The National Social Committee will kick off the first CUSW 25th Anniversary event this year at the HS&W Conference on the evening October 28th, 2023 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm at Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview.

Dr. Joel Moody

Ontario’s recently appointed Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) Dr. Joel Moody is American born who has studied across North America, earning an undergraduate degree in civil and environmental engineering at Duke and Master of Public Health Studying International Health and epidemiology at the University of Alabama Birmingham. He did postgraduate work in epidemiology and bio statistics and earned a medical degree at George Washington University and then did additional work at the University of Toronto in cancer epidemiology.

His diverse background allows him to speak, listen and emphasize effectively with different groups on safety during pandemic times and otherwise.  

Scott Simpson

Scott Simpson of Spirit Fit and member of Beausoleil First Nation Wellness walks the RED road.

Scott strongly believes we can make small steps to becoming the people we want to be and have a family life. Scott had his own personal battles with alcoholism/addiction and class 2 obesity, so he decided to make it his mission to help people live better lives after he climbed out of what he found himself to be a not so favorable life.

Nasia Houvarda

Athanasia (Nasia) Houvarda is a healing art practitioner, and she truly appreciates the kindness she’s experienced in her life.

In 2001, a devastating car accident tragically claimed the lives of two of Athanasia's friends and left her with life-threatening and life-changing injuries. In the face of immense hardship, she initially felt defeated. But the unwavering support of her family, friends, and the burn community provided her with the strength she needed. Their kindness and love created a sense of belonging that became the foundation for her recovery.

Travelling this rough road of healing, Athanasia discovered the therapeutic power of art, and found solace in its captivating embrace. Through this creative form of therapy, she gradually regained her sense of identity and reinvented her life. 

Driven by a strong desire to make a difference, she shares her story with audiences across various countries, advocating for safe driving to prevent others from enduring the pain and suffering her family endured.

Beyond sharing her story, Athanasia also guides the audience on a mindfulness journey, helping them navigate stress and anxiety alongside her. Her empathetic approach is rooted in understanding the transformative potential of art as a catalyst for healing and personal growth.
Athanasia creates a safe and inclusive space, bringing together the participants, aiming to inspire positive change and cultivate a profound sense of belonging.

Carin Mullen

Carin has over 25 years experience in management and customer relations. Carin has been recently promoted to manage Key Clients specifically in the government, municipal and post-secondary sectors at Homewood Health. Many find Carin to be a great listener and a natural conversationalist with a positive personality.

Interval House - Be More Than a Bystander

James Herman

James Herman has had extensive experience helping working people who have been injured at work. He took his first case as a volunteer in 1977 and won for a student worker who had no union and no representative. At the time he was on the executive of the KW and District Labour Council.

James was the second ever union representative in the province of Ontario who specialized in workplace injuries. He has been on staff of both public and private sector unions. As well as the Office of the Worker Adviser where he served as Chair of its Training Committee.

James was working for the NDP Compensation Critic when they forced the government of the day to found the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. as well as other legislation benefiting workers.

James was appointed by the Chair of the WCB (former name of WSIB) to coordinate The Chairman’s Taskforce on Service Delivery and Vocational Rehabilitation. Following the completion of the Task Force he accompanied the Chair of the Board around the province of Ontario talking to Unions and Employers around the issue of Return to Work. The result of this tour eventually evolved into legislating need for Return-to-Work Plans that we have today and the legislated need for both employers and workers to cooperate in return to work after an injury.

CUSW was formed in 1999. Since the early days of the Union James Herman has been the WSIB mentor, trainer and sometimes representative for CUSW.