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EVENT LINEUP
Who We Are
SARAH PENNINGTON
Co-Host / Event Speaker
Sarah M. Pennington is a 21-year-old college student attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. She is pursuing a BFA in Film & TV with a minor in Business Management and Entrepreneurship with the hopes of becoming a film director. In addition to her academic endeavours, Sarah spends much of her time involved with motivational speaking.
She is a passionate advocate on behalf of mental health and invisible disabilities and enjoys sharing her story of courage and self-love with the hope of inspiring others. Sarah loves to travel with her service dog, Daisy, across the United States and Canada as she speaks to groups of all ages and sizes. One of the highlights of Sarah’s career thus far has been her appearance on the Megyn Kelly Today Show where she discussed breaking barriers as a pageant girl.
Rachel Barcellona is a graduate from The University of South Florida with a bachelors degree in English and a minor in communications. Currently studying at Julliard and studying Vocal Performance in New York, along with theater. She is a national and international spokesperson for many organizations, as well as establishing her own non profit in 2021 Ability Beyond Disabilities. She has spoken at many schools and been a keynote speaker across the country. Speaking at the United Nations on World Autism Day was an experience that she will never forget! Recognized as one of the top influential people with autism along with Daryl Hannah, Dan Aykroyd and Anthony Hopkins, and recently received the gold medal from The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award which is largely based on volunteer service and community involvement.
Rachel is a writer and has been in off broadway theater and just performed at The Stand Comedy Club in New York and The Crow Comedy Club in Santa Monica California. Premiered this year at Fil Festivals across the country, a film called Mandy's Voice, I play the lead! Miss Florida for America 2023, and her passion is helping others like herself and with disabilities to lead their best life! I am honored to be on the world famous We Believe - 2025 stage again this year sharring my story of hope and overcoming life challanges.
ANNA
SVENTCHNIKOC
Event Speaker
Anna Svetchnikov, a Ukrainian-American therapist, author, and motivational speaker, is dedicated to mental health advocacy. She moved to the U.S. at 14, overcoming significant challenges. At 15, she survived a brutal mugging that led to an untreated head injury and a brain tumor, requiring surgery. At 19, a car accident caused dissociative amnesia, erasing her memory. Despite these hardships, Anna fought back, earning a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in marriage and family therapy, and is now completing her PhD.
Anna has published over 30 award-winning therapeutic books and established a nonprofit mental health organization, "I Care We All Care." Her platform, Mental Health Matters, educates people on mental wellness. She has spoken nationwide, traveled to Japan, and appeared on major TV networks like PBS, Fox, ABC, and NBC. Anna also participates in pageants, winning titles like Miss Teen Massachusetts, Miss Teen Ukraine, and World’s Most Beautiful Woman, to advocate for mental health.
Anna’s experiences inspire her talks, focusing on the theme of being limitless. She emphasizes that we are in control of our future despite adversities, discussing emotional intelligence, growth mindset, and positive psychology to help others see challenges as opportunities for growth and positive change. Anna is honored to be at We Believe in May 2025
AARON ARMSTRONG
Co-Host
Aaron Armstrong has been an Atlantic Canadian radio host for more than 10 years now, with his voice having broadcast across each of the Maritime provinces.
Aaron has assisted and hosted numerous charitable functions over the years and is thrilled for the opportunity to not only co-host WE Believe Saint John, but also see the incredible lineup of speakers and hear their stories.
Let's welcome Aaron to the We Believe stage!
Josh
Norrad
Co-Host
Meet Josh Norrad, the dynamic co-host set to captivate audiences of the next WE Believe Event. Hailing from central New Brunswick, this multi-award-nominated country sensation seamlessly blends gritty country roots with a dash of rock swagger, drawing inspiration from icons like Alan Jackson, AC/DC, and Thousand Foot Krutch.
