Meet the Team
Executive Director - Barry Patterson
Barry joined us first as a consultant then as our Director of Communications, Business Services, and Strategy working closely with all of our stakeholders to help build a new brand strategy for The Centre. He is very passionate about the important work that the Centre does to help individuals and communities nurture or regain their well-being. He has more than 20 years of experience working in leadership roles within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Recently, as President of CMU College where he led the institution in creating a new strategic plan focused on a new curriculum, building a new campus and developing strategic partnerships. Previously, Barry worked at Emily Carr University, the Canadian Film Centre, CBC Television, Astral Media and Famous Players where he developed multi-award winning campaigns focused on launching and revitalizing brands, enhancing reputation and strategically building organizational success. He has volunteered with The Centre, ReBoot Canada, and the DemocracyXchange Summit.
Director of Education and Clinical Services, Blakie Sahay OT Reg. (Ont.)
Blakie Sahay (she/her) BA, BscOT., MEd., is an occupational therapist, certified mindfulness meditation teacher and certified mindfulness based program facilitator and trainer. She holds advanced certifications in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and has additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and various trauma-informed approaches. Blakie has additional training in trauma informed & trauma sensitive mindfulness approaches, anti-racism training and anti-oppression therapy practice.
At the Centre for Mindfulness Studies (Toronto, Canada), Blakie not only facilitates a variety of mindfulness-based group programs, delivers professional development programs and mentors new mindfulness facilitators-in-training she is also the Director of Education and Clinical Services. She is also a Certified Mindfulness Teacher – Professional Level, International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA) and an Accessible Yoga Ambassador (accessibleyoga.org).
Blakie provides tailored mindfulness-based workshops for various organizations and businesses from local libraries, mental health organizations to universities and large corporations. Blakie has a private occupational therapy practice working with youth with concurrent mental health and substance use issues who are at risk of homelessness. She also works with a private therapy practice working with youth and adults with emotion dysregulation and self-harm assisting them to reduce their suffering through various mindfulness and therapy approaches. She has extensive experience working with veterans and active duty military personnel with mental health, trauma and/or addictions challenges. She is part of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies.
Director, Finance & Operations - Antoinette Mak
Director, Community Program - Marija D. Miskovic
Marija has over 10 years of international experience managing diverse cultural, community, and multimedia projects. She holds a MA in both project management and anthropology, and has spent most of her professional career working for non-profits immersed in varied fields such as minority rights, youth empowerment, community development, and social justice.
She believes in the power of community, the synergies of connection, and the potentials of collaboration to ignite social change. As Associate Director of Community Services at The Centre, she is passionate about bringing mindfulness programs to marginalized communities in Toronto and beyond.
In her free time, Marija enjoys traveling the globe with her husband, going to concerts and theatre shows, riding her bike, and finding hidden treasures in thrift stores.
Contact for inquiries regarding: our community program offerings, non-profit program collaborations, and grant applications.
marija@mindfulnessstudies.com
Client Services Lead - Mylène Séguin
As Client Services Lead, Mylène is a front-line point of contact and support for clients and faculty. From addressing daily inquiries and preparing course material, to program registration and logistics, she strives to provide the best possible experience for all clients while keeping faculty well-informed. Her attention to detail coupled with passion for service helps to ensure efficient program scheduling and delivery. She has a continued interest on the subject of the mind and body connection as it relates to stress and physical pain. Outside of work, she enjoys doing yoga, Pilates, reading and spending time with her husband and furry companions.
mylene@mindfulnessstudies.com
E-Learning and IT Lead - Theo Amory
Theo coordinates both professional and clinical online programs.
With a background in Communications and Event Planning, Theo also oversees the Centre’s various ventures and ensures that the scope and direction of each project is on track. Mindfulness is a central part of his life and he is currently in the process of becoming mindfulness facilitator.
Marketing and Communications Manager - Michelle Ragno
Michelle manages communications and marketing initiatives, develops digital assets, oversees media relations and social media, and designs core organizational materials. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing & Consumer Studies from the University of Guelph, as well as a post-graduate certificate in International Project Management. Michelle is a yoga teacher and absolutely loves being in nature and biking around the city.
marketing@mindfulnessstudies.com
Community Engagement Coordinator - Jeremy Finkelstein RP
As Community Engagement Coordinator, Jeremy has dedicated himself to cultivating a mindfulness community both in-person and online. Jeremy believes a community can boost one’s practice while simultaneously supporting those around them.
Community Program Coordinator - Kim Ronaline B. Salvador, M.A. RP (Qualifying)
Kim was a participant in a project by the Centre for Mindfulness Studies to train mental health professionals in the Philippines in MBCT. She became inspired to join the Centre because of their mission to make mindfulness-based mental health programs accessible. She continues this work as part of the Community Program where she develops and delivers mindfulness-based programming to marginalized communities across the city of Toronto and beyond.
Kim is also a trained MBCT Facilitator. She comes to this work with a background in clinical psychology where she has mostly worked with university students and youth with cancer and their families. In her free time, she immerses herself in the world of K-Pop.