The Blind Stigma Podcast

Shelly Skinner is a social entrepreneur, activist and President and Founder of UPlift Black She speaks truth to power and candidly in hopes to empower and inspire others to join her in anti-oppressive practices with the goal of achieving social justice and true equity for all.

IG: @becomingshellyann

Sanaaj Mirrie is a social entrepreneur, cultural arts ambassador, dancer and founder of Afiwi Groove School in Ajax. Her story started in Jamaica where she was introduced to dance an art form to express, empower and inspire herself from her every day struggles growing up in the "ghetto".

She migrated to Canada at the age of 14 where she was introduced to African dancing and drumming. By 21, Sanaaj was formally trained by renowned artists and performed locally and internationally in Cuba, Haiti, Guyana, Ghana, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Established in 2013, the Afiwi program promotes positive self-esteem, confidence, and an active lifestyle while educating and connecting participants to Arts and culture of the African Diaspora.

IG: @sanaaj_mirrie

A professional event planner, inspirational speaker, community advocate and podcaster, the multi-faceted Nicole Waldron works tirelessly for the advancement, progress, and prosperity of her community.

Nicole hosts the “Victory Speaks” Podcast, which provides listeners with the tools to be Mentally Fit. In addition, she launched the “Victory Speaks Online Show”, where guests Inspire, empower, and equip listeners with the tools to live a life of victory through the “Inspired Conversation” and “Minding our Mind” series. Nicole works for the advancement and prosperity of her community and works to raise awareness on Co-op housing, Mental Health and issues affecting the Black Community.

She serves on the board of The Cooperators and the Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada). She serves on committees with the Canadian Mental Health Hospital (CAMH), Stellas Place, Ontario Family Caregivers Advisory Network (OFCAN) and the Ontario Caregivers Association Family Advisors.

Nicole was named one of the 100 Black Accomplished Canadian Women and one of 150 Women in Canada by How She Hustles’ HERstory in Black series. She is the recipient of the 2020 Brian Burch Community Service Award from CHFT, the Outstanding Community Service Award from Dance Caribe. Nicole was also presented with the Social Housing Service Corporation Kathleen Blinkhorn Award for Excellence in Volunteerism.

Instagram |Twitter and YouTube: @VictorySpeaks7

Facebook: VictorySpeaks77

Debbie Mulder holds a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. She is a registered psychotherapist, speaker and a mental health advocate. Debbie is passionate about equipping individuals and groups with the tools and resources needed to educate and motivate themselves as well as advocate on their own behalf. Her work is guided from an anti-oppressive, healing focused, trauma informed and anti-Black racism lens.   

As a therapist for 15 years, Debbie works to erase the stigma associated with mental health and give people the tools they need to share their story and recognize that they are not alone on this journey. 

Instagram: @debbie_opoku1

Aspiring Entrepreneur with a background in EMS, Security Services and Transportation - Brandon P. O'Mara shares his story.

Facebook: Brandon P. O'Mara

IG: @brandonpomara

Pauleanna Reid is a senior contributor at ForbesWomen and founder of The WritersBlok, a full-service celebrity ghostwriting agency. A purpose-driven entrepreneur with a storied career, when she doesn’t have a pen in her hand you can find Pauleanna mentoring millennial women and delivering university guest lectures on entrepreneurship; fulfilling a passion to light up dull classroom curriculums with real-world experience. She is also a mental health advocate and public speaker widely known for using clever wit and candor to help young adults see beyond the limits of their circumstances. Pauleanna recently graduated from the Women's Leadership Program at Yale School of Management. She is an active member of a chess club, has written two books, and loves to volunteer.

King is an individual who knows no bounds when it comes to conquering the hardships life has to offer. These hardships have led him to his enormous ambition to be the best that he can be. One of the most challenging times of his life was during his 2-year incarceration; through that struggle, he came out knowing that he had to make a change. A change not only to his life but to make a difference in others as well. King’s motivation comes from multiple outlets, but one of his strongest motivators to succeed derives from the loved ones he has lost. Being in the life he once led, he has lost family and close friends through terrible illnesses and horrific acts of violence. King uses his grief as a tool of empowerment -  to work harder and create something that will help motivate and inspire rather than succumb to pain and hatred.

He is the founder of AIA Entertainment and works tirelessly to provide opportunities to his communities through advising, counselling, and providing work to his community members. King’s primary purpose has always been to achieve greatness not only for himself but for those who no longer have the opportunities. King’s work ethic, as well as his drive to represent his community, soars through his poetry and music. He writes about the world he comes from and still inhabits, shining a harsh light on its flaws and celebrating its beauty. His poetic voice is singular, and he is not afraid to go difficult places, to challenge himself and his listeners. He encourages everyone to look beyond their everyday superficial masks, to become their unapologetic self.

