CHELSEA ATKINSON

Chelsea Atkinson is an incoming Master of Science student studying Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management at University College London. Chelsea developed a deep interest in preventative health and neurodegenerative disease while pursuing her bachelor's degree in Life Science at Queen’s University. In addition to her undergraduate courses, Chelsea was a member of the Women in Science and Engineering club, where she worked to mentor young women and encourage them to explore the field of STEM.

Chelsea recently completed an internship in the Taylor Lab at the Hospital for Sick Children where she worked alongside a team of neuro oncologists researching the pathology of pediatric brain tumours. In 2020, Chelsea co-founded Second Line Masks, a company that created and sold reusable face masks from recycled materials. Proceeds from the mask sales were donated to Covenant House.

While volunteering at WBHI events, Chelsea was inspired by the commitment to female-focused research and the drive to educate others on the preventative measures that contribute to cognitive health. She is honoured to continue her involvement with the Young Person’s Cabinet.Chelsea Atkinson is an incoming Master of Science student studying Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management at University College London. Chelsea developed a deep interest in preventative health and neurodegenerative disease while pursuing her bachelor's degree in Life Science at Queen’s University. In addition to her undergraduate courses, Chelsea was a member of the Women in Science and Engineering club, where she worked to mentor young women and encourage them to explore the field of STEM.

HOLLY ATKINSON

Holly Atkinson works as a Crisis & Resilience Consultant at Deloitte, utilizing her strong problem solving skills to help organizations of all sizes develop their Operational Resilience strategies and programs. In addition to client work, Holly focuses on Deloitte’s internal strategy, identifying opportunities for growth and reporting on organizational performance.

She recently graduated from Queen’s University with First Class Honours in Computer Engineering. While at Queen’s, she was an active member and an executive on the Queen’s Algorithmic Network Trading Team, where she focused on quantitative trading and portfolio management.

Her passion for healthy living combined with an intense curiosity about brain health led her to WBHI and the YPC. Here she hopes to use her dedication and unique problem solving capabilities to help educate other young adults on the importance of brain health and to inspire them to prioritize their mental wellbeing proactively.

DR. LAURA BEST

Dr. Laura Best is a medical student at the University of British Columbia and a research coordinator at the BC Children's Research Institute. She completed her PhD in Medical Science at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University of Toronto with support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Frederick Banting and Charles Best Doctoral Award. A recipient of the 2022 Brain Canada Rising Stars Award, Laura has also been recognized for her leadership and mentorship by University of Toronto and Institute of Medical Science for her contributions to the Temerty Faculty of Medicine graduate community. Laura has contributed to research with the St. Michael’s Hospital Family Health Team and in the Emergency Department at Sick Kids Hospital.

As an aspiring physician and certified yoga instructor, Laura values a preventative, holistic approach to medicine and health care. After retiring as the Captain of the McGill Varsity Cheerleading Team, she began to use running, yoga and meditation to condition her mind and body, and hopes to incorporate these elements into her future practice. Laura has a deeply-rooted passion for mental health, and is excited to continue working with Women’s Brain Health Initiative to encourage younger generations to adopt a lifestyle that supports their brain health – now and in the future.Dr. Laura Best is a medical student at the University of British Columbia and a research coordinator at the BC Children's Research Institute. She completed her PhD in Medical Science at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University of Toronto with support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Frederick Banting and Charles Best Doctoral Award. A recipient of the 2022 Brain Canada Rising Stars Award, Laura has also been recognized for her leadership and mentorship by University of Toronto and Institute of Medical Science for her contributions to the Temerty Faculty of Medicine graduate community. Laura has contributed to research with the St. Michael’s Hospital Family Health Team and in the Emergency Department at Sick Kids Hospital.

AMARA CHAUDHARY

JANICE DA SILVA

Janice Da Silva is a Project Manager at the Vector Institute, where she leads health AI deployments to drive innovation in clinical settings. She collaborates with diverse stakeholders to translate cutting-edge research into practical healthcare solutions.

Janice holds a Master of Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering from the University of Guelph, providing her with specialized expertise in health technology and systems implementation.

Before joining the Vector Institute, Janice managed quality improvement initiatives at the University Health Network, implementing changes that enhanced care for thousands of patients annually. At Siemens Healthineers, she conducted global market research on the use of PET scanners in memory clinics to support the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Beyond her professional work, Janice is passionate about brain health, women’s health, and the role of technology in advancing wellness and preventative care. As a member of WBHI’s BrainSuite Social Cabinet, she is dedicated to raising awareness, fostering community engagement, and championing initiatives that empower individuals to take proactive steps in preserving cognitive health. She also serves as an Ambassador for Google’s Women Techmakers program, mentoring and supporting women pursuing careers in technology.

