Programs like Sunnybrook's Family Navigation Project (FNP) are needed now more than ever to make it easier for families to access vital mental health resources and support for their youth. This free phone and email service relies entirely on philanthropic support from our community in order do what it does best: pair families in the Greater Toronto Area with clinically trained navigators who can help guide them through the complexities of the mental health system to find the most appropriate care they need.
Stay tuned for details on the 2024 Youth Mental Health Town Hall
To watch the 2023 town hall, see the recorded video below
Host and Moderator: Anthony Farnell, Chief Meteorologist, Global News
Growing up on the West Island of Montreal, Anthony Farnell developed a love for weather early
on. At elementary school he remembers spending most of his time looking out the window at
developing cumulus clouds. In 1998, his love for weather grew further as he lived through the
“Ice Storm of the Century” in Montreal. Anthony brings his weather knowledge and
experience to Global News where he recently celebrated his 10th year.
In 2005, Farnell joined Global Montreal’s evening newscast but quickly moved to Global
Toronto to become their Chief Meteorologist in 2006. Since then, Farnell has expanded his reach
and now brings his weather forecasting skills and personality to all four Global News markets in
Eastern Canada, from Halifax to the GTA. He can also be heard giving his seasonal forecasts
across the Corus Radio Network.
Panel:
Kris Depencier, Regional President, Greater Toronto Region, RBC
As Regional President, Kris leads a team of 4,000 employees in providing financial advice and
services to RBC’s personal, small business and commercial clients in Greater Toronto.
Since joining RBC in 1993, Kris has worked in numerous sales leadership roles in both commercial
and retail banking. She’s also held a number of senior leadership and executive positions
in both Canada and the US during her career, leading teams responsible for several businesses
and client segments. In each role, Kris thrives at enabling her team to be their best and is
committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace.
Born and raised in London, Ontario, she’s a graduate of Western University and completed
her MBA at Schulich School of Business. Kris is passionate about helping youth; she sits on the
Board of the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada and is also a Board Member at the Toronto
Region Board of Trade. She lives in Toronto with her family and likes to spend time at her
cottage in Bruce County.
Michael Calis, Family Navigator, Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation
Project
Michael completed an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Toronto majoring
in psychology, followed by a graduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from Durham
College. Michael has worked in various clinical settings; such as hospital and residential
treatment, and has worked with clients coping with issues related to concurrent disorders,
developmental disabilities, and homelessness. Most recently, Michael was the Concurrent Disorder
Case Coordinator at St. Michael’s Homes. Working in a residential facility with men
suffering from issues stemming from addiction and mental illness, Michael provided one-on-one
counselling, facilitated group work, and assisted clients in developing their transitional care
plans.
Thalia Phi, Youth Advocate with Lived Experience (YAL), Sunnybrook’s Family
Navigation Project
Thalia completed her diploma in Developmental Services at Centennial College where she found her
passion for advocating for youth mental health. She joined FNP initially as a Youth Engagement
Partner before moving into a Youth Advisor role on the inaugural Youth Advisory Council. Thalia
has previously worked as a Peer Support Worker at Progress Place and hopes to continue using her
lived experience to aid in supporting youth navigating the mental health and addiction care
system. Thalia is also deeply passionate about the impact of mental health and addictions on
racialized and queer communities, strongly advocating for more education and training to ensure
competent care for marginalized populations.
Dr. Monidipa Ravi, Child and Youth Psychiatrist and Consulting Psychiatrist with
FNP
Dr. Ravi completed her undergraduate and medical training at the University of Toronto, followed
by a residency in psychiatry leading to her general adult psychiatry qualification, and a
subsequent fellowship in Child and Youth psychiatry. She believes in the power of working within
a multidisciplinary team and has had the privilege of collaborating with many excellent
colleagues from psychology, social work, behavioural analysis, occupational therapy and physical
therapy.
Dr. Ravi specializes in assessing and treating children and youth with a variety of mental
health concerns and has further expertise in the treatment of youth who have medical diagnoses
in addition to mental health concerns, which can influence each other. She believes in the
importance of the surrounding context to a youth’s concerns, including school functioning,
peers, and the family unit.
To watch the 2022 town hall, see the recorded video below.
Looking for help? A phone call or email is all you need to get started.
The Family Navigation Project (FNP) is here to help young people and their families navigate
the mental health and addictions system to find the care they need.
Phone: 1-800-380-9FNP or 1-800-380-9367 Email: familynavigation@sunnybrook.ca