Confidential support from someone who understands your role.
Overview
The OPC Peer Support Program connects principals and vice-principals with trained peers who understand the realities of school leadership.
The program is now available to OPC Members working in public school boards across Ontario.
Whether you’re navigating a challenging situation or simply need someone to talk to, peer support offers a safe, confidential space grounded in shared experience.
Peer support is a confidential, voluntary and non-clinical service focused on connection, listening and shared understanding.
You’ll connect one-to-one with a trained peer supporter who brings lived experience in school leadership. Conversations are informal, supportive and grounded in mutual respect.
Unlike coaching, peer support is not focused on performance or goal-setting. It is about being heard, reducing isolation and supporting your well-being.
The Program
The OPC Peer Support Program was initially developed as a pilot in partnership with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Simcoe County District School Board. The pilot provided an opportunity to develop and refine a peer support model grounded in the experiences and needs of school leaders.
Following the pilot, the program is now being expanded to OPC Members working in public school boards across Ontario.
There is no cost for Members to access this service.
Participation is private and confidential. Peer support is not connected to evaluation, human resources processes or formal OPC services. Information is not shared without your consent, except in rare situations related to safety.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Ralph Nigro - rnigro@principals.ca or Brad Harris - bharris@principals.ca.
| What You Can Expect |
Participation is always voluntary and self-directed. |
| Why Peer Support Matters |
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School leadership can be isolating, especially during high-stress situations. The Peer Support Program helps to:
The goal is to support a healthier, more connected leadership community across Ontario. |
| How the Program Works |
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For ATH peer support, please contact your PST Consultant. For all other peer support requests,
You can change peer supporters at any time if you feel another peer would be a better fit. |
Meet our Peer Supporters
Our peer supporters are principals, vice-principals and recently retired school leaders from across Ontario who have volunteered their time to support fellow OPC Members.
| Kristen Armstrong |
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You can contact Kristen directly by email to arrange a time to connect. Hello! My name is Kristen Armstrong and I am a secondary school principal with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board. I have experience leading and supporting school communities through both everyday pressures and complex challenges, as well as navigating crisis situations. I understand the unique demands of school leadership and the importance of having a trusted space to think and reflect. I have been an administrator for 12 years now (6 years as a VP, and 6 years as a Principal). In that time, I have experienced many challenging situations - as we all know, being a school leader is a dynamic profession with some unique challenges. I was the OPC Councillor for my district for 6 years, and I am currently the Co-Chair for my district. I am excited to join the Peer Support Team through OPC as I know this service will be supportive to administrators across the province. Our conversations as peer supporters are confidential and informal. There’s no pressure, just a space to talk. If it feels helpful, I’d be glad to connect. |
| Greg Blakeley |
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You can contact Greg directly by email to arrange a time to connect. Greg is an experienced educational leader with more than 25 years in education, having served as a teacher, vice‑principal, principal, and central principal. Throughout his career, he has placed a strong emphasis on coaching and mentoring, demonstrated through his many years of participation in the Board’s formal mentorship program. Greg holds a Master’s degree in Professional Education, with a focus on building effective educational teams. He has facilitated Additional Qualifications programs for both teachers and administrators and continues to lead professional learning at the school and board levels, supporting growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a school administrator, Greg prioritises strong working relationships and the development of trust as foundational elements of effective leadership. His leadership practice is informed by both personal and professional experience in special education, and he is deeply committed to ensuring inclusivity for all students and staff. Greg recognises that leadership can be an isolating role and places great value on professional connection and collaboration with colleagues. He believes that meaningful relationships and shared learning are essential to sustaining effective, responsive educational leadership. |
| Tricia Eddy |
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You can contact Tricia directly by email to arrange a time to connect. With over 25 years in education with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, I know firsthand that being a school administrator is a constant balancing act that doesn’t always come with a roadmap. Having served as a Principal and VP across K-8, middle school, and alternative settings, I’ve navigated "logistical puzzles" and high-pressure days, and I’m here to be the sounding board we all sometimes need. My leadership approach is rooted in restorative practices and equity-centered leadership; as a restorative trainer and equity literacy facilitator, I’m passionate about helping colleagues move beyond traditional discipline toward genuine community accountability and inclusive environments where every student is truly seen. With a Master’s in Administration and Leadership with a focus on mental health, I prioritize creating a school environment rooted in care, compassion and relationships. Whether you’re wrestling with complex staffing concerns, navigating challenging student needs, or just need a partner to help align your school's vision with board expectations, I’m here to help you navigate the role with more confidence and less isolation. To book a time to connect with me, please click this link. I look forward to speaking with you. |
| Mark Flumerfelt |
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You can contact Mark directly by email to arrange a time to connect. I’m a recently retired secondary school principal with over 20 years of experience in school leadership. I continue to support schools as a supply administrator, and I stay actively involved through the Ontario Principals’ Council as a General Assembly member and Co-President of the Term Members Association. I am committed to supporting school leaders through thoughtful conversation, practical insight, and a genuine understanding of the day-to-day complexities of the role, especially when navigating staffing challenges, responding to student needs, and working to align school priorities with broader system expectations. |
| Bronwen Lash |
