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About CPPA

Canadian Positive Psychology Association
Helping Canadians flourish

Founded in 2012, the CPPA is the leading Canadian not-for-profit association for the advancement of the science and practice of positive psychology. Positive Psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the evidence-based research and application of human flourishing.

The CPPA is a leader in the global positive movement of like-minded individuals interested in the research and application of positive psychology. The CPPA promotes the science and application of positive psychology and its research-based interventions across Canada through its member base and affiliates.  The CPPA is a conduit of everything-positive-psychology in Canada, connecting and supporting academic research programs, strategic alliances, and membership.

Researchers, practitioners, teachers, clinicians, coaches, workplace leaders, professionals, students, and members of the general public who are interested in improving psychological well-being for themselves and their respective audiences/patients/clients/staff.  Members are located across Canada.



The CPPA is connected with prominent positive psychology researchers from around the world to bring CPPA members the latest research in positive psychology and share rigorous, evidence-based interventions. 

Your CPPA membership keeps you on the leading edge of the science and best practices, provides annual conferences and workshops to grow your network, gives you the latest evidence-based techniques, allows you to be part of the future conversation about mental well-being and helps you to build your profile within the positive psychology community.

Questions & Answers

Have any questions?
Contact us any time.

In 2020 we began a renewal at the CPPA. Our re-energized team of volunteers and board members are charting an exciting new journey.

-- Louisa Jewell CPPA Founder & President

Our Mission

The Canadian Positive Psychology Association exists to advance the science and practice of positive psychology, which is the scientific study of mental wellness, to improve the well-being and resilience of individuals, organizations, and communities across Canada. We deliver education programs and connect people with research, tools, and each other to help them thrive. 

Our CPPA Board
The Board of Directors are volunteers devoted to developing The Canadian Positive Psychology Association and is open to your suggestions
•CPPA Founder and president
•MAPP, Master of Applied Positive Psychology at UPENN
•Speaker and Workshop facilitator for people around the world
•Host of new Audible podcast series The Awesome Project
•Author: Wire Your Brain for Confidence; the Science of Conquering Self-Doubt

Louisa Jewell

Director, President / Founder

• BPE (Physical Education) • BHSc (Occupational Therapy) • MHSc (Health Administration) • ACC (Associate Certified Coach) with the International Coaching Federation • Wellness and Organizational Development Leader in Healthcare with 3 decades of experience • Created and implemented several innovative programs in: Cultural Interpretation, Intergenerational Partnerships, Change Management, Staff and Patient Wellness, Leadership Development and Reward and Recognition

Stephanie Brundl

Vice-President & Director, Membership

• Master in Education, University of Ottawa; • 25 years of experience in education in Canada and internationally; • Certificate in Positive Education; • Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (in progress); • Certificate Chief Happiness Practitioner; • Wellbeing sessions facilitator for Ontario Public Service employees; • Wellbeing and Mental Health Leader of the OPS Franco Network employees

Iris Mihaila

Director, Franco-Ontarian Relations

•Msc. Applied Positive Psychology, Buckinghamshire University, U.K. and Master’s Business Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax •Runs a successful positive psychology coaching business •Teaches positive psychology, resilience, leadership and somatic coaching in education and professional settings • Professional background in marketing, communications and branding in large and small corporate, entrepreneur and not-for-profit settings

Kimberly Wakefield

Director, Marketing Lead

•Bachelors Degree in Psychology, MBA –Innovation
•Certificate in Positive Psychology (in progress)
•Manager of Customer Experience and Innovation at Hamilton Street Railway (HSR)
•Led development of City of Hamilton’s Cultural Plan -media proclaimed the plan a “game changer” for Hamilton

Ali Sabourin

Director, CPPA Treasurer

· B. A. Psychology and Masters of Human Resources Management, York University; certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP, CHRL, CHRE)
Retired Chief People Officer, YMCA of Greater Toronto
· 42 years’ experience in multiple roles as a seasoned human resources strategist
· Development of Human Resources and Employee Well-Being Strategy, ensuring a healthy organization
· Completed CAPP in February 2016

Melanie Laflamme

Director, Volunteer Engagement, Chair Canadian Workplace Well-Being Awards

Allison Arnott
Strategic Advisor

· B. A. Psychology and Masters of Human Resources Management, York University; certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP, CHRL, CHRE)
Retired Chief People Officer, YMCA of Greater Toronto
· 42 years’ experience in multiple roles as a seasoned human resources strategist
· Development of Human Resources and Employee Well-Being Strategy, ensuring a healthy organization

Melanie Laflamme

Director, Volunteer Engagement

• Msc. Applied Positive Psychology, Buckinghamshire University, U.K. and Master’s Business Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax • Runs a successful positive psychology coaching business • Teaches positive psychology, resilience, leadership and somatic coaching in education and professional settings • Professional background in marketing, communications and branding in large and small corporate, entrepreneur and not-for-profit settings

Kimberley Wakefield

Director, Marketing Lead

Our Committee Members

Our committee members with their wide array of skills and specializations help the Canadian Positive Psychology Association moving forward.

Wayne Greenway
Volunteer Engagement Manager

Wayne Greenway is currently the Volunteer Engagement Manager for The Canadian Positive Psychology Association (CPPA). He has been involved with the CPPA since 2012 and managed the 2nd and 4th Canadian Conferences on Positive Psychology.

Our Honorary Advisors

Honorary Advisors to the Canadian Positive Psychology Association

Dr. Martin Seligman

Honorary Advisor

Dr. James O. Pawelski

Honorary Advisor

Dr. Robert J. Vallerand

Honorary Advisor

Dr. Tayyab Rashid

Honorary Advisor

Dr. Lucie Mandeville

Honorary Advisor

Dr. Veronika Huta

Honorary Advisor

Dr. Tami Kulbatski

Honorary Advisor

Dr. Marie-Hélène Budworth

Honorary Advisor

Our Founding Board

The Canadian Positive Psychology Association (CPPA) was founded on January 19, 2012
with a vision for developing a psychologically healthy Canadian society
through the research and application of positive psychology across Canada.

Dr. Jamie Gruman

Veronika Huta, Ph.D.

Lisa Sansom

Louisa Jewell, MAPP

Dr. Tayyab Rashid

Our History

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