Introducing the 2025-2026 WRSPC Board of Directors
The Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Learn more about each member of the Board below!
Megan Moore, Chair
I joined the WRSPC Board as I wanted to take part in creating a suicide safer community and was inspired by the significant impact WRSPC made. I have supported those who have lost loved ones to suicide, supported people in crisis, as well as have lived experience with suicidal ideation. I know it’s easy to feel alone, or not know what to do when someone is struggling.
Fun fact: I’m a part time potter and have a small studio in my garage!
Sherrie Hyde, Secretary
I joined WRSPC Board to support leadership and staff behind the scenes in the remarkable and far-reaching work they do in our community and across Canada. I am grateful to be part of an organization that inspires hope and conversation every day.
Fun fact: Outside of my role, I enjoy yoga and swimming, both ground me in the importance of wellbeing.
Sarah Francis, Treasurer
I joined the WRSPC Board of Directors after experiencing first hand the beautiful work of WRSPC and its impact in our community. Sadly, I have been personally affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide. I also need to navigate our local mental health system every day as I support students and families through my role as a social worker.
Fun Fact: My favourite travel experience was when I went to Tanzania for my honeymoon – what a magical time in such a beautiful country!
Jessica Deming
I originally connected with WRSPC as a community partner in public health, and I have been privileged to be a part of the board of directors since 2021. Like many folks drawn to suicide prevention work, my life has been touched by suicide too, and it is part of what drives my desire to help WRSPC with its mission. I find myself inspired over and over again at the impact that WRSPC has in our community in promoting Hope, Help, and Healing.
Fun Fact: I have road tripped all across North America, and I have travelled to all ten provinces, two territories (all except Nunavut!) and to 49 states (all except Hawaii!).
Kathy Payette
As a Child Life Specialist on a hospital paediatric unit, I became increasingly involved with children and youth struggling with mental health challenges. This inspired me to deepen my understanding, both through further education and by learning how our community was responding. The Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council brought together people and organizations dedicated to supporting those with suicidal thoughts, and I joined to contribute and to learn.
I’ve stayed involved not only because it met my professional needs and interests, but because it deeply aligns with my values and hopes for a compassionate, connected community.
Fun Fact: I began supporting and advocating for children and families in the late 1970’s – and I’m still at it today. I currently serve as Chair of the Community Advisory Council for our local Ontario Health Team, where my focus continues to be on children and youth. I’m also the proud grandmother of 8 amazing young people, the wife of a mirror image twin with 5 sisters whom I have known since I was 17yrs, have lived on both Canadian coasts, and moved more than 25 times before finally settling in Waterloo Region….and I am eternally grateful for what life has given me!
Magnus Mfoafo-M'Carthy
My desire to engage in suicide prevention work in the Waterloo Region stems from a combination of professional commitment, personal values, and community need. As a faculty member, I feel a strong sense of duty to address pressing public health issues, including suicide prevention. My role positions me to influence policy, education, and practice in ways that can save lives.
Suicide disproportionately affects marginalized populations. My work may be driven by a desire to address systemic inequities and promote mental health access and support for underserved communities. My scholarly background allows me to bring evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention, helping bridge the gap between research and practice.
Fun Fact: I am currently learning African drumming, because sometimes words aren’t enough – you’ve got to feel the rhythm.
Melissa Strachan-Baylis
I joined WRSPC because I believe in the work they do to educate, help and promote suicide prevention. This small but mighty team takes an upstream approach to educate youth & engage our community in events to raise awareness about suicide prevention. They take an empowerment approach and value collaboration within the our local community and provincially to ensure the work of suicide prevention is ongoing. I believe strongly in WRSPCs mission & have seen firsthand the impact they make.
Fun Fact: One interesting fact about me is that I love to build furniture! As someone who spends a lot of time thinking, analyzing & problem solving every day, the opportunity to work with my hands gives me great joy!
Nancy Coutts
I joined the Board because my family dealt with the suicide of two family members literally decades ago. At that time there was quite a stigma surrounding the topic of suicide and it was very isolating. A few months before I joined the Board I was speaking to a young person in their 20’s who has a friend that had just attempted to take her own life. At the end of the conversation the young lady said please don’t tell anyone. When I asked her why it became very clear very quickly that people are still uncomfortable speaking about this topic and dealing with many complex emotions still leading to isolation and having a negative impact on the health of all concerned. By joining the Board I hope to help this group influence positive change by creating awareness and understanding.
Fun Fact: I’m a DIY renovation queen and interior decorator when I’m not working as an HR professional.
Rob Brady
My motivation for joining WRSPC is from really wanting to be a part of an organization that is making a difference in the stigma, awareness, education and prevention of suicide. This issue affects people across the spectrum of society and I have been affected personally as well as other families I care deeply about. Helping with this cause for me is healing and makes a difference!
Fun Fact: An interesting fun fact about me is that I own a butcher shop but am also an avid photographer. They don’t sound compatible but my artistic abilities show up in different ways.