SPECIAL GUESTS
Marci Gray is the lead psychotherapist and CEO of Gray Matter Health. She is an experienced speaker and corporate trainer as well as a consultant and author who specializes in mental health and anti-racism work, which is the focus of her PhD research.
Marci Gray
Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
Shane Joseph BSW, MSW, RSW, MBA, DSW (c)
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
& Consultant
Shane is a transplanted immigrant of the Caribbean soil who now calls Canada home. He is a Social Worker & Psychotherapist with over twenty (20) years of wisdom in the areas of masculinity, gender-based violence, program and policy development, suicide intervention, and mental health. Within his private practice, New Journey Consulting Inc. he provides individual, couples, and family therapy for the Black African Caribbean community disproportionately, which is heavily grounded in intersectional and decolonizing approaches. As a consultant, he has completed assignments for UN agencies, World Bank, and CIDA among others throughout the Caribbean, North, South & Central America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. He lectures at both College and University levels and currently works as the Associate Executive Director at Roots Community Services, Ontario Canada. He is the current Chair of the North American MenEngage (NAMEN) and a Director of the Global MenEngage International (entities working with men and boys to end violence). Shane possesses both an Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Social work as well as an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management. He is currently completing his Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a specialization in Leadership & Education.
Theresa Antonietti
Emergency Disaster Services Specialist with The Salvation Army
Theresa Antonietti was and raised in the vibrant city of St. John's, Newfoundland. From a young age, she displayed a natural inclination towards helping others, demonstrating compassion and empathy beyond her years. This characteristic would shape her future and lead her down a path of service to those in need.
Inspired by her desire to make a positive impact, Theresa joined The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, a renowned organization dedicated to providing aid during times of crisis. With her dedication and commitment to service, she quickly became an invaluable member of the team. One of the defining moments in Theresa’s life came in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11. Not only did she contribute her skills and expertise locally in Newfoundland, but she also answered the call to assist in New York. Theresa witnessed firsthand the devastation and despair that unfolded in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts were instrumental in providing essential assistance to the affected communities, offering support, comfort, and hope to those who had lost so much.
Throughout her career, Theresa has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills. Recognizing her ability to inspire and motivate others, she took on roles that allowed her to oversee and coordinate teams of volunteers and first responders. Her adeptness in managing people, combined with her strong organizational abilities, ensured that resources were allocated effectively and efficiently, maximizing the impact of their humanitarian efforts.
Under Theresa’s guidance, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team became known for its exceptional preparedness and responsiveness. Her talent for coordinating logistics, managing personnel, and establishing effective communication channels helped create a well-oiled machine capable of swiftly deploying aid during times of crisis.
While Theresa’s involvement in 9/11 remains a significant milestone in her career, her contributions to disaster relief efforts extended far beyond that fateful day. From assisting communities devastated by natural disasters to supporting individuals affected by personal emergencies, she continually demonstrated her unwavering commitment to serving others.
Whether it is in times of crisis or everyday challenges, Theresa’s unwavering passion for helping others has inspired a new generation of compassionate individuals to continue her remarkable work.
Akua Parham
Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
Akua has over 20 years’ experience in the field of human services and possesses a deep passion for working with children, youth, and families. Akua Parham is a Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist with Gray Matter Health, as well as a Child Protection Worker. Akua also has experience in youth criminal justice, as well as working with survivors of domestic violence.
As a therapist at Gray Matter Health, she works with adults and children who struggle with anxiety, depression, and issues around self-esteem. She also helps families work through trauma, negative patterns, and helps them to progress towards having a happier, healthier life. Akua holds a combined Honour’s Degree in Law and Sociology from Carleton University, a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from York University, and a Master of Social Work Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Akua believes that our children are a true blessing from God, and "the greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things…but rather a legacy of character and faith."
