Our Team
Dr. Brenda Restoule
Dr. Brenda M Restoule (Waub Zhe Kwens) is from Dokis First Nation (Ojibwa) and from the Eagle Clan. She is a registered clinical psychologist. Dr. Restoule is the CEO of the First Peoples Wellness Circle, which is an Indigenous-led national organization dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous knowledge and evidence. […]
DESPINA PAPADOPOULOS, MEd
Despina was born and raised on the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas, now known as Hamilton. She is of Greek ancestry and is comfortable with the pronoun she/her. Despina is proud of her heritage and is grateful to have been raised in her culture. […]
Claire Scanlan
Claire has over 30 years experience in the finance and business management fields and brings a wealth of knowledge to the First Peoples Wellness Circle. Claire has relocated to the Nipissing area and enjoys her home on Lake Nipissing. Claire is in the final stages of obtaining her Aboriginal Finance Management Certification (AFMC) and is looking forward to continuing her education. […]
Anne Duquette
Anne has been the Project Coordinator with FPWC since June 2018. Currently her work is primarily focused on FPWC projects that will increase access to comprehensive support services for First Nation Mental Wellness & Crisis Response Teams throughout Canada. […]
Marilyn Kimewon
Aanii Boozhoo! Marilyn Kimewon ndizhnikaas. Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory ndonjibaa. Mshiikenh ndodem. Lansing, Michigan (Gchi-mookmaan-Kiing) Giidaadis. I am the Executive Assistant for the First Peoples Wellness Circle. I have knowledge in maintaining the day-to-day operation of First […]
BRIANNA PURCELL
Brianna became the Program Support Officer in June 2021 after completing a field placement with First People’s Wellness Circle through her Social Service Worker diploma. Brianna also has a certificate in Indigenous Studies and is currently working towards […]
Jaisy COles
Jaisy is a psychology graduate with an additional diploma in Indigenous Wellness & Addiction Prevention. She is currently in the process of gaining a certificate from the Indigenous Canada course offered by the University of Alberta. While born and raised in Ontario, Jaisy has since moved across Canada to experience the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, […]
MAXINE PELTIER
Shpigaabwikwe N’dizhnikaaz, Maiingun N’dodem, Wiikwemkoong N’doonjibaa, Anishinaabekwe N’dow Maxine is of the Three Fires and grew up in her home territory of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and later became a wife, Mother, and Grandmother. Maxine is a Traditional Dancer and enjoys leather work and beadwork. […]
TRISHA TRUDEAU, MSc
Trisha is an Anishnaabe-Kwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island, ON). With Mnidoo Mnising being home, Trisha has always had a strong connection to the land and community. She is a proud Zigos (Auntie) and spends her free time with her English Springer Spaniel. […]
Haley Laronde
Haley Laronde is an experienced Communications professional, a gifted artist, musician, and creative Anishinaabe Kwe from the Temagami and Nipissing First Nations. She maintains strong roots in her home communities and sits on the Communications Committee for Temagami First Nation. […]
Keith Martin
Keith Martin was born in Ontario and happily makes his home with his partner Teri on the traditional territory of Nipissing First Nation. He is dedicated to advancing equity and supporting the journey of mino-bimaadiziwin for individuals, learners, families, and communities. […]
Melissa Dedemus
Melissa is a dedicated professional who joined the team in October 2022. Her background in housing and development galvanized her passion for strengthening community support services, and she is a strong advocate for advancing social equity goals. […]
DR. EMILY KIRK, PhD
Dr. Emily Kirk is specialist in public health policy and disaster risk reduction. She holds a BA (Hons.) from Dalhousie University, an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD from the University of Nottingham. She was also the recipient of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award […]
Catherine Graham
Catherine is a settler of Ukrainian and Scottish decent who was born and raised on the shores of Lake Superior in the heart of Robinson-Superior Treaty territory. She has almost two decades of experience working with Indigenous Peoples and has dedicated her career to […]
Becky Carpenter
Throughout her career, Becky has worked in roles focusing on health equity and social impacts. She started her career as a health professional, providing patient care as a chiropractor before working with the government agency, Ontario Health, as a policy analyst. […]
Rachel Robinson
Rachel Robinson is a Mental Health Professional from Six Nations of the Grand River and is Turtle Clan. Residing in the Niagara Region in Southern Ontario, she is passionate about assisting Indigenous Peoples in enhancing Wholistic Wellbeing and strengthening community wellness. […]