Josh's on-stage persona unleashes a powerful fusion of high-octane, rock-infused country music, reflecting his authentic "country boy" lifestyle. A seasoned performer, he's renowned for his electrifying shows, unique energy, and an uncanny ability to connect with audiences. Boasting six nominations, including 2x MNB Country Artist of the Year, Josh's music weaves a compelling narrative of country life, adventure, and triumph, rising from rock bottom.
From conquering grand stages to intimate venues, Josh is on a mission to make a lasting impact, embodying the true essence of country and the spirit of rock. Raised off the grid at his family's hunting and fishing camp, his early years entrenched a passion for outdoor adventure, from 4-wheelers to midnight river runs. Beyond the spotlight, he is a dedicated grain farmer, regularly making biannual trips to the Canadian Prairies to lend a hand on a sprawling farm in Saskatchewan.
DAVE
SMITH
Event Speaker
Empowering Mental Health Through Cultural Reconnection
Dave Smith, Co-Founder & Storyteller at First Nations Storytellers, embodies resilience and empowerment. Raised outside his First Nations culture because of the "60’s scoop", Dave's personal journey is a fusion of Indigenous heritage with broader Canadian society through his "two-eyed seeing" approach.
After quitting his job and starting down the path to reclaim his culture through First Nations Storytellers, Dave experienced a profound transformation in his mental health. Reconnecting with his roots and embracing his Indigenous identity became a source of strength and healing.
At "We Believe - Saint John Event", Dave will share his personal journey of overcoming mental health challenges through cultural reconnection and the transformative power of self-discovery. His story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to embrace their heritage and prioritize their mental well-being. We are excited to welcome Dave to the We Believe stage in May.
ANTHONY IANNI
Event Speaker
At the age of four, Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Specialists told his parents that he would barely graduate high school, would never finish college, would never have a shot at being an athlete, and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life.
Despite adversity, bullies, and numerous personal challenges Anthony worked hard and never gave up. Not only did he earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in Sociology he is the first known athlete with autism to play NCAA Division One College Basketball. Today, Anthony is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country.
DANCEABILITY
Event Dancers
The Senior Competitive Students of Danceability are honoured to perform at the We Believe event this May! These dancers come from two troupes within the school. Our older girls in Kollision are Ashlyn, Jeana, Ciara, and Brooklynn. Looking up to them is Rhythmix. Julianna, Kayla, Taylor, Delia, Taryn, Emma, and Katey all have been members of this troupe since its first year.
These women have spent their lives dancing. Through good times and bad, dance has been the outlet in which these artists express their emotions, as well as burn fuel after a hard day at school. They travel to at least four competitions every year and perform in multiple shows. They spend hours in their studio each week, not just with their own class but assisting with the younger classes too.
Currently these dancers are prepping for their first show in March. From now until then, the girls are giving all their routines one last deep clean before hitting the stage this spring. They will compete here in Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton.
When you watch these girls dance you can expect to see JOY, passion, excitement, energy, and so much love!
EMMA JEAPES
Highlighted Speaker
Emma Jeapes is a 21-year-old Carleton University student who is double majoring in French and History. Emma loves sports and working out. She has participated in several varsity teams in high school including Cross Country Running, Track and Field, Downhill and Nordic Skiing, and swimming.
Emma is passionate about her community and giving back. She continues to spend much of her free time volunteering with any activity that involves her passion, children. Once completed school, Emma plans to teach children in less fortunate communities giving them opportunities that they may not otherwise have!
ISAAC GROOM
Event Speaker
My name is Isaac Groom, and I am from St. Stephen, NB. I am a first-year student at the University of New Brunswick and am in the health program. I enjoy curling, running, kayaking, and reading.
I also spend much of my time volunteering with anything that needs my help. This includes tutoring, volunteering at my local church, Lincourt Manor, and volunteering for We Got Your Back.
Also, I recently signed up for the Global Medical Brigades chapter at my school as we are fundraising for a medical relief trip to Honduras and the Best Buddies program where you get the opportunity to form connections with neuro-diverse people in the community. My future career goal is to become a paediatrician.
