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Fondation Head2Core Foundation was founded by Joanne Rossy & Susan Handrigan. After serving 5 years on the Board of Directors at the Douglas Foundation, they established the foundation to emphasize the enormous benefits of living an active lifestyle on mental health.
At Head2Core we recognize that we all come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, and we are focussed on compassion and empathy by being accepting, encouraging, and supportive
Head2Core was founded with an intense desire to involve and evolve, and we believe in serving the common good of the communities in which we live by being empowering, visionary, interconnected, generous and energetic
At Head2Core we encourage stepping outside of your own comfort zone to increase your happiness level. We commit to being encouraging, accepting and supportive
Head2Core will focus on these values and principles to create pathways towards better mental health through sport with programs and initiatives for the betterment of the community.
Joanne Rossy is a lifetime Montrealer, and an immensely proud mom to her two grown sons, Philip and Eric. She is an interior designer and a sports enthusiast. She has competed in triathlons and participates in a number of activities, cycling and skate skiing being amongst her favourites. Throughout her life she has enjoyed the wonderful physical, social, and mental health benefits from living an active lifestyle. In addition, she has significant experience in non-profit work, having volunteered for numerous organizations in health and education. Each experience has led to this new and exciting chapter as a founder of Head2Core, combining her two favourite passions - mental health advocacy and fitness.
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Joanne Rossy is a lifetime Montrealer, and an immensely proud mom to her two grown sons, Philip and Eric. She is an interior designer and a sports enthusiast. She has competed in triathlons and participates in a number of activities, cycling and skate skiing being amongst her favourites. Throughout her life she has enjoyed the wonderful physical, social, and mental health benefits from living an active lifestyle. In addition, she has significant experience in non-profit work, having volunteered for numerous organizations in health and education. Each experience has led to this new and exciting chapter as a founder of Head2Core, combining her two favourite passions - mental health advocacy and fitness.
Susan was born and raised in a small town on the northern tip of Newfoundland. Sports served as an outlet for small town life and adolescence.
A graduate of Queen’s University at Kingston, she worked in the financial industry for most of her career until starting her own company in Corporate Transformation.
She is heavily involved in her community, volunteering with several not for profits and sports associations. She is still involved in athletics including cycling, running, kayaking, downhill skiing and soccer. She is a certified yoga instructor.
She is married, has two wonderful children, Rafaëlle and Sasha, and is currently living in Montréal (QC) Canada.
Susan was born and raised in a small town on the northern tip of Newfoundland. Sports served as an outlet for small town life and adolescence.
A graduate of Queen’s University at Kingston, she worked in the financial industry for most of her career until starting her own company in Corporate Transformation.
She is heavily involved in her community, volunteering with several not for profits and sports associations. She is still involved in athletics including cycling, running, kayaking, downhill skiing and soccer. She is a certified yoga instructor.
She is married, has two wonderful children, Rafaëlle and Sasha, and is currently living in Montréal (QC) Canada.
Founding Directors, Joanne Rossy and Susan Handrigan are joined by three independent Directors who have been heavily involved in mental health awareness in many different capacities. They all have their own personal stories and are well equipped
to guide and govern the foundation.
Dr. Heather Bullock has an extensive background in health-care policy and knowledge translation, researching how large jurisdictions implement evidence-informed policy directions in mental health systems. While working at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Heather developed and led a knowledge-exchange network for mental health and addictions aimed at building a better mental health and addictions system in Ontario. She also works in an advisory and governance capacity on several provincial, national and international initiatives, including the International Knowledge Exchange Network for Mental Health and the Ontario HIV Treatment Network.
Heather enjoys a variety of physical activities, including rowing, swimming, walking her dog Jackie and — since the onset of COVID-19 — working out on her pandemic-acquired Peloton bike.
Radio personality Andrew Carter has been the morning man at CJAD – Montreal’s top-rated English-language AM radio station – since 2003. In 2017, Andrew revealed on air that he had been battling depression. His honest approach helped listeners get a handle on mental illness. Through it all, Andrew never lost his good humour and remains one of Montreal’s favourite broadcasters.
Andrew was a champion curler, representing Quebec at the Canadian Curling championships three times, and he is an enthusiastic but average golfer. He has lent his support to many great charities, including the Cedars Cancer Foundation, the Camp Weredale Foundation, and the Theresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence.
André La Forge joined the board of directors because he truly believes in the benefits of better mental through physical activity and wanted to be a part of an organization that promotes a better understanding and education. Whenever he is feeling stressed, depressed or overwhelmed a good run, bike ride or even long walk helps to clear his mind and reflect is extremely refreshing and helps to make important decisions that relieves pressure.
André possesses close to 40 years of hands-on practical experience working with medium sized business and their management teams, accompanying them throughout all facets of their corporate development. For the better part of the past 22 years André has been an active hands-on private equity investor with Borealis Private Equity (affiliated with the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS)), Kilmer Capital Partners, Roynat Equity Partners (a subsidiary of the Bank of Nova Scotia), Entrepreneur Capital and Champlain Financial Corporation. During this span André represented the controlling shareholder in some 18 businesses in various industry sectors. During this period André also held senior operational roles in 3 of those businesses.
André has an undergraduate degree in finance and economics from the John Molson School of Business (Concordia University) and an MBA in applied economics from Laval University.
André is married, has 3 children and 3 grandchildren and currently splits his time between Montréal and the Eastern Townships.
