COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
& MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY
Creating Spaces For Connection, Awareness, & Healing Beyond the Therapy Room.
I’m deeply committed to connecting with communities, sharing insights on mental health, and advocating for awareness, understanding, and compassion. My work as a mental health speaker in Ontario and psychotherapy podcast guest allows me to share experiences that inspire connection, resilience, and growth.
Speaking Engagements & Community Events
Kayla’s Wings – Advocating for Men’s Mental Health
In the autumn of 2025, I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the annual Kayla’s Wings Softball Tournament, founded by Colleen Petruk to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health. The event focused on men’s mental health, and I spoke about a simple truth I see every day as a psychotherapist: vulnerability is a man’s greatest superpower. Saying “I can’t carry this alone” opens the door to connection, healing, and growth. It was incredibly rewarding to show that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s heroic.
Erin Hill Acres Wellness Market & Retreat
On the Summer Solstice of 2025, I had the heartfelt honor of participating in Erin Hill Acres’ Wellness Market and Retreat as a panelist and vendor. Alongside Kasia Sitarz – Transformational Wellness Coach, Dr. Michelle Peris – Naturopathic Doctor, and Ravi Gandi – Poet, I spoke about authenticity, the difference between joy and happiness, and the power of meaningful connection. Surrounded by a supportive community, it was a day full of warmth, depth, and gratitude—a beautiful reminder of how healing comes from coming together in shared purpose.
Diabetes Hope Foundation Webinar
In March 2026, I had the privilege of serving as a panel speaker for the Working in the World of Diabetes webinar hosted by the Diabetes Hope Foundation. As a Registered Psychotherapist living with Type 1 Diabetes, I spoke alongside medical professionals and students about the importance of integrating compassionate, person-centred care into traditional medical models of T1D. Being in conversation with a community that understands this lived experience firsthand was deeply meaningful, and a powerful reminder of the connection and support that can shape the journey.
Mental Health Advocacy & Volunteer Work
Volunteering with Diabetes Canada – Camp Huronda
One of my proudest volunteer experiences has been with D-Camp’s Camp Huronda, an overnight camp for youth living with Type 1 Diabetes, sponsored by Diabetes Canada. As a Type 1 Diabetic myself, I attended Camp Huronda every summer from ages 9–14 and felt safe to simply enjoy being a kid—not defined by my diagnosis.
In the summer of 2024, I was invited back by my childhood camp counsellor, now Camp Director Lauren Linklater, to speak at the Summer Family Camp. I shared insights with parents on the connection between mental health and Type 1 Diabetes, and it was a privilege to give back to the magical little corner of Huntsville, Ontario that shaped my childhood.
Diabetes Hope Foundation – Scholarships & Peer Mentorship
When I was 12, my family helped establish the Kirsten Davidson Scholarship Fund through the Diabetes Hope Foundation, supporting university-bound students living with Type 1 Diabetes. From 2009–2015, this scholarship helped alleviate financial barriers and celebrate achievement for students navigating life with T1D.
In 2023, I facilitated DHF’s HOPE Connects Peer Mentor Training for university students supporting peers with T1D. I am grateful to DHF Founder Barbara Pasternak and Executive Director Heather Miller for the opportunity to educate young adults on self-care, compassion, and boundary-setting.
Writing & Community Contributions
DHF Community Blog Contribution
In February 2026, I contributed a reflection to the Diabetes Hope Foundation community blog titled When T1D Meets Mindfulness. In this piece, I explore how mindfulness has shaped my relationship with Type 1 Diabetes, offering gentle ways to stay grounded, present, and connected to life beyond the numbers. Drawing from both lived experience and my work in psychotherapy, the reflection highlights how moments of awareness can nurture resilience, self-trust, and a deeper sense of balance while living with T1D.
Podcast Appearances
I’ve had the privilege of being a mental health podcast guest, sharing both personal and professional perspectives on emotional well-being
Reclaim Your Rise Podcast (2025): In the summer of 2025, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Lauren Bongiorno, Nationally Board Certified Health Coach and founder of Risely Health, on her podcast Reclaim Your Rise. In our conversation, I shared both personal and professional insights into the complex relationship between emotions and type 1 diabetes (T1D)—from grief and stress to survival mode and emotional regulation. To anyone carrying the emotional weight of your T1D journey: you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.
Thrise Podcast (2024): In the spring of 2024, I was granted the experience of being interviewed by Kasia Sitarz, Transformational Wellness Coach and Owner of The Clinic Health and Wellness, in Acton, Ontario, on her podcast: Thrise Podcast. Kasia and I unpacked my journey into psychotherapy, processing trauma, therapeutic interventions, moving from comfort to growth, and normalizing therapy as a form of ‘mental fitness’. I’m grateful to have met Kasia at a local breathwork class led by none other than our very first guest on Mind The Gaps podcast, Samantha Gladish.
MENAMORPHOSIS
Menamorphosis Podcast (2024): In the summer of 2024, I had the chance to sit down for an interview with Relationship Coach, Mike Elliot, on his podcast: Menamorphosis. After listening my interview with Kasia Sitarz, Mike graciously invited me into his sphere; “my soul tribe” – Mike E., to talk about all thing’s psychotherapy and healing. In this episode, we dove into self-help, family dynamics, support networks, taking leaps of faith, and the importance of ‘play’ in our lives.
Bring Mental Health Advocacy to Your Community
Interested in having me speak at your event, participate in a podcast, or collaborate on a mental health initiative? Reach out today to discuss opportunities and learn how we can make a meaningful impact together.
