Jane is a British diplomat who has served as Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (2017-22) and Ambassador to Norway (2010-14). She was Deputy CEO of the British Government’s Trade and Investment ministry from 2014-16. She has worked in Tokyo, New Delhi and Hanoi, as well as the European Union Department at the FCDO.
Jane was educated at Ellerslie School in Malvern, and studied languages at Trinity College, Cambridge. She was born in Bilston in the West Midlands.
The Chief Justice, The Hon. Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, was called to the Jamaican Bar in 1991. After qualifying, she worked in private practice as an attorney-at-law and as a crown prosecutor before being appointed to the Bench in 1995 as Judge of the Family Court in St. James, Jamaica.
Between 1998 and 2011, she served as Magistrate and Chief Magistrate of the Cayman Islands. She was instrumental in establishing problem-solving courts that deal with domestic violence and provide treatment-based alternatives to criminal sanctions for persons with serious mental illness and substance use disorders who have come into conflict with the law and is committed to pursuing evidence-based initiatives in the justice sector.
In 2011, she was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the first woman to hold the post. In another first, she was appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands and remained in that post until she returned to the Cayman Islands in 2020. In 2022, in yet another historically significant appointment, Ramsay-Hale was appointed Chief Justice of the Cayman Islands, the first woman to hold that office. She sits in every division of the Grand Court, including the Financial Services Division.
Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale is also an Honorary Bencher of Gray’s Inn. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been involved in legal education and judicial training, and is a frequent speaker at local, regional and international conferences and seminars.
Beyond her legal and judicial work, Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale has been deeply committed to community service. She has been an honourary member of the Rotary Club in the Cayman Islands for over 20 years and chaired the mentoring organisation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands for a decade.
The Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks is a distinguished leader in the Cayman Islands, recognised for her extensive contributions to public service and parliamentary leadership. First elected as a Member of Parliament in 2021, she made history by becoming the youngest Speaker of the House of Parliament on 7 December 2022. In her Speakership role, she chaired the Parliament Management Council, served as President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Cayman Islands Branch) and led the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Youth Parliament Organising Committee.
Re-elected for a second term in 2025, Katherine has continued to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to her community and effective governance. Her diverse experience includes serving as Deputy Speaker of the House, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Financial Services & Commerce, and the Ministry of Education. Additionally, she has held the positions of Acting Deputy Premier, Acting Minister of Financial Services, Commerce, Investment, Innovation, and Social Development, and Acting Minister of Education.
With over 15 years’ experience in the legal profession, Katherine began her career in Financial Services in the private sector and persued her law degree, while working full time. She later transitioned to the civil service, where she worked in portfolio of legal affairs at the Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission. Katherine is deeply passionate about her community, representing the constituency of West Bay Central, and is a founding director of the United Against Bullying Foundation, which focuses on preventing and educating youth about bullying behaviour. She is also a founding director of the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium, an organisation which supports at-risk youth.
In her current role as Minister of Health, Environment, and Sustainability, Katherine has been actively working with her ministry team to implement the Climate Change Policy and the updated National Energy Policy, while promoting public health and environmental stewardship. She has been instrumental in driving reforms within Parliament, including the launch of a new parliament website and the establishment of an independent communications team to enhance transparency and accessibility to the parliamentary process. She prides herself in having participated in the recent reform of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which were in need of modernisation.
Katherine is dedicated to empowering women in politics and fostering collaborative efforts across the Commonwealth. Her leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication solidify her status as a respected figure in the political landscape of the Cayman Islands.
Jane Panton retired from her full-time role as a Director of Finance and Compliance in late 2023, choosing to dedicate herself more fully to her work as Chairperson of the Alex Panton Foundation (APF) and to the wider community causes she cares deeply about. Looking back, she often reflects that she could have made the decision sooner. Retirement has been personally rewarding, allowing her to focus on people rather than the demands of an intense professional role. Jane is open about the challenges she faced in achieving a healthy work-life balance, shaped by a strong work ethic instilled from her early teenage years. While grateful for the values taught by her parents, she now encourages others in demanding careers to prioritise balance and mental wellbeing. She firmly believes that the daily practice of gratitude – whether expressed quietly or shared with others – is a cornerstone of good mental health.
