CHCC Speakers

Janet is the Director of RED January Canada and in her role focuses on getting Canada moving every day in January by connecting with others and getting active.

Guy Felicella is an international speaker and advocate for drug policy reform. After overcoming addiction and homelessness in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, he now champions harm reduction, trauma therapy, and better access to treatment, inspiring others with his journey of recovery.

Kosmic T (Tanin Shunter) is a hip-hop artist, Pachakuti Mesa carrier, and music workshop facilitator from Nelson, BC. His uplifting, nature-inspired music empowers listeners, offering messages of hope and connection in challenging times.

Sandra is a renowned specialist in public health and preventive medicine with a focus on community health.

Tarek Hussein, PharmD(c), MBA, BScPhm, RPh, C.Mgr., LSSGB, DTM, is a pharmacist and Chief Development Officer of the International Social Prescribing Pharmacy Association, leads initiatives for sustainable healthcare and champions eco-friendly practices in the pharmacy sector.

Public Health and Preventive Medicine Specialist

Dr. John Oliffe is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Men's Health Promotion at the University of British Columbia

Shelley Doyle, a Social Wealth Strategist and Master's student at Royal Roads University, helps remote and hybrid leaders foster meaningful connections. With 20+ years in communications, she empowers teams and leaders with strategies to build trust and authentic support in today’s digital age. Shelley will be joining the conference to share her research in a poster format with time for Q & A.

Dr. Adam Hoverman is a Family Medicine Physician and co-lead for Social Prescribing in Nanaimo. He holds academic roles at UBC and the University of Washington, with research focusing on community health and integrating social and medical care.

Madeleine Hebert, Senior Housing Specialist at Happy Cities and an Intern Architect AIBC, works to enhance social connectedness, resilience, and well-being through collaborative design solutions in housing and community spaces.

Dr. Bonnie Henry was appointed as British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer in 2018

Dr. Susan Holtzman is an Associate Professor of Psychology at UBC Okanagan, leading the Health Psychology Lab. A registered psychologist, her research focuses on how social relationships impact health and well-being, with a special interest in using online tools to enhance support for vulnerable populations.

Michelle Hoar, Fellow at SFU’s Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue and Director of Hey Neighbour Collective, is a community-building advocate and is passionate about social connectedness and sustainable living.

Cora Leschert is the Director of Programs at Nanaimo Family Life Association, bringing extensive experience in social services, healthcare, and education to support community well-being and connection.

Niloofar Habibi Khameneh is a master’s student of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, with a background in dentistry and a passion for health promotion and social health.

Iqra Akram is a PhD scholar at The Healthy Ecologies and Lifestyles Lab, researching how traditional foods and social eating strengthen communities.

Becky is a dedicated educator and activist with over a decade of experience supporting diverse learners. She holds a BSc in Human Geography, an MSc in Human Dimensions of Wildlife, a BEd, a Teaching Skills Enhancement Certificate, and is B-level Assessment Certification. Becky is also studying neurodiversity-informed mindfulness practices. Becky will be joining the conference to share her research in a poster format with time for Q & A.

Shannon Turner, Executive Director of the Public Health Association of BC, brings over 30 years of public health experience. She has held leadership roles like Director of Public Health for Vancouver Island Health Authority and has worked in both the public and private sectors.

Jeffrey Yip is an Assistant Professor of Management at Simon Fraser University, specializing in leadership and executive education. His research is focused on leadership, career development, and work relationships.

Pete leads GenWell, aiming to enhance global happiness and health through human connection.

Mike, an 18-year traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, shares valuable insights into the power of social connection in recovery. Alongside his father, Bob, who has supported him throughout, they will discuss the challenges TBI survivors face and the importance of community in overcoming isolation and fostering well-being.

Troy Glover, Professor at the University of Waterloo, researches transformative placemaking to boost social connectedness and community well-being.

Dr. Christopher Mikton is the technical lead on the issue of social connection, social isolation, and loneliness. He also leads the work on abuse of older people and on data, research, and innovation within the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021–2030.

Paige Cox, a Master of Education student at Cape Breton University and Dove ambassador, is a passionate advocate for youth well-being, sustainability, and equity, recognized for her volunteer work and speaking at international conferences, including TEDx

Dr. Kiffer researches the impact of social and ecological factors on health, emphasizing emotional well-being.