“It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.”
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Throughout our lives, we are constantly confronted with obstacles we have to navigate. Life throws us challenges in our relationships, our work life and our families. At times, we can all struggle with navigating these obstacles. This years conference will welcome three individuals who have lived experience that speaks to the true testament of perseverance and overcoming adversity.
Our conference will give attendees the opportunity to listen to skilled presenters who are passionate about mental health and sharing their stories. Each presenter will give attendees an understanding of mental health advocacy, barriers and struggles associated with PTSD and trauma, resiliency, and redemption. Our goal is to provide community members with the opportunity to learn, understand, and gain a sense of hope.
Speakers
JR LaRose
JR LaRose is a 9 year veteran of the CFL and a 2011 Grey Cup champion. A proud member of One Arrow First Nation, he is an accomplished speaker, who has been recognized and awarded for contributions to his community. JR’s path to success has been a long and hard fought journey that began in low income housing in Edmonton’s inner city. JR’s upbringing was significantly impacted by his Mother’s exposure to abuse suffered during her time at a Residential School. JR overcame an environment of poverty, drugs, and abuse. The sport of football was the opportunity that JR longed for.
His passion for football as a youth would turn out to be his profession as a young man. Now retired from football, JR is a gifted speaker, whose story of redemption is universal, breaking down racial and generational walls, bringing forth a sense of hope and humanity.
Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith has no memory of the worst day of his life, something the 24-year-old considers “a blessing in disguise.” On April 6, 2018, Tyler and his junior hockey team, the Humboldt Broncos, were on their way to a play-off game when a semi-truck struck their bus. He lost 16 of his teammates, staff members, and coaches, while he and 12 others survived.
After he physically recovered, Tyler returned to the Broncos. He made it back for ten games, and although his body felt fine, his mental health was starting to catch up with him. Tyler didn’t feel like himself and knew he needed to step away from the game and prioritize his mental recovery. He has made progress with his recovery, but the battle that Tyler is facing is an ongoing one – some days are better than others, and some will always be challenging, but he now feels better equipped to handle the difficult moments when they come.
Tyler Smith’s remarkable journey on Season 9 of the Amazing Race Canada was a testament to his competitive spirit. Alongside his partner Kat Kastner, #TyKat carried the Humboldt team with them navigating the challenges of the race with exceptional determination, clinching victory in four individual legs. From trauma to recovery and then champion, Tyler’s victory added layers of significance and emotion to their achievement, marking it as a win that extended far beyond the race itself. Their triumph harnessed the powers of resilience, healing and advocacy, honouring his fallen teammates and spreading awareness for honest conversations surrounding mental health,
Tyler has founded his mental health awareness clothing line called ‘Not Alone Co.’ Not Alone is all about helping facilitate meaningful conversations around mental health with the messaging that is presented on Not Alone’s variety of apparel. Not Alone donates portions of the proceeds to different charities and foundations across Canada including Jack.org. Tyler’s commitment dedicates his platforms to fostering awareness, healing, and purpose. Through sharing his own journey, he aims to assist others in navigating their paths to recovery. Tyler’s mission is deeply rooted in creating safe environments and encouraging open dialogues, focusing on preventative strategies for mental health, trauma, and recovery.
Ryan Straschnitzki
Ryan Straschnitzki‘s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Following the catastrophic Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018 that left him paraplegic, Ryan refused to let his physical limitations define his future. With a resilient spirit, he turned to sled hockey, setting an ambitious goal to win gold for Canada in para-ice hockey. This shift from a promising junior ice hockey career to becoming a paralympic athlete showcases his ability to adapt and strive for excellence despite challenges and daily commitment to his new life.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Ryan has emerged as a formidable advocate for disability awareness and inclusivity. Through his initiative, Straz Strong, he aims to empower individuals with mental and physical disabilities, promoting adaptive sports, social awareness, and community engagement. His commitment to making a difference extends beyond the ice rink; he is dedicated to fostering environments that are accessible and inclusive, advocating for public spaces that accommodate everyone’s needs. Ryan’s work illuminates the importance of a positive mindset, hard work, and community support in overcoming life’s obstacles.
He embodies the belief that the greatest disability in life is a space where one cannot express or grow based on personal or systematic barriers. Ryan’s focus is to encourage others to embrace challenges with courage and perseverance while working with one another to go through hard times with one another with the tools and support they need.
Michelle J.E. Temple
Welcome to the world of Michelle J.E. Temple, a passionate author and local mental health advocate whose memoir, “The Thoughts I See,” is a transparent and honest exploration of her life’s most challenging moments. This compelling book provides a deeply personal glimpse into Michelle’s lifelong struggle with mental health, the complexities of her family life, and her relentless pursuit of healing from Harm OCD.
