Meet the 2026 CAMH Engage Board Co-Chairs

The culture of CAMH Engage is shaped significantly by the Board of Directors Co-Chairs, who are central to our strategy and success. They continually strive to enhance our organization and collaborate closely with the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). For the 2026 & 2027 term, Lauren Nicoll and Val Kugathasan are spearheading efforts in mental health care advocacy.

Lauren Nicoll

Lauren is a long standing member of CAMH Engage, joining the board in 2023. Thanks to her work on the Gala team, the event experienced record breaking years for attendance and donations to CAMH.

The profile of Lauren Nicoll was published by CAMH Engage in August 2025 on LinkedIn. To view the original post, click here.

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.

Val Kugathasan

Val is a recent edition to the team, joining the board in 2025. In his previous role, Val played a key role in securing sponsorships that directly power our events.

The profile of Val Kugathasan was published by CAMH Engage in August 2025 on LinkedIn. To view the original post, click here.

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.