Humans of DFCM – The Wellness Team: Holly, Ancy and Alyshia

In a department as large and fast-paced as DFCM, moments of connection can be easy to miss. That is where the DFCM Wellness Team — Holly Downey, Ancy Jacob and Alyshia D’Cunha — comes in. Through coffee breaks, bake-offs and other community-building initiatives, the team creates opportunities for colleagues to connect, recharge and support one another. 

The Wellness Team began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I co-created the wellness team with Megan Parry,” Holly says. “Staff who joined the department during the pandemic had not met one another and we wanted to increase camaraderie and collaboration while supporting people’s overall wellness during such a challenging and isolating time.” 

United by a shared interest in mental and physical wellbeing, social connection and friendship, the group focused on helping colleagues take meaningful breaks from heavy workloads while building a stronger sense of community. 

“We think about wellness A LOT,” Ancy shares. “We started this team because we believe that we have hardworking and friendly colleagues in the department who deserve to be celebrated and supported.”  

As staff gradually transitioned back into hybrid work after the pandemic, the team noticed a shift in what colleagues needed most. 

“Staff shared two main concerns: finding time to take a break and the need to connect and build community with their colleagues,” Ancy explains. “Now we are looking for different ways to offer that break in the day where staff can recharge and reset without feeling that the commitment to engage is too high.” 

Since then, the team has continued to evolve alongside the department’s changing needs and hybrid work environment.  

“What has not changed is the snacks,” Ancy says. “There will always be snacks!” 

For Alyshia, who joined the Wellness Team in 2025, small moments of support can have a lasting impact on workplace culture. 

“Even small things — checking in on someone, celebrating wins or sharing coping tips — create a culture where colleagues feel supported instead of isolated,” Alyshia says. “It makes us all feel connected.” 

The team hopes to foster a workplace culture where people feel encouraged, supported and comfortable asking for help before burnout sets in. 

“Wellness isn’t about perfection or productivity,” Alyshia says. “It’s about creating a space where encouragement replaces pressure and where work-life balance is truly respected.” 

Over the years, the Wellness Team itself has become a reflection of the collaborative spirit it hopes to foster across the department. 

“One of the best parts about working on these initiatives is getting to collaborate with incredible colleagues who I normally would not get to work with,” Holly says. “We have developed strong friendships that have improved my personal and workplace wellness.” 

Creating opportunities for recognition and joy has also become one of the most rewarding aspects of the team’s work. One initiative the team is especially proud of is “Staff Kudos,” a moment during staff meetings where colleagues can celebrate one another’s accomplishments. 

“It was incredible to read how proud colleagues are of their work and how much they appreciate what others are doing,” Ancy says. “DFCM staff members are dedicated to their programs, and it was great to see the recognition flowing.” 

Another staff favourite is the “Great DFCM Bake-Off.” 

“We have some awesome bakers on staff,” Ancy says. “It’s a fun way to showcase hidden talents and bring people together for some competitive fun.” 

Looking ahead, the Wellness Team continues to explore new ways to support staff through initiatives like lunch-and-chat sessions, summer walks and wellness activities that encourage colleagues to pause, connect and recharge. 

“Peer-based wellness support can completely change the atmosphere of a workplace,” Alyshia shares. “It can boost morale, reduce stress and make people feel safer asking for help before burnout hits.”  

At its core, the team’s mission remains simple: creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and connected. 

“[DFCM] staff are extremely dedicated and hardworking across this department and deserve to be thought of from a wellness perspective to help ensure an improved quality of life, not only at work, but in our personal lives too,” Holly shares, “We can all be better about prioritizing our wellbeing – we are worth it!”  

Humans of DFCM is a monthly news series profiling the department’s faculty, staff, and learners. If you know someone who you think should be part of this series, please email dfcm.commsasst@utoronto.ca.