Today, the APF’s mission is Jane’s full-time commitment: to improve the mental health of children and young people in the Cayman Islands through advocacy, awareness, and support. She believes lasting impact begins with listening to young people, understanding what matters to them, and helping them identify the building blocks for the future they want to create.
Dr Chantal Basson is a Clinical Psychologist with twenty years of experience working across complex clinical, leadership, and systemic mental health contexts in the UK and the Cayman Islands. She qualified in 2006 and has held senior roles including Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Psychological Therapies Lead, with responsibility for large multidisciplinary teams across community, inpatient, and crisis services.
Her clinical expertise includes trauma, attachment difficulties, family and team dynamics, neurodiversity, psychosomatic presentations, and suicidality, with a particular focus on children, adolescents, families, and high-acuity clinical environments. She has worked extensively in crisis settings and has contributed to service development, workforce strategy, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
Since relocating to the Cayman Islands, Chantal has worked across statutory and private services and is actively involved in research, policy development, and community mental health initiatives. She works clinically with Life Options, a Caymanian owned and run therapy practice, and holds leadership roles within the Alex Panton Foundation, Pride and CIPA. She contributes to national discussions on youth mental health, social determinants, and suicide prevention. She is known for her thoughtful, systemic approach and her ability to hold complexity with clarity and care.
Mrs. D. Elizabeth Richmond is an author, publisher, and artist, with a passion for teaching and helping students grow.
Her career spans over 24 years across primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Jamaica, the United Kingdom, and the Cayman Islands. She is currently a doctoral candidate with a focus on special education.
Outside the classroom, she is a wife, mother, and committed Christian who enjoys serving the community. She loves spending time with family and friends and volunteering as a commissioned officer in the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps (CICC) and as a member of the Optimist Club of George Town. She is also a passionate advocate for neurodiverse children. Her guiding belief is, “what the mind conceives, it can achieve,” and through Christ all things are possible.
Dr. Stenette Davis is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Integra Healthcare with over 16 years of experience providing thoughtful, evidence-based mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults. He is widely respected for his calm, measured approach and his commitment to truly listening, placing understanding before intervention and medication only when clinically necessary.
Dr. Davis works across a broad range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodevelopmental conditions, and complex emotional difficulties. His clinical style is integrative and person-focused, drawing on psychotherapy, family-based approaches, and psychological therapies to support long-term wellbeing rather than short-term symptom management.
He has a particular interest in neurodivergent and developmental presentations and is a strong advocate for early, accurate diagnosis and inclusive care models that support both individuals and families. His perspective is informed not only by clinical experience, but also by personal insight, bringing depth and authenticity to his work.
Dr. Davis is committed to advancing conversations that reduce stigma, promote understanding, and encourage compassionate, informed care. His work reflects a belief that effective psychiatry is built on trust, collaboration, and seeing the whole person not just the diagnosis.
My name is Toni Edwards. I was born in Jamaica and spent more than twenty years growing up between Grand Cayman and New York City, experiences that shaped my resilience and global perspective. From a young age, I struggled silently with intense emotions, engaging in self-harm and later surviving multiple suicide attempts. Following hospitalization, I was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder diagnoses that brought clarity, community, and the realization that I was not alone.
During treatment, I encountered others whose thoughts and emotions mirrored my own, and that connection marked a turning point. I made a conscious decision to move from surviving to purposefully living, choosing growth over defeat. While the journey of recovery has not been linear, it has strengthened my commitment to perseverance, self-awareness, and advocacy.
Today, at 28 years old, I am the proud mother of a two-year-old and a passionate mental health advocate. I am also the former 2016 Miss National Cover Girl and a spokesmodel who uses her platform to challenge stigma and encourage dialogue. My mission is to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard, remind individuals they are not alone, and demonstrate that healing and hope are possible today.
Hylton S. Grace is a Clinical Social Worker, who has worked in the area of human services for over 25 years in public and private sector organizations . He currently serves as a counsellor at HM Prison Service delivering individual and group therapeutic services to a variety of clients experiencing a range mental health conditions.