In her personal time, Janice stays active through soccer, tennis, pickleball, and Pilates, while also exploring wellness and nutrition to promote overall well-being.

SRISHTI DATT

Srishti is a Project Manager at Telus Health, where she focuses on EMR implementations for small to enterprise clinics in British Columbia and Alberta. Prior to her work at Telus Health, she was responsible for running one of the first clinic based COVID-19 Vaccine Drives in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Region of Peel.

Srishti holds a certification in Health Economics and Policy from The London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE) and is currently pursuing courses in Data Science from LSE.

She has a strong passion for mental health and has spent five years volunteering at Trillium Health Partners, in Mississauga. Srishti is committed to leveraging her professional and volunteer experience to advocate and promote the importance of mental and brain health. She is excited to be working with Women’s Brain Health Initiative Young Person’s Cabinet.

LAUREN IRWIN • CHAIR

Lauren Irwin runs a wealth management practice at RBC Dominion Securities that focuses on simplifying the complexities of wealth and inspiring financial confidence for her clients. As an Investment & Wealth Advisor, Lauren enjoys learning her clients’ unique stories and recognizes that by truly understanding what motivates and inspires them, she can provide insightful strategies and solutions.

As a firm believer and advocate for ongoing education, Lauren holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation.

As a passionate advocate for women in leadership and financial literacy, Lauren is actively involved with organizations in Toronto and Vancouver that provide a platform for women to be supported and succeed. Lauren is also a mentor for female entrepreneurs through The Forum.

Throughout her career, she quickly noticed that the definition of wealth is so much more than just money in the bank; it’s about your physical health, relationships, and mental health too. The research being done at WBHI and their commitment to educate others is what drew Lauren to the organization. She is grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the YPC and hopes to educate others on the importance of holistic wealth and wellness.Lauren Irwin runs a wealth management practice at RBC Dominion Securities that focuses on simplifying the complexities of wealth and inspiring financial confidence for her clients. As an Investment & Wealth Advisor, Lauren enjoys learning her clients’ unique stories and recognizes that by truly understanding what motivates and inspires them, she can provide insightful strategies and solutions.

As a firm believer and advocate for ongoing education, Lauren holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation.

TRICIA KOPEC

Tricia is a millennial on a mission with a strong background in sales, digital marketing, and marketing strategy. She currently works as an Account Manager at Pinterest, a company she admires for its work in creating a more positive internet. With a passion for women in business, she is the Co-President and Co-Founder of the Women@ Pinterest ERG in Canada. She has also been a mentor within the Monday Girl community.

Outside of the office, Tricia advocates for health, personal development, and wellness which is why she was passionate about joining the YPC at WBHI. She brings her passions together and can be found teaching as a spin instructor at SPINCO and is a breath work facilitator at Othership.Tricia is a millennial on a mission with a strong background in sales, digital marketing, and marketing strategy. She currently works as an Account Manager at Pinterest, a company she admires for its work in creating a more positive internet. With a passion for women in business, she is the Co-President and Co-Founder of the Women@ Pinterest ERG in Canada. She has also been a mentor within the Monday Girl community.

CHARLOTTE LEON-WILLIAMSON

Charlotte Leon-Williamson is an incoming MA student in the Clinical Psychology program at Toronto Metropolitan University where her research will focus on adolescent interpersonal relationships and their influence on well-being. Charlotte graduated from McGill University with a First-Class Honours BA in Psychology where she volunteered in multiple research labs and developed a keen interest in mental health and prevention-focused work. She continued pursuing research at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health where she worked as a Research Analyst in a youth-focused early psychosis intervention centre. Working with youth in this setting has solidified to Charlotte the importance of implementing healthy habits at a young age to preserve your brain health. This belief, combined with her interest in promoting female-focused research, led her to the Women's Brain Health Initiative. She is very excited to begin working with the WBHI!

ORLY LIPSITZ

Orly is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto, where she also obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Before attending the University of Toronto, Orly graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours from Queen’s University. After her undergraduate degree, she worked as a Research Analyst at the University Health Network. Orly’s research focuses on the associations between mental health and cognition, and how biological and psychotherapeutic interventions for treatment-resistant depression impact cognition. Orly is excited to be part of WBHI’s Young Person’s Cabinet to empower young adults to take care of their brain health.

