Beyond The Veil Mission Directors
Shayle Graham coaches in the areas of equity, anti-racism, and is an anti-oppression coach with the Toronto District School Board, she works collaboratively with educators, administrators, and wrap-around supporters, to create healthy learning conditions for all students, including the most vulnerable and marginalized.
Shayle has a heart and passion for Black youth, and working with schools throughout the system, applies critical research knowledge to develop action plans that create system shifts for the well-being of Black students. Her work supports the implementation of programming that is grounded in Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy.
Engaging the tenets of Critical Race Theory, she ensures that educators are held accountable for positioning students' diverse identities and lived experiences at the centre of programming and instruction.
Shayle uses her knowledge and skills to help Beyond The Veil respect its mission mandate by encouraging inclusive support for Afro-Black communities, recognize past and current issues that affect our communities and establish a resilient strategic plan to ensure the organization's success.
Shayle Graham is also the Founder, and the Chair of BLACK ESTEEM, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black girls’ interest and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Psychotherapist Qualifying, Mental Health Activist, Mentor, Educator, Storyteller, Counsellor, Mother, and a Survivor.
Appoline ‘Lydia’ Nimbeshaho worked with three other Black women to launch the Beyond The Veil Mission in 2019, which is a non-profit organization established to help bridge the gap between mental health and wellness support for Rwandans, African, Caribbean, and Black People in Canada.
As Founder and Executive Director, Lydia brings awareness to childhood, genocide, and intergenerational trauma and advocates for a safe space for those experiencing mental health challenges. She collaborates with various stakeholders to create social programs and facilitate training, retreats, mentorship, and other healing initiatives for the Rwandans and Afro-Black communities in Canada and the diaspora.
Lydia speaks ‘HOPE’ – believing anyone can persevere through trauma and tragedy over time by providing a non-judgmental space for others to share their stories and discover personal healing and freedom. In 2019, Lydia was invited to be a guest speaker at Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum ribbon-cutting ceremony, an organization whose mission is to share and educate on the Holocaust while inspiring upstanders in the global community.
Lydia is dedicated to engaging with marginalized communities. She aims to extend her services across the broader communities and heighten awareness around mental health and wellness support, all while championing the cause for healing and restoration. She continues to stand up to social injustices and advocate for those whose voices have been silenced and impacted by trauma.
Lydia is currently practicing as an intern - Psychotherapist Qualifying and holds a BA in Bilingual Honours Major/Minor in Sociology and Sexuality Studies from York University; she will graduate with her master’s degree in MDiv-Clinical Counselling from Tyndale University in the Fall of 2023.
Judite Mbuguje is a Rwandan-Canadian citizen and holds a psychology degree from Carleton University as well as a diploma in social service work from Seneca College.
She currently works as an education assistant in a transition classroom, supporting children and youth with special needs with their school work and social skills. Judite is also involved with individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them lead a comfortable lifestyle.
Why Judite joined Beyond The Veil? “While I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I learned that many Rwandans struggle with PTSD due to the Genocide against the Tutsi, and it was tough for them to open up due to many unhealed wounds, with no access to mental health resources. The skills and knowledge I gained from school and my work experience encouraged me to join Beyond The Veil to help improve the mental well-being of my community.”
Diane Muberarugo is a fitness, nutrition, and wellness-certified coach who understands the impact of fitness and wellness on our minds, body, and spirit. She believes that exercise benefits not only for our physical – but also mental health. She contributes to the mental well-being of the Afro-Black communities by encouraging them to be involved in fitness and wellness in their healing journey. Her contribution to the organization includes creating an Afro-Black community equipped with nutrition and fitness skills to help balance emotional health.
Remmy Byiringiro is a Rwandan Canadian who leads Beyond The Veil Mission’s youth outreach branch, ensuring appropriate mental health resources are provided to support their well-being.
Byiringiro is also a Treasurer and Board member of CARY Toronto, an organization helping Rwandan youth in the GTA/Hamilton areas to build skills needed to succeed in their social and career development.
He understands mental health on a more personal level. Having lost both his parents as a consequence of the genocide against the Tutsi, the wound sometimes is very fresh. Remmy has a bachelor's degree in Economics, is a certified scrum master, and currently works as a senior information security consultant at CIBC.