Speakers – Mental Health and Wellness Seminar
Dr. Susan Biali Haas
An award-winning medical doctor, Dr. Susan Biali Haas’ life passion is to equip people with the knowledge, skills, and tools that will help them to enjoy optimal mental health, avoid burnout, and increase their resilience. Formerly clinically depressed and burned out, Dr. Biali Haas turned her life around by extensively studying how to overcome these two debilitating conditions. Today, she inspires a broad range of clients — from military leaders and senior executives to physicians and other healthcare professionals — to take control of their health and start living more impactful, meaningful lives.
Jean-François Claude
A 22-year veteran of the federal public service, Jean-François Claude has spent a significant portion of his government career in liaison and advisory roles in support of Ministers’ Offices and senior departmental officials, as well as in supervisory and management positions. He is the Co-Founder of the Federal Speakers’ Bureau on Mental Health, a virtual team of federal public servants who openly share their experiences with mental health struggles and recovery, to help address the stigma of mental illness in the workplace. Jean-François is a certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor (Canadian Mental Health Association), with additional certifications in Workplace Mental Health Leadership™ (Queen’s University) and Mental Health First Aid.
Stéphane Grenier
As a former post-traumatic stress disorder sufferer, Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Stéphane Grenier knows the toll mental health issues can take on individuals firsthand. His riveting keynotes are not only thought-provoking, but also lead to tangible action and sustainable change for those leaders who are prepared to rethink how they support their people. Lt.-Col. Grenier is a nationally known mental health innovator, advocate, speaker, and entrepreneur. He retired from the Canadian military as a Lieutenant Colonel after 29 years of service.
Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier
Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier is a bilingual practicing psychologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical, counselling, and advisory workplace psychology and holds a Ph.D. in counselling psychology from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from the UBC Sauder School of Business. Marie-Helene is a Member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization, and past Director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. Drawing on her extensive background in corporate, insurance, governance and public sectors, she brings national and international perspectives and expertise on mental health and resilience as a key pillar of overall health.
Steven Page
Having shot to international fame as the co-founder of The Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page now boasts an impressive solo career, where he continues to showcase his creative genius. A witty, endearing, and searingly honest speaker, Page continues to earn his rightful place in our national conversation. Steven speaks passionately on a twofold approach to promoting mental health as a society: increasing awareness and decreasing stigma. In his compelling talk, he reminds us that anyone (even our favourite musicians) can suffer from mental illness, and that everyone has a role to play in ending the stigma.
Breanna Pizzuto
Breanna has degrees from the University of Ottawa in Health Sciences and Psychology, and professional experience in the healthcare and social services fields, including addictions, supportive housing and crisis intervention. With a strong passion for helping others and an interest in breaking down stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, Breanna founded her organization, Talk Tools, in 2018. Breanna is a Bronze Level LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST)trainer as well as an instructor of St. John Ambulance’s “Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace” course.
Samra Zafar
After escaping a decade of abuse living as a child bride in a forced marriage in Canada, Samra Zafar became a beacon of hope for many people facing exclusion, abuse, and gender-based violence. Now an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, scholar, and social entrepreneur, she engages audiences around the world speaking about collective resilience, authentic leadership, inclusive workplaces, youth, human rights, mental health, and more. She believes that when we embrace our vulnerabilities and show up authentically, we foster genuine trust, real connections, and collective resilience. This unlocks new potential and helps us become remarkable leaders.
