WHO WE ARE
Meet Our Team
Get to know Team Genwell, our Board Members & Scientific Advisors.
Pete Bombaci
Pete Bombaci is a visionary business and social‑change leader and the Founder & CEO of GenWell, Canada’s Human Connection Movement, dedicated to empowering workplaces, schools, and communities through proactive face‑to‑face connection. Formerly Canada’s Country Director for Movember, he led the organization to raise over $142 million in five years. With two decades in the for‑profit and non‑profit sectors, Pete blends brand building, strategy, and 360° activation to foster deeper social health. A seasoned speaker, he’s opened conferences across North America and Europe on building happier, healthier, more connected cultures.
Ashleigh Bliss
Ashleigh Bliss is a creative, driven professional who loves turning ideas into meaningful experiences that bring people together. As the Director of Workplace Programming she helps businesses and organizations learn about the importance of building genuine connections at work. She’s always curious, always learning, and brings a positive, people-first approach to everything she does, focused on creating workplaces where connection and community can really thrive.
Bobbie Breckenridge
Bobbie is a registered social worker, mind-body coach, and holistic wellness nerd. Passionate about co-creating a better world, she brings a decade of experience in organizing community initiatives that foster genuine connections and greater well-being for all. A versatile professional, she supports GenWell with her skills in community development, event planning, program development, project management, and workshop facilitation.
Jennifer Broughton
Jennifer is a dedicated professional, problem-solver and coach. Drawing on her leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Jennifer brings a wealth of diverse personal & professional experience, with a background in education and human resources. Her expertise lies in operations management, administrative functions, strategic planning support, and program development, cultivating a supportive environment for GenWell that is conducive to growth and collaboration.
Emma Burger
Emma brings her eye for detail and problem-solving skills to support GenWell by keeping the website up to date and running smoothly. With degrees in Education and Health Sciences, along with experience in managing communications and websites for educational non-profits, her technical skills and passion for meaningful connection strongly weave together. As a global traveler, she thrives on learning from people of all walks of life. A true believer in the power of human connection—and connection to nature—you can find her outside adventuring with others whenever she has the chance.
Kiffer Card
Dr. Card is an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University and the Director of Research for GenWell.
As an early career researcher, Dr. Card has received numerous national recognitions for his scholarship and participated in projects which have received more than $25 million dollars in funding. This work has resulted in over 200 publications, including approximately 100 academic journal articles. Dr. Card is the principal investigator for the Canadian Social Connection Survey and is leading the development of the first public health guidelines for social connection and health.
Jamie Deans
An expert in public relations, Jamie has been leading communications for GenWell for over four years. After a long career at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in Toronto, Canada, Jamie is pleased to be working on a project that is on a mission to make the world a happier and healthier place. By day Jamie and his wife Ivette are the proud parents to four great children, and together, their family has played a role in supporting GenWell to build a more connected Canada.
Kelly & Nat
Oklahoma Marketing is a collaborative studio led by Nat Caron and Kelly Letourneau, built on creativity, trust, and a genuine love for helping people tell their stories well. With a background in photography and design, Nat brings a strong visual sensibility and an ability to capture the heart of a brand. Kelly draws on her experience as an entrepreneur and strategist to shape clear, thoughtful marketing that connects. Together, they bring a practical, people-first approach to their work, believing that great marketing starts with real relationships.
Andrew Laufer
Andrew Laufer is a “WHY” person combined with a storyteller, explorer, creative addict, designer, and Human Connection Catalyst. He is a curious creative with twenty years of experience in strategic branding, art direction, and design for some of the largest CPG, retail, and entertainment brands. Andrew has been a part of GenWell’s mission long before they posted their first event. As Creative Director, he believes in the power of human connection to expand the moment, spark change, and build a happier healthier society one face-to-face interaction at a time.
Carolyn Marrelli-Dill
Carolyn is a natural connector who’s passionate about bringing people together through shared experiences that spark belonging and positive change. As Director of Campaign, she leads initiatives that help people connect in meaningful ways and strengthen the social fabric of communities.
With a career rooted in impact, from outdoor education and beekeeping to business and sustainability, she’s always been drawn to work that aims to make the world better. She enjoys solving problems, is a creative thinker, and loves breaking big challenges into small, digestible actions and practical systems. Carolyn brings curiosity and heart to every challenge. A lover of nature, she continues to find inspiration outdoors, guided by the belief that small actions, taken together, can create lasting change.
