Welcome to NII Connects: Community conversations on mental health
- NII
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Thanks for joining us during Mental Health Awareness Week for a community conversation focused on mental health in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties.
Today you’ll hear from industry leaders on workplace mental health and learn about local resources available to support our communities. Two moderated panels will explore personal experiences and the services that make a difference.
Let’s break the stigma and build a healthier future—together.
Resource takeaways are available from regional mental health service providers, and websites are also linked below.
Make sure you enter the door prize draw at check in for a chance to win passes to these amazing local wellness businesses!
Eden Springs Float Spa (Goderich) - Float therapy and wellness studio
For the Love of Ice (mobile, Grey-Bruce)- Guided ice bath and breath work studio
Cedarvale Wellbeing (Port Elgin) - Contrast Therapy and wellness studio
About our speakers
Panel 1: Industry leaders
Ken Yau | Utilities Industry Lead, Accenture
One of my roles at Accenture is the National Lead for our Mental Health Employee Resource Group. I believe it’s important to provide safe spaces at work to discuss topics around mental health. Based on my experience, mental health knows no boundaries and therefore our discussions and outreach should equally have no boundaries.
Garrett McFadden | Founder, McFadden’s Movement
Raised in Kincardine, Ontario, Garrett McFadden played hockey locally with the Kincardine Kinucks followed by the Grey Bruce Highlanders. In 2013, he was selected in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection by the Guelph Storm where he went on to play five seasons. After major junior, Garrett committed to play USPORTS varsity hockey at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Since completing his Bachelor of Business Administration in 2021, Garrett has been playing professional hockey in various leagues across North America and Europe including the AHL, ECHL, and top leagues in Slovakia, Czechia, and Austria.
Beyond the ice, during Garrett's time in Guelph, he started a nonprofit organization called McFadden's Movement in support of mental health which strives to change, help, and develop mental health among athletes starting at the grassroots level. Since the start of the Movement in 2016, he has raised and donated over $158,000 to youth mental health resources WES for Youth Online and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Waterloo-Wellington branch.
Marsha Roote | Manager, Indigenous Relations, Bruce Power
Marsha was raised in her home community of Saugeen First Nation. After high school, she went on to complete 2 college diplomas before graduating with a Sociology degree from Western University. She is a mom to 2 teen boys – one in high school and the other in college.
She has worked with Indigenous people from several communities across Ontario, in various capacities and sectors including Corrections, Post-Secondary Education, and Child Welfare. While studying and working away from home, she visited home regularly, met elders and knowledge keepers that helped her stay connected to her identity, which all supported her along her journey before moving home to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory.
During her 10 years with Bruce Power, she has been a main contributor to the Indigenous Employment & Training Program and held positions such as Chair of the Indigenous Relations Supplier Network as well as Co-Chair of the Training, Education, Employment, Business Opportunities (TEEBO) committee alongside the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Currently, Marsha is the Manager of Indigenous Relations at Bruce Power and leads (Indigenous) community engagement activities.
Mayor Trevor Bazinet | Town of Goderich
Mayor Trevor Bazinet was born, raised and never left Goderich. On August 23, 2023, he became the youngest mayor in the Town of Goderich since the early 1900s at the age of 48. Mayor Bazinet is currently serving his third term on the council. He has been a councillor, deputy mayor and now the mayor. Trevor loves being part of a collaborative team and believes in team building exercises as a key component in establishing good team chemistry. He believes that being a great leader means you must be a great listener.
Trevor coached hockey for 24 years and enjoyed it not only because he loves hockey but also, because it was rewarding to see the growth of a hockey player by teaching them life skills, being a team player, and the importance of setting goals and working hard to attain those goals. Trevor owns and operates a 3-on-3 hockey league in the Town of Goderich. This year the league has 42 teams and 497 players from Huron, Bruce and Perth Counties. The league provides a fun, wide open and fast approach to playing hockey that helps all skill levels of male and female hockey players.
On December 21, 2014, Trevor made a life decision that changed his life forever. He decided to quit drinking, and this past December 21, he celebrated 10 years of sobriety. It was a decision that he needed to make for himself because there were more negative outcomes from drinking alcohol in his life. Trevor strongly believes in sharing his life journey of alcohol addiction because sharing his story has helped other people who are struggling with addictions, and it has opened a door for other people who are struggling to feel open with their addictions. This past February Trevor spent 12 hours outside raising awareness and funds to help support hurt, hunger, homelessness and mental health. It was important for him to educate himself on what it is like to be outside in the cold without food or shelter. He raised $17,000 and ranked 7th in all of Canada, and his team, “OH MY GODERICH,” finished 4th in all of Canada with over $43,000 raised for the Coldest Night of the Year event.
Panel 2: Service providers
Shannon Reinelt | Manger, Mental Health Services, Brightshores Health System
Shannon Reinelt is Manager of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Brightshores Health System, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio including the Central Intake and referral team, Crisis Services, sexual assault/partner abuse care center, and Counselling programs. Her programs span across Grey and Bruce Counties, and her work is grounded in deep commitment to health equity and responsiveness to the diverse needs of each community.
With over 15 years of experience, Shannon is a skilled Registered social worker with advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Shannon is a respected trainer and presenter, known for sharing her clinical expertise with her staff and community partners to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence in care.
Shannon’s leadership is informed by both her clinical background and her system’s level perspective, allowing her to effectively advocate for patient-centered approaches while navigating complex service environments. Her academic background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Social Work from York University.
Outside of work, Shannon is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, running and spending time in nature. Her love of the outdoors and time spent exploring the region have deepened her connection the unique communities of Grey and Bruce and strengthened her understanding of the local context. Shannon’s compassionate leadership and dedication to improving mental health services make her a driving force for positive change in her community.
Katie Simpson | Clinical Manager, Bluewater District School Board
Katie Simpson is the Clinical Manager at Bluewater District School Board and a practicing psychotherapist in our community. Holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work, she brings a deep commitment to trauma-informed care and believes in the power of connection, compassion, and community in mental health.
With a career devoted to supporting individuals on their healing journeys, Katie brings deep expertise in working with those who have experienced adversity and trauma. Her passion for mental health is matched by her commitment to growing the capacity of others—she is a dedicated mentor to fellow clinicians, guiding their development with compassion, insight, and clinical wisdom.
Scott McKay | Director of Client Services, CMHA Grey Bruce
Scott McKay is the Director of Client Services with Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce. He has been in this role since December 2021. He previously worked in community mental health and addictions in a variety of roles over the course of his career.
Scott was born and raised in Grey County, however only recently returned to the area after many years of residing elsewhere. He returned to be closer to family, nature, and space. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology at Simon Fraser University and his Master of Social Work Degree at University of Toronto with a specialization in health and mental health.
Emcee: Jessica Linthorne | President & CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute
Jessica Linthorne is the President and Chief Executive Officer at the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII), leading a talented team dedicated to driving change for the nuclear industry, advancing clean energy policy and economic development, and enhancing STEM education and trades training. Jessica has worked at NII since 2021, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining NII, she worked in municipal government with a focus on facilitating appropriate growth.
Jessica’s background in economic development and communications combined with a collaborative and data-driven approach to problem solving gives her the ability to build and implement effective strategies. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally through multiple awards, including as a top economic development professional in Ontario in 2021.
Resources
Local mental health resources are available for those seeking support or more information. Accessing the right support can play a vital role in overall well-being and the health of those in our communities.
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