Nicholas Watters
Director, Access to Quality Mental Health Services, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Nicholas leads multiple MHCC portfolios aimed at ensuring that those living in Canada have access to equitable, culturally safe, appropriate, stigma free, and recovery-oriented mental health services and supports — when, where, and how they choose.
He is also part of the eMHIC (eMental Health International Collaborative) Global Leadership Council and a member of Health Canada’s Digital Health Equity working group. In 2022, Nicholas received eMHIC’s Lifetime Achievement Award for e-mental health development, implementation, and forward-thinking leadership. Prior to joining the MHCC in 2011, he was the Senior Advisor or Knowledge Transfer and Communications at the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada.
Nicholas holds bachelor degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies from the University of Windsor, a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business, and a Certified Health Executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders.
Dr Ross Iles
Associate Professor and Chief Research Officer, SuperFriend
Prior to SuperFriend, Ross was the deputy Director of the Healthy Working Lives Research Group in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University.
Driven to have a positive impact on the health of as many people as possible, Ross started out working in physiotherapy, and is now conducting research to inform policy and practice related to health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Ross’s areas of expertise includes data analyses – with strong knowledge of
SuperFriend’s Indicators of a Thriving Workplace annual survey findings on the status of Australian workplace mental health. He is also an expert researcher in work health with time spent in both academic and professional fields of research.
Dr Elizabeth Berryman
Founder and Director, Chnnl
Dr Elizabeth Berryman is the visionary force behind chnnl, serving as its founder and director. She brings a wealth of expertise in governance, boasting positions on both industry and community-based boards. Her professional journey began as a dedicated Registered Nurse in community Maori Health, eventually evolving into a distinguished Medical Doctor.
With a laser focus on addressing prevalent workplace challenges like employee burnout, depression, anxiety, and suicide, Liz is a dynamic researcher in this critical arena. Witnessing the resounding success of a peer-mentoring initiative for medical students that she spearheaded, she has ignited a fervent dedication to enhancing mental well-being through digital tools.
Liz’s leadership extends beyond chnnl, as she has previously held esteemed roles as the President of the Otago University Medical Students’ Association and the New Zealand Medical Students’ Association. Additionally, she served as the Chair of the New Zealand Medical Benevolent Fund. Currently, Liz is a vital member of the Ministry of Health’s Professional Behaviour Taskforce Group and holds a seat on the Health Informatics New Zealand Board.
Gregor Henderson
eMHIC MC
Gregor Henderson, an Independent Consultant and Mental Health Adviser, works across the UK, Europe and internationally. Collaborating with various national, international organisations and Governments. With expertise in policy, strategy implementation and operational delivery, he also serves as a thought leader in digital mental health. Formerly the Director of Mental Health for Public Health England, Gregor led the organisation’s extensive programmes of work on public mental health. Gregor was also the founding director of Scotland’s internationally renowned National Program for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing. Gregor is actively involved in various initiatives, serving on a variety of boards and forums, such as the eMental Health International Collaborative, UK Research and Innovation and as an active member of the Global Leadership Exchange. Gregor is also the chair of the Research Advisory Group for Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity. Gregor advocates for an integrated approach, combining policy, research, practice, and lived experiences to transform societal impact on mental health. Gregor is also a coach and mentor in mental health and shares his insights through writing and lecturing.