Angela Stathakos
Angela Stathakos is the Director of Municipalities & Partnerships at GenWell, Canada’s Human Connection Movement, a national charity dedicated to educating Canadians about the importance of human connection and social health. In her role, Angela works closely with civic, community, and organizational leaders across the country to help embed human connection into the way communities live, work, and
lead. Angela brings a strong background in operations, partnership development, and service delivery, and is known for building collaborative relationships that translate ideas into meaningful impact. Through GenWell’s workshops and initiatives, she helps educate, empower, and catalyze leaders to prioritize social health and create environments where individuals and communities can thrive. Passionate about connecting people and strengthening communities, Angela believes that meaningful relationships are foundational to our collective wellbeing and to building more resilient, compassionate societies.
Reagan Zuzarte
Reagan Zuzarte is a Toronto-based technologist and growth marketer, known as a self-professed data geek. As an original board member of GenWell in 2016, Reagan advises on growth marketing, digital transformation, conversion optimization, and data strategy for the growth of the movement. Passionate about the power of human connection, he combines tech, data, and marketing to help scale meaningful social impact.
ABOUT
Board Members
We are thankful for the leadership and commitment of our Board Members, whose governance and strategic oversight help guide the growth and impact of our organization. Through their diverse perspectives and experience, they provide thoughtful direction that strengthens our ability to advance the importance of human connection in communities everywhere. Their dedication ensures that we remain focused on our mission, operate responsibly, and continue building partnerships and initiatives that address the challenges of social isolation, disconnection, and loneliness.
Sharon Broughton
Sharon Broughton is an accomplished social impact leader, consultant, and instructor specializing in supporting non-profits and their leaders to increase the impact of important causes. With more than 25 years of professional experience serving as CEO of several provincial and national charitable organizations, Sharon has led significant work in strategy, governance, innovation, partnerships, and Imagine Canada Standards Program accreditation. She holds a Master’s in Adult Education from OISE/UT and is an alumna of Community Shift at Ivey School of Business and Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management at Harvard Business School. Sharon serves as Vice-Chair of Parkinson Canada and on the boards of Amref Health Africa (Canada) and the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Scott Cameron
Scott Cameron is a CPA, CA with over three decades of executive leadership experience in the financial services industry. Scott was responsible for building and leading multiple high performing finance teams, managing overall financial functions and was a key player in several corporate restructuring projects. Throughout his career, Scott led by example, encouraging teams to work in a collaborative and connected fashion. Scott has always believed in the power of human connection and regularly engages groups to get together and enjoy life. Since retiring in June 2022, Scott has followed his passion for learning and experiences by volunteering his time with local nature organizations, continuing his physically active lifestyle, and enjoying his time as a student in new hobby interests. A beneficial component of those pursuits is the opportunity to engage in new social connections.
Shelli Baltman
Shelli Baltman is CEO and Founding Partner of The Idea Suite Inc., an innovation advisory firm that helps organizations unlock growth through strategy-led creativity. Under her leadership, The Idea Suite has been recognized four times by Adweek 100 and Report on Business as one of Canada’s fastest-growing agencies. Shelli brings more than 20 years of global innovation and strategy experience, having held senior roles at McKinsey & Company and ?What If! Innovation. She has advised boards and executive teams across sectors including healthcare, consumer goods, technology, retail, and financial services. Shelli is passionately committed to Human Connection and has been supporting GenWell as a movement since its inception.
Joel Alden
Joel Alden is an experienced strategy consultant, currently a Partner with EY Parthenon’s Strategy and Transactions practice based in Toronto. Prior to joining EY, he was a partner/managing director with Kearney and with Accenture where he worked extensively across North America and globally with leading companies, primarily in consumer industries. He has both a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA from Queen’s University. Joel lives in Toronto with his wife, Nancy, and two university aged children, Noah and Anika. Joel joined the Board of GenWell in August 2025.
Mubashira Nusrat Farooqi-Raza
Mubashira Nusrat Farooqi-Raza is an award-winning communications and public relations professional, international speaker, and DEI advocate. As an Integrated Communications Consultant at CAA Club Group, she takes a purpose-driven approach to storytelling, using communications to foster connection and impact. She is the Founder and Host of the Colour Me PR Podcast, amplifying the voices of exceptional women of colour in communications. Her leadership has earned international recognition, including the inaugural Young Changemakers Award from PRovoke Media and WE Communications, and speaking engagements at the World Economic Forum, Cannes Lions Festival, P World Global PR Summit, and IABC World Conference.
