Behind the Scenes

With 50 schools, approximately 21,000 students and 3,000 employees, we are a faith community bound together by our beliefs. Our schools are located in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the province. From Bradford West Gwillimbury to Huntsville and from Collingwood to Brechin, we are a community focused on enhancing the educational and spiritual development of students.

With mental health and well-being as a top priority, we offer excellent programs, resources and supports so that students are provided with every opportunity to reach their future goals and aspirations. The SMCDSB Psychology Department provides a range of support to students across the school board. Our staff include School Counsellors, Psychologists/Psychological Associates, and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Consultants. Our school teams and Board staff also work collaboratively with many community mental health partners to coordinate support.

Host of OnPoint Parenting and SMCDSB Mental Health Lead

Throughout her career in children’s mental health, Chantelle has supported children, youth, and families in Simcoe Muskoka in both community and school settings. Chantelle has been with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board since 2014 and has held positions as a School Counsellor, Psychological Associate, and is currently the Mental Health Lead. Chantelle completed her M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary and is currently working towards her Doctorate at the University of Toronto. As a mother of two, Chantelle is well aware of the challenges, successes, and adventures in parenting. She is a Barrie local and grew up in Simcoe County. Outside of her work supporting the mental health & well-being initiatives at SMCDSB, you will find her outside, doing yoga, fly fishing, and adventuring with her family.

OnPoint Parenting is brought to you by the Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. The Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) acts as an advisory body to the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, and provides an important link between parents and the board’s Director of Education and Trustees.

OnPoint Parenting is produced edited by Lydia Bennett and Cole Bennett, in partnership with Portage Creative.