Hylton Grace is also a Trainer of Trainers for Mental Health First Aid, a life coach, poet and storyteller who coordinates Floetry Open Mic in partnership with the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and is a regular at Gimme Story. He is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona where he studied in three disciplines ( Clinical Social Work, Communications for Social and Behavior Change and Sociology).
Elissa Gross, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience in mental healthcare. Since 2015, she has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples across diverse settings—including schools, outpatient clinics, and treatment centers. Elissa specializes in working with trauma and PTSD, grief, suicidality, and major life transitions. She holds a Master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and Counseling Psychology and is trained in EMDR therapy. Her clinical approach integrates trauma-informed care with expressive arts therapy to help clients access healing, resilience, and meaning—particularly adolescents navigating acute emotional distress. She is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, non-judgmental and transformative space where clients can explore themselves authentically and engage in profound emotional exploration and healing.
Dr. Pearlyn Henry-Burrell is a distinguished leader and advocate in early childhood education and policy, dedicated to improving the lives of children and families.
With a robust academic foundation, she holds a Doctorate in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction, along with Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education, Inclusive Education, and Public Administration (Law and Public Policy).
Her extensive career encompasses diverse roles, including teacher, adjunct lecturer, supervisor, and special needs coordinator, providing her with a unique perspective that spans from the classroom to high-level administration. She is currently on secondment as the Acting Principal of Theoline McCoy Primary School, in addition to her substantial role as Policy Advisor and Manager for Early Childhood Education in the Ministry of Education and Training, where she shapes policies that directly impact young children and their families.
An accomplished author, Dr. Henry-Burrell creates practical resources and strategies that empower educators to build inclusive and enriching learning environments. She is a powerful voice for equity and inclusion, with a particular focus on enhancing early childhood education across the Caribbean. Through her dedicated work, Dr. Henry-Burrell continues to build a lasting legacy that benefits children, families, and educators alike.
Monique is a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to fostering conversations that promote emotional well-being, resilience, and community support. With a strong interest in law, advocacy, and fitness, Monique approaches mental health from a holistic perspective – recognizing the intersection between mental, emotional, and physical health.
Through lived personal experience and community engagement, she has developed a deep understanding of how vital strong support systems are in navigating life’s challenges. She believe that support goes beyond presence; it includes accountability, healthy boundaries, access to resources, and the willingness to listen without judgement. Through conversation she tries to provide emphasis of the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to seek help.
She is particularly passionate about breaking stigma surrounding mental health and advocating for equitable access to support services. She also would like to highlight the role of physical wellness and fitness as practical tools that can positively impact mental health and emotional regulation.
At this symposium, she will bring an authentic and relatable voice to the discussion on what a strong support system truly looks like-encouraging individuals, families, and communities to intentionally build networks that promote healing, sustainability, and long-term wellbeing.
Emily Kelly is the Executive Director of the Alex Panton Foundation (APF), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the mental health of children and young adults in the Cayman Islands. Since joining APF in 2023, she has helped shape programmes and initiatives that make a real difference in the community. Stepping into the Executive Director role in October 2024, Emily now works closely with the board, executive committee and staff team to guide the Foundation’s operations and bring its mission to life.
Before stepping into the Executive Director role, Emily served as APF’s Programme Manager, where she was deeply involved in launching and running the APF Kids Helpline, a vital emotional support service for young people in need. She is also a Mental Health First Aider and Samaritans Trainer, roles that reflect her dedication to providing care and support on both a professional and personal level. Known for her approachable style, energy, and passion for advocacy, Emily cares deeply about empowering youth and strengthening mental health resources across the Cayman Islands.
Laura Larner is a life coach and founder of Your Paradise Life. Laura was formally a barrister specialising in criminal law, who spent approximately 20 years working in the youth justice system in both the UK and Cayman Islands. She represented and prosecuted young people and handled young witnesses at some of their most vulnerable moments. This gave her a unique perspective on how support systems function in real life, across families, schools, social services, policing, probation services and the courts, and what truly helps young people stabilise and move forward.
Laura is now a certified life coach specialising in youth wellbeing and Academic Life Coaching, supporting young people with emotional regulation, confidence, motivation and stress, while also working closely with parents navigating complex family dynamics. Her work sits at the intersection of mental health, education and personal development.
