The People Behind the Initiative

Dr. Elnaz Moghimi (she/her) is a research scientist at Waypoint. Her work mainly focuses on intimate partner violence, youth mental health, and individuals served by both the mental health and criminal justice systems. As a second-generation Canadian, Elnaz is passionate about ensuring that diverse voices inform mental health services and care, and that these services are tailored to the unique needs of different people and communities.

Dr. N. Zoe Hilton, C.Psych. (she/her) is the Research Chair in Forensic Mental Health at Waypoint, Professor of Psychiatry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and Professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. She is the lead author of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA). As part of the MHAVEN team, she is overseeing updates to ODARA 101 (the online training program) and working with the clinician training development subproject.

Elke Ham is a co-lead of the MHAVEN project. She is a Research Psychometrist at Waypoint and the Project Coordinator for ODARA 101. With 15 years of experience in research, she has co-authored 35 peer-reviewed articles and focuses on intimate partner violence, risk assessment, and psychological health in the workplace. She is a Certified ODARA Trainer and manages ODARA 101, an e-learning program that has trained over 15,000 professionals in various fields worldwide. Additionally, she serves as a director and former board chair of the Community Legal Clinic of Simcoe, Haliburton, and Kawartha Lakes.

Sevil Deljavan, HBSc, MS, (she/her) is the Research Coordinator for the MHAVEN project. Her work centres on lived expertise, participatory research, and community engagement, with experience working alongside people across a range of vulnerable and marginalized contexts, including dementia care, child welfare, forensic mental health, and the intimate partner violence sector. Outside of work, she enjoys Pilates, travelling, caring for her cat Lola, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Alanna Bouffard-Atkinson (she/her), RN, BScN, MN is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in gender-based violence at Waypoint, a nursing professor, and a front-line nurse working in a non-urban Emergency Department. Driven by a passion for social justice and health equity, Alanna works to support the unique needs of equity-deserving groups, particularly in underserved rural, remote, and northern communities. In her spare time, you’ll find her exploring walking trails with her dog.

Alexandra Duquette (she/her) is a student researcher at Waypoint. Her research focuses on gender-based violence. Alex plans to pursue a Master of Social Work to further her education in mental health care. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her at the beach (no matter the weather) or rewatching The Office.

Althea Sumabat (she/her) is a student researcher at Waypoint and a Master of Social Work Student at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on gender-based violence. Outside of work, you’ll find her in an exercise class, hiking trails, or playing board games with family or friends.

Emilie Ades, HBSc, MSc (she/her) is a Research Analyst at Waypoint. Her work has focused on the intersection between psychology, law, violence and gender, using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. At Waypoint, she supports projects in youth mental health, in addition to the MHAVEN project. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, reading, art, and spending time with her dog.

Jaden Chong (she/her) is a Communications and Digital Media Specialist at Waypoint. She is very passionate about integrating design into the healthcare space and believes in the importance of amplifying survivor voices. In her free time, Jaden enjoys travelling to new places and trying new foods.

Jasmeen Kaur (she/her) is a Research Analyst at Waypoint. Her research focuses on gender-based Violence. Jasmeen’s expertise spans both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, survey design, and data visualization, enabling her to translate complex data into actionable insights. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the fictional world through novels and reconnecting with nature on long walks.

Jennifer Schuler, RN, BScN, has been nursing for over 20 years, specializing in mental health and addictions, and currently works at Waypoint as Director, Professional Practice & Rehabilitation Services (Interim). She is supporting the MHAVEN project through clinical leadership and translating research findings into practice. Jennifer is completing the final stages of her research thesis as the final requirement to obtain a Master of Psychiatric Nursing. Jennifer has a passion for qualitative research exploring topics which include substance use, complex trauma, gender and sexuality, and equity in healthcare. Additionally, she serves as a Board Director and member of the Executive Board for the Guesthouse Shelter in Midland, Ont.

Michelle Schwier (she/her) is a Research Analyst at Waypoint, supporting Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP). She assists with quality improvement projects for the program, including those that affect access to and quality of care for diverse client populations.

Rhoda Joseph-Audu (she/her) is a Registered Practical Nurse at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care with over 10 years of clinical experience. She is a member of the MHAVEN co-research team and contributes to the clinical training sub-project, bringing frontline perspectives to support the development of trauma- and violence-informed approaches in mental health care.

Dr. Tejaswinhi (Tejas) Srinivas, C.Psych., is the Clinical & Regional Training Lead for Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) in the Central North region. She received her Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, her B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from Yale University, and completed her Clinical Psychology residency with the Women’s Trauma Recovery Team at the VA Boston Healthcare System, affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine. She has extensive clinical and research experience with diverse trauma-affected populations, including individuals who have experienced gender-based violence.

Victoria Seta Cosby (she/her) is a doctoral candidate at Queen’s University and a Research Co-ordinator at Waypoint. Her research focuses on women and gender in Canada. She is also a cat mom to three cats (who often make appearances in her video calls).