Hosted by Stacy-Ann Buchanan and Dr. Natasha  Williams, The Blind Stigma  podcast aims to provide a safe space that explores mental health within   the black community, break down the stigmas attached and take back our   narratives.

After a traumatic experience leading to severe depression, Crystal was diagnosed with Bi-polar Disorder by her psychiatrist. A year after the diagnosis,Crystal had a near death experience that led to her decision to take her mental illness and mental health seriously. Almost four years later after almost being shot to death at the U.S border by police, Crystal launched - Mental Health Speaks Out and is a motivational speaker on mental health awareness, and the importance of the removing the veil of shame that has stigmatized mental illness. When Doctors told Crystal and her family that she will never be able to attain a degree - because of her mental illness....Crystal defied the odds placed against her and is now a recognized and honoured facilitator who works alongside the Durham Regional Police Service as a trainer on how to: communicate with persons experiencing mental health crises identify issues related to stigma recognize the role of the family access mental health services issues related to the use of force Crystal was awarded for her radio show, Mental Health Speaks Out on Riot Radio at Durham College which talks about mental health and is inclusive of professionals and organizations in the community such as; Durham Mental Health Services, Canadian Mental Health Association, Durham Regional Police Service-Mental Health Unit, Naturopathic Doctors, Nutritionist, Women’s Resource Counseling Centre of Durham etc. Crystal has spoken at Colleges and Universities, as well as churches, even libraries and multiple events across the GTA. Her work in the community as led her to being awarded the Starter Company Grant from the Business Advisory Centre of Durham. Pinnock is now studying to become a Mental Health Pastor and has recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakwood University and is working as a Mental Health Evangelist. Crystal is proactively working on a book about her life and her journey with mental health. Her goal is to eradicate the stigmas about mental illness especially in the Black community.

Find her:

Youtube - Mental Health Speaks Out

Twitter - @mentalhealthbee

mentalhealthspeaksout@gmail.com

After a traumatic experience leading to severe depression, Crystal was diagnosed with Bi-polar Disorder by her psychiatrist. A year after the diagnosis,Crystal had a near death experience that led to her decision to take her mental illness and mental health seriously.

Almost four years later after almost being shot to death at the U.S border by police, Crystal launched - Mental Health Speaks Out and is a motivational speaker on mental health awareness, and the importance of the removing the veil of shame that has stigmatized mental illness.

When Doctors told Crystal and her family that she will never be able to attain a degree - because of her mental illness....Crystal defied the odds placed against her and is now a recognized and honoured facilitator who works alongside the Durham Regional Police Service as a trainer on how to:

• communicate with persons experiencing mental health crises
• identify issues related to stigma
• recognize the role of the family
• access mental health services
• issues related to the use of force

Crystal was awarded for her radio show, Mental Health Speaks Out on Riot Radio at Durham College which talks about mental health and is inclusive of professionals and organizations in the community such as; Durham Mental Health Services, Canadian Mental Health Association, Durham Regional Police Service-Mental Health Unit, Naturopathic Doctors, Nutritionist, Women’s Resource Counseling Centre of Durham etc.

Crystal has spoken at Colleges and Universities, as well as churches, even libraries and multiple events across the GTA. Her work in the community as led her to being awarded the Starter Company Grant from the Business Advisory Centre of Durham.

Pinnock is now studying to become a Mental Health Pastor and has recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakwood University and is working as a Mental Health Evangelist.

Crystal is proactively working on a book about her life and her journey with mental health. Her goal is to eradicate the stigmas about mental illness especially in the Black community.

Find her:

Youtube - Mental Health Speaks Out

Twitter - @mentalhealthbee

Natasha Halliday, MA, CYCP, - has been working in  mental health for over 20 years with a specific focus on youth. She has  worked in variety of settings including hospitals, schools and community  agencies. Natasha believes that we all possess resilience. She is  dedicated to uncovering the resilience already there, foster and build  resilience where needed, and demonstrating how to grow through  adversity. Halliday has facilitated trainings on mental health  forensics, and conducted community presentations on a various mental  health topics. She has been teaching in the Child and Youth Care Program  for over 10 years and has shared her expertise at conferences, on radio  podcasts, in workshops, seminars, mental health forums and community  events.

Find her here:

Instagram: @natashaahalliday

Facebook: @natashaahalliday

LinkedIn: @natashaahalliday

Karen takes us on a journey of her childhood experiences of physical and mental abuse and rejection and lack of love from her mother that followed her into adulthood and landed her in a maze of confusion, anger, bitterness, depression, anxiety, seizures and memory loss.