After losing her husband suddenly to cancer in 2021 and helping her young daughter navigate life without her father, Laura rebuilt life as a solo parent, deepening her understanding of grief, resilience, and the importance of consistent, compassionate support.
Through her combined legal, coaching and lived experience, Laura brings a practical, human perspective on what strong support systems actually look like, and how adults can become safer, more effective allies for the young people in their care.
Dr. Ryan Punambolam is a Canadian-trained Consultant Neurologist and Neurophysiologist at Doctors Hospital, with over 15 years of experience delivering patient-centred neurological care. Internationally trained in Canada and the United States, he is known for translating advanced neuroscience into practical, compassionate care that improves everyday brain health and wellbeing.
His clinical practice spans a wide range of neurological conditions, including stroke, cognitive disorders such as dementia, migraine, concussion, epilepsy, and movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. With a strong focus on prevention, early intervention, and clear communication, Dr. Punambolam helps patients and their families understand not only their diagnosis but also how to actively support their brain and mental health over time.
Alongside his clinical work, Dr. Punambolam is a recognised leader in healthcare quality improvement and service design. He has led multidisciplinary teams and played a key role in developing and improving stroke services, demonstrating how thoughtful, systems-based leadership can meaningfully improve patient outcomes.
Aligning with this year’s theme, Lighting the Way, Turning Hope into Action, Dr. Punambolam is passionate about empowering people with practical, evidence-based tools to strengthen mental resilience, protect cognitive wellbeing, and build healthier futures across all stages of life.
Dr. Robertson, DPsych (she/hers), is a registered Senior Counselling Psychologist with nearly twenty years of clinical experience across a range of diverse settings including prisons, the NHS, universities and addiction centres.
Holding degrees in Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Counselling Psychology, Dr. Robertson is committed to a trauma-informed, holistic approach. She specializes in supporting adults impacted by a wide range of issues, with a particular interest in relational trauma and attachment difficulties.
She provides a compassionate, curious, and reflective therapeutic space to help individuals stabilize, process difficult experiences, and build healthier means of relating to themselves and others.
Dr. Robertson is integrative, drawing from her expertise in modalities like CBT, Person-Centred Therapy, Compassion-Focussed Therapy, EMDR, and DBT to provide highly tailored therapy.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Robertson is an experienced presenter and speaker, offering workshops, lectures, and bespoke sessions on psychology-related topics for corporate, government, and educational settings.
Miles Ruby has been a cornerstone of The Family Resource Centre since 2012, deeply committed to supporting vulnerable families in the Cayman Islands. Miles provides individualized, strength-based parenting services, building trusting relationships to guide parents in developing effective strategies and coping skills. She comprehensively leads the assessment and treatment planning process, ensuring optimal family outcomes.
A highly qualified practitioner and Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP), Miles is a trained facilitator for D2L Stewards of Children and a SNAP Train the Trainer Facilitator. She is also accredited in numerous individual and group Triple P (Positive Parenting Programs), including Standard, Teen, Transitions, and Enhanced as well as in Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS).
Beyond direct support, Miles develops impactful psychoeducational workshops and is actively involved in public awareness campaigns such as STOOD Up and Honouring Women’s Month. Her expertise, honed through previous roles as a Mental Health Support Manager, Assisted Living Administrator, Nursing Home Social Worker, and Early Childhood Instructor, allows her to manage crises and enhance community services holistically. Miles empowers parents to navigate challenges and build nurturing home environments through evidence-based practice and compassionate guidance.
Ms. Lizzette Yearwood, JP, MMH, MHA, a Registered Nurse, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA), with overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Cayman Islands Hospital on Grand Cayman, Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, as well as District Health Centres and Clinics on all three Islands.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Health Services Management from the University of Minnesota, an Advanced Certificate in Quality Management from the Singapore Productivity Institute, and a certification from the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management.
Ms. Yearwood has over 30 years of progressive experience in local and international healthcare settings. Since joining the HSA in 1993, she has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise that has contributed to the growth and success of the organisation. She is a recipient of the 2013 Medal of Honour (MMH). She was also recognized as an Emerging Pioneer in Healthcare at the 2015 National Heroes’ Day celebrations and awarded the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour (Cert. Hon.) in 2021 for meritorious services rendered in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Ms. Yearwood is a native of Cayman Brac.
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