Mental Health First Aid Canada is a program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (www.mentalhealthcommission.ca)
MHFA Canada, Manager of Program Education
Denise Waligora, Ottawa, Ontario
Denise has a Bachelor of Science degree and 19 years of experience working in the mental health field. Her career started in nursing and has included work at a State psychiatric hospital followed by a position as Program Director for group homes with dual diagnosed individuals. Canada beckoned and Denise accepted a position as a therapist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario where she provided intensive behavioural therapy to children diagnosed with autism.
Denise's most recent employment prior to moving to the Mental Health Commission of Canada in September 2011 was at the CMHA Niagara, Ontario Branch. There, Denise worked in the Justice Program providing case management support to individuals with a mental health issue who had also been charged with a criminal offense. As part of her work responsibilities at the CMHA, Denise became certified in both Basic and Youth MHFA and has three years experience teaching MHFA. In January 2011, Denise became a senior Trainer providing MHFA Instructor training prior to moving into her position as Manager of Program Education. She has also been an ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) trainer since April 2006.
MHFA Canada Trainers
MHFA Canada Trainers are experienced MHFA Instructors chosen by MHFA Canada to conduct Basic (5 day) and For Adults Who Interact With Youth (5.5 day) Instructor Trainings in their region or they may travel to other locations in Canada. These are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and teaching skill in delivery of the two-day course and outstanding leadership qualities necessary for promoting and training new Instructors.
Karen Kyliuk, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Manitoba
I am honored to have the opportunity to be a Contract Trainer for MHFA Canada. It is very rewarding to be involved in training new MHFA Canada Instructors in the Province of Manitoba. Currently I am the Mental Health Resource & Education Facilitator for Community Mental Health Services, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. I have over 23 years experience in the field of mental health. I have been a Certified Instructor with MHFA Canada since 2006.I am a Master Trainer with ASIST, and a Registered Trainer in SafeTALK. In addition I am a Facilitator for other courses such as Health Behaviour Change and a variety of mental health literacy modules that I have developed including Stress and Life Balance workshops. I enjoy co-instructing the MHFA Canada course and hope to have the privilege of working with other MHFA Canada Instructors across the Country!
Tony Prime, Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness
Tony Prime is honoured to be a Contract Trainer for Mental Health First Aid Canada. Tony brings to MHFA Canada more than 25 years of extensive clinical and administrative mental health experience. Tony uses a blend of knowledge, humor and lived experience *first voice* to engage individuals in a relaxed, fun learning environment. He was honoured with an Inspiring Lives Award in May, 2010 for his work in stigma/discrimination as a professional with lived experience and the promotion of Mental Health First Aid in Nova Scotia. His passion is for all Canadians to become literate in mental health/illness and for stigma and discrimination to be reduced if not eradicated.
Seia Roots, Canadian Mental Health Association, British Columbia
Seia is a public educator with the Community Education and Training Department at the Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Burnaby Branch. Seia has seven years experience in development and delivery of workshops and presentations on mental illness and mental health. She has worked with several local and provincial government agencies and with the public to increase awareness and empowerment in mental health issues.
Irene Fraser, Department of Health and Social Services, Government of Nunavut
Irene is the Territorial Suicide Prevention Specialist for Nunavut and is with the Mental Health and Wellness team for the Government of Nunavut. As part of her role, Irene is developing action and implementation plans for Nunavut’s new Suicide Prevention Strategy. Irene has a BSW and is a Registered Social Worker. She also has her Masters degree in Psycho-Social Rehabilitation. Previously, Irene was Coordinator for the Men at Risk program for Camrose, Alberta and the surrounding region. Irene has over twenty five years of experience in mental health, health promotions, child and family services and Corrections. She has done many presentations on mental health issues, self esteem, suicide intervention, community development and awareness.
Carla Abichahine, Canadian Mental Health Association, British Columbia
Carla is a public educator with the Community Education and Training Department at the Canadian Mental Health Association- Vancouver-Burnaby Branch. She has eight years experience in developing and delivering workshop for corporate and non-profit agencies. Carla has facilitated numerous courses addressing issues including relationship violence, bullying, mental wellness and stress management for both youth and adults. Carla is excited to work with Mental Health First Aid- Canada to raise awareness of mental health issues and decrease the stigma surrounding this issue.
Carla may deliver the MHFA basic course as well as the MHFA for adults working with youth in French and English.