KULIN MATCHHAR

Kulin Matchhar is a distinguished philanthropy professional dedicated to driving transformative change in the health, arts, and cultural sectors. Holding an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, Kulin currently serves as the Philanthropic Advisor at Casey House, where he manages a high-value donor portfolio, achieving significant revenue growth and fostering robust donor relationships. Previously, he held key roles at SickKids Foundation and Plan International Canada, excelling in major gift, planned giving coordination and donor engagement.

Kulin has made a significant impact through his volunteer work with renowned organizations. He is a current Board Member at the Gardiner Museum, a part of the First Position Patrons Group at Canada’s National Ballet School, and the co-chair and co-founder of Unparalleled for Fall for Dance North. His leadership roles and innovative approaches have elevated the visibility of the arts and fostered robust donor relationships.

Committed to community well-being, Kulin actively supports various healthcare and social causes, blending his passion for philanthropy with a dedication to creating inclusive, vibrant communities.Kulin Matchhar is a distinguished philanthropy professional dedicated to driving transformative change in the health, arts, and cultural sectors. Holding an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, Kulin currently serves as the Philanthropic Advisor at Casey House, where he manages a high-value donor portfolio, achieving significant revenue growth and fostering robust donor relationships. Previously, he held key roles at SickKids Foundation and Plan International Canada, excelling in major gift, planned giving coordination and donor engagement.

Committed to community well-being, Kulin actively supports various healthcare and social causes, blending his passion for philanthropy with a dedication to creating inclusive, vibrant communities.

MARINA NIKOLOPOULOS

Marina Nikolopoulos is a graduate student at the University of Toronto, investigating ways to predict response to treatment in an aggressive type of brain cancer. The goal of her research is to identify biological markers of response that can guide personalized therapeutic decision-making and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Marina's passion for brain health began early, with her first independent research project on the epigenetics of Huntington's disease at the Montreal Neurological Institute during high school. This passion continued through her honours undergraduate degree in neuroscience at the University of Toronto, where she conducted research on neurodegenerative diseases for 3 years. Outside of research, Marina is committed to mentoring the next generation of women scientists through her work with the Foundation for Student Science and Technology, where she helps high school students develop and execute their first scientific research project. As a student entrepreneur at the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization’s Institute of Biomedical Entrepreneurship and an associate at Front Row Ventures, Marina is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications in the healthcare and biotech industries. Marina also served on the fundraising committee for Artistri Sud, helping democratize access to skills-based training for women entrepreneurs. In her spare time, Marina loves to read and stay active by exploring the outdoors. She is excited and honoured to join the WBHI and help foster awareness on preventative brain health in our community.

KRISHA PANDYA

Krisha Pandya is an aspiring healthcare professional pursuing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto, majoring in Health and Disease and Nutritional Sciences. She has gained hands-on experience in research, clinical volunteering, and public health advocacy. With a strong background in data analysis, scientifi c communication, cross-cultural dialogue and leadership, she is passionate about applying her skills to diverse fi elds, from healthcare and public health to community outreach and education.

ALEX SAMSON

Alex is a PhD student in the Psychology program at the University of Toronto, where she also obtained a Master's degree. Part-time Alex is a Science Writer for Research2Reality, a scientific journalism website dedicated to translating Canadian research for the broader community to understand.

Before attending the University of Toronto, Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. After her Bachelor’s degree, she was supported by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada award to conduct research at the Alberta Children's Hospital looking at the relationship between cognition and videogame use in young children.

Alex has been passionate about the brain and mental health since a very young age but her current research focus was motivated by a family history of Alzheimer's disease/dementia. Alex's current PhD work focuses on sex and gender differences in Alzheimer's disease development in an effort to understand why females/women are more susceptible to this disease. The overarching goal of her research is to create a clinical brain tool, through computational modeling, that could help diagnose or even prevent Alzheimer's from developing at all.

After learning about the Women's Brain Health Initiative and the Young Person's Cabinet, Alex was keen to get involved. Alex is excited to share her knowledge about the brain and mental health as well as, learn from and inspire other young adults on how to best take care of their brains. A healthy brain is critically important to living a long and happy life!

DR. ELENA SHELDRAKE

Dr. Elena Sheldrake is a post-doctoral fellow for the Family Navigation Project at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre and a DIVERT Mental Health Fellow supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. She completed her PhD at the University of Toronto at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute with a Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience, and her MSc at Western University in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, specializing in social and cognitive rehabilitation. Elena's research has always focused on brain health, encompassing conditions such as Parkinson's disease, mild traumatic brain injury and persistent post-concussion symptoms. However, her primary research passion lies in mental health, where she is a dedicated advocate for reducing stigma. Her key research interest centers on youth mental health, particularly identifying early indicators and enhancing post-diagnosis support.

