Meet our Wellbeing Champions: Fostering positive wellbeing at work

Launched in April, VetStrategy’s Wellbeing Champions program is at the heart of promoting a culture of care and positive physical, financial and mental wellness. Our Champions encourage wellbeing, offer guidance, and provide support when it matters most. Each Wellbeing Champion brings a unique perspective, a deep care for their colleagues, and a shared belief in the importance of positive wellbeing. 

Each of our Wellbeing Champions has shared their reflections on why they wanted to support their peers and their personal connection to mental wellbeing: 

Cathy Meade 
Registered Veterinary Technician, Walker Road Animal Hospital 
“I have always had a strong desire to help foster a healthy and inclusive work environment. It is very important to me that everyone feel appreciated, valued, respected, and heard. My personal mission is to ensure that no one feels unseen or alone, and to provide a safe space for my coworkers when they need support.” 

Janna Courtes 
Operations Director, Québec region 
“As an Operations Director and having had experience managing teams, I’ve seen the reality of wellbeing change so much in the last few years. For me, getting involved as a Wellbeing Champion is about continuing to think of different ways to meet people where they are, provide support, and make a difference.”   

Sarah Ganeo 
Practice Manager, Vaughan-Richmond Hill Veterinary Emergency Clinic 
“I am very passionate about creating a positive work culture and a happy place to work. I was a registered social worker prior to entering the vet world and encourage my team to chat with me when they need to. I want to advocate for work-life balance and being happy at your place of employment.”  

Shelley Seymour
Office Manager, Riverview Animal Health Centre 
“I have lived and worked through many struggles that come with mental health, personally, with family, friends, and colleagues. Our team needs a safe place to open the dialogue and be given support when that first step needs to be taken. I feel that with my life experiences and authentic concern and care for my team’s wellbeing, I could make a difference.” 

Stéphanie Daigneault 
Practice Manager, Hôpital vétérinaire Prévost and Hôpital vétérinaire Rawdon 
“I am an open person who listens to the mental needs of those around me. As someone living with borderline personality disorder, I love psychology and advocate for the presence of mental health support in practice. I also completed the Mental Health First Aid training which was offered in 2023.”  

Sue Lauman 
Practice Manager, Chase River Veterinary Hospital 
“Having seen the passion and dedication of teams and individuals in the veterinary field, I can see the importance of mental health and overall health awareness every day. These are people who encounter life and death everyday and need our support. I want to provide the best care for my team and all the teams out there, and this project is a great opportunity for VetStrategy to become leaders in truly caring for our people in the way they deserve.” 

Theresa Grey 
Client Care Receptionist, Valley Veterinary Services 
“I have a strong belief in mental health support, and it is a close mission for me as my husband suffers daily. I have worked with his counselor and attend monthly meetings with FANS at Fraser Health, a network for family and friends supporting a loved one with mental health struggles, so I know how important supporting others is.”

Tracy Bowdige 
Distribution Project Manager, Commercial Advisory Team 
“I have always had a passion for the care of one’s mind, body, and soul. I am very interested in becoming a Wellbeing Champion as I, plain and simple, love helping others. My son is on the Spectrum and my family has a variety of health and mental challenges which have led me on various eye-opening yet wonderful paths.” 

Trina MacDonald 
Practice Manager, Antigonish Veterinary Clinic
“With a degree from StFX University in Psychology, I am very interested in the wellbeing of all my colleagues and others. Everyone has a unique personality that is shaped by their life experiences, and it is important for us to understand their personalities.”