EMHAC was created by a group of people passionate about bringing an awareness to Mental Health issues in our own community. We were inspired by the Semi-Colon project that was started in the United States and which has gained momentum world-wide. In honour of that spirit, we teamed up with MOMENTUM Walk-In Counselling (WICSOE) to raise funds for an organization that's there in the moment for people needing help when experiencing the need for counselling services.
We reached out to all who reacted in such a positive and supportive way and we can't wait to introduce you to the generous folks who have agreed to donate their time and talent to make this happen for so many people! As soon as we have their details, we will be posting a page about the artists who will make this event possible!
The Edmonton Mental Health Awareness Committee
Carmen Shewchuk
Along with living with her own mental illness and working tirelessly to raise awareness and support for her peers, Carmen is passionate about many other causes. She dedicates much of her time to Infinite Woofs, a local animal rescue socity: fighting for those who do not have a voice. She volunteers a great deal of time wherever she sees a need. Carmen was the inspiration behind the Edmonton Semicolon Tattoo Fundraiser.
Wendy Enberg
First and foremost, Wendy is a person with lived experience. As a survivor of two suicide attempts, she has made it her passion to raise awareness and understanding surrounding mental illness. She does this through her advocacy and volunteer work. Currently she works full-time with Alberta Human Services and is the founder of Mental Health Matters Edmonton - a local support and advocacy group for people living with mental illness. She also shares her personal story of hope and recovery through public speaking and her blog "Diary of a Girl with BPD."
Komala Pepin
Komala recently retired from AHS as a manager in Addiction and Mental Health. She then envisioned bringing an emotional resilience program to a universal audience and eight months later, awesome facilitators have been trained and WRAP Works is ready to go! Komala believes that the world is filled with people who are ready to take control, gain self-mastery, and face obstacles without surrendering their power. Her vision is to train people to arm themselves with the tools and skills to deal with life challenges that come their way and still remain well and balanced throughout the process. Komala believes that the best way to combat stigma is through education. The Semicolon Tattoo Fundraiser will undoubtedly achieve this in spades!
Jillian Jones
Jillian has a sincere passion for mental health advocacy and education. Since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Jillian has worked actively to promote mental health awareness through her work as a program coordinator for the Schizophrenia Society; her role as a community correspondent for Partners For Mental Health; and by working to share her personal experiences through her blog "Choose Good Project."
Virgina Potkins
Virgina has been in the hospitality industry for over three years and has recently joined the Citadel Theatre as their rentals supervisor. She completed the Special Events program at NAIT in 2014. She is, in part, the product of a schizophrenic step-mother. She has lived, watched, and shared with her family in the struggles of finding a better solution for persons with mental illness. She is also one of the thousands left behind by someone who was on the several-months-long waiting list for help and made the decision to commit suicide. 2015 will mark the 25th anniversary of losing someone very close her to her, who felt that they had no help, nowhere to run, and no choice but to end a life. She wants to be a part of the solution and is proud to be a part of this team to help bring awareness to Edmonton's mental health and suicide issues.
Kim Knull
Kimberly is a Registered Psychologist who is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Momentum Walk-In Counselling. In 2013 she was one of Avenue magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, and is currently the Parenting Columnist on CBC AM Radio on Wednesday mornings. She is the mother of 2 girls and likes riding horses in her spare time. Raising awareness for suicide prevention is important to her because her first experience with suicide was when she was 12 years old and it impacted her deeply. Over the years, she has known friends and aquaintences who have taken their own lives, and has wondered if early interventions could have helped. Momentum Walk-In Counselling is a resource that she hopes people will use when they are struggling with strong feelings or are helping someone else through a tough time.
Brandi Gruninger
Brandi is a registered psychologist with her own practice in Sherwood Park, called Evolution Psychology. Brandi has worked and voluteered for non-profit agencies and in private practice for ten years. She is passionate about her work in providing therapy for those living with mental illness and feels privileged to be a part of the journey of healing that takes place within the therapeutic relationship. She helps those dealing with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and relational issues, and has a soft spot for teenagers. She works individually and is also excited to offer the first group at her clinic. She is committed to working to end the stigma of mental health issues, through her work with Jessi's Walk, Jessi's Foundation (to provide resources for those who need access to services and cannot afford private therapy), and the Semicolon Tattoo fundraiser.
Farrel Greenspan
Farrel is a registered provisional psychologist in the province of Alberta in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists. His areas of therapeutic specialty include trauma and complex PTSD. He uses various modalities in the clinical setting including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but also integrates facets of mindfulness approaches in his counselling techniques. He also leads psychological groups dealing with ADHD and other mental health disorders. He is passionate about reducing mental health stigma and providing education and informative resources through his social media accounts on twitter and facebook @FarrelGreenspan. He previously conducted research at the U of A, designing a treatment centre intended to treat children who have been sexually abused. He completed his Master's degree in counselling psychology at City University and has two Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Organizational Studies.
