We Believe Every Child
Deserves to Thrive
Raising HumanKind (RHK) is a Canadian nonprofit dedicated to nurturing kindness, empathy, and emotional resilience in children — by empowering the adults who raise and teach them.
Kindness Is Not Soft.
It Is Science.
The ability to feel and show empathy, to regulate emotions under pressure, to treat others with genuine care — these are not traits children either have or do not. They are skills that can be taught, practised, and strengthened.
That is the insight at the heart of Raising HumanKind. Grounded in two decades of rigorous peer-reviewed research, we translate what science knows about child development into practical tools that caregivers, educators, and practitioners can use every day.
Because the adults in a child’s life matter enormously — and they deserve the best possible support.
WHAT GUIDES US
Our Vision
A world where every child grows up surrounded by adults who understand, support, and actively cultivate their capacity for kindness.
Our Mission
To bridge the gap between child development research and everyday practice — equipping the people who shape children’s lives with evidence-based knowledge, skills, and community.
Our Values
Rigour. Compassion. Inclusion. We hold ourselves to the highest scientific standards while never losing sight of the human beings at the centre of this work.
Our Research Foundation
Everything we do is built on two decades of peer-reviewed science.
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20+ Years of Research
Our programs are built on findings from over two decades of longitudinal research into child social-emotional development.
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Evidence-Based Only
We do not teach what feels good. We teach what the research shows actually works — rigorously tested, peer-reviewed, and continuously updated.
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Canada & International
Our reach extends across Canada and internationally, with training programs adapted for diverse cultural contexts and communities.
Grounded in the scientific work of the Centre for Child Development, Mental Health, and Policy (CCDMP) at the University of Toronto Mississauga, directed by Dr. Tina Malti.
Leadership Team
Dr. Tina Malti
FOUNDING DIRECTOR — CCDMP AT UTM
Dr. Tina Malti is a Professor of Psychology and Founding Director of the Centre for Child Development, Mental Health, and Policy at the University of Toronto Mississauga. One of the world’s leading experts in children’s moral and social-emotional development, her research has shaped policy and practice across Canada and internationally. She brings both scientific rigour and deep human compassion to everything Raising HumanKind does.
Chanel Tsang
CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chanel Tsang serves as Chair of the Raising HumanKind Board of Directors, providing strategic leadership and governance oversight. She brings extensive experience in nonprofit management and a personal commitment to ensuring that the most current science of child development reaches the communities and families who need it most.
Ruth Speidel
VICE-CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ruth Speidel is a Developmental Psychologist whose research focuses on children’s social-emotional capacities — emotion regulation, empathy, and the role of family processes in shaping child outcomes. She serves as Managing Director of the Centre for Child Development, Mental Health, and Policy (CCDMP) at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Ruth holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Notre Dame.
Victoria De Luca
SECRETARY, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Victoria has a strong background in the higher education sector, having spent many years as a Senior Research Coordinator. During that time, she developed significant expertise in administrative leadership, project management, and organizational operations across both public and private environments, and built a reputation as a trusted advisor to diverse stakeholders.
She now focuses her work on her role with the George and Helen Vari Foundation, where she serves on the Board of Directors and supports initiatives dedicated to advancing education and healthcare.
Victoria holds a Master’s degree in Museology/Museum Studies from the University of Toronto.
Marie-Claude Martin
TREASURER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marie-Claude Martin is a Canadian economist specialized in public health. She previously served as Director of the UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti in Florence, Italy, and held senior positions at Canada’s International Development Research Centre, where she led the Think Tank Initiative — a $100 million, multi-donor global program. Her research spans early childhood development, child well-being, poverty, and health equity. Marie-Claude holds an M.A. in development economics and a Ph.D. in public health.
Join Our Team
We are searching for people who complement our areas of expertise. If you share our vision, please email info@raisinghumankind.ca.
“Kindness is not a soft skill — it is the most sophisticated tool we possess for human survival and flourishing.”
— DR. TINA MALTI, FOUNDING DIRECTOR, CCDMP AT UTM