Épique's Program Development and Facilitation Team
Melinda Atkinson
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Melinda Atkinson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, brings over 15 years of experience in coordinating behaviour support services for Montreal schools, social service agencies, and local families. With a BA in Communication from the University of Cincinnati, and training in mindfulness-based anxiety prevention, Melinda is passionately dedicated to helping struggling youth and adults find resilience and support. Her added position as Director of Services with Bartimaeus complements her work with Epique and keeps her busy. Whether it's matching behaviour support for a student in need or creating school programming, Melinda stays focused on helping youth stay on a positive trajectory to success.
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Gail Griffith
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Director of Services, Gail Griffith, lends a listening ear and gentle guidance to customers and Associates alike. Gail encourages schools to choose programs aligned with their core values and goals while ensuring the best Associate or program match is made to meet their needs. Inspiration for Gail’s work stems from a 15+ year career in social services; much of which was dedicated to advocating for the needs of youth in the foster care system. Gail uses themes of compassion, empathy, and respect to connect with school administrators and our facilitation team, ensuring our highest standards are met again and again.
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Sharon Klar
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Transition to High School and Study Skills Program(s) Coordinator, Sharon Klar, has helped thousands of students improve their academic success and confidence over the last 20+ years. Sharon has made it her mission to ensure all students have the skills and confidence to help them learn and master their school work. With proper support, Sharon believes that each student can reach their academic potential. Sharon has a Masters of Education and prior to developing her popular programs, spent years as a resource teacher. "My students learned not only skills that will help them in the classroom, but also in life!" ~Joliette Elementary School Teacher
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Wayne Yearwood
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SOLUTIONS Program Coordinator, Wayne Yearwood, makes an impact wherever he goes. At over 6 feet tall with a radio-style speaking voice, it doesn't take long for Wayne to get students' attention. A former Olympic basketball player, coach for the Dawson Basketball team, and with a 30+ year career in youth work including a teaching degree in Physical Education, Wayne is prepared for any behavioural or social challenge your school might have. His program, SOLUTIONS, encourages students to work together to problem solve classroom issues. "Wayne's dynamic approach with my class helped resolve conflict and create understanding." ~Roslyn Elementary School Teacher
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Heidi Markel
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Kind Kids Program Coordinator, Heidi Markel, brings a warmth to the classroom that is unmatched. With over 20 years of experience educating in school, social service, and community settings, she has practical advice for almost any difficult situation a teacher may find themselves in. Her gentle but firm facilitation style allows pre-K to grade 2 students to "feel at home" talking about their feelings, while practicing appropriate behaviour and emotion regulation techniques. Heidi offers students a compassionate and creative place to explore their emotions while learning the skills to manage them. "Heidi was so supportive of my students, and me! A truly wonderful resource." ~John Adam Teacher
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Jesse Stong
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Digital Literacy and Diversity Appreciation (LGBTQ2S+) Speaker, Jesse Stong, presents a dynamic approach to helping youth navigate tough topics. His outgoing, caring, and sincere personality allows him to easily connect with any audience. Jesse is a graduate of Social Work and holds a Masters in Art Education. In 2016 he received the Michaëlle Jean Foundation Award for his innovative writing/puppetry workshops for schools and youth groups. Jesse's relatable but frank presentation style engages students, parents and teachers in meaningful discussions around bullying, internet safety and diversity. "The students are really engaged in his message!" ~NFSB Principal
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Demetra Vlouhos
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Behaviour Support & Playground Leadership Programs Coordinator, Demetra Vlouhos, knows that underneath problem behaviours are great opportunities for personal growth. Her extensive background in residential care, counseling, health and fitness paired with a passion for helping children succeed, makes her the perfect solution to lunchtime and school day challenges of all kinds. Demetra has served schools in all 5 local English boards for more than 20 years through specialized behaviour support and training programs. "Demetra empowered my son to turn his energy into leadership!" ~Honoré Mercier School Parent
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Dorit Levi
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Academic Tutoring Specialist, Dorit Levi, has a knack for math that most of us can only dream of. With 20+ years of experience in high school settings, Dorit can tackle the Quebec math curriculum with her eyes closed. She is also well equipped to work with elementary and high school students on their English, French, and social studies homework and test prep to prepare them for success on upcoming exams. Dorit has a special place in her heart for students experiencing behavioural or social skill challenges and her patience and care allows her to connect and make lasting change in the lives of the kids she works with.
