Board of Directors

Andrew Bassingthwaighte

Employed as a Student Talent Performance Consultant at Brock University, Andrew holds an MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies, B.Ed. Adult Education, and is a Certified Career Development Professional. Affiliated with mental health and equity committees in his current employ, his areas of interest and expertise include Governance and Policy management, Social Justice and Equity, Career Development and Equity of Access. Andrew joined CMHA Niagara’s board in 2016, spurred by wanting to make a difference in the community having witnessed both family members and clients being impacted by mental health concerns. He has previously served as CMHA Niagara’s Vice-President.

Chris Ventura

As the Senior Experiential Education Coordinator for the Goodman School of Business at Brock University, Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and a Masters of Education, Leadership and Administration, offering specialized knowledge in relationship management, capacity building, and strategic planning. He joined the CMHA Niagara Board in 2020, moving back to Niagara and being inspired by the life-saving services CMHA Niagara offered to his family in a time of crisis. Inspired by the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team as a model of effective public safety practice, and interested in the intersectionality of access to and utilization of mental health resources and services by marginalized communities, Chris’ advocacy and policy perspectives contribute greatly to the board. He also serves as the Vice President of the Brock University Alumni Association Board of Directors and as a member of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce NEXTNiagara Young Professionals Network. 

Timothy Nelles

Tim is a Partner at Grant Thornton, a top Canadian accounting and advisory firm. As a Partner in the Independent Business Group, and with over 20 years in the industry, Tim’s expertise lies in serving small businesses, real estate companies, manufacturers, and not-for-profit entities.  Tim brings to the board his experience and knowledge in offering strategic advice, managing complex financials, and identifying growth opportunities, Tim has previously served as Treasurer for Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Catharines, Thorold & District and Tim has been recognized for the Niagara 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award. Tim lives in Grimsby with his wife and two children.

Kelly Pilato

Passionate about mental health and wellness and equity of mental health services and programs in Niagara, particularly related to youth, Kelly feels compelled to effect positive change in the lives of others and wants to help bridge the gap between research and health action and values of equity and inclusion to support better mental health for all.

As a health policy scientist, her research is applied in nature and is rooted in evidence-informed policy processes and appraisal with a particular interest in development and implementation as a framework for enhancing mental health at a population health level across the lifespan. She joined the Board in 2022, offering specialized knowledge in Mental health policy, policy analysis, and implementation science and is excited to serve and help towards fulfilling the vision of a Niagara where mental health is recognized, supported and optimized.

Kelly has affiliations with Brock University and University of Ottawa and currently supports the Niagara Soccer Club. She has previously served as a community member for the Niagara Council on Smoking and Health, United Way of South Niagara, Healthy Living Niagara, Heart Niagara, and Niagara Against Drunk Driving.

Christopher Yendt

Possessing a deep and personal interest as a champion for those less fortunate, defender of rights of those who’ve experienced marginalization, Christopher is a dedicated advocate for mental health and addictions and for the Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ communities. Currently a candidate in the Master of Education, Administration & Leadership in Education program at Brock University, Christopher is also a three-time alumni of Brock, holding Bachelor’s of Education in Adult Education and Teacher Education, as well as a Bachelor of Arts History, English Language and Literature. Since joining the Board of CMHA Niagara in 2015 Christopher has served as lay director, Treasurer, Vice President,  President, and currently is the interim Service Outcomes & Quality Committee Chair of CMHA Niagara. Passionate about governance and process, Christopher has shared his knowledge and expertise in board governance, public policy, not-for-profit management, human resources, and finance to help the organization continue to develop and grow.

Beyond CMHA Niagara Christopher remains active throughout the region and beyond, serving as the President and CEO of Brock University Graduate Students’ Association; Vice-President, Board of Directors of Compass Community Health; Chair of Rainbow’s End Community Development Corporation; Member of the Brock University’s Board of Trustees; as well as a committee member for the Joint Board of Governors of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH).

Faith Scott

Faith Scott joined the CMHA Board of Directors in 2022. As a Human Resources Generalist at Synagro, WWT., she brings specialized skills in Human Resources, Labour Relations and Ontario legislative policies, procedures and practices and holds a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Psychology.

With a keen interest in mental health initiatives and community resources, Faith’s prior volunteer experience in the mental health sector, including Victim Services Niagara, Niagara Regional Police Service, Brock Student Sexual Violence Support Centre, Brock University Conduct Council, and 14 years as a dance instructor to children and adolescents, offers much experience and knowledge to the Board.

Marlena Stadnik-Misener

Bank Manager at FirstOntario Credit Union, Marlena Stadnik-Misener wants to make a difference in the lives and futures of individuals in our community. Her passion for promoting mental health awareness prompted her to become a CMHA Niagara Board Director in 2022. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts from Brock University, Marlena’s specialized knowledge in finance (over 15 years in banking), leadership, and strategic planning, coupled with her interest in change management brings significant benefits to the Board. She is also sits on the board of Women’s Place of South Niagara.

Peter Fraser

Peter grew up in the towns of Maple and Richmond Hill and moved to Niagara in 2019. Peter graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Math/Accountancy and he also obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. After work experience in chartered professional accounting firms and the travel industry, Peter took on the role of Director of Finance at OCAD University (the largest Art & Design University in Canada and fourth largest in North America). When he isn’t enthusiastically playing hockey or enjoying the outdoors with his Golden Retriever Charli, Peter enjoys spending time at a cottage on Koshlong Lake and touring the wineries of Niagara.

Tara McKendrick

Tara’s social services career path has been well aligned with her passion to help people and have a positive impact on the lives and well-being of those in her community. Over the past 20 years she has held roles in emergency response services, child protection services, hospital emergency services and mental health and addictions with a focus on suicide prevention, crisis intervention and resolution, advocacy, awareness and facilitation of curriculum regarding suicide prevention and mental health and addictions.

Her tenure at CMHA Niagara began in 2004 as a Crisis Intervention Worker. In 2012 she assumed the position of Quality and Program Manager, followed by a promotion in 2017 to the role of the Executive Director. She has been a provincial appointee to the Niagara Regional Police Service Board since 2018.

Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (with honours) from Brock University, Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from University of Windsor, and Certificate in Community Health Leadership from University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.