The Beyond Silence Team:
For general inquiries, please contact us at beysilen@mcmaster.ca
Principal Investigator
Dr. Sandra Moll, M.Sc.(OT), PhD – Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University
Sandra’s research interests relate to mental health/mental illness, along the continuum from mental health promotion to illness intervention. Her primary program of research focuses on workplace mental health, including approaches to building mental wellness and mental health literacy and reducing stigma in the context of work. She developed the Beyond Silence workplace training program and the Beyond Silence app platform with input from healthcare workers across Canada. Her research expertise is in co-design, qualitative methods, and implementation science.
Research Team
Melissa Parker
Research Coordinator
Melissa holds a BSc in Life Science, a BA in Psychology, and is currently finishing up her Master of Biomedical Science (Neuroscience). Her academic achievements are matched by her passion for mental health advocacy, with a particular focus on improving mental health outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Lindsay Crocco
Research Assistant
Lindsay Crocco has an B.Sc. in Life Science and M.Sc. in Occupational Therapy. She has experience in designing, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs, policies and strategies in the healthcare and education sectors.
Saleha Ansari
Research Assistant
saleha.ansari@mail.utoronto.ca
Saleha holds a HBSc in Health Studies (Population Health Stream) and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Disease. She continues to grow her skills in knowledge translation, data analysis, and health policy design and evaluation. At present, her research interests surround the intersectionality of health outcomes and care, with a growing interest in critical disability studies, rehabilitation, and mental health.
Rhonda Kotick
Peer Support Coordinator, Homewood Health
Rhonda Kotick has Master’s Degree in Social Work. She has had a varied career including working in a maximum security penitentiary, supporting Canadian Military Members at the Department of National Defense, and most recently in the ICU and Emergency Department of a pediatric hospital. She is currently employed by Homewood Health and is the Peer Support Coordinator for Beyond Silence.
Misimi Sanni
Volunteer
Misimi is a high school student at Appleby College. She is interested in pursuing the Life Sciences and Engineering in university and continues to explore all areas of STEM while aiming to help others along the way.
Ami Patel
Research Assistant
Ami holds an undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology and is starting a Master’s in Developmental Psychology & Education in Fall 2023. Ami is passionate about applying psychological research to enhance student mental health, create transformative learning experiences, and cultivate thriving institutions using a positive psychological framework. Driven by her desire to create a just and flourishing society, Ami often takes on diverse research and educational roles in universities, non-profits, and service-oriented organizations.