Muskoka-Parry Sound District, Huntsville
Dakota graduated from the Mental Health and Addiction Worker program at Canadore College, where she completed her studies with three academic excellence awards. While at Canadore, she was an active Student Council member as the College Drive Campus Representative. She contributed to sociological research as one of four Student Research Assistants at Canadore’s Research Centre. These experiences shaped her understanding of the broader social and systemic issues that impact individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges.

Passionate about helping others, Dakota believes peer support is founded in empathy and interpersonal connection. She discovered early on that the most fulfilling part of her work comes from having honest, meaningful conversations and being there for people when they needed someone to truly listen. As someone with lived experience in both mental health and addictions, Dakota brings a personal understanding to her role in LERN that enhances her ability to support others with compassion and authenticity.

As Chair of LERN’s Board, Dakota applies strong organizational and communication skills while staying grounded in the core values of peer support. She is committed to advocating for individuals who are navigating mental health and addictions, and aims to help create systems that are more accessible, inclusive, and person-centered. Looking ahead, she hopes to be a positive influence, amplifying the voices of those with lived experience through research or policy development.

Nipissing district, North Bay, Raised in the Ottawa area, Alanah moved to North Bay in 2012 and has since become a passionate advocate for mental health and peer support. With nearly a decade of experience in community-based mental health, she has supported individuals with lived experience through compassionate, person-centered work.

Since 2021, she has been focused on campus mental health and currently serves as Student Success Advisor at Canadore College, where she supports student well-being and success through a holistic and inclusive approach.

Outside of her work, Alanah can often be found relaxing on the shores of Lake Nipissing, tending to her garden, spending time with her mischievous cat Luna or diving into true crime podcasts and paranormal research.

Algoma District, Elliot Lake, Ever since David was a teenager, mental health struggles have been a part of his life. He was fortunate as both his parents worked in the field, so he always seemed to have a better understanding of what mental health was and the available services. In his last year of high school, his mother passed away. Unfortunately, this led to increased depression and self-harm. However, it was the wakeup call he needed, as it led him to seek help.

Since then, David has been supporting several of his friends and former partner during their own mental health struggles and suicide attempts. Throughout these experiences, he recognizes the value that peer support has on one’s wellness and recovery. As a volunteer at The Beehive, his goal is to ensure that those who need support know they have support and are not alone.

David feels LERN’s Board is a place where he can help make a difference by ensuring that front-line workers have up-to-date training, information, and support so they can continue to be the fundamental peer workers that they are.

Muskoka-Parry Sound District, Sundridge, Kimberly Swan is currently the Peer Specialist on the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) at the Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka–Parry Sound Branch. Before her current role, Kimberly was a Peer Support worker for the Council of Consumer Survivors and Family Initiatives and a general member of LERN.

Kimberly is a huge advocate for peer support work and believes that peer support workers should be part of every section of social services. She hopes to be able to contribute to making this a reality, as peer support is vital to supporting all individuals in need. Kimberly is also a strong advocate for equality in the pay peer support workers receive, as lived experience is just as valid as any degree. Kimberly’s feels her strengths in organization, administration, and event planning would benefit LERN’s Board of Directors.

In her personal life, she is a mom of four teenagers, a fur mom to two dogs, and is a loving wife. Kimberly is working on her social service worker diploma through part-time learning and anticipates graduating in fall of 2026. She enjoys the outdoors, doing many activities and spending time crafting or studying on bad weather days. She is passionate about the peer community and takes every opportunity to engage and be around others in this community whenever possible.

Nipissing District, North Bay, Brian Pascoe has 30+ years of lived experience as a person who used substances and experienced homelessness, mental health, and justice issues. Brian entered recovery 4-5 years ago and has since become part of the Temiskaming Drug and Alcohol Strategy Committee of People with Lived Experience (TDAS PWLE), and the Temiskaming Health Unit’s Harm Reduction Pilot project. Brian is a certified Peer Support Worker employed with Centre De Sante Temiskaming (CSCT).

Brian dedicates his time as a board member for the treatment centre in Kirkland Lake, works in research and advocacy with McMaster University's Prison Health Research Council, and is currently a Peer Support Supervisor and Worker with Centre de Sante Temiskaming. Within this role, Brian is establishing a peer support network in the north, separate from the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) model, focusing on lived experience while empowering those in recovery through employment that they may otherwise not be given access to.

Hollie Whittaker is a Registered Social Worker with a passion for community wellness, connection, and creating spaces where people feel supported and empowered. Through her work in social services, Hollie has developed a strong belief that every person carries valuable experiences, strengths, and stories that contribute to the well-being of their community.

Hollie brings a compassionate and creative approach to her work, with a focus on collaboration, relationship-building, and finding meaningful ways to support individuals and communities. She believes that positive change happens when we come together, listen with intention, and recognize the strengths that already exist within people and communities.

Beyond her professional role, Hollie is a proud mum, daughter, sister, and auntie. She finds joy in spending time outdoors, chasing waterfalls, exploring nature, and appreciating the beauty and peace that nature provides. Hollie enjoys bringing ideas to life, creating meaningful connections, and finding new ways to support wellness, belonging, and community.

Hollie is honoured to join LERN’s Board of Directors and looks forward to contributing her experience, passion, and perspective while working alongside others to support LERN’s continued impact.

Kari Sterling leads LERN as Executive Director, ensuring the organization operates in line with its vision, mission, values, and strategic goals. She oversees daily operations and the overall well-being of the organization. Kari works 32 hours per week and is based in the Cochrane–Temiskaming district. She has held this role since 2017, bringing extensive experience and lived knowledge to her leadership.

Kari brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to LERN. She has had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors twice and was an active member of LERN while working with CMHA in Cochrane–Temiskaming. Her experience across both leadership and membership roles gives her a unique perspective on supporting and strengthening peer-run communities.

Erin Russell manages LERN’s communications and develops educational events and training for staff, board members, and members. She also provides administrative and operational support to both the Executive Director and members as needed. Erin works 20 hours per week and is based in the Nipissing district. She has served as Education & Support Coordinator since 2021.

Erin has had the privilege of serving on LERN’s Board of Directors and brings a strong background in peer support and a commitment to education and advocacy. Erin helps strengthen peer communities and ensures that the voices of lived experience are heard and valued.