Dr. Nila Das, Executive Director of the Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC). With a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and an MBA from the University of Windsor, she combines scientific expertise with strategic vision to drive organizational growth and improve service delivery for children and youth.

Dr. Das is passionate about non-profit leadership and community engagement, advocating for equity and addressing systemic barriers from a young age.

As a dedicated ally of children and youth, Dr. Das is committed to empowering young individuals and creating inclusive environments. Her role as an ally is central to her work, ensuring that the voices of children and youth are heard and valued.

Dr. Das envisions a future where every child and youth can thrive in a supportive, non-judgemental, and equitable community. She believes in fostering leadership skills, promoting mental health, and ensuring access to resources that enable young people to reach their full potential. Dr. Das's dedication to advocacy and her inclusive leadership style makes her an inspiring guest for discussions on child and youth empowerment.

This episode explores the vital services and supports they provide and we discuss some of the most common challenges that child/youth victims of abuse and crime face today along with some effective strategies that can support these young individuals both legally and emotionally.

Contact Information:

Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre

Website: https://wecyac.ca/

Phone: 519-995-3974    

Email: [email protected]

Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/wecyac

https://x.com/WE_CYAC

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wecyac/  

https://www.instagram.com/we_cyac/

Listen to "Inspiring Community" on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify and Podbean

Inspiring Community is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

Connect with WECAS & Hosts:

www.wecas.on.ca

[email protected]

Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we speak with Stephanie Segave-Tiessen. Stephanie is a creative community leader with over two decades of experience working in the not-for-profit sector. She is currently working as a Project Manager with United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, leading an innovative West Windsor School Lunch Pilot Program. She has been a passionate advocate for children and community issues and was directly involved in advancing advocacy work for a national school meal program. As a mom of three boys, her favourite spot to be is at local hockey arenas and soccer fields.

This episode looks at the benefits to students when there is equitable access to lunches through a school nutrition program, including a positive association between nutrition and learning, reducing school absenteeism, and encouraging prosocial behaviours.

Canada’s recent commitment to a National Food Policy and a $1 billion investment over 5 years is a step in the right direction but not yet a reality for Ontario. Stephanie shares how our region is contributing to realizing this goal and other innovative projects and partnerships that are underway.    

Stephanie invites everyone to get involved by visiting https://www.healthyschoolfood.ca/. Here, The Coalition for Healthy School Food details the actions that individuals can take.

Contact Information: United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent

Website: https://www.weareunited.com/

Phone: 519-258-0000

Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayweck

https://twitter.com/unitedwayweck

https://www.linkedin.com/company/unitedwayweck/

https://www.instagram.com/unitedwayweck/

Listen to “Inspiring Community” on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify and Podbean

Inspiring Community is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

Connect with WECAS & Hosts:

www.wecas.on.ca

[email protected]

Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we speak with Nadine Manroe-Wakerell. Nadine is the Director of Clinical Practice at the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre's Teen Health site. Nadine joined the wonderful team at weCHC in 2019, since that time she has overseen various programs such as COVID-19 response services for those affected by homelessness, Hepatitis C, primary care, youth sexual health, Eating Disorders, SAPACCY, mental health, and addictions. Nadine has been an advocate for strategically bridging the gap in healthcare and social services.  With over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Nadine is motivated by the resilience of others, the dedication of the team, and her own lived experience, and is honoured to support services that improve the lives of those in our community. 

This episode focused on the services they provide to the youth population (12 – 29 yrs), served through the Teen Health Centre. Nadine shares a wealth of information on what is impacting youth today and why a wrap-around and interdisciplinary approach to treatment and ongoing support is vital to the health and well-being of young people in our community.

As a community health centre, weCHC continuously aims to support the people of Windsor and Essex County by offering equitable, safe, quality care that is client-centered and close to home. Visit their website to learn more: https://wechc.org/

Contact Information:

Main Office: 3325 College Avenue, Windsor, ON N9C 4E6

P: 519-258-6002

Teen Health Centre: 1361 Ouellette Avenue, Unit 101, Windsor, ON N8X 1J6

P: 519-253-8481

Socials: @weCHC519 @WECHC

Listen to “Inspiring Community” on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify and Podbean

Inspiring Community is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

Connect with WECAS & Hosts:

www.wecas.on.ca

[email protected]

Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

Jacqueline P. Cheng is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Parenting Coach, Family Law Attorney, and mother of three young boys. With a multicultural background from England, Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada, she offers a unique viewpoint in her work.

