The Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre Board of Directors functions under a policy model of governance, and governance is their primary role. This involves responsibility and review of policies, structure, bylaws and Board functioning. The Board oversees the financial health of the organization and actively participates in strategic planning.
The Board is comprised of volunteers whose role is to represent the community to ensure quality service delivery for children and their families. This Board is made up of highly regarded professionals, chosen for their unique skills, perspectives and experiences. With their combined talents and shared commitment to serving children and families, these Directors enhance the performance of Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre.
Ashley Deathe, President
Ash Deathe is a lawyer with experience in civil litigation, including insurance defense and human rights law. From 2018-2020, Ash was one of the counsel to the Independent Assessor under the Merlo Davidson class action settlement agreement. That agreement addressed claims related to gender- and sexual orientation- based harassment and discrimination towards women working in the RCMP from 1974-2017. She has also taught courses in Legal Writing and the advanced practicum on Dispute Resolution at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Common Law.
She has experience serving on boards for the theatre arts and her local community association. For the past few years, she also volunteered as a refugee sponsor. Ash enjoys supporting the CCMHC community as a member of the Board.
Lindsey Ehman, Vice President
Lindsey Ehman is a communications and stakeholder engagement professional currently working for the federal government. Prior to this, she spent over a decade in Ottawa’s not-for-profit sector at the national association level. Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University as well as training in Organizational Leadership from Western University’s Ivey School of Business and Public Relations from Algonquin College.
As a parent, Lindsey has considerable experience navigating the children’s mental health landscape at all levels. A lifelong volunteer, she looks forward to putting her fundraising, communications, public affairs and, most importantly, lived parent experience to good use for the benefit of Crossroads’ clients, staff and the community as a whole.
Bill Strutt, Treasurer
Bill Strutt is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with over 30 years of experience in various industries, including 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Bill currently works as the Finance Director, Corporate Accounting, at Nutrition International, a non-profit organization focused on delivering low-cost, high-impact, nutrition interventions to people in need in over 60 countries. He has also worked in a health care related non-profit organization and has volunteered as a community hockey coach.
Bill’s passion for mental health comes from a family member’s journey through the mental health system. He brings this experience, along with his professional knowledge of financial planning and reporting, risk evaluation, processes and systems to support Crossroads and the community.
Dr. Petra Duschner, Board Secretary
Dr. Petra Duschner is a registered clinical and school psychologist who recently retired following a 30 year career at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. During her time with the school board as a school psychologist, Petra conducted learning and social-emotional assessments and provided clinical intervention to students. As the OCDSB’s Manager of Mental Health and Critical Services, she was responsible for coordinating mental health services, including mental health promotion, staff capacity building, early intervention and crisis intervention and management.
An important aspect of her work has been liaison with community partners to facilitate access to culturally responsive mental health supports for children, youth and their families. Petra continues to provide psychological services for children and youth in the community.
Robert Cleroux
Robert Cleroux is a Sergeant with the Ottawa Police Service. He joined the Ottawa Police in 2003. He graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelors in Social Sciences as well as from the Police Foundation program at La Cité Collégiale. He continues to be involved in this program as a professor/instructor. He is dedicated to serving the community. He is now the new sergeant for the Neighborhood Resource Team (NRT) in Vanier sector within the City of Ottawa.
Joanne Baldassi
Joanne Baldassi works for the Government of Canada as a senior analyst at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), where she has worked since 2004. She has also worked as a management consultant and in audience measurement.
Joanne has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University. She is passionate about children’s mental health issues, including better inclusion and support for children on the autism spectrum. She has experience advocating for children on the spectrum in educational settings, including working with families to help advocate for their children’s educational needs and in fundraising for charities supporting children’s mental health.
