Biography:




I am a wellness and recovery specialist with over 25 years’ experience in mental health.  For many years I struggled with serious mental health issues. The passion for my work comes from knowing that recovery is possible for everyone.  I have established a variety of recovery-oriented programs within the Canadian mental health system and deliver workshops to mental health professionals, families, and people with the lived experience.

A trained actor and comedian, I am an ardent believer in healing through creativity, the arts and performance.  I have founded two theatre companies for people with the lived experience and the Now Who’s Talking – Telling our recovery stories program.  My highly acclaimed one woman show Now Who’s Crazy Now?, chronicling my experiences living with and recovering from serious mental health issues, has played to audiences across North America.

 









Education & Training:

2018 – Advanced Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
2013 – FRAP- Family Recovery Action Plan, facilitator training
2011 – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Toronto Western Hospital
2011 – Take the Extra Step – WRAP  (Wellness and Recovery Action Plan)
2001 – Stand-up comedy, Langara College
1999 – Critical Skills for Communicating in Conflict
Justice Institute, Vancouver, BC
1994 – Child and Youth Care
University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
1992/93 – Anthropology
University of Victoria, BC
1990/92 – Liberal Arts
North Island College
1984 – Arts Administration Certificate
George Brown College, Toronto, Ontario

















Credentials:

Lived Experience
FRAP – Family Recovery Action Plan – CMHA
EFFT – Emotion Focused Family Therapy – Dr. Adele LaFrance
ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Toronto Western Hospital
Motivational Interviewing – Community Psychiatric Services, B.C.
WRAP – Wellness & Recovery Action Plan (Take the Extra Step) Fred Victor
Critical Skills for Communicating in Conflict – Justice Institute of B.C.
Child & Youth Care – University of Victoria
Anthropology – University of Victoria
Arts Administration – George Brown College
Stand-up Comedy – Langara College






Looking to speak to someone about mental health?

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