Jacqueline’s parenting journey began when she faced challenges with her toddler son’s behavioural struggles. Instead of focusing solely on his behaviour, she embarked on a path of self-healing, addressing her childhood traumas. This transformative experience led her to become certified by the Jai Institute for Parenting and Positive Discipline Association. Now, she combines evidence-based strategies with personal insights to guide parents in breaking generational cycles of blame, shame, guilt and punishment.

She has almost 20 years of legal expertise in family law, understanding complex family dynamics and helping parents navigate them with clarity and compassion. Her coaching and workshops emphasize self-regulation, clear communication, and conscious leadership, empowering parents to create nurturing environments where both they and their children can thrive.

Contact Information:

Website: www.jacquelinepcheng.com

Socials: @jacquelinepcheng

Email: [email protected]

   In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth Dulmage, the Executive Director of Brentwood Recovery Home. Elizabeth’s nursing education and training have inspired her to a career with various health service organizations for over 40 years. For the past 3 years, she has been in this role and has seen the evolution of addictions, leading to our current opioid crisis. She is deeply committed to Brentwood remaining steadfast in their mandate while adapting to be an inclusive service provider. Brentwood incorporates a non-denominational approach that delivers a ‘spiritual program’ focusing on body, mind and spirit, as key to an individual’s recovery. Elizabeth provides her insight on what government and our local community needs to do to ensure adequate funding and support to those experiencing addictions so that the successes they gain through treatment are sustained. “We need every agency working together in a coordinated, collaborative and non-competitive way to make a difference.” 

   Brentwood Recovery Home has served over 20,000 men and women primarily from Windsor and Essex County, and from all over Canada and the United States. The Brentwood Residential Addiction Treatment Program provides lifelong compassionate, evidence-informed treatment including counselling, intensive group therapy, psychoeducation and psychotherapy. Brentwood also offers lifelong aftercare as part of our Alumni program.

Contact Information:

Brentwood website: https://www.brentwoodrecovery.com/

Brentwood Socials: @BrentwoodRecoveryHome

Phone: (519) 253-2441

Email: [email protected] 

In this episode we speak with 2-time Olympian Brandon McBride about his Track & Field Career and the local not-for-profit organization he founded with partner, Yesmina Captan called the McBride Youth United Association (MYUA) located in Windsor, Ontario.  An organization dedicated to serving at-risk youth in our community through mentorship opportunities. Brandon attributes his athletic and academic success to having strong mentors present throughout his life, so naturally, he wanted to create the same positive environment for other young people.

MYUA’s vision is to alleviate poverty and reassert a sense of hope in the Windsor-Essex County youth. Their mission is to empower at-risk, underrepresented, and racialized youth, guiding them toward reaching their full potential. Through the provision of mentorship, comprehensive educational programs, and the creation of safe spaces, they aim to foster environments where learning and personal growth are not just encouraged but flourish. Their mission is to be a beacon of support and opportunity, ensuring every young person they serve has the tools and resources to navigate life's challenges and succeed.

Contact Information:

Website: https://www.mcbrideyouthunited.ca/

Socials: @McBrideYouthUnited

Phone: 519-982-2591

Email: [email protected]  

In this episode of Inspiring Community, we speak with the new President of St. Clair College, Michael Silvaggi. Michael has over 24 years of experience in the postsecondary education sector. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours Business Administration) from the University of Windsor and holds a Master of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. Michael began his career at St. Clair College in November 2000 as a Clerk in the Accounts Payable Department and worked his way to the position of Vice President, Academic, and now as the 7th President of this esteemed College.  

