Angela Near – Case Manager/ Intake
Angela Near began working with us in 2011 as a Case Manager working in Listowel and Wingham. Prior to that in 2006, Angela was the receptionist in the Stratford office for a year before leaving to pursue post- secondary education. Currently Angela works in Stratford doing Case Management, Intake for both counties and training new staff when they enter the organization.
For the last year, Angela has worked in our James’ Place program that provides those in crisis with a safe place to stay. Angela is passionate about mental wellness and creating an environment that is client-centered. Most of Angela’s work is supporting clients with addiction issues and/or homelessness. Angela spends a lot of her work time in Resilience HP’s housing programs with her clients and working closely with colleagues to provide the best level of care to the clients in their most vulnerable of times.
Angela’s background is Social Service Work at Fanshawe College and she studied Criminology and Thanatology (Grief and Bereavement Studies) at King’s University in London. Angela enjoys spending her summers at her cottage on the water with her family, reading fiction novels and travelling. Angela lives in St. Marys with her husband and two young boys.
Barb Hagarty – Case Manager
Barb Hagarty first became involved with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth Branch as a Board member when working with the City of Stratford Ontario Works Department.
Her commitment to the importance of good mental health and mental health awareness is long-standing. As case manager she has been able to bring experience gained through a varied professional background in health care promotion, social services and the voluntary sector.
Barb Pepper – CHO Coordinator
Barb is a graduate of the Social Service Worker Program and Foundations in Addictions, Fanshawe College.
She worked with the City of Stratford and Family Services Perth Huron as the Housing Stability Worker. Barb continued her work in supporting clients with London Cares and the City of London as an Intensive Case Manager. Barb then worked at Crest Support Services as a Direct Support Provider.
Barb started with us as Community Homes for Opportunity program lead in February 2018. Barb is passionate about providing quality care to clients in the CHO program. She has improved privacy for residents, added more community activities, and created opportunities for personal growth.
Barb and her husband live on a country property near Granton. Barb is an avid gardener, loves her 4 German Shepherds, her swimming pool, and traveling. Barb enjoys spending time with her family and friends and cherishes time spent with her 7 grandchildren.
Cynthia Miller – Transitional Coordinator
Cynthia has been employed with us since 2016. Cynthia currently manages the Transitional Housing Program, and she is a Case Manager with the agency.
Cynthia attended Sir Sandford Fleming College, where she received a diploma from the Drug and Alcohol Counsellor Program (Aboriginal Emphasis Initiative). She is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Cynthia has spent much of her professional career employed in the mental health sector. She has experience working primarily with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance abuse issues, criminal justice system involvement and youth.
Cynthia was born and raised in Stratford, though she did reside in Peterborough for a few years following graduation.
Cynthia is a lover of all animals, and she has an incredible dog named Jake who accompanies her to work regularly.
Doug Smith – Program Supervisor
Doug has been working in the Social Service sector for the past thirty plus years.
Prior to Resilience HP he was employed as a supervisor in a group home serving abused children and also has extensive knowledge working in regular and Treatment Foster Care.
Doug has been a previous foster parent for many years and has enjoyed this challenging and rewarding opportunity to help children in our communities.
Doug has been working with us since the year 2000 and is currently a Program Supervisor for the Case Management Program. Doug provides strong leadership to Case Managers and is well respected with staff, clientele and community partners.
Doug is a compassionate, thoughtful and committed employee who thoroughly enjoys working in the mental health profession.
Doug is registered as a Social Services Worker with the College of Social Work and is a graduate of Fanshawe College in London Ontario.
He holds a secondary diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from the same academic institution.
In his spare time Doug enjoys the great outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
He is active in many recreational activities such as golf, tennis and cycling.
Emily McPhee – Case Manager
Emily McPhee is a case manager. Emily has many years of experience in residential mental health and addictions settings. Emily is passionate about bringing her trauma-informed practice. and experience with supporting clients to cope more effectively, to the field of community mental health. Emily has enjoyed meeting clients where they are at, along with working with a knowledgeable and caring team at Resilience HP!
Emily started her education at the University of Guelph where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to complete a Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health.
Outside of the office you will often find Emily on an adventure with her two dogs; walking a trail or camping in the woods. Other times you may find her tending to her many plants or reading a book.
