Directors

Sandra has extensive experience in strategic planning, outreach and promotion, and stakeholder relations within the national non-profit health sector and research consulting. During her time at the MHCC, she has developed strategies and led projects to promote awareness and facilitate action on psychological health and safety in workplaces across Canada. Among these projects was leading the national By Health, For Health Collaborative, a group of health leaders seeking to advance workplace mental health in health-care settings. Under her leadership, the MHCC championed the development, release, and ongoing promotion and uptake of the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students. Sandra also oversees a range of other population-based initiatives related to the justice system, older adults, and youth.

Nitika is the Commission’s Director of Prevention and Promotion Initiatives and leads programs and initiatives that are focused on suicide prevention, mental wellness, and life promotion. From grass-roots, evidence-informed, capacity-building projects to national initiatives, the Commission is striving to build consensus and drive system transformation.

Nitika has been with the Commission since 2013 and has led several national and international initiatives in the areas of workplace mental health, student mental health, employment for people living with serious mental illness, and suicide prevention. Nitika has extensive experience in strategic planning, program management, stakeholder relations, program evaluation, and knowledge exchange.

Nitika has earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Northwestern University in Chicago as well as a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. She is also a certified health executive and a project management professional. Nitika currently sits on the board of three organizations, namely, Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario, Frayme, and SOCH Mental Health.

In her current role, Vicky leads organization-wide efforts to ensure that performance management and quality improvement programs are developed and managed using a data driven focus. She provides the strategic and tactical direction for the performance management system and ensures alignment of operations with the Strategic Plan.

Vicky also provides leadership for the Provincial-Territorial Advisory Group on Mental Health and Substance Use. This group provides vital insights for the work that MHCC does.

Prior to joining the MHCC Vicky had a proven track record at the national and regional level developing and managing balanced scorecards, evaluating and reporting on organizational performance, managing projects, and collaborating with stakeholders.

Vicky has earned a Master of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and is a Project Management Professional.

Allison is an experienced leader, advisor, researcher, facilitator, and relationship-builder. She brings a wealth of leadership experience in the private, non-profit, and charitable sectors enhancing performance and informed policy and decision-making in organizations across Canada.

Since 2022, Allison has been with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), providing leadership, strategic advice, and engaging with partners, governments, community organizations, and other interested parties. In her current role, she provides leadership on strategic priorities and partnerships, oversees philanthropic efforts, and manages the organization’s collaboration with HealthPartners.

With more than 20 years of experience, Allison has helped organizations overcome various challenges, delivering advice, programs, and research in organizational performance, workplace health, mental health, human resources strategy, total rewards, employee experience, and leadership.

Allison is a longstanding passionate advocate for mental health, promoting mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and access to quality care in Canada.

Allison holds an Honours BA in Sociology from the University of Guelph.

Debra is a senior communications, marketing and government-relations professional with more than twenty years as an executive in the health sector. She has extensive experience in social marketing, advocacy and crisis communications.

Debra sits on the board of Health Partners and is an advisory board member and former COO of the Top Sixty Over Sixty. Debra is a strong advocate of diversity in its many forms. She is a regular contributor to The Catalyst magazine and has just completed the first draft of her book with Helen Hirsh Spence on maximizing potential in later life. Debra obtained her Certified Health Executive designation in 2022 (conferred by the Canadian College of Health Leaders).

Prior to joining the MHCC Debra was the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Canadian Optometrists Association, the Senior Director of Communications and Relations with VON Canada and the Senior Director of External Relations with the Canadian Pharmacists Association.

Penny is a people-first HR leader who believes that strong workplaces start with trust, transparency, and a little bold thinking. With more than 20 years of experience across public, private, and high-growth organizations, Penny brings a balanced approach to building cultures where people and business thrive together.
She’s led HR teams through every stage of growth — from scaling fast-moving startups to strengthening established organizations — designing strategies that connect employee experience, leadership development, and operational excellence. Along the way, she’s built a reputation for creating smart, practical solutions in areas like total rewards, HR technology, recruiting, and employee engagement.

Today, as Director of People and Culture at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Penny focuses on fostering an inclusive, high-performing, and psychologically safe workplace. She holds a Master’s degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University, is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), and leads with a style rooted in servant leadership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Above all, Penny is passionate about helping organizations and individuals reach their full potential — and making work a place where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.