Ace Burpee

has worked in radio for over a decade and is well known for the hundreds of charitable events and causes that he donates his time to every year.

Currently the host of his own show on 103.1 Virgin Radio in Winnipeg, Ace has been a long-time advocate and strong supporter for those living with mental illness.

Ace is also a major part of Project 11, has hosted Project 11’s Mental Wellness Summit and is featured in Project 11 videos. Listen to Ace’s song “It’ll be ok” in collaboration with Project 11 students: https://youtu.be/sIDG4b2Wdk4

AJ Zeglen

a renowned fitness professional, having worked with Hockey Canada, the Winnipeg Jets, and various hockey and football players across different leagues.

With over a decade of expertise, he employs unique training techniques to benefit professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and community members alike.

Beyond the physical benefits, AJ believes in the profound impact of exercise on mental health, emphasizing its power to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote overall well-being, making him an advocate for mental wellness through physical fitness.

Amy Rasmussen-Waluk

is committed to helping people experience and maintain the good life. As an experienced trauma-informed therapist and post-secondary educator, she invites healing and sustainable wellness through the spirit of curiosity, compassion and vitality.

Amy is part of the Project 11 team and brings a therapeutic lens to enhance mental health curricula produced by the organization.

Ann Nzeruem

is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience and the visionary Founder and CEO of Mara Home and Health Services.

Inspired by the community’s need for accessible and affordable care, Ann established the organization to provide exceptional, personalized home and health services which embodies the values of trust, respect, and integrity. Her passion for improving lives and empowering communities drives her commitment to delivering high-quality care and fostering inclusiveness in the healthcare sector.

Beverly Kithithee

is an Anishinaabe Registered Social Worker from Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve in western Manitoba, with roots in Swan Lake First Nation. She grew up in northern Manitoba and continues to consider the north her home. Beverly holds both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work, with her graduate studies focused on Indigenous Knowledge. She worked for over 20 years with the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre in a variety of roles, including as a Team Lead for Student Support Facilitators, where she helped promote and integrate mental health supports in First Nations schools.

Beverly now operates a private counselling practice and provides therapy and crisis support services for clients in northern communities and First Nations individuals living in the city. Her work is grounded in compassion, relationship-building, and a strong commitment to supporting children, youth, families, and communities through life’s challenges. Beverly is also a wife, mother of three daughters, and grandmother to four (almost five) grandchildren, and she values the importance of family, community, and connection in healing and wellbeing.

Charisse Cyr

Charisse Cyr is an educator, counsellor, and wellness facilitator with a passion for supporting mental health, resilience, and community healing. She holds degrees in both education and counselling, with over 20 years’ experience in the school system.

Charisse is a practicum student with Project 11 as she completes a Master of Social Work in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency through the University of Toronto. Her work focuses on trauma-informed practice, Indigenous perspectives on healing, and creating spaces where individuals can reconnect with their strengths, stories, and sense of belonging.

Chinwe Asagwara

is a trusted Registered Dietitian, Women’s Health Coach and recurring wellness expert for several media platforms.

She teaches how to improve overall health through a focus of healthy relationship with food and she believes that every woman deserves an opportunity to explore their physical abilities in the weight room, and be supported in her journey to good health in a way that feels encouraging, positive and fits their personal lifestyle.

Christine Houde

is the Director of Health Policy and Systems with Heart & Stroke in Manitoba.

Christine has a passion for advancing heart and brain health and for the last 20+ years has worked closely with government, health system leaders and people with lived experience of heart disease and stroke to drive optimal prevention, care and recovery.

Dale Oughton

is Heart & Stroke’s VP of Philanthropy for Western Canada. Dale is a passionate community leader who excels at relationship-building, aligning development opportunities with donors, and growing awareness of critical heart and brain health priorities.

He has been an integral part of the Heart & Stroke team for 10 years, and is looking forward to sharing his personal story of why everyone should learn to save a life.

Dr. Dara Morden

Dr. Morden, ND graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a double major in Biochemistry and Biology. She then studied at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, obtaining her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) designation. This degree helped to create a balanced synergy between the practices of modern medicine and traditional natural medicine, both of which hold importance in her more extensive view of healing. She maintains an active practice at Via Natural Medicine.