Erin Mills – Case Manager
Erin’s passion and desire to be in a helping profession began in her youth. It was not until university that she was able to fully explore this passion through her education focusing on mental health and her role as a facilitator in a grief support group. Erin attended The University of Western Ontario where she received a Double Major in Thanatology and Family Studies. It was through these studies that she developed a keen desire to support the most vulnerable in her community.
Erin began her career as a case worker for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron, then as a program worker for the Children’s Aid society. While in these roles she was able to recognize the impact mental illness can have on a family and our community, if left unsupported. Erin began her role as a Case Manager with us in 2018 and in this role is fully able to apply her passion for mental health and supporting those in her community.
Walking with someone through their struggles and challenges is a privilege that reignites Erin’s passion to continue to advocate for her clients. She is grateful for the opportunities that Resilience HP provides our clients and the possibilities we are able to offer.
Erin lives on a farm in Perth County with her husband and their four young children. In her spare time Erin is passionate about running and loves nothing more than a before-dawn run while the rest of the world sleeps.
Hailey Bakker -Case Manager
Hailey Bakker is entering her last year of her BSW at the University of Manitoba via distance delivery. Distance delivery allows her to study and work full-time while focusing on helping those in her home community with mental health and addiction struggles. Hailey has worked for the Huron Out of The Cold / Heart to Home shelter for the past 3 seasons and really enjoyed the work and the wide range of individuals she met along the way.
Hailey started at Resilience in late 2021 and so far loves her job as a case manager. She loves assisting clients to make the changes they want to make to improve their mental health and hopes to continue doing this for years to come.
Hailey was born and raised in Goderich and loves animals, especially her dog Bourbon and enjoys playing sports and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica Harvey – Case Manager
Jessica Harvey began working with Resilience as a Peer volunteer. The mental health field was something Jessica had in her visions for many years. She enjoyed her experience with the organization and in turn choose to to acquire her internship through Resilience working as a Case Manager, as she worked to complete her schooling.
Jessica has been an advocate for Mental Health and personal wellbeing for more than 10 years and uses her voice to continue the conversation around Mental health awareness. She has completed her schooling and earned her Diploma in Community and Social Services and looks forward to continuing her work with Resilience.
Jessica has recently taken on the role as Social Media Co-Ordinator and looks forward to continuing the efforts to spread the word on Mental Health.
Jessica is a mother of two and spends most of her time with her children at the rink!
Hockey is a big passion of her family, as well as valued time together.
The most fulfilling part of Jessica’s life is her family, and friends whom she truly enjoys her time with!
Jodi Wilhelm – Case Manager/ Reception
Jodi has worked with us since April 2017. She was hired as a Case Manager and has recently diversified her duties to include Reception 3 days per week as well as Volunteer Coordinator. Jodi has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from Humber College. Jodi entered into the mental health field due to a strong interest in helping others improve their quality of life. She enjoys building relationships with clients and appreciates their willingness to allow her to be part of their journey to wellness.
Jodi’s favourite things about Resilience HP are the “think outside the box” mentality, and the opportunity she has been given to wear many different hats within the agency. In her spare time Jodi loves to be active outdoors and she enjoys playing tennis and cross country skiing. Jodi also adores her tiny little dog, Lucy.
Jordan Bartosek – Concurrent Disorders
Jordan Bartosek became a permanent employee as a Case Manager in 2020, following a number of contract assignments and successful field placement experiences. He attended Northern College’s Social Service Worker Program. Jordan brings his empathy to people along with his personal experience in overcoming substance abuse. He lives in Goderich with his dog Scrabble and cat Midnight.
Kate Arand – Case Manager
Kate graduated from the Social Service Worker Program at Fleming College in 2004. As part of that course Kate was a placement student with us.
Kate then became a full time staff member in 2005.
Over the course of her employment Kate has enjoyed working in several rural communities across Huron-Perth. Kate believes that one of the many strengths of the Case Management Program is the flexibility and mobility Case Managers have to work with people in their own communities and homes.
Lindsay Chandler – Case Manager
After graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Neumann University in 2006, Lindsay worked as an Intensive Case Manager at the Crozer Keystone Community Hospital in the suburbs of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Lindsay moved back to her hometown of Stratford Ontario in 2007 with hopes to continue her career in the mental health sector.
