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ALEX MONAGHAN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CHAT
November 14, 21 & 28, 2025 6pm - 8pm
November 14, 21 & 28, 2025 6pm - 8pm
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
O'BRIEN ROOMS A & B - ARENA ENTRANCE
1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering, ON L1V-3Y7 Canada
Learn coping strategies & techniques to have Best Mental Health. Our Chat focuses on tools to effectively support youths, ages 11 to 30 years old, available to youths & those supporting youths, and members of the public who wish to learn more about how to support youths or themselves with Expert Speakers, Stories, Trivia, Prizes, and the $500 Alex Monaghan Award. No Cost. Limited Capacity. All Welcome. We will Live Stream on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram +: @carionfenn
Let's come together for a chat!
Come join us for an engaging and informative discussion about youth mental health with experts & topics that are important to youths or youth support. This event will be held at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex O'Brien Room, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for all attendees. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about mental health and how it impacts today's youth. Let's start the conversation and break the stigma surrounding mental health together!
Alex Monaghan Story (#sayhisname)
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Pickering that is being observed in November, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues in our community and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health, and of putting a face to mental illness, I wanted to share Alex’s story. As many of you know, we tragically lost my son Alex to suicide on April 1, 2018. Alex was 27. He was an electrician with a job he loved and excelled at, he was engaged to a lovely girl, he had siblings who adored him, parents who loved and supported him, lots of friends and the apple of his eye was his niece Jamieson. Karen O'Brien, Alex's mom. Continue <click here>
High School Volunteer hours & CPR Certification
Email smcm@carionfenn.org to ask about how to get Volunteer Hours for High School and certified for CPR by attending our Alex Monaghan Youth Mental Health Chat.
November 28, 2025 6pm - 8:30pm
6:00pm – 6:15pm Welcome
6:15pm - 6:40pm Protecting Youths from Exploitation
Laure Julien, Psychotherapist
6:40pm – 7:00pm Substance Use & Addiction
Lakeridge Health
7:00pm – 7:20pm Yoga & Meditation
7:20pm – 7:50pm Let's Talk Trivia with Prizes
7:50pm - 8:00pm CLOSING
Protecting Youths from Exploitation Laure Julien - Willis, Psychotherapist
Winning with Wisdom
Laure is a compassionate and dedicated individual with a background that reflects her unwavering commitment to the betterment of individuals and communities. With a degree in Criminology and a specialization as a Mental Health and Addictions Counselor, Laure has harnessed her knowledge and skills to make a profound impact on those she serves. Her journey began with a deep desire to make a difference, and this aspiration has shaped her remarkable career. Having worked with youth since 2012, Laure has been at the forefront of support for the younger generation. Her role at Covenant House in the Anti-Human Trafficking unit showcases her dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable youth. Laure's ability to connect with and uplift these young individuals has made her a true beacon of hope and a source of inspiration. Laure is not only a committed professional but also an accomplished Psychotherapist with her practice, "Winning with Wisdom" counselling services, which she has successfully run for five years.
November 21, 2025 6pm- 8pm
6:00 – 6:15 PM – Welcome
6:15 – 6:30 PM – Youth Intro
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Mediation for Mental Wellness
7:30 – 7:50 PM – Let’s Talk Trivia with Prizes
7:50 – 8:00 PM – Closing
Mediation for Mental Wellness Andy Tyas, Meditation Practitioner
Andy Tyas is an experienced educator and long-time meditation practitioner who is passionate about helping young people build confidence and experience an emotional balance. During 23 years of teaching in Pickering, Andy has worked closely with students of all ages and backgrounds, supporting them through both their academic journeys and the everyday challenges that come with growing up. His approach has always combined patience, care, and understanding how important mental well-being is for learning and personal growth. Andy began practicing and sharing guided meditation in 1997, leading hundreds of sessions over the years for anyone who has the desire to participate. His sessions focus on helping people experience peace, through a sense of self esteem and belief that they can tackle the challenges that lie before them. He believes meditation is a simple, accessible tool that can help anyone navigate their thoughts and emotions in a positive way. Outside the classroom and meditation sessions, Andy enjoys music, sports, and staying active in his community. Whether he is coaching, teaching, or guiding a short meditation, his goal is always the same: to help others feel supported, grounded, and empowered to be their best selves.
November 14, 2025 6pm - 8pm
6:00pm – 6:15pm Welcome
6:15pm - 6:45pm Academic
Bullying, Peer Pressure & Burnout
Steve Lister, Mental Health Educator
6:45pm – 7:15pm Compassion & Empathy
Maria James-Shier, Register Nurse
7:20pm – 7:50pm Let's Talk Trivia with Prizes
(Alex Monaghan Youth Program)
7:50pm - 8:00pm CLOSING
Maria James-Shier, Register Nurse Compassion & Empathy
As a Registered Nurse, Maria brings experience in healthcare delivery and end of life family caregiving. The spring of 2020 provided an unanticipated silver lining to COVID 19- the gift of dedicated time to make this qualitative research project ‘Cultivate Compassion: Self Kindness Counts’ a reality. Her debut work explores the essentials to boost compassion resiliency for both professional and family caregivers. When not immersed in thoughtful ventures or wanderlust, Maria can be found on her yoga mat, or blending green juice. She lives in Whitby, Ontario, with her family and is a very proud new Grandma to Henry. Maria James-Shier RN, MN, CPXP has decades of experience in Emergency, Research and Mental Health Nursing. She specializes in Compassion Cultivation, which boosts kindness and empathy for both, self and others. Maria is a strong believer in developing internal wellness hacks to support social connectedness and community well being.
Academic Pressure & Understanding Steve Lister, Mental Health Educator
I am a passionate educator and workshop facilitator, and my goal is to help a wide variety of people enhance the quality of their working and personal lives. I am currently a consultant with various School Boards across Ontario, and I also serve on the education team for multiple branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association. <click here> to learn more.
LET'S TALK about MENTAL health T-Shirt
Purchase our Mental Health T-Shirt available in Green and various sizes to help support our Registered Charity's mission to educate, support and provide resources. Click on the Buy Now Button to purchase. Other Merchandises also available.
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