Our Board of Directors

Any inquiries about Strongest Families Institute (SFI), its services, projects, or research projects can be directed to: Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, Co-Founder, President & CEO, at ppottie@strongestfamilies.com.

Dr. Patrick J. McGrath, Founder, has stepped down from his role as Board Chair; however, he remains committed to SFI’s cause in a supporting role as an Expert Advisor.

Robert Hunt, a seasoned chartered professional accountant, joined the Strongest Families Institute’s Board of Directors as Treasurer in November 2011. In 2023, he transitioned to Vice Chair and currently serves as Chair. In addition to being a business leader and executive coach, Robert is also a licensed insolvency trustee, a Fellow Chartered Insolvency & Restructuring Professional, and a distinguished member of the Insolvency Institute of Canada. He also holds the esteemed Fellow CPA designation.

Liz Snide joined the Board of Directors of the Strongest Families Institute in November of 2017. Liz is the VP of Finance at Hanmac Captial and is a chartered professional accountant and certified management accountant.

Sonya Stevens is an Organizational Psychologist and a Partner at the global leadership consulting firm RHR International. Sonya joined the Strongest Families Institute’s Board of Directors in February 2025. She is involved in executive assessment, executive coaching, and senior team effectiveness. Her expertise and approachability have made her a trusted advisor to a wide array of organizations, including many multinationals and Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries. She has much admiration for the work that Strongest Families does and knows firsthand the impact it can have on families as she was one of the first Strongest Families coaches.

Fae J. Shaw, Q.C. joined the Board of Directors of the Strongest Families Institute in June of 2015. Fae is a Partner with the law firm of McInnes Cooper where she practices primarily in the areas of corporate, M&A and corporate finance.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Sukki has spent the majority of her career in the financial industry. She completed her B. Comm (hons) from the University of Manitoba and MBA from the University of Fredericton. In the financial sector, Sukki has worked in leadership, risk assessment and business development. Sukki joined Strongest Families Institute’s Board of Directors in February 2025.

Dr. Celia Robichaud is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the IWK Health Centre, and Program Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Subspecialty program, as well as Assistant Professor, at Dalhousie University. Originally from Moncton, NB, Dr. Robichaud completed her undergraduate degree at Mount Allison University, followed by completing her MD, general Psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent subspecialty residency at Dalhousie University. She has been a staff psychiatrist since 2020, working in the Autism Specific Care clinic and the Dartmouth Community Mental Health and Addictions clinic. She has a special interest in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Dr. Robichaud has been heavily involved in education of medical students and residents and is passionate about the expansion of mental health education for primary care, allied health providers and other specialties. Dr. Robichaud joined the Strongest Families Institute’s Board of Directors in June 2025.

Dr. John Campbell, a clinical psychologist by training, and holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Dr. John Campbell is now retired and has held senior administrative positions in a number of health organizations in Nova Scotia as well as with the Department of Health. Dr. John Campbell joined the Board of Directors of the Strongest Families Institute in June of 2025.

Jen Richard joined the Board of Directors of the Strongest Families Institute Board in January of 2020. Jen is the VP, Human Resources with Citco Canada. Her expertise is in Human Resources providing guidance and advisory direction to senior level executives in employee engagement, performance and morale.

Ed is a highly motivated visionary and an expert at building partnerships, engaging stakeholders, and inspiring change, He has led innovation and improvement in healthcare for over three decades. Ed is an independent consultant, leveraging his vast provincial, national and international executive healthcare leadership experience.

Recently retired from the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Ed has collaborated with stakeholders to improve mental health services and supports and lead the way for change. Guided by Changing Directions/Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, Ed pays particular attention to reducing stigma and increasing awareness, promoting psychologically healthy workplaces and schools, improving access to quality mental health services, preventing suicide, and promoting innovation. An Accreditation Surveyor with ISQua and an Accreditation Surveyor and Technical Committee Co-Chair with Accreditation Canada/Health Standards Organization, Ed contributes to quality and safety in healthcare across Canada and internationally. He has provided leadership to the development and implementation of standards related to mental health and addictions nationally and internationally. Ed trained as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, holds a Master of Science Administration, and is a Fellow of the Canadian College of Health Leaders. In February 2025, Ed joined the Strongest Families Board of Directors, further extending his commitment to leadership and innovation across sectors.

Julie heads up the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s key corporate and financial functions, overseeing the organization’s non-profit, charitable, and social enterprise while collaborating with the executive leadership team on strategic initiatives. She is a highly accomplished financial professional who has held progressively senior roles across the private sector as interim vice-president of finance at Minto Group and, most recently, chief financial officer at the Conference Board of Canada. Throughout her career, Julie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, financial acumen, and a keen ability to manage complex financial systems.

Outside of the office, Julie travels frequently (30 countries and counting). While living in Paris for a few years, she developed such an appreciation for wine that she plans to pursue sommelier studies in the future. She also enjoys reading mystery novels and watching the latest reality TV series. Julie holds a certificate in accountancy and a bachelor of commerce from Concordia University and is a chartered professional accountant.