good outcomes and challenging outcomes, in our personal, family, and professional lives.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
It’s opened my eyes to the power of conversations—how small actions can drive better outcomes and reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health, when it should be embraced.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
It’s a community of passionate people turning awareness into impact.
Kathryn Brown
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
I was inspired by CAMH Engage’s mission to bring people together in support of mental health. The pickleball event stood out as a unique way to combine wellness, community, and fundraising in a setting that felt both approachable and meaningful.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Helping with the pickleball event showed me how community initiatives can spark important conversations. Seeing participants connect while supporting mental health reminded me of the impact small efforts can have in reducing stigma and building awareness.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage represents connection and collective action. It gives young professionals a platform to channel their energy and creativity into mental health advocacy in ways that are accessible, engaging, and impactful.
Gala
The Gala team works to create an exciting and engaging evening filled with networking and celebration. Our annual charity gala highlights the transformative impact of CAMH research on mental health care.
Lauren Nicoll
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of giving back and using whatever resources you have to make a meaningful difference in your community. That value has stayed with me. As someone who has navigated my own mental health journey, getting involved with CAMH Engage felt like a natural step. It’s incredibly powerful to be part of a group that not only advocates for mental health but also raises funds for groundbreaking research, work that has the potential to change lives across Canada and beyond.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Being part of CAMH Engage has opened up conversations around mental health in both my personal and professional life. It’s not always easy and requires moments of vulnerability, but sharing my experiences and talking about the work CAMH is doing has helped create safe spaces for others to do the same. It’s made me a more empathetic leader, colleague, and friend. I’ve learned that when we speak openly, we build connection which is what drives change.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage is about connection and action. It’s about engaging the community in honest conversations around mental health, bringing together passionate people to work toward a common goal, and showing up consistently for a cause that matters. It’s a reminder that when we engage with purpose, we can make a real and lasting impact.
Manjeet Grewal
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
I have seen firsthand the impact of mental health and addiction challenges in my community. I was inspired to get involved with CAMH Engage because of its strong local presence through its events and fundraising that truly makes a difference as all the proceeds get donated directly to the CAMH Foundation.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Volunteering with CAMH Engage on the Gala Committee has been incredibly meaningful. Being part of a team that brings people together for such an important cause has inspired me and strengthened my commitment to mental health advocacy.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
It's a place where like minded individuals can come together to make a real impact and empower others to do the same in our local communities.
Lauren Sansalone
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
Mental health touches all of us in one way or another. I joined CAMH Engage to move beyond awareness and take action that supports real change, alongside likeminded individuals who share a commitment to making a difference.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Being part of CAMH Engage has made me more mindful of what others may be silently facing. It has also given me a deeper understanding of CAMH's services, providing me with knowledge that I can now confidently share to help others access the support they need.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
CAMH Engage is a way to take real, tangible action in support of mental health, allowing me to make a meaningful impact in my community while connecting with like-minded individuals.
Marketing & Communications
The M&C team engages with our online community, dedicated to keeping the public informed about our latest events and fundraising efforts through social media marketing and advertising. Their goal is to keep you updated and be part of our growing community.
Courtney Duncan
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
I first became involved with CAMH Engage after attending the CAMH Foundation’s WomenMind event. It was an inspiring gathering where women came together to discuss the gaps that still exist in healthcare and mental health care. Through this event, I gained a deeper understanding of CAMH’s important work and felt compelled to give back to my community. The personal stories shared that day left a lasting impression on me and sparked my desire to find meaningful ways to help make a difference.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
My work with CAMH Engage has been incredibly meaningful. It has allowed me to connect with a community of passionate, like-minded individuals who are committed to driving change in mental health. Being part of this network has not only deepened my understanding of the challenges people face, but also given me the opportunity to actively contribute to raising awareness and supporting CAMH’s mission. On a personal level, it has been both humbling and inspiring—I’ve grown as a leader, become more empathetic, and gained a stronger sense of purpose knowing that the work we do can truly make a difference in people’s lives.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage represents community, purpose, and impact. It’s a space where passionate young leaders come together to break down stigma, raise awareness, and support the future of mental health care. Being part of CAMH Engage means contributing to something bigger than myself—helping to create lasting change while connecting with others who share the same commitment. It reminds me that everyone has a role to play in building a world where mental health is prioritized and supported.
Samantha Gorys
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
I’ve always been passionate about volunteering and giving back. CAMH’s mission to improve mental health care really resonates with me, and I saw joining CAMH Engage as a great way to make a difference. Being on the board gives me a chance to help break the stigma around mental health and collaborate with others who are equally passionate about creating change.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Working with CAMH Engage has been incredibly inspiring. The people I collaborate with are so passionate about the work they do, and despite their busy lives, they’re fully dedicated to showing up and making a difference. Seeing that level of commitment has motivated me to work even harder, pushing myself to do better with every project and always striving to move the needle. It’s a constant reminder of the impact we can make when we’re truly dedicated.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage is all about people coming together to make a real difference. It’s about breaking the stigma around mental health and driving change through simple yet powerful acts of community involvement. It’s a space where people are committed to creating positive change, no matter how small the steps may seem.
Community
Recruiting and engaging our community of volunteers is crucial to the success of our organization. CAMH Engage values the time and effort our volunteers put into supporting our cause, and want to ensure they feel appreciated and connected to our mission.
Kyleigh Stubbs
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
While working in postpartum depression, I saw firsthand how deeply stigma affects the patient experience. I wanted to support research and a place where individuals can receive support when they feel like they have nowhere else to turn. I know that, in Toronto, that place is CAMH.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredibly passionate people who genuinely care about those around them and strive for excellence in both their professional and personal lives. Their motivation has inspired me to pursue a career in social impact and to continue showing up for the causes I believe in.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
CAMH Engage is where young leaders work toward a future with a better understanding, support, and treatment of mental health and addictions. It's a place where you learn to think bigger, for the sake of your ambition and the well-being of others.
Nick Nesbitt
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
In 2012 we lost a best friend, teammate, and schoolmate to struggles with mental health. Ever since, I’ve wanted to do something in his memory and try to create more acceptance and understanding around mental health. Supporting CAMH felt like the right way to honour him.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
Over the past eight months it’s been really meaningful to check in with my co-chair and be part of community events. It’s given me a chance to connect with people, feel part of something bigger, and know I’m helping move the conversation forward.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
For me, CAMH Engage is about connection and purpose. It’s a way to honour a friend, to stand with others who care about mental health, and to play even a small part in breaking down the stigma.
Operations
Contributing to the success of the organization, Operations is responsible for supporting the operational process across all committees, including administration and finance. They collaborate closely with the committees to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Jessica Ugiagbe
What inspired you to get involved with CAMH Engage?
I chose to join CAMH Engage because of my passion for mental health. Having seen how mental health affects individuals and families, I wanted to be part of an initiative that raises awareness. What stood out to me about CAMH Engage is the unique opportunity to work with other young professionals who share the same passion for mental health advocacy.
How has your work with CAMH Engage had an impact on you?
My work with CAMH Engage has been incredibly meaningful. Collaborating with a network of passionate young professionals has shown me the impact of teamwork in advancing mental health advocacy. Being directly involved in organizing fundraising events and sponsorship efforts has been especially impactful. It’s inspiring to see how our collective dedication translates into tangible support for CAMH.
What does CAMH Engage mean to you?
To me, CAMH Engage represents hope, action, and community. It’s a platform where young leaders can come together to raise awareness and push forward the conversation on mental health. It means having the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself, while supporting an organization that is leading research, treatment, and innovation in mental health care. Most importantly, it means helping to create a future where mental health is prioritized and supported just like physical health.
Comments