James Hughes
James Hughes is the President and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission, Quebec's largest centre serving people experiencing homelessness or at risk thereof. Previous mandates include Deputy Minister of Social Development (New Brunswick), and President, Graham Boeckh Foundation. A lawyer by training, James is the author/ editor of "Early Intervention", "Beyond Shelters", and "Ending Homelessness in Canada", all published by James Lorimer & Co. Ltd. His recognitions include the Médaille d'Honneur de L'Assemblé Nationale du Québec and the Queen's University Stirling Medal.
Nancy MacKay
Nancy MacKay, PhD is the Founder and CEO of MacKay CEO Forums, a Certified B Corp offering confidential peer support to over 5000 Canadian CEOs, executives, and business owners over the past 20 years. A CEO coach, former professor, and best-selling author, who co-wrote I Don’t Have Time and the forthcoming Forbes published book It’s Lonely at the Top. Nancy serves on the board of the GenWell Foundation and is a volunteer co-chair for Canada’s Great Kitchen Party.
Dr. Kwame McKenzie
Dr. Kwame McKenzie is CEO of Wellesley Institute, a Professor at the University of Toronto, Director of Health Equity at CAMH and a practicing psychiatrist. An international expert on the social causes of illness and equitable health policy, he has advised ministers in Canada and the U.K., authored more than 280 peer-reviewed papers and six books, and consulted for the WHO and World Bank. He serves on Canada’s National Advisory Council on Poverty, Co-Chairs Ontario’s Black Health Plan, Chairs Right to Food, and has written and presented for major media outlets.
Kim Saunders
Kim Saunders, Vice President, Enterprise Triangle Partnerships at Canadian Tire Corporation is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience building high‑value collaborations that drive growth, engagement, and social impact. In her current role as Vice President of Enterprise Triangle Partnerships at Canadian Tire Corporation, she leads the development of strategic loyalty and brand partnerships that fuel Triangle Rewards performance. Kim has designed and scaled national sponsorship platforms, advanced equity‑driven initiatives in sport, and overseen philanthropic investment and fundraising in support of Canadian Tire’s charity Jumpstart. Known for aligning commercial objectives with purpose, she brings deep expertise in partnership strategy, sponsorship activation, and cause‑driven fundraising that delivers measurable business and societal results.
Samantha Yarwood
Samantha Yarwood is a transformational change leader, coach, and facilitator dedicated to strengthening human connection and accelerating positive impact. With 20+ years of global experience across innovation, brand leadership, and culture transformation, she partners with organizations—from startups to Fortune 500s—to build leadership capability, spark systemic change, and help teams thrive amid complexity. She specializes in unlocking human potential through deep coaching, dynamic facilitation, and evidence-based leadership practices. Samantha holds an Executive Master’s in Change from INSEAD and is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on leadership and change. She believes leadership is a force for good and a catalyst for collective wellbeing.
ABOUT
Scientific Advisors
We are deeply grateful to our Scientific Advisors for their guidance, expertise, and dedication to advancing our mission. Their leadership ensures that everything we do is firmly grounded in the science of human connection — from understanding the individual and societal challenges of social isolation, disconnection, and loneliness, to developing evidence-based strategies that help people and communities thrive. Their insight helps us translate leading-edge research into practical, impactful action, ensuring that our work is not only inspiring, but also credible, measurable, and effective.
Dr. Sandra Allison
Public Health and Preventive Medicine Specialist, Family Physician
Dr. Kiffer Card
Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University
Dr. Frances Chen
Associate Professor and Area Coordinator, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
Dr. Allison Crawford
Chief Medical Officer for 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, Psychiatrist and researcher at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto
Dr. Beverley Fehr
Professor, Social Psychology, University of Winnipeg
Dr. Steve Joordens
Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto Scarborough, and Director of the Advanced Learning Technologies Lab.
Dr. Kwame McKenzie
Director of Health Equity, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH); Full Professor & Co-Director, Division of Equity, Gender and Population, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto; CEO, Wellesley Institute; Member, Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council to the Minister of Health
Dr. John Oliffe
Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Men’s Health Promotion at the School of Nursing, University of British Columbia
Dr. Heather Palmer
Strategic and innovative aging, dementia, and cognitive rehabilitation specialist. President and CEO, Maximum Capacity Inc.
Loretta Ryan
Chief Executive Officer for the Association of Local Public Agencies of Ontario
Dr. Shayna Skakoon-Sparling
Social Psychologist – Loneliness and Social Isolation, Toronto Metropolitan University
