Kelly Schuler-McDonald

Founder of BRAVE Education & Executive Director

BRAVE Education was founded by Kelly Schuler-McDonald in response to a growing need for practical, research-informed approaches that help communities support and protect children and youth.

Drawing on extensive experience working alongside educators, community leaders, families, and youth-serving organizations, Kelly recognized that meaningful change occurs when young people and the adults who support them are equipped with knowledge, confidence, and practical tools.

Through BRAVE Education, Kelly and Team work collaboratively with schools, communities, and organizations across Canada to strengthen protective networks around youth and foster healthy, resilient communities.

Kelly spearheaded a five year plan for research, education and collaborations that has been successfully awarded the largest funding from Mitacs to date in the area of social innovation. This project’s vision is to help ensure every child in Canada has access to education to address and mitigate risks to children, achieved through research, education and collaborations.

Wilma Lucia Suarez-Pinzon

Senior Advisor, Research & Community Engagement

Dr. Wilma Suarez-Pinzon brings more than 35 years of scientific research, leadership, and advocacy to BRAVE Education. Her academic studies in human ethics at the University of Saskatchewan laid the foundation for a distinguished career focused on prevention, protection, and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.Over the course of her career, Dr. Suarez-Pinzon has authored more than 112 peer-reviewed publications and collaborated with leading universities and research institutions across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her work has focused primarily on developing innovative protocols to reduce complications associated with Type 1 diabetes and improve quality of life for children and families.A passionate advocate for the wellbeing of young people, Wilma believes that healthy communities are built when adults work together to provide young people with the knowledge, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Her commitment to prevention, education, and human dignity aligns closely with BRAVE Education's mission to empower and protect children and youth.For the past four years, Wilma has supported BRAVE Education's education and awareness initiatives through her work with the Catholic Women's League. She continues to provide leadership, mentorship, and scientific expertise to BRAVE Education teams across Canada and the United Kingdom, helping strengthen programs that equip young people and their communities of support to build safer, healthier futures.

Yvonne Meredith

Early Childhood Educator & Indigenous Youth Leader

Yvonne is mother of five children, married for over 12 years and a Graduate of Child Education. Doing something brave and bold helps you to believe that you are capable of facing those fears, and can overcome anything life throws at you. Yvonne is keen on doing this work, to empower others to have that same boldness, to be brave, and to overcome their fears and vulnerabilities.

Yvonne has volunteered and led teams with BRAVE Education for over five years, leading our initiatives in northern remote communities, where we deliver together with local youth and adult leaders to provide empowering prevention education.

Dr. Nketti Johnston-Taylor

Strategic Advisor, Community Impact & Leadership Development

Nketti Johnston-Taylor, PhD, is a public speaker, published author, academic, entrepreneur, and community development leader with extensive experience in international development, nonprofit leadership, organizational strategy, and community impact.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has held senior leadership roles including Director of Research and Programs at Children First Canada, Founder and CEO of Mason Vanguard Consulting, Executive Director of the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council, and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Newcomers. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Cause Canada.

Nketti is widely recognized for her commitment to advancing equity, reducing barriers to opportunity, and strengthening communities through collaborative leadership and innovation. Her work has focused on supporting individuals, organizations, and communities to achieve sustainable growth and meaningful social impact, particularly among underserved and marginalized populations.

As a member of the BRAVE Education team, Nketti brings valuable expertise in research, leadership development, community engagement, and systems change. Her passion for empowering people and helping communities realize their potential strengthens BRAVE Education's mission to equip young people and the adults who support them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build safer, healthier, and more resilient communities.

Christine Château

Research Intern

Christine Chateau is a Master of Social Work graduate of the University of Calgary, specializing in International Community Development. She joined BRAVE Education through an internship supported by the BRAVE Education and Mitacs research partnership, contributing to program development, research, and community engagement initiatives.

Christine is Red River Métis from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and brings a deep commitment to community wellbeing, equity, and culturally grounded approaches to social change. Her academic and professional interests are shaped by a strong dedication to understanding and addressing systemic barriers affecting Indigenous communities and other marginalized populations.

Motivated by a commitment to advocacy and social justice, Christine is focused on strengthening supports for individuals and communities who face barriers to opportunity and wellbeing. She is passionate about contributing to initiatives that promote inclusion, empowerment, and long-term community resilience.

At BRAVE Education, Christine supports research and programming that aim to strengthen protective environments for children and youth, working alongside educators, researchers, and community leaders to help build safer, healthier, and more equitable communities.

Mikhaela Gray-Beerman

Researcher & Education Advisor

Mikhaela Gray-Beerman is a researcher, educator, and PhD candidate in the Social and Political Thought Program at York University. Her work focuses on understanding the social factors that affect the wellbeing, safety, and resilience of children, youth, and communities.