From an early age, Elena adopted a holistic approach to wellbeing, balancing a nutritious diet, physical activity, academic stimulation, and social engagement to support both her mental and physical health. Her dedication to brain health and commitment to empowering like-minded women led her to the Women's Brain Health Initiative, which is she thrilled to be a part of, and hopes to inspire future generations to prioritize their cognitive health, and in turn, their overall wellbeing.

MATTEO TINO

Matteo is an Investment Counsellor with RBC PH&N Investment Counsel, where he applies his diverse experience in portfolio management, investment counselling and financial planning to provide discretionary investment management services to help his high-net-worth clients achieve their long-term goals and aspirations.

He has been featured on the Business News Network (BNN) television channel as a commentator on markets, economics and investment products on several occasions. Matteo is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and holds the Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation. He is a member of the Responsible Investment Association (RIA) and was recently named as a finalist for the 2020 Wealth Professional Advisor of the Year – Responsible Investments award.

Matteo is an advocate for health and wellness and enjoys educating millennials on the steps they can take today to protect their brain health in the future. He believes everyone should benefit from the available research and resources to battle age related brain diseases.

RICHA VAJPEYI

Richa Vajpeyi is the founder of ALKYD Marketing, a premier fi rm specializing in digital marketing, web design, and data analytics, bringing together a team of seasoned professionals. She is a marketing leader with a proven track record in both retail and blockchain industries. With over a decade of experience, Richa has led and developed marketing strategies for Fortune 500 companies like KPMG and Eli Lilly. Previously, as Head of Marketing for Stash & Co, Richa built the brand from the ground up, crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy that included PR, events, radio, print, and guerrilla marketing. Under her leadership, Stash & Co earned the prestigious title of Best Cannabis Retailer three years in a row, a testament to her strategic vision and marketing prowess. She played a similar expansion role in the blockchain industry heading marketing at her clients’ from ICO to global foundation and forming the foundation of marketing best practices for the industry.

Holding an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, Richa is also passionate about the arts and serves as a committee member for the National Ballet School Board. She was previously on the board for ArtScene, Business for the Arts.

ALISON WALTERS

Alison Walters is a Fundraiser at Trillium Health Partners Foundation in Mississauga. Her background in health in conjunction with her passion for supporting health-focused nonprofits drives her in her role supporting fund development for the hospital.

Alison holds a Bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University in Health Studies as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate from Humber College in Fundraising Management. Previous to her fundraising career, Alison worked at both Lululemon and F45 Training. She is also a member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. These experiences were very unique in helping build her passion for health and wellness.

Alison has first-hand experience of how age-related brain health issues affect women and their families. She is excited to promote awareness of the importance of brain health at a young age.

MICAELA WISEMAN

Micaela Wiseman is a PhD student in the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Toronto. She currently works in the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation at Sunnybrook Research Institute studying outcomes in patients undergoing Neuromodulation interventions for treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders.

Prior to beginning her PhD research, Micaela completed a Master’s in neuroscience at the University of Oxford and graduated McGill University with a First Class Honours B.A. in Psychology. She has also been involved in research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University Health Network.

Micaela’s long standing passion for neuroscience and brain health, coupled with her deep interest in promoting equitable representation of women in health research, drew her the mission of WBHI. She is specifically interested in sharing health and science related topics with the broader community with the aim of making lasting change.

ANDREA WURSTER

Andrea Wurster is deeply passionate about supporting older adults, particularly women living with dementia. Andrea’s journey began during her undergraduate studies while working in long-term care, where she witnessed fi rsthand the challenges and the critical need for better resources and advocacy. Andrea pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Gerontology and Health Studies, followed by a Master of Science in eHealth, both from McMaster University. These experiences shaped her commitment to improving the lives of aging individuals through innovation and compassionate care.

Following her studies, Andrea joined Deloitte as a consultant, focusing on technology strategy & transformation. While she developed a deep appreciation for consulting, she realized her true calling lay elsewhere. This led her to Silverts Adaptive Clothing & Footwear, where she now serves as Vice President of Product, Partnerships & Sales, dedicating the past four years to developing adaptive solutions that enhance independence and dignity for people with disabilities—while celebrating personal style.

Andrea’s passion for brain health, particularly understanding the challenges of Alzheimer’s and mental well-being in women, continues to spark passion. Andrea is committed to fostering innovation and awareness in this space, helping to create a future where aging is met with dignity, support, and empowerment. Andrea is honoured to contribute to the Women’s Brain Health Initiative and looks forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals to build a better tomorrow.

BRAINSUITE SOCIAL CABINET