Lindsay was hired on contract by Resilience HP in 2009 and took on the role of Transitional Housing Coordinator with Resilience for a short period before being hired as a full time Case Manager at the agency in 2011.
Lindsay has enjoyed taking on different roles within Resilience HP over the years facilitating both the Recreational and FRESH Programs. Lindsay is currently is a member of the Resilience Health & Safety Committee and the Safe Bed Team. Lindsay sits on the Huron Perth O.P.P. Situation Table as the agency representative and more recently, Lindsay has taken on the role of Perth Court Support Case Manager within the agency.
Lindsay values her volunteer experiences within the community coaching and training for minor hockey in Stratford as well as with the St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, with her beloved Black Lab – Tessa.
Lindsay is the proud mother of two and enjoys spending her time with family and friends whenever possible. Being outdoors, exploring and playing with her children are the things that fulfill Lindsay the most!
Matt MacPhee – Housing Lead/ Concurrent Disorders
Matt started at Resilience HP nine years ago and since has assumed various roles within the agency. His current roles as Concurrent Disorder Case Manager and Housing Lead keep him active within the community. He continues to build strong relationships with landlords, tenants and clients, and enjoys the challenges that come along with working for Resilience HP and their ever-expanding housing portfolio.
Matt is also a member of the Health & Safety Committee.
Having graduated from Lambton College in 2004, he worked for five years at Bluewater Youth Centre as a Youth Correctional Officer. He accepted his position with us months prior to the facility closing.
Matt is a proud father of two beautiful girls. He has resided in Goderich all of his life and is happy to raise his young family there.
In his spare time, Matt enjoys playing and coaching various sports, fitness, gardening, and cooking. He is an avid sports fan, cheering for the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. Matt is looking forward to once again travelling, attending sporting events and concerts.
Megan Penhall-Seyler – Case Manager
Megan has worked for us since August 2018. Megan works as a case manager in the northern Huron area, primarily in Goderich and Wingham. She has also recently started to assist with our peer support program.
Megan first attended Niagara College where she completed her Social Service Worker (SSW) diploma. While completing this course she did placements in both the developmental and mental health sectors.
Before working for Resilience HP, Megan worked at Avon Maitland District School Board as an Educational Assistant, Community Living Stratford and Area as support worker and other community agencies in the developmental sector.
After working in the developmental and education sectors for several years she went back to school and completed her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University. While in this program she completed a placement as a social work student in a long term care facility.
Megan enjoys working for Resilience HP and believes that every person has the capacity to make meaningful changes and reach their goals.
Outside of work Megan enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two cats: Nova and Stella.
Mindy Gough – Case Manager/ Education and Media Co-lead
Mindy Gough obtained her BSW (Hons) degree from King’s College, UWO, and followed that with a Certificate in Thanatology and Palliative Care from UWO. Mindy’s professional career has included work in child welfare, mental health and crisis intervention, with additional training in grief and bereavement, PhotoTherapy, and mental health.
Mindy left the field for some time while owning a photography studio where she loved creating portraiture and editorial work, but Mindy felt the call to return to mental health work and she was delighted to find a professional home at Resilience HP. Every client is unique, and Mindy is proud of the way that Resilience allows her to create solutions and supports geared to each individual. Currently Mindy’s roles include Case Manager, facilitator of the Good Morning meetings, co-facilitator of the Family Support Group, and co-lead for Education and Media.
Outside of work time, Mindy can be found spending time with her family, hiking the trails, photographing woodland creatures, or curled up in a hammock with a good book.
Nicole Monsberger
Nicole went to Fanshawe College and completed the Social Service Worker Diploma in 2013. Nicole continued with her education at Western University obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Ecology in 2018.
Nicole began her employment at Crest Support Services as a Direct Support Worker soon moving into a Housing Supervisor. After three years Nicole transitioned into the mental health field and began working at CMHA in November 2018. Nicole’s passion for mental health and ongoing commitment to providing quality support to clients within Huron and Perth county.
In Nicole’s off time you will find her spending time with her family and friends as well as at the barn with her animals.
