This fall three valued members of the Eli’s Place Board are leaving us. Each has contributed immeasurably to bringing us to where we are today — poised to concretize our vision. Each of these board members are in mid-career, and we are so very grateful that they were able to share their time and expertise with us over the past 4–5 years.
Dr. Deanne Simms
Deanne brought her considerable therapeutic knowledge to our board table most recently as Vice-Chair. Bringing her clinical experience to bear, Deanne’s insights into the needs of the community we seek to serve have been invaluable. Deanne never shied away from difficult conversations and offered critical analysis when needed. She has also shared her expertise at special events and through articles written for Eli’s Place.
“When I joined the Board of Directors of Eli’s Place five years ago, I was drawn by a shared belief—that young adults living with serious mental illness deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based, and sustained care. Eli’s Place’s mission to build Canada’s first rural residential treatment centre resonated deeply with me, after having experienced seeing far too many young adults struggle to navigate transitions of care.
During my tenure, I had the privilege of serving on the Governance Committee and as Vice-Chair of the Board. In these roles, I witnessed the remarkable dedication and resilience of a team united by purpose. The work has not been easy. But it has been incredibly meaningful. Whether navigating shifting landscapes during the pandemic, strengthening governance practices, or supporting the foundational work that preceded my arrival, year over year, our shared efforts brought us closer to achieving our goal. The unwavering commitment of the Board and volunteers continually inspired me and watching this organization grow in both capacity and clarity has been a very rewarding and enriching experience for me.
As I end my time on the Eli’s Place Board, I do so with immense gratitude and with the knowledge that the need for this work has never been greater. I look forward to celebrating the day when doors open to welcome the first residents—an achievement that will stand as a testament to the persistence, and vision of all who have believed in this mission.”
Matt Cappellucci
Offering financial insights with a healthy dose of humour is Matt Cappellucci’s specialty. After a short stint on the Communications Committee, Matt served on the Finance Committee guiding us skilfully through balance sheets and profit and loss statements. Matt’s attention to our finances have ensured careful stewardship of our assets. We are grateful for Matt’s participation in all aspects of Eli’s Place from writing articles to running in the TCS Charity Challenge. Matt’s positive input has been fundamental to the cohesion of the board as a group.
“During my four years serving on the Board of Eli’s Place, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of mental health treatment in Canada. While public awareness has grown significantly, what truly inspires me is seeing how treatment options are rapidly developing, particularly here in Ontario.
What initially drew me to EP was recognizing the crucial gap in long-term residential treatment options in Canada. Having witnessed many individuals struggle without adequate support, I knew EP’s mission to create a comprehensive residential treatment center was exactly what our community needed.
Working alongside outstanding mental health professionals on the Board has deepened my understanding of effective support strategies and reinforced my belief in EP’s vision. As I step down, I’m filled with optimism knowing that we’re closer than ever to realizing our dream of opening a residential treatment centre that will provide the right care, at the right time, for those who need it most.
I’m immensely grateful for my time with this exceptional team and look forward to attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the near future. The future of mental health treatment in Canada is brighter with Eli’s Place leading the way.”
Jasmine Godfrey
Bringing a quiet thoughtfulness to every discussion, Jasmine Godfrey’s expertise was crucial in the governance review undertaken this year. Her attention to detail is exceptional as is her willingness to become involved in any task requested of her. Jasmine’s tactful questioning and considerations would often bring discussions at the board table and at the committee level to more fulsome understandings. She participated in fundraising both personally as a runner on our TCS Charity Challenge and by facilitating a corporate matching donation during a Match For Hope Fundraiser.
“I applied to Eli’s Place four years ago when I was seeking out board positions where I could contribute my skills and expertise to give back to the community. Eli’s Place stood out to me for wanting to fill the gap in the Canadian mental healthcare system, a cause that deeply resonated with me. Little did I know the learning and mentorship that was in store for me in the ensuing four years.
Actualizing on the lofty vision of building a first-of-its-kind rural residential treatment centre for young adults with serious mental illness in Canada is not a small feat and the pursuit of bringing this vision to life has not come without its challenges.
Through the ups and downs of attempting to secure significant donations and land, I have witnessed the unwavering commitment of my fellow board members to a cause bigger than all of us. When faced with a roadblock, rather than giving up, the board put their heads together to figure out an alternative route. It has been truly inspiring for me to see what can be achieved when a group of capable and talented people roll up their sleeves in the face of challenge time and time again.
I will always be grateful to Eli’s Place for taking a chance on me four years ago when I joined the board with no prior board experience, giving me the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause. The gap in our mental healthcare system is a serious one and an issue that the wider community is aware of and wants to solve. I feel hopeful that with the relentless determination of my colleagues on the board, that Eli’s Place’s vision will become a reality.”
One couldn’t ask for better representatives of Eli’s Place than Jasmine, Matt and Deanne, and although their time on our board has ended, their support of our mission will continue. Appreciative of the many hours they have given to our mission, we offer our profound thanks and wish them the very best.
Eli’s Place Communications Team
Our Eli’s Place blogs are developed & written by the Eli’s Place Editorial Team — a collaboration between staff and volunteers committed to raising awareness about serious mental illness in Canada. We aim to inform, inspire, and engage with readers who care about mental health and recovery.
- Eli’s Place Communications Team#molongui-disabled-link
- Eli’s Place Communications Team#molongui-disabled-link
- Eli’s Place Communications Team#molongui-disabled-link
- Eli’s Place Communications Team#molongui-disabled-link