Dr. Dara Morden, ND is passionate about supporting patients to dig deeper and ask more profound questions – at whatever stage they may be – to help them best achieve their capacity for optimal health.

David A. Robertson

is a two-time Governor General’s Literary Award-winning author, a member of the Norway House Cree Nation, and a powerful voice for Indigenous communities. Beyond his celebrated literary success, David is a dedicated advocate for mental health.

In his candid memoir, All the Little Monsters, he explores his personal journey with anxiety and depression with honesty, humour, and hope. A sought-after speaker, David offers heartfelt insights into the tools that help him navigate life, fostering connection and understanding

Don Amero

is a JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter and performer celebrated for his captivating storytelling. Amero has co-hosted Project 11’s Check-In podcast with Suzi Friesen and now hosts his own podcast called ‘Through The Fire’.

He recently authored his first children’s book called “These Roots Of Love”. As a Cree and Métis community member, he advocates for Indigenous communities and uses his platform to mentor youth.

Eric Barkman

is a registered massage therapist of 10+ years of experience currently pursuing his Masters in Manual Therapy, and an instructor at the Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapy.

Eric brings a holistic approach to healing, rooted in his belief that the body, mind, and spirit are interconnected. He is committed to empowering others with knowledge and self-care. Eric’s personalized approach and unwavering dedication to inspire his clients and students alike to reach their full potential through mindful movement and therapeutic treatment.

Gary McGuey

Former educator and athletic director, Gary McGuey, is the High School Practice Leader for Franklin Covey Education and created the first curriculum based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. He is the co-author of The Inspirational Teacher, focusing on how to develop relationship with students, and The Mentor: Leadership Trumps Bullying, which provides a proactive approach on how to reduce bullying issues in schools.

Gary is a highly respected speaker, who brings the rare mix of knowledge, humor and leadership experience to every engagement. “Learn it, Live it and Give it” is the message Gary conveys to his audiences, through a variety of hands on, interactive sessions.

Dr. Gillian Mandich

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and holds a PhD in Health Science from Western University. She is a happiness researcher, educator, speaker, and author; founder of The International Happiness Institute; and co-lead investigator of the Happiness at Work Study.

Blending academic insight with real-world application, Dr. Gillian makes the science of happiness accessible, engaging, and actionable. Her work empowers individuals and organizations with practical, evidence based strategies to live happier, healthier lives.

Dr. Jeff Leiter

is the Executive Director of Pan Am Clinic Foundation, and the President/CEO of Pan Am Rehabilitation Services. He holds a Master of Science in Sport Biomechanics and obtained his PhD from the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science at the University of Manitoba.

Jeff is also a sports-science consultant for various NHL teams and hockey equipment companies. His research expertise focuses on the areas of athlete development and human performance, orthopedic sports medicine, concussion, and education. He has published over 110 peer-reviewed manuscripts in these areas.

Dr. Jitender Sareen

is Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba, Provincial Specialty Lead for Mental Health and Addictions, Shared Health.

With over 400 peer-reviewed publications in the areas of traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, indigenous suicide prevention, and military and veterans’ mental health, Dr. Sareen’s work has had national and provincial impact on public policy.

Keith Macpherson

As an author, speaker, and certified professional co-active coach through CTI (The Co-Active Training Institute), a certified Leadership Circle facilitator and a Bachelor of Education degree, Keith Macpherson is a global leader in improving overall mental health and wellness.

In his book, Making Sense of Mindfulness, Keith introduces his five step framework to assist the masses in comprehending the buzz word “mindfulness” and how to practically integrate this powerful practice into day to day life.

Lanette Siragusa

is a distinguished healthcare leader and educator, currently serving as the Vice Dean Education and Assistant Professor in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba.

Lanette is deeply committed to community service and humanitarian work. She has been an active volunteer with Siloam Mission and has also worked internationally in Africa where she used her nursing and business background to contribute to clinical care for mothers and children in need. Alongside her academic and healthcare leadership, Lanette is passionate about mentorship and coaching others to achieve success.

Dr. Lindsay Ross-Stewart

is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) and registered mentor with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and a Member of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association Executive Council. Dr. Ross-Stewart worked in NCAA Division I sports from 2009-2021, with the last eight as the Director of Mental Performance for the SIUE Cougars.