Rebecca Skinner – Program Support
Rebecca started with us in 2018 and works out of our Seaforth office in the program support role. She came to us after managing a spa in Grand Bend which she loved because that position allowed her to help people practice self-care on a daily basis. It was that love for helping others that has directed many life choices and lead her to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
During her time at the Seaforth office Rebecca has enjoyed meeting and working with clients and sitting in on various peer support social events. One of her favourite memories thus far was meeting many new faces and getting to know clients outside of the office while attending a spring trip to the Blyth Creek Maple Farm.
Rebecca recently got married to her husband Travis and moved into their new home in Varna. She has two step-children and a pug named Pete that keep her house very full and her life very busy. When she’s not running from one arena to the next she can often be found working on her small business that she runs with her mother.
Sarah Montgomery – Case Manager
Sarah Montgomery has been a Case Manager with our agency since 2017. She supports individuals in Huron County and is knowledgeable about services in this area.
She came to us with great experience in the Social Work field, as well as a Social Service Worker diploma from Fanshawe College. Sarah has spent many years supporting and advocating for the women and children who have utilized the services of Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey. She worked as a frontline Crisis Counsellor, as well as a Transition Worker to assist women in moving forward after their time at the Shelter. She has spent many hours supporting individuals on the 24 Hour Crisis line, as well as the Sexual Assault Support Line and has experience working in the Second Stage Housing Program.
Sarah excels in her passionate and non-judgmental attitude. She believes everyone has the ability to make positive changes in their life with the right support person in their corner.
Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
Sarah Spicer – Intake Coordinator
Sarah Spicer began her employment at Canadian Mental Health Association, Huron Perth Branch in 1999 working part time as a reception/crisis worker. She has held positions supporting homelessness programs, crisis response, case management and client intake.
She began her current role completing intake assessments to connect clients with services for Perth County in 2010 and her position was adjusted to cover Huron County as well in 2013.
Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1995 and her registration with the Ontario Colleges of Social Work and Social Service Workers is pending.
Sarah has always had a keen interest in the area of mental health and continues to seek out creative ways to support clients in their recovery journey.
Sarah is mother to three teenage daughters and spends a great deal of her free time supporting their love of horseback riding and competitive volleyball. Their family includes a rambunctious dog and handsome cat.
Sheila Fisher – Court Support
Sheila Fisher has been with Resilience HP since 2007. Sheila began as a volunteer before being hired on contract, then progressed to part-time and eventually full time. Sheila now works as the Huron County Court Support worker.
Sheila came from a fifteen year position at Community Living. She also has experience counseling at a family health team and at Probation and Parole. Her empathy and enjoyment of people have always led her to a career in assisting others.
Sheila earned a Bachelor of Arts in her early twenties but her interest in helping others led her to return to school at 37 years of age. While working part-time, she completed her Bachelor of Social work and went on to complete her Masters of Social Work. She completed both degrees at University of Victoria through virtual education.
Sheila lives North of Goderich, Ontario with her husband, Dennis. They have two adult children who are following their own career paths. Sheila has an interest in camping, nature and loves to travel to see new things.
Sue Bain – Case Manager
Sue has enjoyed working creatively with clients and service providers to help meet the needs of the community. Sue has a background in the Social Service Worker – Gerontology diploma program and from University of Waterloo, Renison College, Social Development Studies, B.A. program. She likes to walk, read, swim, and spend time with family and friends in her spare time.
Tim Ertel – Manager of Finance and Administration
After the majority of Tim’s working life in the golf business, including 25 years as Manager of the Mitchell Golf & Country Club, he welcomed a career change and became Manager of Finance and Administration at CMHA Huron-Perth, now Resilience HP.
Tim graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1986 with a Diploma in Business Administration and a BA in Economics.
After living in Mitchell for 25 years, Tim, his wife and son and dog Rusty moved to Stratford in November of 2019. They all enjoy all that Stratford has to offer. Tim’s daughter lives and works in London.
In his spare time, Tim likes to travel (though, Sobeys is about as far as he goes now), play golf, go fishing and biking.An avid sports fan, Tim enjoys watching most sports, particularly hockey, golf and football. He also enjoys spending time on his back deck with family and friends overlooking the lawn he just cut for the third time in a week.
Tim enjoys his role at Resilience HP, particularly the challenges it offers and the interactions with staff and clients.