Board of Directors
Ema Dantas
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT
Ema Dantas is the CEO and Founder of Language Marketplace. She is an International translation expert who provides rapid, accurate, and ISO certified translation services for corporations and Government agencies. The company’s ‘other language’ niche is often sought out because more than 75% of the world doesn’t speak English or French. A former journalist, Ema is an award-winning entrepreneur, having earned a place in Canada’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs from PROFIT magazine in 2012, as well as leading her company to the Profit 500 list in 2013 of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies. Her sense of adventure combined with her passion to help others, led her to create Peaks for Change Foundation. Ema Dantas is the Founder of Peaks for Change Foundation and currently serves as President of the Board.
Patricia Dantas Johnson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EVENTS MANAGER
Patricia is currently working at Language Marketplace Inc. She is very excited to begin her journey with the Peaks for Change Foundation and is determined to help Ema Dantas reach her goal through many fun and memorable events along the way. She is passionate in event planning and loves to host. She is very organized and detailed driven. She looks forward to be working and collaborating with all the driven board members to empower the next generation and create positive change within the community while helping raise more awareness of the importance of a wholesome mental health care approach.
Nicole Dantas
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOCIAL MEDIA AND CORPORATE RELATIONS MANAGER
Nicole Dantas is a registered nurse currently working in paediatrics. She is passionate about healthcare and helping people reach their health potential. Nicole graduated with honours from Western University in Health promotion, focusing on the holistic nature of health. After which she moved to BC in order to pursue her dreams of becoming a nurse. In 2015 she graduated from UBC and is now a RN and member of CNO . While in BC Nicole fell in love with the outdoors and living an active lifestyle as she was able to use nature as a way to recharge and refocus. She has also participated in numerous medical and volunteer missions abroad, which have strengthened her desire to help others and leave a positive impact on this World. She is very excited to be a part of Peaks for Change and cannot wait to help raise awareness and remove the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing.
Julia Bowser
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXPEDITION ADVISOR
Julia has a Masters Degree in Social Work and has over twenty years experience working as an Individual and Family Therapist. She is currently studying to be a Biblical Counsellor at Harvest Bible Chapel in Oakville. In 2016 she received a Bookkeeping Certificate from Sheridan College and joined the Accounting Department of Language Marketplace. She currently volunteers at Kerr Street Mission and the Zonta Club of Oakville. In her spare time, she enjoys golf, tennis, and photography.
Emmanuel Monssen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOCIAL MEDIA AND CORPORATE RELATIONS MANAGER
Emmanuel Monssen has been an Advanced Care Tactical Paramedic for Toronto Paramedic Services since 1999. He is passionate about helping people and making a positive impact on the world. Emmanuel has done many years of volunteer work rebuilding communities. From orphanage and a women’s shelter in Guatemala in 1996 to building a school and working with Pharmacist Without Borders in Kyrgyzstan Central Asia in 2001 to organizing his own humanitarian trips to Central America for the past 6 years. Emmanuel is passionate about giving back to those in need. But where he goes to recharge is in the outdoors. He lives for it! Emmanuel has been guiding people all over the world for the past 20 years. Helping people reach new heights constantly surpassing their limits. Emmanuel is excited to be part of Peaks for Change.
Tyler Stone
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tyler Stone is a Performance Enhancement Specialist going on 6 years at Circafit Training Centre located in Georgetown, ON. He obtained a degree in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber College, followed by a Bachelor of Applied Science in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph-Humber and a Masters of Fitness Science from York University. His other certifications include; Certified Exercise Physiologist (Health and Fitness Federations of Canada), Performance Enhancement Specialist (National Academy of Sports Medicine), Fitness Nutrition Specialist (National Academy of Sports Medicine), and Pain Free Performance Specialist (PPSC). Tyler’s passion is aligned with helping the general population and athletes alike, in reaching their optimal potential in performance, health and fitness. He is an advocate in the use of physical activity and exercise not only to reach desired goals, but to aid in maintaining a well-balanced mental state and stress equilibrium. He is currently Training Peaks Chairwoman of Board Ema, to conquer the last of the seven summits in her quest to end mental health stigma.
Jessika Welch
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jessika, DTATI Cand., is an Art Therapist student currently completing the Master’s Level Program at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She has always been passionate about health and wellness as well as the arts. Jessika was born in Trinidad and Tobago and immigrated to Canada in 2014. After completing her BFA at OCDAU, Jessika perused this journey of becoming an RP. Jessika’s aim is to promote creative exploration that encourage new and hopeful perspectives while supporting clients in building upon existing tools in order to foster wellness and self-reliance. She is very passionate about having conversations that aim to destigmatize mental health and normalize seeking support. Jessika has volunteered throughout her childhood in Trinidad & Tobago and continues to find opportunities in Canada to provide helpful service and connect with others. She is also very passionate about physical wellness, painting, cooking, traveling, learning about other cultures and the outdoors!
Dana Stewart
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dana is a Business & Mindset coach, She has graduated with Honours Degrees in Sociology / Social Work & Criminology / Psychology. She previously worked for both the Federal and Provincial Government before becoming the CEO of her own business. Dana is a survivor of PTSD and has done extensive research on cyber bullying & youth stalking. When Dana is not helping others make positive changes in their lives she can be found playing or watching sports, reading, or up at her cottage relaxing.
Alana Kurceba
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Alana studied Human Resources and Business Management at North Humber College, and continues to apply these skills to her position at a Private Retirement Condominium. She is passionate about interacting with seniors and early retired individuals. When she is not busy working and volunteering for Peak for Change, Alana can be found jogging, hiking, skating or cross country skiing depending on the season. When she isn’t outdoors, Alana can be found curled up by the fire reading, going to the movies, making soup or cheering on the Toronto Marlie’s.
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