She is currently the Director of Mental Performance for STRIVE Fitness and Therapy. Dr. Ross-Stewart is an Professor in the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Nutrition Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Dr. Ross-Stewart obtained her PhD in Psychology and her M.S in Kinesiology from the University of North Dakota, and her B.A. in Psychology from Mount Allison University. Dr. Ross-Stewart has presented over 60 presentations at international conferences and has had her research published in several journals.

Dr. Megan Hebert

a registered psychologist in Manitoba and Alberta, brings over 10 years of specialized expertise in providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals of all ages, encompassing assessment, diagnostics, intervention, consultation, workshops, research, and program development and evaluation. Her vast experience spans various settings, including schools, social services, private practice, and community and university mental health clinics. Currently, Megan holds the role of Clinical Director at KidThink.

Dr. Hebert holds memberships with organizations like the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Psychological Association of Manitoba, the Canadian Psychological Association, and the American Psychological Association. Additionally, she actively contributes to the field by serving on the Manitoba Psychological Society Board of Directors.

Melissa Mushikori

is a Mental Health Therapist in Winnipeg who supports clients in navigating life’s challenges and finding the freedom to move forward. Using a narrative approach, she helps individuals explore their values, reframe their stories, and separate their problems from their identity. She specializes in relationships, self-growth, trauma, anxiety, and depression, working at a pace that meets each client’s unique needs.

Reid Davies

is a lifelong resident and big fan of Winnipeg.

Reid is a yoga instructor at Modo Yoga Winnipeg and teaches mindful movement for Project 11.

He also goes by DjDad and plays events around the city and province.

Reid is excited to participate in the first Adult Wellness retreat!

Dr. Salma Ladhani

is a Naturopathic Doctor in Winnipeg dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their health journeys through personalized care. She provides guidance in nutrition, lifestyle interventions, preventive care, and overall wellness, helping patients optimize vitality and age gracefully. Dr. Salma fosters a supportive environment and collaborates with each patient to create tailored plans for long-term health and well-being.

Sara Orlesky

is a renowned sports broadcaster and storyteller, currently serving as a senior host and producer for the Winnipeg Jets. She was a longtime CFL on TSN reporter and has covered major sporting events throughout her career.

Passionate about mental wellness, Sara has been actively involved with Project 11, contributing to videos and events that promote mental health awareness. Her dedication to storytelling and advocacy makes her a powerful voice in both sports media and wellness initiatives.

Sara Verwymeren

is the compassionate owner of Three Pines Organizing, a women-led company that brings families relief through organization.

With a background in Psychology and her own journey with cancer and mental health challenges, Sara brings empathy and understanding to the process of organizing, aiming to create unique and long-lasting systems that promote relief, joy, and freedom in her clients’ homes.

Dr. Shay-Lee Bolton

is an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba whose work focuses on improving access to evidence-based mental health care for high-risk and underserved populations. She leads the province-wide CBTm initiative and a Public Safety Mental Health Service, developing practical, skills-based programs to support well-being. Her research has been widely funded, published, and recognized for its impact on mental health systems and policy.

Tammy Hansen

is the Co-Founder of Hansen Coaching & Consulting, focused on strengthening workplace capacity and wellbeing in high-pressure environments. With over 30 years of experience in addictions, mental health, and community wellness, she supports organizations in reducing workplace stress, addressing burnout and vicarious trauma, and strengthening resilience.

Shaped by both professional and lived experience, Tammy brings a compassionate, practical approach that helps individuals move from survival mode to sustainable wellness.

Dr. Tanya Sala

is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. She serves as the Medical Director of the University of Manitoba Bannatyne Campus Student Mental Health Service and is a consulting psychiatrist in the Mood & Anxiety Disorders Program at the Health Sciences Centre and the Public Safety Mental Health Service. Her work includes clinical practice, medical education, administration, and research, with expertise in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, student and physician mental health, psychotherapy, and perinatal mental health. Dr. Sala has been practicing and teaching psychotherapy for more than 20 years.

Vivian Morningstar

is a Sound Practitioner, life and business coach, and creative entrepreneur. Her work blends evidence-informed practices with intuitive facilitation, offering a grounded yet expansive approach to well-being to support nervous system regulation, stress reduction, and mental clarity.

She is dedicated to helping people reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and experience a greater sense of presence, possibility and a little more magic in their everyday lives.