Leadership Statement
The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program arose from a partnership between the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) and Dalton Associates in response to the OPPA’s concern for the mental health and wellness of their members.
The OPPA’s goal was to work with an organization towards the development of a wrap-around, cohesive, and comprehensive mental health support system for their members; one that would have a significant positive impact on a members’ access to care, the delivery of the right treatment for the right individual, and ultimately a positive effect on the members’ well-being.
What grew from this collaboration is Encompas; a First Responder-tailored mental health and wellness service that not only provides the direct and culturally-relevant assessment and treatment services, but also ensures that the pathway to mental healthcare is barrier-free and supports sustainable mental wellness for all those who access the program.
Clinical Leadership
Care Management Team
Susan began her career in emergency services as an Ambulance Communications Officer before spending more than twenty years as a Communications Operator with the Ontario Provincial Police. Her lived experience within first responder culture gives her deep insight into the pressures and realities faced by those who serve, shaping her approach every day.
Committed to prevention, education, and holistic wellness, Susan has pursued ongoing training as a Certified Trauma Support Specialist and Community and Workplace Traumatologist. Her mission is to support the mental health and wellness of first responders and all public safety personnel families with compassion, respect, and cultural awareness.
Outside of work, Susan enjoys political podcasts rooted in social justice and is a passionate advocate for equity, fairness, and inclusivity in all communities. She also loves learning about history and world religions.
Her work in acute mental health settings has shaped her thoughtful, client-centered approach, while her outpatient experience has strengthened her skills in therapeutic support and care coordination. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and painting watercolour pet portraits.
Some of her most meaningful work has involved walking alongside the families of police officers who have died in the line of duty or by suicide, support she regards as both an honour and a profound responsibility.
Caren holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Thanatology and is a Certified Grief Educator through David Kessler’s renowned training program. She is also a certified Yoga Instructor and accredited Meditation Guide, integrating evidence informed knowledge with a compassionate, holistic approach for each of her clients.
In her free time Nicole enjoys time in her kitchen cooking and baking for loved ones and hiking with her dogs.
Suzz’s work is guided by a few core values: honesty, service, and deep respect for the lived realities people carry. She is known for her clarity, steadiness, and her ability to hold difficult experiences with both compassion and straightforwardness. She believes in practical forms of community care, showing up when it matters, advocating for others, and creating spaces where people feel seen.
Suzz also runs a private therapy practice, where she supports first responders and their families, athletes, and individuals navigating addiction, trauma, and the unexpected life experiences of grief and loss. In addition to her clinical work, she is part of the School of Health & Community Services at a local college, where she teaches and develops curriculum in mental health and addictions for the Social Service Worker program.
Her connection to the first responder community is not only professional but personal. She understands the culture of service, the weight of operational stress, the balance of responsibility and the importance of wellness. That lived experience strengthens her sensitivity to identity, loyalty, and the realities families navigate behind the scenes, informing her work within the Encompas program.
With more than 30 years of nursing experience, Tara offers extensive knowledge in assessment, care coordination, and client advocacy. She approaches her work with compassion, integrity, and respect, recognizing the importance of trust and confidentiality in every interaction.
Tara meets individuals and families where they are, walking alongside them to develop personalized, client-centered plans of care. She works collaboratively to identify appropriate resources and facilitate supports. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where members and their families feel seen, heard, and empowered as they navigate challenges and build resilience