Jeneen Blackwood, BScN, MN
Jeneen Blackwood has been a Registered Nurse for the past 20 years. As a healthcare professional, she has had the opportunity to practice in a variety of settings in various roles with a foundation in the Intensive Care unit and management. Her stance on healthcare is that patients need to be a participant and actively involved in the health care they receive and therefore she strongly encourages patients to ask questions and have important discussions with their healthcare providers.
Jeneen and her husband, Mark, have 3 boys: Isaiah, Aaron-Daniel and Isaac. Outside of her work life, she enjoys travelling and everything family.
Clinical Nurse Educator
Senior Pastor Noel Richards
Founder and Senior Pastor of Restoration Christian Ministries (RCM)
Noel Richards is the founder and Senior Pastor of Restoration Christian Ministries (RCM). He started this ministry after conducting 9 funerals for young people who died due to youth violence in the community. He also serves as the Chaplain for the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre in Brampton.
Rev. Richards has a deep passion for the Youth and has served in various capacities in the church and the community as Youth Counsellor; Youth Outreach Worker, Youth Pastor, and Basketball Coach where he coached high-risk inner city youth for 10 years.
He is a gifted and anointed preacher and teacher. He has preached extensively within Canada, the U.S.A., and the Caribbean. He believes that the Word of God is the key to human freedom and advancement. The Word of God is the light that humanity needs to live fruitful, productive, prosperous, and holy lives.
Rev. Noel Richards attended Tyndale University, College and Seminary, where he obtained a Bachelor of Religious Education Degree and in 2018, a Master of Divinity.
He is married to his lovely wife Dorett and has three children, two daughters, Chalak and Sana, and one son, Toure.
Rev. Richards is a visionary and hopes to build RCM into a life-changing, worldwide ministry.
Rev. Janice Squire-James, BSc,MSc
Minister
Janice Squire is a visionary and excellent communicator who is known for her passion and commitment to making a positive impact on the hurting and broken individuals in society. As a Care Navigator for mental health patients she organizes solutions for their wellbeing.
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Janice earned an MSc. in Special Education from Nova Southeastern University and a BSc.(Hons.) in Guidance Counseling from the Northern Caribbean University. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her achievements and ignited her drive for meaningful change. Through her compelling talks, she shares her experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, inspiring other women to pursue their dreams and cultivate a deeper walk with God.
Janice Squire is a licensed minister with the Church of God of Prophecy. Her journey and quest for excellence continue to inspire and uplift individuals from all walks of life, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Minister Janice loves to pray and lives by the mantra "When Jesus comes, the tempter power is broken."
She is married to Mike and is the mother of two sons one daughter and a beautiful granddaughter, Reuel, Rajae, Carilyn and Allana who have been her power of strength through life's journey.
Rev. Dr. Sophia Pringle
Lead Pastor of The Spring Community Church
The Rev. Dr. Sophia Pringle is a committed Christian who has dedicated her life to the Lord from the tender age of eleven. Growing up in her hometown of Palmers Cross Clarendon, Jamaica, her dedication and giftedness for spiritual service soon became evident and led to her serving in several capacities including local Church Youth Director, Parish Youth Director and National Youth Director for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
With a strong affinity for ministry, Sophia has served on pastoral teams for the church in Montego Bay Jamaica and Victory Tabernacle in the Cayman Islands. She also served as the Caribbean Liaison to the International Youth Council of the Church of God of Prophecy and founding Director of Caribbean Youth Conference 2002 to 2008.
A pharmacist by profession, Sophia Pringle holds a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (PharmD) from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Technology, Jamaica. She is a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP), and a Certified Diabetes Educator. Rev. Pringle also holds a Diploma in Practical Theology from the International Seminary, Florida and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Church Ministries with the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, Cleveland, Tennessee.
As Lead Pastor of The Spring Community Church in Toronto, Pastor Pringle has a passion for growth within the Kingdom of God. Dr. Pringle is an itinerant speaker who has ministered at conventions, conferences, retreats and seminars in Jamaica, Cayman Islands, USA, Canada and across the Caribbean. She is married to the love of her life, Rodney, who is her friend, companion and confidant.