Michael is passionate about St. Clair College and the role that it plays in our community. He vigorously believes that they are charged with developing the minds and vocational competencies of their students so that they may forge a path within our society that allows for growth, sustainability and a future for generations.

Michael also strongly believes in community engagement as he feels it is their responsibility to educate, nurture and prepare students with the tools and supports necessary to ensure that they are well-positioned to continue their life journey and overcome the inevitable challenges and obstacles that lie ahead.

As a parent and an educator, Michael has supported local elementary and secondary schools through leadership and service. Michael currently serves on the Board of Governors at Assumption University and is a current member of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board Parent Involvement Committee. Through these community engagements and many others, he is well-suited to offer insight about post-secondary education and for creating opportunities to collaborate and create positive results for the College and local community.

Michael truly personifies all that St. Clair College stands for, “excellence in all he does” and “transforming lives and strengthening communities”. It was our great pleasure to get to know him better and hear all about what the College is focussed on as it continues to grow.

Contact Information:

Website: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/

Phone: 519-966-1656

Email: [email protected]

Social: @StClairCollege

In this episode of Inspiring Community we speak with two community champions from "Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women (W5)." Olivia Brezeneau has been with W5 for the past 20+ years and is the Chief Executive Officer. She is proud to lead an organization that provides support to newcomers, women, job seekers, seniors, and youth in the Windsor-Essex community. Her passion for assisting underprivileged populations has led W5 in grassroots service initiatives and collaboration development with many local and provincial networks. Terry Johnson is President of the Board of Directors of W5. Terry retired from Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid in March 2020 following 37 years in child welfare; both in providing front line services as well as in senior leadership roles. Terry is well versed in the needs of children and families and has worked collaboratively with many community organizations.  In retirement Terry is afforded the opportunity to continue to work with organizations such as W5.

W5 has grown exponentially over it’s 43 years and is committed to making a difference I the lives of newcomer women and families through their expansive and diverse programs and services. Their current strategic plan has a focus on: client supports; building relationships with other community organizations; achieving financial stability; and raising the profile of W5’s programs and services within the community.

Contact Information:

W5 website: https://www.wwwwiw.org/

W5 Socials: @WWWWIWORG

Phone: (519) 915-5588

Email: [email protected]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Compassion”.

In this episode, we speak with Kim Willis is the Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch. She has over 20 years of fundraising and communications experience primarily in the education and healthcare sectors. In her current role, Kim is responsible for fundraising, communications, mental health promotion and the Youth Wellness Hub. Working with her team, they launched the Sole Focus Project campaign in 2017 to be proactive in making Windsor-Essex a mentally healthier community. Kim has her Masters of Arts in Journalism from Western University. She has served on the Boards of AFP, CAGP, the AFP Canadian Foundation, Brain Injury Association, and the Teen Health Centre. Most recently, Kim won the Business Ambassador of the Year Award at the #2024BEA event sponsored by the Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.

CMHA is a mainstay in the Windsor-Essex community. Over 5 decades it has grown significantly, with 20+ programs that respond to the complexities of those in need of their services.   Kim shares so much valuable information about how they address the mental health challenges faced by so many. We also learn more about how they focus their advocacy efforts and what the community can do to help. 

Contact Information:

CMHA website: https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/

CMHA Socials: @CMHA-WECB

            Phone: 519-255-7440

            Email: [email protected]

“Inspiring Community” is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

Connect with WECAS & Hosts:

www.wecas.on.ca

[email protected]

Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we focus on student wellbeing with Kelly Ann Bull, Superintendent of Education & Danielle Campo-McLeod, Mental Health Lead, with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB)

With a focus on student mental health & wellbeing, the WECDSB recognizes that today’s students face a completely different set of challenges than their parents did. They are committed to knowing and understanding every student entrusted to their care, so that they can promote their intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. To do that, they strive to create positive, welcoming, safe learning environments where every child can achieve success.

Contact Information:

Board Office Phone: 519-253-2481

Board website: wecdsb.on.ca

Board Socials: @WECDSB

Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Link: https://www.wecdsb.on.ca/students/student_well_being

Follow at WECDSB Wellness for mental wellness resources and/or contact them at [email protected].