Christopher Yendt

Christopher Yendt (he/they) is a researcher and academic whose work focuses on the re-centering of marginalized voices and experiences within the post-secondary landscape. Their previous research has focused on mental health literacy (MHL) among pre-service teacher education candidates in the Province of Ontario, alongside efforts to address MHL within the broader student population. As a research assistant, their current research focuses on campus climates and spatial justice, aiming to understand the ways in which physical and virtual spaces impact intersectional identity and oppression for those who are multiply marginalized.

Chris’ experience includes extensive involvement in student leadership and advocacy, in a career spanning over a decade, with leadership roles at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Most recently they served as the President and CEO of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) at Brock University, where they were responsible for leading the development of a new strategic plan and securing student support for a seven-million-dollar building. In 2021 they were given the title of Honorary Member and President Emeritus for their work with the GSA.

In addition to the student government work, Chris brings a wealth of governance experience to the JBG cultivated within the community. Since joining their first board at twenty, Chris has amassed over forty concurrent years of board experience across the non-profit and public sectors, across working, operational and governance boards. This involvement has included terms on the Board of Trustees, Senate and Alumni Association of Brock University, Compass Community Health, Rainbow’s End Community Development Corporation, Canadian Mental Health Association-Niagara, and the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.

Chris is a four-time graduate of Brock University, with Bachelor’s degrees in the Arts, Teacher Education and Adult Education, a Master’s degree in Administration and Leadership in Education along with additional training in governance and non-profit leadership which has supported their passionate about community involvement and organizational governance. They are an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) and a registered consultant with the Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP).