SPEAKERS & FACILITATOR
Our speakers bring a wealth of experience, insight and passion to the Mental Fitness Conference 2026. Each of them is committed to advancing mental wellness and empowering individuals, families and communities.
CEO, Bellevue Hospital
Suzette Buchanan is a Jamaican mental health leader recognized internationally for her innovative approach to mental health advocacy and systems transformation. As CEO of Bellevue Hospital, she has led the modernization of mental health care delivery, with a focus on accessibility, patient experience and community integration. She is also the creator and host of MindSet, Jamaica’s first national prime-time television programme dedicated to mental health awareness. Suzette holds an MSc in International Business with Law and has completed executive training in Mental Health Leadership at Harvard School of Public Health. She is also the recipient of international awards for mental health advocacy and innovation.
Director, Health Service Corps, Jamaica Defence Force
Lt. Col. Gail Ranglin-Edwards current role follows more than 16 years of service in various appointments as a Medical Officer. Her experience spans military medicine, humanitarian operations, disaster response, public health and aeromedical projects. She is a certified Military Flight Surgeon and Aeromedical Examiner and serves on the National Emergency Health Planning Committee. Lt. Col. Ranglin-Edwards is a Doctor of Public Health candidate at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health and holds a Master’s in Global Health Planning and Management from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist,
Clinical Neuropsychologist & Psychometrician
Dr. Marlon Simpson has over 18 years of experience providing psychological services across Jamaica. He is Founder and Clinical Director of Loving Minds Associates Limited, where he leads a multidisciplinary team providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. He specializes in psychological and neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults, including evaluations for autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, cognitive disorders, and emotional and behavioural concerns. His work also includes psychotherapy, executive consultation and mental health training and he is passionate about increasing access to quality psychological services and strengthening resilience and emotional well-being.
Communication Strategist & Mental Health Advocate
Thelma Porter is also a Coach, Mentor, Speaker, Leadership Trainer, Workshop Facilitator, Educator and two-time Author. A Leadership Trainer with the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, she brings extensive experience in leadership, education, communication, personal development and people development. Having served as a Chief Executive Officer within Jamaica’s primary education system, she understands the demands of leadership and the importance of developing people at every level. Through her speaking and facilitation, Thelma creates engaging, thought-provoking experiences that encourage people to examine how they think, communicate, lead, relate and care for their mental well-being while developing practical tools for healthier, more purposeful lives.