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Neha Shukla
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"All About Me" Program Coordinator, Neha Shukla, has spent much of her career supporting at-risk youth in the most northern part of Quebec, Nunavik. She uses her degree in Correctional Intervention and background in youth work and teaching to connect deeply with students on often sensitive and difficult topics. Her program, All About Me, inspires students to put their safety and mental health first when it comes to managing friendships and relationships. She also offers trainings to teachers around creating a trauma informed classroom space and method of teaching to better connect with and support their students.
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Johanna Nutter
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Johanna Nutter's multifaceted career as an educator and storyteller highlights the transformative power of sharing one's life story. Her work continues to inspire both students and audiences alike, emphasizing the importance of narrative literacy in personal growth and community building. With a BA specialization in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, Johanna has been transmitting her passion for myth and the human journey with warmth and curiosity for over 3 decades, across Canada, Europe, and Africa.
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Peggy Jupe
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Peggy Jupe, Music and Me Program Coordinator, is a music therapist currently pursuing a master’s degree at Concordia University. A lifelong choral enthusiast, Peggy studied classical voice, music history, and psychology at Western University. She has extensive experience making music with diverse communities, engaging participants of all abilities, from toddlers to seniors. Passionate about bringing the benefits of music-making to everyone, her research focuses on the intersection of singing, mental health, and community, with an emphasis on pediatric mood disorders. Guided by a resource-oriented approach to program design and a humanistic approach to the emotions and experiences of her participants, she enables people of all ages to find enduring ways to address the challenges we all face.
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Maricel Del Campo
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Maricel Del Campo, He(art) Expressions Program Coordinator, provides a safe and engaging space for students to explore and understand their emotions and relationships. Equipped with degrees in Art Therapy and Child Studies, Maricel strives to foster students' ability to understand and express their emotions through the power of art and creative expression. Her dedication to helping young people grow emotionally is rooted in her background as an early childhood educator and her extensive experience in various settings, including elementary schools, hospitals, and community support programs. Maricel’s compassionate approach makes her an invaluable guide for students on their emotional development journey.
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Carina Ventrone
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Carina Ventrone, Breathe Program Coordinator, is a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher with a Master of Arts in Yoga Studies, specializing in Yoga Therapy. As a Trauma-Informed Yoga Educator and Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator, her mission is to inspire healthy living within school communities and to equip students with mind-body tools and evidence-based practices for stress management and emotional regulation. Her teaching philosophy centers on using the breath as a vehicle for transformation and sharing practical strategies that empower students to improve academic performance and enhance overall well-being.
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Ronna Sinclair
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Transition to CEGEP and Vocational School Program Coordinator and Special Care Counsellor, Ronna Sinclair, brings over 25 years of experience working with neuro-diverse and neuro-typical children, adolescents, and young adults to enhance their executive functioning skills and self-regulation strategies. Recently, Ronna has witnessed more and more Sec IV and V students, preparing for higher education, left feeling overwhelmed. They struggle to balance academic demands, work/life responsibilities, and the increased need for independence and self-motivation. She has developed a robust toolkit of strategies to support these students, adaptable to various groups, environments, and situations.
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Stephanie Mingot
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Administrative Coordinator and Marketing Specialist, Stephanie Mingot, has a strong passion for technology and business growth. She holds a certification in Business Analysis and Cybersecurity from HEC and is currently completing her Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity at Polytechnique. Tech-savvy and driven, Stephanie is dedicated to helping businesses expand and reach new heights. With over 7 years of experience in administration, Stephanie is a team player who thrives in collaborative environments. She truly believes that investing in youth is investing in the future, and she is committed to contributing to that vision through her work.
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All Épique Program Facilitators:
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