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Bronwen is a Vice Principal in the Simcoe County DSB. With 20 years in education as a teacher and 6 years as a Vice Principal, Bronwen has navigated many different challenges both professionally and personally. Bronwen has a strong commitment to maintaining positive mental health and an optimistic attitude toward life and its turmoils. She has enormous compassion for people going through challenges and transitions and feels privileged to work with those seeking support. She incorporates warmth, genuineness and humour into her peer support work, aiming to create a safe space where peers feel comfortable engaging in the complex work of balancing life and a career in school administration. |
| Wayne Mercer |
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You can contact Wayne directly by email to arrange a time to connect. My Name is Wayne Mercer, and I am a Principal with the Keewatin Patricia DSB with more than 35 years of experience in Education in remote North Western Ontario. I have had the honor of serving communities in both the elementary and secondary panels as a teacher and in school leadership. In my current role with the KPDSB, I provide principal mentorship support to 11 principals within the Nishnawbe Aski Nation as part of an education partnership with the KPDSB and Nishnawbe Aski Nation. I have also had the opportunity to be part of the local executive for my local OPC District in multiple roles that include 5 years on provincial council, terms and conditions representative, and as local leader. |
| Amanda Pruner |
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You can contact Amanda directly by email to arrange a time to connect. Hi, I’m Amanda, and I am a Principal with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. I have been serving in school leadership roles for over a decade, with experiences across diverse settings including urban and suburban K-8 schools, a special education congregated site, and the board office. I became a Principal in September 2020. I know firsthand that leadership can feel isolating, and I truly believe that having a colleague to lean on is vital for our own well-being and professional growth. I also bring deep expertise in Special Education, trauma-informed leadership, and equity-based practices. My leadership style is rooted in a strong belief in the power of relationship building. It’s important to know that our conversations are confidential, informal, and entirely judgment-free. This is intended to be a safe space where you can be open about the pressures of the job without any professional expectations or pressure. Whether you are transitioning into a new role, wrestling with complex staffing or student concerns, or just need to talk through a complex operational issue, I’m here to listen. If you think it would be helpful to talk things through I would be happy to connect. To book a time to connect with me, please click this link. I look forward to speaking with you. |
| Heather Rocca |
| More information will be available soon. |
Forms
| Peer Support Service User Feedback Form |
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Peer Support Service User Feedback Form Your feedback helps us strengthen and sustain a supportive, peer support service for principals and vice-principals. This form is anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts. |
| Peer Support Program Record Form |
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Peer Support Program Record Form This form should be completed by the peer support volunteer, following each individual peer support interaction. Upholding confidentiality is fundamental to the success of the OPC Peer Support Program, while also ensuring the collection of meaningful data. Data collection within the OPC Peer Support Program is intentionally minimal and guided by the principles of confidentiality, consent, trauma-informed care and anti-oppressive practice. The purpose of data collection is to support program accountability, evaluation and continuous improvement, not to track individual participants or the content of their conversations. All data is stored securely in a password-protected system and is accessible only to the OPC Peer Support Steering Committee and designated program administrators. |
Resources
Peer support is one way to connect, reflect and feel supported. There may also be times when additional or more specialized support is helpful.
We are in the process of compiliing mental health, crisis and wellness resources that may be helpful to OPC Members. Some resources are available province-wide, while others provide support within specific communities or regions.
If you require immediate assistance or are experiencing a crisis, please contact an appropriate emergency or crisis service.
| Algoma District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Avon Maitland District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Blue Water District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| District School Board of Niagara |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Durham District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Grand Erie District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Greater Essex County District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Halton District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Keewatin-Patricia District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Lakehead District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Lambton Kent District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Limestone District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Near North District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| District School Board Ontario North East |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Ottawa-Carelton District School Board |
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Immediate / Crisis Support
Mental Health & Counselling
Health System Navigation
Online Resources
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| Peel District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Rainbow District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Rainy River District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Renfrew County District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Simcoe County District School Board |
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Immediate / Crisis Support
Mental Health & Counselling
Health System Navigation
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| Superior Greenstone District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Thames Valley District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Toronto District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Trillium Lakelands District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Upper Canada District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
| Upper Grand District School Board |
| More information will be available soon. |
|
Waterloo Region District School board |
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More information will be available soon. |
|
York Region District School Board |
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More information will be available soon. |
Contact(s)
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