Andrea Paquette
CEO and Co-Founder
Andrea Paquette is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society. Her journey began with the Bipolar Babe Project in 2009, followed by founding the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC in 2010, which evolved into today’s Stigma-Free Mental Health Society. Under her leadership, the charity has grown its reach across Canada through mental health education, training and community-based programs.
Andrea holds a double major degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies and previously worked with the BC government. An accomplished speaker and author, she has delivered more than 870 presentations across North America, reaching over 85,000 people directly. Her work has received national recognition, including the 2023 Alberta Blue Cross Faces of Wellness Award and the 2019 President’s Commendation from the Canadian Psychiatric Association.
Shirley Kine
Operations and Engagement Manager
Shirley has a Masters’ Degree in Social Work – Leadership (Complex Systems) with BSW Undergraduate Degrees in Indigenous, Rural and Remote Social Work and BA in Women’s Health. She is Certified in Adult Education, Conflict Resolution, Mental Health First Aid, ASIST Suicide Prevention and Beyond the Hurt (Anti-Bullying). Shirley is also a Director for the Health Quality Council of Alberta, Senator for the University of Calgary and Victim’s Advocate for BVVSA. Shirley has spent most of her professional career working in Indigenous, Rural and Remote social work capacities. For the past 15 years, Shirley has tinkered in social enterprise and measuring the impact of social initiatives when she wasn’t doing her lifelong learning. Shirley lives and works with purpose in mind – we must be the change we wish to see.
Jillian Boyd
Programs and Content Manager
Jillian has a combined degree in Health Sciences majoring in Public Health, and General Management from the University of Lethbridge. She has developed and facilitated a variety of impacting programs to empower youth in past roles and has spearheaded numerous service projects and events in rural Southern Alberta. Jillian believes fostering awareness and education around mental health is a necessary and effective way to prevent stigma and promote more inclusive communities. She has completed her Suicide Intervention Training and is also ‘Dare to Lead’ certified. Jillian is excited to work with the Stigma-Free team as she has always been deeply passionate about mental health promotion and helping people navigate their mental wellness journeys with resilience.
Alice Wilcox
Office & Programs Administrator
Alice is originally trained as an Educational Assistant and later realized that her skill set was better suited in an administrative role than in the classroom. She values meaningful community work and this led her to the non-profit world. Her background includes file management, program support, and technical database support. As a parent of school age children, Alice understands the importance of accessible, quality programming with a focus on mental health. Awareness and education allows youth to be engaged, ask questions, and learn that there is no shame in being your own self. Alice is excited to be on the SFMH team because of the importance of vital conversations and resources the organization provides around mental wellness and encouraging a Stigma-Free world. In her free time, Alice enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family.
Kristine Mitchell
Content Writer
Kristine Mitchell is a professional writer and somatic coach whose work sits at the intersection of science, creativity, and wellbeing. She holds a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. from the Universiteit van Amsterdam in Music Cognition (where she researched music-induced empathy and neural synchronization), as well as an M.A. in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Kristine’s published work spans wellness, travel, psychology, and art, reflecting her belief that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for building empathy and reducing stigma. Her personal healing journey has taken her across the globe and deepened her commitment to supporting others. She is excited to bring her voice and skills to the Stigma-Free team.