Who We Are

Hi, I’m Toni! I’m proud to serve as the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatoon Branch. I’m passionate about creating a community where everyone feels supported, understood, and valued, especially when it comes to mental health.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and am an Ambassador of Gentle Teaching, which guide my approach to leadership, relationship-building, and community care. In my role, I work alongside an incredible team of staff, volunteers, and partners to build programs that make a real difference in people’s lives. What matters most to me is ensuring that CMHA Saskatoon is a welcoming place where people can find hope and connection.

Outside of work, life keeps me happily busy. I’m married, a proud mom to a wonderful daughter, and our home wouldn’t be complete without our pets. I love live music, cheering on at sporting events, and never pass up the chance for a good cup of coffee.

I graduated from the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Social Work. I have been with CMHA Saskatoon since 2007 and am our Program Director. I have always had a passion for mental health and wellness and working at CMHA has truly been an honor. The resilience and strength that I am privileged to witness daily remind me of why I love working in the mental health field. In addition to my work at CMHA, I have a wonderful husband and a little boy that lights up my world. I have also volunteered with local dog rescues since 2011 and am a strong advocate for animal rights.

: I’ve spent more than 30 years in Saskatoon’s non-profit and charitable sector, working in fundraising, volunteer management, training, and facilitation—all in the name of helping our community care for itself and its most vulnerable neighbors. My philosophy is simple: strong relationships and shared resources make for stronger communities (and far less burnout for the people holding them together).

As Director of Development with CMHA Saskatoon, I get to do what I love most—connecting people, raising support, and building something bigger than any one of us. This is my second time working with CMHA, which has always been my heart-string cause. Living with anxiety and depression myself, I understand firsthand why these services matter so deeply, and I’m determined to ensure CMHA is here long after I am.

Beyond work, I currently volunteer with Leadership Saskatoon (Class of 2018!) and other local community-based organizations. I also hold two literature degrees from the U of S—so yes, I can quote poetry at fundraising meetings if pressed. At home, I share life with my husband Don and our two furry “brats,” Luna and Alley, who believe the world revolves around them (and, if I’m honest, they’re probably not wrong).

I have been with CMHA Saskatoon since 2013, and my background is in psychology. Currently I split my time between supporting clients, facilitating Mental Health First Aid, youth mental health education, and running our social media. I get to work with people every day who show me what true strength and courage is. I have seen so many positive changes in our mental health system during my time with CMHA, but am equally driven in advocating for the change that is still needed.

My journey with CMHA Saskatoon began as a student in 2016, followed by employment as the workplace wellness facilitator.  After almost ten years I have moved into a different position as the pre-vocational program facilitator, which offers support for individuals seeking to develop a greater sense of self and to build their work readiness skills. In addition, I continue to provide mental health first aid training. 

My most recent passion is supporting maternal mental health in the community through the facilitation of More than Mama’s in partnership with Shopper’s Drug Mart Run for Women and BabyBean Café. 

Mental health challenges are something that have impacted my life from an early age and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to support individuals navigating their wellness needs in the community.  Outside of work, I am a proud mom of three wonderful children, a dog named Bosley and I love to play volleyball year-round.   

I am a Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. My own mental health journey inspired me to work at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), where I help people live more independently. At CMHA, I facilitate an anxiety support group and provide general mental health support. In my free time, I enjoy table tennis, watching movies, learning new things, and spending time with my family and friends.

Hi, my name is Stacey McKay. I joined CMHA in May of this year as the Supported Independent Living Coordinator. My journey into the mental health field was inspired by my own lived experience, which has given me a deep, personal understanding of the challenges individuals face—and the kind of meaningful support that can truly make a difference. 

 I recently graduated from the First Nations University of Canada with a degree in Indigenous Social Work. I’m also a proud mother of three beautiful children and grateful for the love and support of my wonderful partner. In my free time, I enjoy sewing, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

My journey to becoming a community mental health worker began with supporting loved ones close to home and expanded to working in this field professionally. I began as a doula, focusing on maternal mental health, and continued my education to receive a Psychology Bachelors to further support the work I was doing. I’ve had the privilege of working with community nonprofits for 10 years, and through that time I have witnessed so much compassion, determination, storytelling, resilience, humour, grief, growth, and authenticity. As a mental health worker at CMHA, I endeavor to offer holistic care by addressing barriers, understanding culture ties and values and the role it plays in our lives, offering a compassionate and non-judgmental ear, facilitating connection and alleviating financial stressors when I can. Knowing how challenging it is to create work-life-balance, I focus on this in the vocational program with clients, as we explore different vocations. This is an important value in my own life, and I enjoy sewing my DIY wardrobe, spending time with my partner, dogs, and family, as well as doing photography.

My name is Rojette Besana, and I am excited and honored to have recently joined CMHA Saskatoon as a Mental Health Worker and Workplace Wellness Facilitator! I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and have been working in the mental health and non-profit sector supporting children, youth, and families through advocacy and psychoeducation. My passion for pursuing mental health work comes from my own personal challenges, which have shaped both my empathy and my commitment to this field. Coming from the Philippines, where conversations about mental health were often considered taboo, I wanted to be a part of bridging that gap by creating awareness and psychologically safe spaces where people feel supported and understood. Being in this field has given me the opportunity to meet such resilient people and create meaningful connections. As part of my own self-care, my wellness practices are: traveling, nature walks with my dog, Maeiva, spending meaningful time with friends and family, and enjoying endless movie nights with my partner.