In her memoir, Michelle delves into the critical themes of mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the intricate connection between physical and mental well-being. Through vivid and often harrowing descriptions, she recounts her battles with major depression, self-loathing, and violent visions. Alongside these mental health challenges, Michelle shares her experiences with severe endometriosis, ischemic colitis, and the medical interventions she has undergone.
“The Thoughts I See” aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health, giving a voice to the often silent struggles of those affected. By sharing her candid narrative, Michelle sheds light on the forces that drive suicidal thoughts, offering a heartfelt message of understanding and hope. She addresses rarely discussed conditions like Harm OCD, helping those with similar experiences feel less isolated. Michelle’s memoir is a call to seek help, start conversations, and provide hope to anyone grappling with mental health challenges or chronic medical conditions.
Today, Michelle is a successful chartered accountant manager, a devoted farm wife, and a loving mother to three children. Her memoir is a testament to the strength required to maintain these roles while facing profound personal challenges. Join Michelle on this journey of resilience and healing by exploring “The Thoughts I See.”
Panel Discussion
Scott Musqua
Scott has Volunteered at every level within Yorkton Minor hockey since 1998. He has been blessed with the opportunity to coach at some of the elite levels of hockey within the province such as the Saskatchewan Hockey Association’s, Sask. First Program, 2015 Canada Winter Games, Saskatchewan Male AAA League (SMAAAHL) and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey (SJHL) where he has been an Assistant Coach for the Yorkton Terriers since 2015 To Present.
It was through Hockey where he was encouraged to pursue a career in the Helping/Counselling Field. In 2002 he attended Counsellor Training Institute (CTI) Where he became certified in the areas of: Psychosocial Development, Models of Counselling, Alcohol & Drug Counselling Skills, Communication & Conflict Resolution Skills, Hospice, Loss & Grief Counselling Skills, Family Counselling as well as Aboriginal Counselling Skills. During this time, he began his career as a Student Liaison/Counsellor at Sacred Heart High School in Yorkton where he is currently employed. Scott added to his counselling toolbox Attending the Vancouver College of Counsellor Training and received his Diploma of Professional Counselling that is comprised of: Intro to Psychopathology, Personal and Professional Development, Case Study Approaches to Models of Counselling, Basic, Integrative and Advanced Counselling Skills, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Skills, Sexual Abuse Counselling, Suicide & Crisis Intervention skills. At Home Scott is Married to his Wife Wendy of 24 years and together they are the proud parents to their only child Dallas.
Tracey Mitchell
Tracey Mitchell is a Peer Support Canada Certified Peer Supporter and Certified Peer Support Mentor. Peer support is emotional and practical support between two or more people with similar lived or living experience, such as a mental health or substance use challenge. Within formal peer support programs, including the program at Sask Abilities in Yorkton, peer supporters are trained in skills that increase their confidence to use their natural strengths, including positive ways to disclose their own experiences, asking open-ended questions, empathetic responses, supporting self-determination, and other tools to enhance communication and connection amongst peers. Since 2014, Tracey has worked with Mental Health and Addiction Services in Saskatoon, and now provincially as a Peer Support Practice Lead for Mental Health & Addictions, coordinating training, a community of practice and co-reflection for fellow peer supporters, as well as helping to increase understanding and awareness of peer support among clinicians and the public.
Trevor Morrissey
Trevor currently serves as Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Yorkton. Started his career 27 years ago in Thompson Manitoba as a firefighter/paramedic serving as an Advanced Cardiac Life Support provider, Pediatric Advanced Life Support provider, suicide intervention response unit team member, and was a member of the critical incident response team for Northern Manitoba. Trevor has worked in the fire sector alongside health regions for his entire career. Trevor’s experience working with vulnerable sectors has given him appreciation for the challenges presented by society, government, addictions, and the legal system when it comes to Mental Health and addictions. Trevor is currently building a resiliency plan along side other partner stakeholders within the City of Yorkton to help those suffering with mental health and addiction more easily access supports and manage their day to day struggles.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
– Thomas Edison
Thank you again for your support.
We are SOLD OUT!!
Please Email Us if you wish to be added to the waitlist.
Up to May 31 – Early Bird Pricing Individual – $225.00
Up to May 31 – Early Bird Pricing Table of 6 Reserved Seating – $1,350.00
June 1 to Sep 30 – Individual – $250.00
June 1 to Sep 30 – Table of 6 Reserved Seating – $1,500.00