Michelle is an 18-year retired police veteran with frontline, investigative, and community policing experience and holds a PhD in Forensic Psychology specializing in Crisis Response. She is a post-doctoral researcher with the University of Alberta’s HiMARC, a published academic and columnist, and an active collaborator with leading researchers at the University of Toronto on First Responder mental health. Michelle has delivered innovative reintegration programming across Canada, supports academic literature as a peer reviewer, and has extensive training in evidence-based modalities for PTSD and occupational stress injuries. A member of multiple professional associations, she has cultivated key partnerships for The Haven and received numerous awards for her scholarly work and therapeutic impact. She brings deep expertise, passion, and a belief that “in partnership, we can.”

Melissa is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Toronto, specializing in Mental Health, and has extensive clinical experience in both hospital and community settings. Her early career included working alongside York Regional Police on mental health calls, followed by crisis intervention work in major Emergency Departments, supporting individuals experiencing addiction, acute distress, and psychiatric emergencies. Melissa now runs a private psychotherapy practice treating anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, life transitions, and occupational stress, with a specialization in supporting First Responders and frontline medical staff. She also serves as the Clinical Director for the York Region CISM team and remains deeply committed to supporting those who serve their communities.

Lissa brings over 24 years of policing experience, including 17 years in Tactical operations, where she became North America’s longest-serving female tactical member and the first female sniper in Canada. With expertise in crisis negotiation, rappel, counter-sniper work, and resiliency training, she instructs nationally and was one of only four global participants selected for the FBI Hostage Negotiator course in 2023. She is a Master Trainer for iPREP, a leader in crisis negotiation and mental performance within her unit, and an award recipient for mentoring, coaching, and contributions to police psychology. Lissa has supported federal PTSI research, delivered Peer Support Training across Canada, coached countless candidates into specialized units, and maintains deep involvement with CISM and public safety peer support networks.

With a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and nearly a decade of applied research experience, Paula specializes in understanding the complex relationships between occupational stress, wellness, resilience and performance in Public Safety Personnel. Her current role as a Senior Perofrmance Measurement and Reporting Analyst within the Inspectorate of Policing is helping drive improvement and innovation across Ontario's Policing Sector.

Her expertise spans neuroimaging, training, and policy consulting on critical issues like mass casualty response and use of force. We're honored to have her leadership guiding our mission.

Matt is an Operations and Tactical Superintendent with one of Ontario’s largest paramedic services and also serves part-time as a TEMS provider with the UCRT team. With 20 years of emergency response experience, he has long supported his peers through York’s CISM team and as a dedicated peer supporter, always advocating for improved mental health support for frontline staff. A collaborative leader, Matt continually seeks new ways to enhance care and resilience within emergency services. Outside of work, he coaches his children’s hockey teams, stays grounded through running and time outdoors, and draws leadership inspiration from Simon Sinek’s people-first approach. He is passionate about creating healthy workplaces where First Responders can thrive.

Paula is a nurse, having worked in the ER for a number of years. She currently works in the community as a nurse and has a strong connection to mental wellness. Paula breads Barbet puppies (French Water dogs) which many have gone to Policing and other First Responder organizations as support dogs. She has supported mental wellness promotion for many years in CISM.