Our Board

Bo Turpin

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Executive Director Bo Turpin has been with Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support for over 20 years, 17 of which were at the helm of the organization.  With a passion for client-centred,  community-based mental health services, he continues to demonstrate leadership and innovation in this space.

Véronique Joncas

Chair

Véronique Joncas’ professional career centres around increasing access to quality mental health care. She values spending time with her family and friends, has a passion for health equity and social justice issues, and enjoys learning about the different ways of living, being and knowing across the globe.

Jasmine Qi

Vice-Chair

Jasmine Qi immigrated to Canada in 2010 from Beijing, China. As a visible minority immigrant woman, she dedicates her experiences and expertise in employment counseling, program development, diversity, and inclusion in non-profit sectors to support immigrants in integrating socially and economically into Canadian society. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, running in the summer, reading books on psychology, inclusion, and belonging, and exploring fashion trends.

Nik Karajovic

Treasurer

Nik Karajovic is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator who hopes to assist the mental health community in Ottawa by leveraging his financial and business knowledge. In his spare time, Nik enjoys going to the gym, listening to new music, learning new things, and watching anime.

Courtney Smith has a wide variety of professional experience and education in human resources, health administration, applied health sciences, and communication. Her personal and professional goals are linked to promoting community health services and programs to all. She enjoys playing soccer, cottaging, reading, and any activities with family and friends. 

Elliot Culligan is a Chartered Professional Accountant and practices as a partner for a major consulting firm. Elliot has previously been involved in supporting mental health charities and supporting LGBTQ+ rights/representation in the UK – he is interested in using his professional skills to further access mental health, non-judgmental addiction support, and housing services across the community. Elliot is an avid tea drinker – he enjoys music (preferably live), traveling to new places, reading about science, running, and spending time with friends.

Jane Murray is a lawyer who practices as a mediator and arbitrator of family and estate disputes. 

She and her husband raised their two children in Ottawa. They have participated in Habitat for Humanity builds in El Salvador, Zambia, New Orleans and Iqaluit and each time they have returned to Ottawa with a greater appreciation for all that it offers.  These days she is staying closer to home and enjoying time at her cottage on the Gatineau River.

Melonie Bidgood has been a member of the board for over 12 years representing the client experience of Upstream Ottawa. She brings her perspective as well as the input of other clients in the community to her role on the board. In her spare time, she likes to create crafts for family and friends, swim at the local pool and talk endlessly about her 3 daughters

Kelsey Cloutier has worked in Stakeholder Relations, Development, and Communications for almost a decade.  Driven by personal and family experiences, he’s on a mission to bridge the gap between what’s available, and what is needed for mental health services in Ottawa.

Jenni Condon is a mom to Rory and wife to Derek. She works as a morning show host on Ottawa's #1 Hit Music Station - The New Hot 89-9. Jenni is passionate about family, golf, cheese and laughter! 

Patrick Dare worked in the newspaper business for 30 years, mostly with the Ottawa Citizen, then became a public servant at the City of Ottawa. Patrick and his wife enjoy spending time with their two daughters and a very special granddaughter. He wishes to see enhanced mental health services for the people of Ottawa.

Eddie Gillis is a long-time labour relations executive who is also an adjunct professor at Queen’s University. He wants to make a contribution to better mental health outcomes in the community through his work with Upstream. His passion for travel and learning takes him to destinations far and wide.

Jenna MacLeod is hotelier at heart with over 20 years’ experience in the Hospitality sector. Her passion for helping people was discovered when she spent time as a volunteer ski patroller and volunteer firefighter. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys golfing, playing volleyball and building cushion forts with her son Ryder.