OUR EDUCATORS

Gary Bure

Mental Health Educator 

Gary Bure is a passionate mental health educator with over 10 years of experience in promoting mental well-being and awareness. He holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto where he did his double major in Economics and Anthropology. Gary is trained in Mental Health First Aid, and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). He is a Certified Mental Health Works, Compassion Fatigue, and Rent SMART trainer. In addition, he has a certification in Adult Education from Sheridan College, which further informs his holistic approach to mental health education.

Throughout his career, Gary has worked in various settings, including corporate organizations, community organizations, schools and healthcare institutions. He has developed and implemented numerous educational programs aimed at improving mental health literacy among diverse populations.

Beyond his educational efforts, Gary has been a dedicated community fitness trainer for several years in promoting physical health and mental well-being. His journey into fitness began as a personal quest for balance and self-care, leading him to train others in his community to prioritize both their physical and mental health.

Gary’s approach to mental health education is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a commitment to breaking down barriers. He believes that everyone deserves access to mental health resources and that education is a powerful tool for change. His mission is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to prioritize their mental well-being and support others in their journeys.

Karyn Hand BSW MEd RSW

Mental Health Clinical Educator 

Karyn is a registered social worker and educator with 30 years of experience in the field of adult mental health and addictions. Karyn offers several perspectives on mental health and addictions as a front-line clinician, manager and someone who lives in recovery. Karyn has a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Master of Adult Education from Yorkville University, and holds a Certificate in Advanced Health Leadership from the Rotman School of Management. Karyn is a certified facilitator in Wellness Recovery Action Planning, Compassion Fatigue, Wholistic Crisis Planning, Mindfulness for Emotional Regulation, ASIST, and The ASK! Workshop

Karyn’s passion is to educate those who are interested in developing a better understanding of mental illness and addiction. She is a dynamic and engaging facilitator whose goal is to create a world where those living with mental illness and addiction can thrive without stigma.

Karyn has presented to small groups, at conferences and at large corporate trainings of several hundred people. Karyn uses every opportunity to foster an environment where people can feel safe while learning. Karyn encourages people to challenge their ideas and values by embracing concepts that may feel uncomfortable yet honor the diverse communities where we live and work.

Maria Macias MSW RSW

Mental Health Educator

Maria Macias is a registered social worker with over 30 years of experience working in the field of human and social services. A well-trained, skilled, and motivated professional with extensive experience including clinical counselling, crisis intervention, group facilitation, safety planning and advocacy. Her professional practice has been complemented by significant experience in community development, outreach and public education, policy analysis, and risk management.

Maria’s clinical practice framework is informed by a strength based, brief solution focused approach to counselling which she applies to her work with diverse and vulnerable populations including women, youth, and children.

Maria’s main interest in the field has focused on issues faced by women who have experienced violence in their lives. Maria is originally from Chile. She arrived in Canada as a young adult after she and her family were forced into exile. Maria’s identity, as a woman of colour, has influenced her interest regarding the manner in which discrimination impacts people’s everyday lives, as well as how people of colour disproportionately face poverty, social exclusion and discrimination.

Throughout her professional career, Maria has excelled at building positive relationships with diverse clients and service providers, advocating for the elimination of systemic barriers faced by racialized and marginalized communities.

Rachel Lawrence

Mental Health Educator

Rachael Lawrence has over fifteen years of experience working in community mental health and education specifically, though has worked in various aspects of mental health. She has a passion for continuous learning, compassionate understanding,  and sharing to invite and empower others to foster a deeper sense of community and health.

Her diploma in Social Services Work along with her various training credentials (ASIST, SafeTALK, Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, etc.) has allowed her to work and serve as a community advocate and educator for change in various and dynamic arenas.

Rachael, a soon-to-be graduate with a Bachelor of Community Mental Health, offers unique perspectives in understanding mental health at micro and macro levels, creating a constant committed conversation around positive challenge for change.

Steve Lister

Mental Health Educator

Steve has multiple certifications which include: Facilitation Leadership Professional designation through the Institute of Cultural Affairs International, an Advanced Adult Education Certificate through the Canadian College of Educators, and Behaviour Management Systems Training through the Ontario Education Services Corporation.  He has designed highly engaging and interactive workshops for educators, and front-line workers in the shelter system who work closely with youth and adults who display aggressive behaviours.  

Steve is a certified Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer. He also facilitates a variety of mental health and wellness workshops for the Toronto Hostels Training Centre including Trauma Sensitive Practices, Conflict Resolution Skills, Team Dynamics, Psychological Safety in the Workplace, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills and Imposter Syndrome/Perfectionism.

Steve has designed and delivered multiple Mindfulness based workshops, such as, Mindful Educators (ME), Mindfulness Techniques to Enhance Your Mental Health, and Emotional Regulation Skills. 

Tali Aikenhead MSW RSW

Mental Health Educator

Tali Aikenhead is a Registered Social Worker and educator with over 15 years experience supporting youth, adults and families in the Greater Toronto Area. Tali holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) with a double major in psychology and women’s studies from McMaster University, and both a Master of Social Work degree and Leadership and Management Certificate from Wilfred Laurier University. She is a proud daughter, sister, partner and parent. 

Tali has served in a variety of roles in the public education sector from front-line to system leadership, with a focus on working upstream to build mentally healthy classrooms, schools and education systems. From her clinical experience offering individual and group therapy to her leadership in program and policy development, Tali brings a systems-thinking, equity-focused lens to her work. 

A reflective and engaging facilitator, Tali is experienced in capacity-building across a wide range of stakeholders. She is a certified trainer in SafeTALK, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (Master level), Restorative Practices (International Institute for Restorative Practices), and Violence Threat Risk Assessment (Centre for Trauma Informed Practices). 

Tali believes that mental health is a community responsibility and is passionate about highlighting the connections between mental health, mental illness and experiences of equity/inequity. She strives to co-create learning communities that are as safe and affirming as possible, so participants feel empowered to share their voices, are open to new learning and diverse perspectives, and are equipped with meaningful skills and strategies.