Caroline Sauvé
Caroline Sauvé is a nurse practitioner with 7 years of experience in primary health care in Ottawa, specifically with new immigrants and marginalized communities. She has experience in treating and diagnosing mental health diseases in the pediatric population as well as connecting children and youth to care in Ottawa. Caroline’s passion for mental health leads her to pursue continuing education in this area. She recently obtained her certification to offer PTSD treatment reconsolidation therapy to persons of all ages. Caroline is dedicated to community involvement and relationship building, having previously volunteered and worked with Mothercraft Ottawa, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Let’s Talk Science, and Planned Parenthood.
Krista Durie
Krista holds her Project Manager Professional designation from the Project Management Institute and is currently a Project Manager with Minto Properties in their Commercial Portfolio. She actively participates in the Minto Mentorship program, sharing her combined 30+ years of experience in the Real Estate field. Krista has also worked as a Facility Manager and Land Development Manager in Commercial Portfolios. In addition to her PMP, Krista has gained educational experience in Urban Design at Simon Fraser University. She brings to CCMHC experience in project management, planning, research and development.
Krista has volunteered for many years in various youth and mental health organizations, including the Kid’s Help Phone, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa Shoebox Project, and the Ottawa Distress Centre.
Eileen McNamara
Eileen McNamara is a healthcare leader committed to integrated healthcare, mental health, and reducing health inequities. As a Practice Leader at The Ottawa Hospital, she focuses on program development, quality improvement, and operational planning. With a background in accreditation, she ensures healthcare providers have actionable, evidence-based standards to improve care delivery. An Occupational Therapist, Eileen has worked with adolescents with complex needs, supporting the achievement of developmental milestones and promoting mental health through strengths-based care. Eileen is skilled at managing large-scale initiatives, cultivating stakeholder engagement, and leading cross-sector collaborations. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC), contributing to strategic planning, financial oversight, and risk management at the regional level.
Razwanul (Rizwan) Bari
Rizwan began his professional journey as a technology consultant in the Canadian Rockies, working amidst the stunning backdrop of the Kootenay Mountains in southeastern British Columbia. He later transitioned into public service, contributing his expertise to several key Canadian federal institutions, including Public Services and Procurement Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Bank of Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Canada Revenue Agency, and Public Safety Canada.
Rizwan holds an MBA from McGill University with a specialization in Finance, as well as graduate degrees in Computer Science and in Engineering from Dalhousie University and the Technical University of Nova Scotia, respectively. His academic foundation, combined with extensive professional experience, reflects a unique blend of technical acumen, strategic thinking, and financial insight.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Rizwan is an avid cyclist, a skilled woodcarver, and is a passionate supporter of Brazilian soccer, while also finding joy in cheering for the Ottawa Senators. Above all, he treasures his role as a proud father to a son and a daughter, sharing a happy home in Ottawa with his wife and their spirited Bombay cat.
Stevie O’Brien
Stevie O’Brien is a lawyer and public policy professional who has held senior roles with several federal and provincial cabinet ministers, including the federal Ministers of Health and Public Services and Procurement. She brings extensive experience in government decision-making and procurement, with a focus on advancing effective, transparent policy. Stevie has also served on the Research Ethics Boards at both SickKids and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, providing oversight on clinical and research practices involving children and families. A regular public speaker and media commentator, she is honoured to contribute her skills and experience to the Crossroads Board of Directors in support of children’s mental health.
Sara Atif
Sara Atif holds a Master’s in Public Health and has over a decade of experience leading research, knowledge mobilization, and public policy to advance health equity at the national level. In recent years, her work has focused on youth- and caregiver-centered initiatives, particularly in mental health and substance use. She brings a wealth of experience building and managing partnerships across hospitals, governments, and non-profit organizations to improve the accessibility, equity, and cultural responsiveness of
services and supports. She has authored peer-reviewed articles and best practice reports, and shared knowledge through her participation in conferences, workshops, and seminars.
She is the recipient of the Leadership and Sustainability Award from Université Laval, recognizing her longstanding commitment to community engagement, including extensive contributions to youth-serving organizations. Over several years, she expanded access to music education for children in under-resourced communities through the Ottawa Heart of the City Piano Program and served as a dedicated mentor with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
