Meet Choices for Youth's Board of Directors!

Bruce Belbin

Board Member Since: 2021

Board Position: Board Chair

Position/Workplace: Director of Student Residence & Ancillary Operations, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Bruce Belbin is a passionate leader focused on empowerment-based decision-making and team development. Committed to effective, strategic, efficient business services, public policy development and delivery, he applies evidence-based, data-driven decision-making with a balance of intuition and common sense.

His career has been as a post-secondary education professional with extensive leadership experience in administration and operations within University, College systems and Government. Bruce has held many positions in this field, with his current role being the Director of Student Residences & Ancillary Operations at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Holding a Master's in Higher Education Administration, and having started a Doctorate program, he is a proponent of lifelong and continuing education. When not immersed in his work, you can find him volunteering in the community, focusing on board governance and social enterprises.

Sean Ryan

Board Member Since: 2024

Board Position: Vice Chair

Position/Workplace: Vice President of Regulatory Services, Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation.

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Sean Ryan has over 40 years of law enforcement service in his repertoire, with 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles within one of Canada’s most respected law enforcement organizations. He has extensive experience in public speaking and community engagement, with specific expertise in law/regulatory enforcement, mental health, tactical training, use-of-force, criminal investigations, and organized crime. Sean has a proven history of direct leadership, support and guidance to government and law enforcement agencies in the management and leadership of policing, regulatory and security operations, always with a specific focus on establishing and maintaining public confidence.

Tracey Power

Board Member Since: 2021

Board Position: Treasurer

Position/Workplace: Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Ltd.

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Tracey Power is the Chief Financial Officer at North Atlantic Ltd, where she brings extensive experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and corporate governance. With a strong background in finance and a commitment to operational excellence, Tracey plays a key role in guiding organizational growth and sustainability.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Tracey sits on the Board of Choices for Youth, the Memorial University School of Business Advisory Board, and serves on the Finance and Audit Committee of the Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Trade.

Tracey is known for her collaborative approach, sound judgment, and dedication to making a meaningful impact both within her organization and in the broader community.

Kaylah Parsons-Mercer

Board Member Since: 2022

Board Position: Secretary

Position/Workplace: Director of Quality, Risk and Accreditation, Brightisle.

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Kaylah Mercer is a dedicated mother to two wonderful children, aged 6 and 4. Balancing family life with her professional responsibilities, Kaylah holds the position of Director of Quality, Risk, and Accreditation at Brightisle.

When not at work, Kaylah spends time with family and has a deep passion for baking and experimenting with new recipes. Kaylah also enjoys practicing Pilates, which helps maintain both physical fitness and mental well-being. Additionally, travelling to create memories is a significant part of her family life.

In her commitment to community service, Kaylah has served on the board of Choices for Youth (CFY) for nearly three years. In her roles as Board Director and Secretary, Kaylah works collaboratively with the leadership team to advocate for and support vital programs aimed at helping young, vulnerable youth.

Kaylah’s interests in data evaluation, program improvement, and technological innovation drive her work in both professional and volunteer activities. She is passionate about leveraging these skills to enhance the effectiveness of programs and ensure that we meet the needs of those we serve.

Lisa Bishop

Board Member Since: 2022

Board Position: Board Member

Position/Workplace: Pharmacist and Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland’s School of Pharmacy.

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Lisa Bishop is a Pharmacist and Professor at Memorial University’s School of Pharmacy, where she teaches, conducts research, and works as a pharmacist in a Family Medicine clinic. Her research focuses on youth health and substance use, and she co-leads a drug education strategy, called Drug Education Centred on Youth Decision Empowerment, which helps youth build knowledge and decision-making skills to make safer choices through prevention and harm reduction. Lisa is active in her community as a member of the Choices for Youth Board and other community groups, and she volunteers with professional organizations and youth sports. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, two daughters, and their dog.

Gerard Dunphy

Board Member Since: 2025

Board Position: Board Member

Position/Workplace: Vice President, Churchill Falls & Muskrat Falls, Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro.

