On October 13, join me for the 23rd annual Mayor’s event for mental health. It’s a virtual event once again this year and you can register on Zoom. Four guest speakers will talk about how we can improve mental health and wellness through creative pursuits like art, music, gardening, and laughter yoga- which combines laughter with yoga breathing.

It’s always an inspiring and uplifting event. All are welcome! You will also be able to watch the presentations on the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington’s Facebook page at facebook.com/cmhaww.

Here is some more information about this year’s speakers:

Priya Shah, RP, MTA is a music therapist, psychotherapist, and educator. She works in adult inpatient mental health and addictions at Homewood Health Centre and is a contract-teaching faculty member at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Tamaura Proctor is a Registered Horticultural Therapist with Homewood Health Centre and currently holds the role of Program Coordinator and Discipline Leader of Homewood’s Horticultural Therapy Department. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Tamarua holds a master gardener certification and certificates in gerontology and sustainable urban agriculture.

Courtney McLeod is a certified life and leadership coach (CPCC), award-winning speaker, and event and corporate training specialist who specializes in leveraging the power of fun and play to help people achieve things they never thought possible.  She is the founder of the Kick-Ass Ladies group, which brings women together for connection, learning, fun, and adventure.

Marcey Gray is the Program Coordinator for Spark of Brilliance, a program that promotes healing and wellbeing through the arts for people with lived experience of mental health or addictions issues. Spark of Brilliance is part of the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington’s Self Help and Peer Support program. Marcy has been working in the mental health field for 15 years and credits meaningful creative engagement as the most vital factor in her own mental health journey.

Here is a news release about the event: 23rd annual Mayor’s event for mental health to focus on creative paths to wellness