Recognized as one of York University's Top 30 Changemakers Under 30, Mikhaela is a published researcher whose work explores issues related to youth wellbeing, community safety, education, and social awareness. Her research and community engagement are informed by a deep commitment to listening to and learning from the experiences of young people and those who support them.

In addition to her academic work, Mikhaela is an experienced public educator, media host, and community advocate. She has contributed to educational initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative projects that support vulnerable populations and strengthen community capacity. Her publications have appeared in academic journals and through the University of Toronto Press.

Mikhaela currently serves as a researcher and education advisor with BRAVE Education, contributing to research, program development, and educational initiatives that empower youth and strengthen the networks of educators, parents, and community leaders who support them. Through her work with BRAVE Education, supported by Mitacs and partner organizations, she is committed to helping build safer, healthier, and more resilient communities where young people can thrive.

Ena Lucia Mariaca Pacheco

Human Security Researcher & Policy Expert

Ena Lucia Mariaca Pacheco is a human security specialist, researcher, and educator with extensive experience in public policy, human rights, community safety, and youth wellbeing. She serves as a researcher and education expert with BRAVE Education, contributing to initiatives that strengthen protective environments for children, youth, and families.

Ena Lucia holds two bachelor's degrees from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Arts in Human Security from Royal Roads University. For more than a decade, she has worked alongside the Government of Canada, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, law enforcement partners, researchers, and community leaders on projects focused on prevention, education, policy development, and support for vulnerable populations.

Her work has informed public policy discussions, legislative initiatives, and community-based approaches that promote safety, resilience, and wellbeing. Through research, advocacy, and education, she has contributed to advancing understanding of complex social issues affecting children, youth, and families in Canada and internationally.

As a member of the BRAVE Education team, Ena Lucia brings expertise in research, policy analysis, human rights, and community engagement. She is committed to helping communities strengthen awareness, build resilience, and create safer, healthier environments where young people can thrive.

Alyssa

Community Leader & Educator

Alyssa is a Registered Clinical Counsellor living in Nelson, BC.  She has been passionate about supporting those who have experienced trauma, educating young people about healthy relationships, and bringing awareness about the realities of risks to children since 2018. Her experience working in London, Ontario, as a youth outreach worker for those who had experienced trauma made her aware of how common it was, as well as the long-term traumatic effects experienced by young people  who had been been victimized (or a perpetrator). It was clear that often individuals experienced both roles simultaneously, given how trafficking works. She moved to Nelson, BC, in 2019 and began working in a Transition Home for women fleeing violence, while completing her Masters in Counselling. Alyssa went to a conference in 2020 for BC Transition Homes, where BRAVE gave a powerful keynote presentation, and knew this was a perfect opportunity to get involved. Alyssa now has a private counselling practice, and remains extremely passionate about this topic, of helping with prevention through awareness and education. 

Autta Sylliboy

Community Health Leader & Educator

Autta Sylliboy is a community leader dedicated to the health of children, youth, their families and communities.

Board of Directors / Advisory Council

Frederick R. McDonald

Advisor

Frederick R. McDonald is an advisor and supporter of BRAVE Education. Fred is an international, award-winning artist – a painter, poet and photographer – and a member of the Fort McKay First Nation.

Fred was born in Fort McMurray and raised in the bush along the Athabasca River, brought up in the traditional hunting and trapping lifestyle of his parents. Although he has travelled far and wide, Fred’s heart is still with his community and he continues to be an active member of the Fort McKay band. His wife, children and his grandchildren are his inspiration for everything he does and his children are ultimately his greatest creation.

Amelie

Researcher, Designer & Educator

Amelie is a graduate of Behavioral Science with a minor in Dance. Amelie has been involved in BRAVE Education as a student intern, youth mentor and educator for over seven years.

Lukas

Youth Advocate & Educator

Lukas is an Engineering student at UBC who assists BRAVE with social media work, curriculum development, school presentations, research and bilingual adaptations.

Marilyn Bushell

Former Governor of Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan & Northern Wyoming (AMS&NW) District of Optimist International

A champion of BRAVE Education from the time of its conception, Marilyn a multi-generational member of the Dinner Optimist Club of Calgary and invoked for over 26 years. When president of the club, she was compelled to help launch BRAVE Education after learning of the increasing risks to children and youth. 

Denise Dolph

Optimist President, Entrepreneur & Human Resource Development Professional

Denise is a third-generation member of Optimist clubs in Calgary and is currently President of the Dinner Optimist Club of Calgary. Denise is excited about BRAVE Education’s mission to empower and protect children. With a son, daughter and twin granddaughters, she was stunned to learn how prevalent risks to children are, bringing the phrase, “There, but for the grace of God, go I,” close to home. Denise is starting to get itchy feet and is ready to explore the world again.