LAURA GROOM
Highlighted Speaker
My name is Laura Groom, and I live in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. I am a grade 11
student at St. Stephen High School where I participate in leadership club, green group, and drama. I also play on my school’s soccer and basketball teams, but I enjoy playing pretty much all sports.
I have been taking dance classes for the past 10 years. I enjoy all things art, like
drawing, painting, colouring, and decorating. Also doing anything outside makes me happy. Biking, swimming, hiking, and running are all such fun things that I do. My future career of choice is to pursue dentistry.
MADDISON TORY
Event Speaker
Maddison is an international motivational speaker, health advocate and change maker.
She advocates for youth to help them find their voices and works with advisory boards and advocacy platforms to push for a healthcare system that looks past diagnosis and symptoms and treats the whole person. Maddison jokes that her biggest accomplishment to date is becoming a HUG dealer and founder of her own social enterprise called HUGS, a program committed to improving kids mental health and quality of life during their hospital stays through experiences, funds and support. She is determined to make a difference through volunteering, fundraising and spreading positivity one HUG at a time.
She is the author of the charity children’s empowerment book called “Your Secret Superpower: Ignite your SPARK”, inspiring youth to take action. In addition, she is a Special Olympics Coach, volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house, and board member on the Alberta Children’s Hospital Child and Youth Advisory Council, the Alberta Children's Hospital Youth Philanthropy Council, and the Transition Youth Advisory Council.
Maddison is continuing her work in health sciences by studying at the University of Calgary, focussing on a career as a medical researcher, physician/ cardiologist, and hospital administrator.
MELISSA MARSHALL
Musical Performer
Canadian East Coast country/pop/rock artist Melissa Marshall is forging a path into the country music scene. She has opened for Aaron Goodvin, Chris Cummings, Frankie Ballard, Brooke Eden, performed alongside Chris Buck Band and more. She has been a Music NB award nominee, recognized for her previous releases including 'Highway 83' charting on the Canadian Country Billboard chart.
Following her further delve into the craft of song writing and artist development, Melissa is ready to debut her fresh new sound and single, 'Missin’ U', releasing June 16th to all country radio and streaming platforms. This edgy, fun and upbeat song is the first release from her illuminating debut EP album, 'Phoenix In The Fire', set to release this upcoming Fall.
'Missin’ U' tells a story of being single, happy, confident and not looking for love and then that special person walks into your life when you least expect it. “I wasn’t looking for anything when he walked into my life, but we hit it off right away. We fell in love and became best friends; my ride or die. It didn’t take long for me to realize that he was that missing puzzle piece I didn’t know I didn’t have until we met.”
Melissa can be heard this summer on her East Coast radio tour, performing ticketed live shows campaigning 'Missin’ U' where you will hear her talk about her current single, what to expect from her next and when as well as the making of 'Phoenix In The Fire' and more.
Melissa is honoured to be on the We Believe stage, along with many other speakers and performers impacting our youth to Be The Change.
SARAH WELLS
Event Speaker
Obstacles don’t scare Sarah Wells. As a 400m hurdler, this Olympian’s reputation was forged through overcoming challenges and achieving the incredible. Take her debut at the London Olympics in 2012, which came despite an injury that had sidelined her for months just the year before. Outside of competitive sports, this athlete is coaching people to pursue their goals through the Believe Initiative, an organization founded on—fittingly—a message of resilience.
Most recently you would have seen Sarah pushing her limits on the latest season of the Amazing Race Canada, where she got to push her boundaries in a whole new kind of way! Evidently, someone who understands the importance of self-belief and the power of purpose, you'll want to listen up when this Olympic semi-finalist and Pan Am Games silver medallist takes the stage. We welcome Sarah to the We Believe stage on May 26, 2022, at TD Station in Saint John, New Brunswick.