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Gerard is currently employed as Vice President, Churchill Falls and Muskrat Falls with Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro. He holds the degrees of Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Master of Engineering, and Master of Business Administration. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) at both the provincial and national levels, and as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland & Labrador (PEGNL), and currently serves on several corporate boards of directors. He has been named a Senior Member by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and a Fellow of Engineers Canada.

Meghan Foley

Board Member Since: 2025

Board Position: Board Member

Position/Workplace: Lawyer, Stewart McKelvey.

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Meghan is a lawyer at Stewart McKelvey, specializing in labour and employment law. She advises businesses and employers of all sizes on employment-related issues. Meghan’s work includes conducting hearings before administrative tribunals, labour arbitrators, and Courts. Additionally, Meghan specializes in structuring hires and terminations, defending employment claims, drafting policies and procedures, and navigating other issues that arise throughout the employment relationship.

Bradley Hefford

Board Member Since: 2025

Board Position: Board Member

Position/Workplace: Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Gander.

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Brad Hefford is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Gander and brings more than two decades of senior experience in municipal and provincial public service. A strong advocate for rural leadership in Newfoundland and Labrador, he is recognized for advancing strategic governance, organizational modernization, and Gander’s innovative and equitable housing policy framework. Brad’s leadership emphasizes evidence-based planning, collaboration, and creating resilient, inclusive communities.

Lori Menchenton

Board Member Since: 2022

Board Position: Board Member

Position/Workplace: Chief Financial Officer, Munn Group of Companies.

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Lori brings extensive financial expertise and a passion for empowering youth to her role on the Board. With a strong background in finance and corporate governance, Lori has spent her career helping organizations build stability, transparency and long-term growth. She is dedicated to supporting opportunities and shaping solutions that tackle the complex challenges that face youth today.

Laura Lozano Perez

Board Member Since: 2025

Board Position: Board Member

Position/Workplace: Health Workforce Planning Research Analyst, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Laura Lozano Perez is a human resource professional with expertise in developing and implementing HR strategies, and experience in global, private, public and non-profit organizations across different industries. She currently serves as Health Workforce Planning Research Analyst at the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, where she analyzes workforce trends and provides insights to support health services planning. Laura holds a Master of Employment Relations from Memorial University, a Master of Human Resources Management and a Bachelor’s in International Business Administration from Universidad Panamericana. Outside of work, Laura is passionate about mentoring young and newcomer professionals.

Meghan Riggs

Board Member Since: 2024

Board Position: Board Member

Position/Workplace: Co-founder and Director of Social Responsibility and Community Affairs, Rev Motors.

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Meghan Riggs has over a decade of experience in community work, including seven years in mental health peer support and communications. Her career has centered on front-line engagement and communications, with a strong focus on collaboration and lived-experience leadership. She has contributed to numerous provincial working groups focused on suicide prevention and perinatal mental health, helping advance collaborative approaches to care. In addition to her work in mental health, Meghan is the co-founder of Rev Motors, a provincial wholesale buying network. In her current role, she supports communications and community impact efforts, driving partnerships that align business with meaningful social contribution. She is also deeply inspired by the mission of Choices for Youth and is enthusiastic about contributing to the vital work being done across the province to support and empower young people.

Jessica Webster

Board Member Since: 2025

Board Position: Board Member

Position/Workplace: Mental Health and Addictions Therapist, Meridian Holistic Centre.

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Originally from Mount Moriah, NL, Jessica graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2008 with a Bachelor of Social Work. Upon graduation, Jessica returned to the Bay of Islands to reside within her Mi’kmaq community and has been working as a Registered Social Worker in the field of mental health and addictions counselling ever since. With a focus on holistic healing, Jessica also completed training as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and has her designation of Naturopathic Doctor for Holistic Therapies. In December 2023, Jessica completed her diploma of Art Psychotherapy from CiiAT and is a licenced art psychotherapist. Jessica is currently working on her Sex Therapist certification to further services to her clients. Jessica currently works within her own private practice, promoting a safe, inclusive space for mental health and addictions therapy for children, youth, families, and adults, as well as volunteering in her community to various organizations.