Our Team

Joni Robichaud

Chair & Secretary

Joni Robichaud is a Business Intelligence Officer at the Atlantic Regional Office for The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). She has held several interesting positions within CRA and assumed her current role in July 1, 2018. Prior to joining to CRA, Joni held senior accounting roles in the private sector, ranging from Manufacturing to Real Estate. Joni holds a Business Diploma with a major in Accounting (2004) from NBCC Moncton and a Bachelor in Organizational Management (2008) from Crandall University. She holds a Certified Managerial Accounting Designation (2013) through CMA New Brunswick, and a Chartered Professional Accountant Designation (2014) through CPA Nova Scotia. Joni joined the SHC Board in 2020. She has volunteered as a Peer Supporter for Support to Single Parents Inc. and has tutored for GED applicants at Harvest House (both located in Moncton, NB). Joni taught English as a Second Language for the PEI Newcomers Association. Joni often visits her son and parents in Moncton, and lives in Halifax with her spouse and their two dogs.

Aaron Bethune

Vice Chair

Aaron Bethune is an adventurer. From climbing in the Andes and making records to speaking around the world and working with celebrities, musicians, entrepreneurs, charities, government, and corporations, Aaron is always excited to see life through a new lens and help others uncover a new perspective. We are appreciative that Aaron is willing to share his time and expertise.

Melissa Cooper

Director

Melissa has a solid background in marketing and communications having graduated from Mount St Vincent University with her Bachelor of Public Relations (Honours with Distinction) in 2014. Melissa is the Manager of Marketing and Communications with LifeRaft in Halifax. Cooperative placements have crossed all sectors, including serving as Communications Officer for the CMHC SEAK project.

Melissa is giving of her time in the not-for-profit sector as an Advisor with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, her work in organizing Day of Caring at MSVU. She joined the Board of Self-Help Connection in 2016, serving as a Director, Board Secretary, and now as Board Chair. Melissa is highly recommended for her work in public relations, social media and public speaking.

Eileen MacNeil

Director

Eileen MacNeil is passionate about mental health. Trained in ASSIST she has used her skills and knowledge to help those in crisis within her community and beyond. Eileen is an advocate for youth 16-30 and works as a Community CARES Outreach worker in North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Bras D’or and other rural communities. Her compassion and exuberance are welcomed at Self-Help Connection.

Bob Bennett

Director

With over 30 years of senior management volunteer and professional experience in the non-profit and charitable sector, Bob brings to the SHC board table a good understanding of why good governance practices are so very, very important.  He believes the main goal of the Board and Executive Director is to achieve the objectives of the organization, and when paid leadership and volunteer leadership embrace a partnership of mutual respect for which both have well defined responsibilities, everything is possible.

Kari Mitchell

Executive Director

Kari holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and master’s Level courses in Transpersonal Studies, a Diploma in Media Arts and advanced training in Therapeutic Touch. Over the past 20 years, she has dedicated her career to the social field, working as a case manager, life skills facilitator, and program design and delivery. Kari has spent 6+ years, focusing on providing private support and developing a tailored program for client dealing with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Kari’s diverse education and extensive experience have equipped her with a comprehensive set of skills, ranging from program development and delivery to marketing and media arts. Her multifaceted background enables her to approach her role as the Executive Director of Self-Help Connection with a holistic perspective, fostering positive mental health, collaboration, innovation, and compassionate leadership.