A lifelong athlete, in 2008 Don White co-founded CoreXcellence, the Montreal fitness centre where he is director of athletic development. He has more than 30 years of experience in the fitness and performance fields and has a broad range of clients, including pregnant women, post-rehab patients, amateur and high school athletes, and professional athletes. Eating well and training right are the cornerstones of Don’s belief in healthy living. Over the years, his never-ending pursuit for knowledge and his dedication to improving both the performance and lives of his clients have made him one of the most sought-after performance specialists in Canada.
Catherine Parent has worked at Roynat Capital for 18+ years and has been head of Roynat Equity Partners Eastern Canada since 2014. Born in Quebec City, she grew up in Montreal and graduated from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business with a major in finance and minor in accounting. Catherine has been involved in her personal and work community for years, volunteering with a variety of non-profit organizations. Married and proud mama of three teens, she encourages them in their chosen sports: gymnastics, athleticism, hockey, golf, baseball and soccer. Active in badminton, running and fitness training, she strongly believes that a balanced and healthy life still starts with physical activity. With the increasing stress, high performance expectations and fast paced lifestyles, physical activity provides her an escape by reducing stress and anxiety. Catherine did not think twice when asked if she could get involved with Head2Core as it ticks a lot of boxes she strongly believes in.
Head2Core is lucky to have an amazing team of advisors from various industries of sport, health, medicine, journalism, business and media advising us. All of these advisors try to integrate both physical and mental training in their regimen.
Dr. Karin Goddard has worked as a psychiatrist since 1992, currently dividing her time between the Montreal General Hospital’s inpatient service and the McGill Student Wellness Hub. She has always been passionate about sports and fitness, integrating daily physical activity into her lifestyle since adolescence. A huge believer in the connection between a healthy body and mind, she encourages not only her patients to discover the joys and benefits of being active, but also instructs her medical students and residents to develop healthy habits early. As she practises what she preaches, she hopes to set an example and inspire others. Thirty years of clinical practice has taught her that the health care system is a stressful place to work, and awareness of taking care of oneself as well as others is paramount.
Loreen Pindera returned to running after a 20-year absence in 2002, as a way to manage anxiety and stress. A journalist with CBC News for 36 years, Loreen is an author, a mother and grandmother, an avid runner and cyclist, and an accomplished triathlete with more than 70 races under her belt. She writes a column for Triathlon Magazine Canada, where she shares her reflections on her own challenges as an ageing triathlete and stories of other ordinary people who have turned to the sport of triathlon to help them lead healthier, more active and fulfilling lives. Loreen is on the board of AmiQuébec, a community organization that helps families manage the effects of mental illness through support, education, guidance and advocacy.
Michael is CEO of Pleio, Inc., a New York based healthcare company focused on the emotional barriers people face when embarking on healthcare journeys.
He is passionate about the power of human connections in a digital world and a frequent speaker on the future of digital health.
He has created, launched and grown leading brands in sporting goods, fashion and healthcare industries.
Michael has led community sports organizations, coached at the amateur competitive levels and loves the outdoors.
He is an avid surf photographer, sports technologist, super lucky family guy and a really proud Montrealer.
Camille Charbonneau is a mental performance consultant with a master’s degree in performance and sport psychology. For the past six years, she has been helping athletes see the value that mental skills training has on performance and everyday life. Through tools and strategies based on sport psychology research, Cam helps athletes feel confident and focused.
Cam has worked with musicians, athletes, coaches, children and business leaders. Drawing on her experience as an educator, competitive athlete and personal trainer, she brings a holistic approach to helping athletes build lifelong skills that cultivate more balance, focus and enjoyment in their sport.
Ora Loeub is an osteopath and athletic therapist at CoreXcellence, a Montreal fitness centre offering professional training, nutritional coaching and sports therapy to professional, amateur and everyday athletes. Ora brings remarkable experience to the team, having worked as an athletic therapist and osteopath with Cirque du Soleil for four years and at the National Circus School for nine years. She is the co-ordinator and head therapist for the Questo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club and has organized and managed the therapy program for two World Cup events held in Montreal.
Stefanie has been a marketing and communications specialist in the fitness, wellness, and the fashion industry for over 10 years. She strives for a healthy and balanced lifestyle in her personal life as well as her professional life. She works with like-minded businesses all over the world to create, promote, and collaborate. From working at a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka, to managing a pilates studio in Montreal, Stefanie now works alongside fitness and wellness professionals on their social media presence, and also runs a small women-owned business!
Kirstin Schell has worked as a personal trainer and nutrition coach for over 20 years, merging her competitive athletic background, her passion for all things wellness and her desire to help others. Kirstin has seen how regular exercise benefits her clients with mental health struggles, as well as many members of her own family. Kirstin has a wealth of education in the fitness and health field and has presented at fitness conferences and events across Canada. She enjoys volleyball and softball and has completed many triathlons and marathons. She loves to keep moving!
Gianni Venturino is the co-founder of Passion Soccer Boutique and works closely with the local Montreal soccer community. He is a graduate of Concordia University's John Molson School of Business in marketing. He rediscovered his joy for running in 2019 and has recently added endurance sports to his passions. He has competed in everything from 5K road races to 55K trail runs, as well as two 70.3 Ironman triathlons. He leads free weekly social runs with a run club he co-founded called CSB Runs (Courir Sans Ballon). Gianni feels very strongly about creating awareness for the cause of better mental health, in particular through sports, and is a proud supporter of several initiatives in Montreal. He is thrilled to share his expertise with Head2Core.
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