“It is okay to not be okay and to live in kindness and be brave”

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER & COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

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MENTAL HEALTH

People are not their diagnosis. I think it's really important for people to understand that whether it’s your mom, your dad, your sister, your brother, or your best friend from high school, it’s really important to distinguish between the person and the diagnosis.

A lot of people dealing with mental health challenges and multi-level barriers, are often turned away from society, instead of being embraced and encouraged to seek treatment.

Whether it's due to circumstances, a chemical imbalance, or life itself, mental health affects us all. It's really our job to treat people with dignity and honor their humanity.

COMMUNITY

I envision myself as a community builder, leader, and a change-maker. I think one of my roles is to empower people to help others and help themselves.

I'm involved in my community in multiple ways. One of which is with my local church. I also like to volunteer my time by serving as a Board of Director with Pathstone Mental Health Foundation.

I want to be a part of building a community of people that can help support those in need - that’s the kind of community I want to be a part of because we are all interconnected.

FAMILY LIFE

Being adopted into a white family, and having my parents help teenagers with multi-level barriers in the foster care system, has helped to shape who I have become in this industry. It has allowed me to look at systemic issues from a personal and professional lens.

I have a deep appreciation for complex family life and the joy that can be found in it. In addition to being a mom of twin boys, I am also quite familiar with blended families and know what it’s like to run a busy household, as a single parent.

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INSPIRED CLIENTS

YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS

  • “Calissa is on fire! Her unique brand coupled with her powerful speaking ability make her an in-demand speaker at any event. She shone on our stage and I can guarantee she will elevate your event.”

    DAN SHAIKH Publicist and Co-Founder of Speaker Slam

  • “Calissa's empathetic and friendly demeanor created a safe space for open discussions. She seamlessly guided the audience through diverse topics, balancing seriousness with moments of levity. Her genuine passion for mental health advocacy was evident, inspiring both speakers and attendees alike.”

    SARAH PRITULA - Owner of Funny Face Media

  • “You were amazing Calissa.  I’m glad I was able to join in!  You certainly know how to connect with students.”

    CAMILO CIPRIANO - Director of Education from the Niagara Catholic School Board

  • "The impact Calissa has on the field of CYC is truly inspiring. Her passion, drive and unshakeable commitment to empower others will transform the next generations to come. I look forward to watching Calissas continued successes, keep up the great work."

    JESSICA MORRIS - Professor at Georgian College

  • "Calissa is a compassionate woman who truly cares about others, always making herself available to anyone, every day. Her message exemplifies the importance of resilience, community, family and caring for self and others."

    PAT GAUGHAN - President & CEO Bartimaeus Inc.

  • "Calissa has a supportive and calming approach in her teaching style that has been instrumental in her role as faculty at Mohawk College. For learners beginning their Postsecondary journey or for those with interrupted education, Calissa exudes inspiration and positivity that is unmatched. "

    EMILY ECKER - Mohawk College, Associate Dean Community Partnerships & Learning