Épique's Program Development and Facilitation Team
Melinda Atkinson
|
Melinda Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer, brings over 15 years of experience in coordinating behavior 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 work has impacted thousands of students, and she has inspired audiences worldwide, from Los Angeles to Vienna, engaging groups of 5 to 500. “Melinda knows her stuff! My staff team will benefit from her techniques and material.”~ RSB Principal
|
Gail Griffith
|
Executive Director & BREATHE Program Coordinator, Gail Griffith, delivers a powerful message in her workshops for youth and adults through her grounded facilitation style. Gail empowers participants to develop the skills and knowledge to create a healthy and balanced life. 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 inspire participants to take action in their own lives and to make a difference in the lives of others. “Gail is amazing...she was a part of our family!” ~Principal, Margaret Manson Elementary School
|
Sharon Klar
|
Academic Programs 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
|
Wayne Yearwood
|
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
|
Heidi Markel
|
Kind Kids Program Coordinator, Heidi Markel, brings a warmth to the classroom that is unmatched. With over 20 years of experience educating in school, residential and community settings, she has practical advice for almost any difficult situation a teacher may find themself 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
|
Jesse Stong
|
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
|
Demetra Vlouhos
|
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 15 years through specialized behaviour support and training programs. "Demetra empowered my son to turn his energy into leadership!" ~Honoré Mercier School Parent
|
Dorit Levi
|
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.
|
Neha Shukla
|
"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.
|
Johanna Nutter
|
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.
|
Peggy Jupe
|
Peggy Jupe is a music therapist currently pursuing a master’s degree at Concordia University. A lifelong choral enthusiast, Peggy has been singing with groups since she learned to read and 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.
|
Maricel Del Campo
|
Maricel Del Campo, Program Coordinator of He(art) Expressions, 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.
|
Carina Ventrone
|
Carina Ventrone is a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher that holds a Master of Arts in Yoga Studies with a specialization in Yoga Therapy. As a Youth Yoga Educator, her mission is to inspire healthy living in school communities and to provide students with the tools and resources to enhance their academic performance and improve overall well-being. She is deeply passionate about yoga and committed to sharing the practice in a way that is trauma-informed and accessible for all levels. She serves as a movement facilitator and encourages students to explore their bodies by harnessing the power of their breath, aiming to create transformative experiences that nurture mind-body wellness.
|
Ronna Sinclair
|
“Transition to CEGEP and/or Vocational School” program coordinator, SCC Ronna Sinclair has over 25 years experience working with neuro-diverse and neuro-typical children, adolescents and young adults to understand and improve their executive functioning skills and self-regulation strategies. She has been able to develop a strong foundation of strategies to support these skills regardless of the age group, environment or circumstance the support is needed. More recently she has recognized that Sec IV & V high school students embarking on the transition to higher education are overwhelmed and struggle to be able to successfully balance academic requirements, work/life balance, and the increased independence and self-motivation.
|
|
All Épique Program Facilitators:
|