Meet the team

Team

Nancy L Young BScPT, MSc, PhD

CHEO Research Institute
ACHWM Team Lead & Senior Scientist
Researchgate ORCID Publons

Dr. Nancy Young is a Clinical Epidemiologist with expertise in measurement science. She is currently a Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute. Her research career has focused on developing self-reported health measures for use by children and gives children a voice when it comes to their health. Indigenous children have not had a voice in health planning due to a lack of culturally appropriate measures. She has worked with other countries and cultures to develop and adapt health measures, and was invited by Mary Jo Wabano to work with Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory to develop a measure for Indigenous children. She is on a journey to become an ally. Dr. Young has worked with Indigenous communities since 2009 and has played a critical role in the development of the Aaniish Naa Gegii: the Children's Health and Well-being Measure (ACHWM). This tool is the product of collaboration with Mary Jo Wabano and many partners, including children and youth. She continues to work in collaboration with several First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to share research products for use in different regions and cultural contexts. This work enables Indigenous health leaders to gather local data to augment traditional understandings of their children's health and is a step towards better health outcomes among Indigenous children.

Diane Jacko Hon. B.A., B.A., R.P.

Naandwechige-Gamig, Wikwemikong Health Centre
Health Services Director

I have been working at Nadmadwin Mental Health Clinic since 1999. I was part of the development of this ACHWM and the mental health staff were very instrumental in ensuring that the real time safety feature was built into the process to ensure that support was provided immediately to those requiring it.

Sasha McBride

Evaluating Children’s Health Outcomes (ECHO) Research Centre, Laurentian University
ACHWM Administrative Assistant

Sasha is the ACHWM team's Administrative Assistant. She is responsible for keeping the team organized as well as providing support to the team in numerous ways. She prides herself on her positive attitude, openness to learn, and willingness to always give a helping hand when needed. She enjoys spending time with her family as well as enjoying outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.

Sydney Chabot-Hamden

CHEO Research Institute
Community Outreach and Communications Lead

Sydney Chabot-Hamden is an Anishinaabe kwe from Kitigan Zibi First Nation and the Community Outreach and Communications Lead for the ACHWM. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western University and is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. Sydney has multiple years of experience working in Indigenous organizations and start-up businesses and has a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time spent with family and friends, and exploring new places.

Madison Coppola

Community Outreach & Knowledge Translator

Specializing in Psychology and Education I strive to help children and families connect through education, culture and community.

Blaine Wolfe B.A.,ECE

CHEO
Knowledge Translator

I am an Ojibwe from Curve Lake First Nation, and excited to learn about the ACHWM. I have a B.A.in Psychology and an ECE diploma, as well as numerous awards for my work in childcare.

Shonagh McCrindle MHA, BSc Nutrition

CHEO Research Institute
Outreach Coordinator

After almost a decade living and working in the Yukon, she has returned home. While she was up north, she led advocacy initiatives for neurodivergent folk and connected with many First Nation groups to advance housing, employment, healthcare rights for all. Her experience in systems change and advocating for policy alternatives will round out the ACHWM teams skills. She studied Nutrition in undergraduate and did a Masters of Health Administration in Ottawa. Her son’s ancestry is Cree from Sturgeon Lake First Nation, which brings the work very close to home. She loves autumn, foraging and long walks in the forest.

Mylène Michaud BA (Hons), MA, PhD candidate

CHEO RI / ACHWM
Research Coordinator

Mylène is the Research Coordinator for ACHWM. She completed her Bachelor and her Master’s degree in psychology at the Université de Moncton in New Brunswick. She is currently in her final steps of completing her Doctorate in experimental psychology. Mylène’s academic research involved work with both elderly and children populations, with her current work in the social-cognition laboratory involving facial expressions and emotion comprehension. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and staying active.

Emily McDonald BSW Candidate / SSW Ontario College Diploma

ACHWM (CHEO RI)
Community Outreach & Wellness Intern

Emily McDonald is Mi'kmaw from Miawpukek First Nation, located in Newfoundland. Emily is a Social Work student with the ACHWM, working on the Wellness Resource Hub and community engagement. Emily has completed her Social Service Worker diploma from Algonquin College. She is now working on completing her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work at Carleton University, with her minor in Indigenous Studies. Emily has always had a passion for wellness within her field, especially in an Indigenous context. Emily loves fishing, golfing, traveling, and connecting with her culture.

Ariel Nakogee H.B.S.W (Indigenous Social Work) Candidate / Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention Diploma

Laurentian University
ACHWM Student Intern

Ariel Nakogee is an ininiw iskwew from Attawapiskat First Nation, located along the Western James Bay Coast. Ariel is a Social Work student with the ACHWM through Laurentian University. She has a college diploma in Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention (IWAP) through Canadore College. Ariel is currently working towards completing her Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous Social Work through Laurentian University, with a minor in Sociology. In her spare time, Ariel enjoys spending time with family and friends, connecting to culture through crafting, and spending time on the land.

Adrienne Li

Summer Student

Adrienne is a Summer Research Student for ACHWM. She completed her Bachelor's in Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida and is currently a medical student at the University of Ottawa. Adrienne’s interests lie in promoting health equity and providing care to marginalized and resource-limited populations. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being active, and traveling.

Milad Rasooli

Web developer

Milad, holding a Master's in Computer Science, has joined the ACHWM team dedicated to enhancing user support and improving the website experience. Passionate about crafting seamless user experiences, he aims to make our services more efficient and effective. Valuing teamwork, Milad is keen on applying his skills to achieve our collective goals. Off the clock, he enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling.