How do we intentionally design systems that help people get the right support, at the right time, in the right way? On this episode of The “So, Why?” Podcast, AnnMarie Churchill, President and Lead Executive Officer at Stepped Care Solutions, speaks with Meaghon Reid, Executive Director of Converge Mental Health Coalition, about what it means to design systems that improve wellbeing intentionally—not by continually adding new programs, but by strengthening relationships, clarifying roles, aligning organizations and resources, and building systems that work together. Want to hear more about how the innovative Stepped Care 2.0® model supports communities to reframe, rethink, and redesign the delivery of mental health and substance use health systems? Check out previous episodes of The “So, Why?” Podcast on our website, YouTube channel, Spotify or your favourite podcast apps. https://steppedcaresolutions.com/mental-health-podcast/ More information from this episode: Converge website: https://www.convergementalhealth.org/ Our recap of the Global Leadership Exchange 2026: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/le26-knowledgeexchange-leadershipexchange-share-7470082403307323393-hPaD/ Meaghon’s op-ed on mental health systems as core infrastructure: https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/think-tank-member-meaghon-reid-the-next-million-depends-on-mental-health-but-not-the-way-we-think This episode’s guest: Meaghon Reid is the inaugural Executive Director of Converge Mental Health Coalition, a national organization working to transform Canada's mental health system through collaboration, innovation, and systems change. For more than 20 years, Meaghon has worked at the intersection of mental health, public policy, and organizational leadership, bringing together governments, researchers, community organizations, philanthropy, and people with lived experience to tackle complex social challenges. Prior to joining Converge, she served as Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary and previously held senior leadership roles with the Mental Health Commission of Canada in Ottawa and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in Washington, DC. A sought-after speaker and facilitator, Meaghon is known for translating complex systems challenges into practical, collaborative action. She speaks on systems transformation, collective leadership, cross-sector partnerships, and the future of mental health in Canada, drawing on two decades of experience leading initiatives that bridge policy, practice, and community. Meaghon believes Canada's biggest mental health challenges will not be solved by any one organization, sector, or government. They will be solved by creating the conditions for collective action, where diverse partners come together around a shared purpose to build a stronger, more connected mental health system. About Converge: Established in 2022, Converge Mental Health Coalition responds to the urgent need for systemic change in how mental health services are accessed, delivered, and integrated. With over 90 organizations and individuals representing a diverse array of sectors and industries across Canada, Converge acts as an intermediary, supporting mental health providers, agencies, and stakeholders to identify gaps and collaborate on solutions, driving policy and technological advancements to support changes to the mental healthcare system. Converge provides a national platform for mental health providers and agencies operating within, and adjacent to, the mental health sector to share their ideas and catalyze large-scale, system-level change across the country.
