OUR TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MELISSA TOEWS (SHE/HER) - BOARD CHAIR
Melissa Toews is a highly skilled mental health professional and educator with over 10 years of diverse experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing, has masters-level counselling psychology training, and is completing an MBA.
Melissa is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, a former foster kid, and anti-bullying champion. Melissa brings both professional and personal experience to the board as a bullying survivor.
THEASTON WHITE-HERNANDEZ (HE/HIM) - DIRECTOR
Born in Nova Scotia, a descendant of the trailblazing African Nova Scotian contralto Portia White, Theaston White brings professional experience and a personal legacy to his work in diversity, equity and inclusion.
Theaston has led DEl work in both the public and private sector, with experience in provincial and federal public service, the RCMP, and the justice system. He was named a 2005 Champion in the Workplace by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and earned a Strategic Partnership Award in the same year from the Atlantic Canada Human Resources Association.
LEANNE GIBSON (SHE/HER) - DIRECTOR
I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba with my fur baby golden retriever Kahla. I work at a public library as the head of the Children's Department. I have been a witness to what bullying can do to a child and their self-esteem. Because of this, I am a huge supporter of NTFT and I hope to help it grow and become a household name around the country and world.
EMILY BISSON (SHe/HER) - DIRECTOR
As an artistic person who grew up in a small conservative town in Kentucky, I know what it's like to feel out of place. I found my home in music. It's always been a safe place for people of all walks of life to find common ground, the first step to true empathy. In a world where people are taught to fall into lines, music gives everyone a chance to express themselves in a productive way that elevates everyone involved. It's important to show youth the power of music to create connection and community.
TOUR PRESENTERS
MICHELLE TREACY (SHE/HER) - TOUR PRESENTER
Beginning her career with an impromptu duet with Lady Gaga during her ArtRave tour in Montreal, Ottawa native Michelle Treacy is unapologetically blazing her own path. With over 3M Spotify streams to date, a major label deal soon followed & 16 weeks on Billboard Hot 100 with her hit “Armageddon". The songstress then went on to win CTV’s The Launch, releasing “Emotional” with legendary producer Nile Rodgers. Now releasing music independently, and appearing on season 22 of American Idol in 2024, the reinvention of Michelle Treacy is her most honest yet.
As an advocate for anti-bullying initiatives, she is dedicated to helping support youth find their place in the world, their voice, and their self-expression.
ELSIE MORDEN (she/THEY) - TOUR PRESENTER & FOUNDER
NTFT was founded by performing artist and speaker Elsie Morden after surviving years of traumatic bullying. Through story and song, Elsie has delivered 700 keynotes across Canada speaking about bullying prevention, mental health awareness, neurodiversity awareness, 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility, and empowerment.
In recognition of her profound impact across the country, Elsie has been featured on national news outlets and has received prestigious awards including the National Change Makers Award from Alan Doyle’s Dollar A Day Foundation, Atlantic Business Magazine's Top 30 Under 30 Award, and the CAMH 150 Leading Canadians for Mental Health Difference Makers Award. As a recording artist she has over 750,000 streams on Spotify and a top 100 song on Canadian country radio.
STAFF
STEPHANIE FISCHER (SHE/HER) - COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
With a passion for precision and a heart for generosity, Steph is a seasoned professional adept at planning, executing, and finalizing projects with finesse. Armed with a knack for meeting strict deadlines, she skillfully coordinates the efforts of team members and collaborators to ensure seamless project delivery.
The secret ingredient to Steph's success lies in a profound people-first focus. She understands that behind every project and initiative, there's a human connection waiting to be forged. This compassionate approach makes Steph a committed team member dedicated to making a positive impact.
As a mom of three, Steph whole-heartedly supports NTFT's mission supporting youth through the arts, and is thrilled to be part of this organization.
APRIL MULLINGS (she/her) - BOOKKEEPER
A graduate of the University of Toronto, April has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Specialist in Management and Economics.
April is also a mom and a strong advocate of early financial literacy. She loves music and the work that NTFT does!
ÁINE KIERNAN (she/her) - TOUR COORDINATOR
Coming soon.
Dylan Burrett (he/him) - Tour Manager
Coming soon.
Photo by: Laura Collins