Board of directors

Charles-Édouard Carrier (he/him), Communications Consultant, Strategic Storytelling and Engagement – Secretary

Charles-Édouard is a strategist recognized for his ability to connect ideas, people, and narratives. He began his career by developing mental health programs in remote communities in Northern Quebec, at the intersection of psychiatry and social development—an impactful human mission that continues to inspire his work today. With more than 20 years of experience in management, content development, and strategic communications, he has built a career spanning journalism, marketing, public health, and organizational development. Although non-linear, this coherent professional path reflects his commitment to using communication as a lever for lasting transformation. Co-author of the book Se ressourcer: Où, quand et comment prendre du temps pour soi, he has also been a member of the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec since 2000.

Mélanie Fournier (she/her) – Board Member

Mélanie is a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and a member of the Groupe de recherche sur l’inscription sociale et identitaire des jeunes adultes (GRIJA). Her research explores the experience of feeling at home after homelessness, with a particular focus on the gap between having a place to live and truly feeling at home. She also examines the impacts of complex trauma and gender-based violence on women’s housing trajectories.

With more than ten years of experience in communications and knowledge mobilization, Mélanie also serves as Communications Manager for the Société québécoise pour la recherche en psychologie (SQRP). She is particularly interested in making scientific knowledge accessible, practical, and meaningful for communities. Deeply committed to addressing social inequalities and supporting people experiencing vulnerability, she is eager to contribute her analytical approach, creativity, and ability to bridge research and practice in support of the CMHA Montreal Branch’s mission.

Edith Legault (she/her), Criminal lawyer, Montreal Community Legal Center – President

A criminal lawyer since 2018, Edith Legault has practiced at the Montreal Legal Community Center since the start of her career. Passionate about her practice with vulnerable clients struggling with socio-economic and mental health issues, she supports accused people in the legal process with humanity and boldness. 

His involvement in the community sphere has grown over the years, notably during events offering pro bono legal services in pop-up clinics with the Young Bar of Montreal and with the itinerant population of Montreal at the Maison du Père.

These professional and human experiences allow him to offer a particular collaboration to the ACSM by now getting involved in mental health prevention. She intends to use her analytical mind and her concern for efficiency to the benefit of her commitment to achieve the ambitions of the organization.

Laurie Moreau (she/her), Psychosocial worker – Board Member

Laurie is a psychosocial worker in the public health and social services network. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology (Université de Montréal) and has more than six years of experience supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use issues, or homelessness. Committed to defending people’s rights, she supports marginalized individuals with care and compassion as they navigate systems that are often difficult to access. Driven by a deep sense of injustice toward social inequities, she values respect for individual autonomy and teamwork. At the CMHA, she will bring her energy to advancing the organization’s mission and values.

Jean-François Poirier (he/him) – Board Member

Jean-François Poirier is the Director of Human Resources at a socially driven organization. With more than 15 years of experience in HR leadership, he brings strategic and operational expertise to his teams, spanning labour relations, organizational development, change management, psychological health and safety in the workplace, and leadership coaching.

A Chartered Human Resources Professional (CHRP) with a master’s degree in Public Administration from the École nationale d’administration publique (ENAP), Jean-François has made mental health a consistent priority throughout his professional career. This commitment is also deeply rooted in his own lived experience and that of those close to him. Motivated by both personal conviction and professional expertise, he is proud to contribute, as a Board Member, to the mission of the CMHA Montreal Branch — an organization whose values closely align with his own.

Marthe Rocheteau (she/her), Psychosociologist and certified coach – Vice-President

Psychosociologist and coach certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Marthe has been supporting human change for over 20 years. She has worked in the community sector, the public service, and private enterprise. Her deeply humanist professional approach is built around three pillars: empowering individuals and groups to act, interpersonal and intercultural communication, and social inclusion. Marthe is committed to prevention in mental health and developing inclusive leadership through individual and group coaching.

Sébastien Vachon (he/him), Director of Talent Management – Board Member

Sébastien is Director of Talent Management at La tête chercheuse, where he supports public, private, and non-profit organizations in addressing strategic challenges related to recruitment, leadership, and governance. In his role, he works closely with executives, boards of directors, and leadership teams to help build strong, high-performing, and sustainable organizational environments.

Over the years, Sébastien has advised many Quebec-based organizations with a social impact, supporting them in team engagement, skills development, and organizational transformation. His approach is grounded in listening, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human dynamics that influence psychological health in the workplace. Deeply committed to issues of well-being, prevention, and mental health, he firmly believes that workplaces play a critical role in fostering both individual and collective balance. By joining the Canadian Mental Health Association – Montreal Branch, Sébastien hopes to further this commitment and contribute to promoting mental health within the community, in support of a mission that strongly aligns with his core values.