Mohawk College faculty member recognized among Canada's Top Mental Health Leaders
Mohawk College faculty member Calissa Ngozi is being recognized nationally for her leadership in mental health advocacy and her commitment to raising awareness of the challenges affecting Canadians.
Calissa, a faculty member in Mohawk College's Child and Youth Care program, has been named one of Canada's Top 25 Mental Health Leaders for 2026 by Reach Out Together, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, education and support.
"Being recognized as one of Canada's Top 25 Mental Health Leaders 2026 is truly an honour," said Ngozi. "The work I do is done with purpose and intention. Mental health affects one in three Canadians. There's much more work to be done."
Bringing mental health conversations to a national audience
Beyond her work at Mohawk College, Calissa has become a familiar voice in national conversations about mental health, regularly appearing in the media to share insights on issues affecting individuals, families and workplaces.
As a monthly guest on CTV News programming, Calissa has helped bring greater attention to a range of mental health challenges, including the emotional impact of rising living costs and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in mental health support.
She also recently appeared on The Ben Mulroney Show and CHCH’s Newsmakers podcasts to discuss burnout among healthcare professionals, an increasingly important conversation as those working on the front lines navigate the pressures of caring for others while managing their own well-being.
Calissa’s commitment to mental health education and advocacy reflects the important role educators play in preparing future professionals to approach their careers with compassion, awareness and an understanding of the challenges facing the communities they serve.
See some of Calissa’s recent media appearances:
- CTV Your Morning | The Rise of AI in Mental Health Support
- CTV News | Rising costs take a toll on Canadians' mental health
- The Ben Mulroney Show Podcast (starts approximately at the 10 min mark)
- CHCH Newsmakers: Burnout continues to paralyze health-care sector