This incredible woman sought professional help by joining a women's group that helped her to mentally and spiritually de-clutter, clarify and start the process of healing while walking bravely into her purpose.

Facebook: Karen Samuels

Instagram: @fierce.diva and @onelastcryjourney

Dr. Anita Ewan is a consultant and researcher for the Government of Canada. She also is a university instructor. Her dissertation research explored the racial-gendered experiences of Black women living in Toronto social housing and the effects of housing policy and neighbourhood revitalization on their lives.

Instagram: @ani_re5

Celina Caesar-Chavannes is a business consultant,  coach and international speaker. She was the former Member of Parliament  for Whitby, Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  and Parliamentary Secretary for International Development. During her  term as a Member of Parliament, Celina was awarded:

•Champion of Mental Health Parliamentarian Award by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (2017)

•Ontario Black History Society, Daniel G. Hill Award for Community Services (2017)

•Black Parliamentarian of the Year (2017)

•Featured in the April 2018 edition of O (Oprah Winfrey) Magazine entitled, “What would you stand up for?”

•Salon International de la Femme Noire, Viola Desmond Award (2019) •Named Chatelaine Magazine’s Woman of the Year (2019)

Before  entering politics, Mrs. Caesar-Chavannes was a successful entrepreneur,  and recipient of both the: Toronto Board of Trade’s Business  Entrepreneur of the Year for 2012 and the 2007 Black Business and  Professional Association’s Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award.

She  has a: Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, an MBA in  Healthcare Management, an Executive MBA from the Rotman School of  Management and is currently enrolled in a PhD program focused on  Organizational Leadership

Social Media: @iamcelinacc 

Certified Life Purpose Coach, Speaker and Women’s Change Agent, Shelley Meche’tte is extremely passionate and dedicated to the empowerment of  women through strategized personal and professional development.  She is  the author of, 70 Days of Happy: Life is BETTER When You Smile and  founder of the women’s organization, The PowHERful Woman.  Shelley challenges women to take responsibility for the actions (both positive  and destructive) of the person staring back at them in the mirror, while  reminding them of the fact that they are POWERFUL, valuable and unique. 

Instagram: Shelley Meche'tte

Facebook: Shelley Meche'tte

LinkedIn: Shelley Meche'tte

On the Season One FINALE we meet,  Dwayne Beckford - Financial Professional, Motivational Speaker, Writer, Actor and Singer. 

Beckford dealt with sexual abuse by both male and female as a child and had bouts with depression while navigating through a divorce and separation from his children. After getting shot in 2016, Beckford struggled immensely with PTSD but has found the need and strength to keep pressing on.

Personal page @only1profeci  Creative page @profecispeaks  Business page @iamwfg_dwaynebeckford .

Founder of Essence of Mind Outreach Program, Author of "Poetic diary of a bleeding heart" and Mental health Advocate

Facebook: Simone Monie Walsh

Instagram: Simone Monie Walsh

Shenikqwa is the Program Manager for Black Women in Motion, Youth Worker  for Delta Family Resource Centre, and Co-Lead for ReCon&Quest; a  travel study initiative for undergraduate Black Students. Her passions  are with serving her community and learning to create constructive and  accessible spaces. Her main focus is working towards developing her  future in African Diasporic relations and environmental sustainability.  

Instagram: @nikqwarox

Facebook: Nikqwa Golden Phillip

Marci Gray - Social Worker, Psychotherapist , Author of The Empowerment  Planner and Founder of Gray Matter Health a mental health and wellness  firm that provides counseling and psychotherapy.

Founder of A Walk In My Stilettos, Makini Smith, is an award-winning entrepreneur. She has successfully crafted a business in personal development as a mindset coach helping women reach their goals, a certified Proctor Gallagher consultant for her mentor Bob Proctor, and 4-time published author. Her first book is titled “A Walk In My Stilettos: How To Get Through The Struggle With Grace” with the foreword written by Linda Proctor (wife of Bob Proctor), her second book “A Walk In My Stilettos: 111 Affirmations To Help You Heal” was inspired by the encouragement of her readers. Makini created her third book “A Walk In My Stilettos: The Gratitude Journal” to share her success tools with other women which was followed by “The Couples Gratitude Journal” inspired by her relationship with her partner. She is also the host of, the 5 stars rated, A Walk In My Stilettos Podcast for women looking for the tools and motivation to conquer their fears, own their story and uncover the potential hidden within. Her passion to improve the quality of people’s lives includes making an impact in which she contributes her time spreading awareness of mindset, providing expertise on media platforms globally. She’s been seen on Huffington Post, xoNecole, BET, NBC, CBC, Vice News and much more. Makini does more than talk the talk; she walks the walk by being an example of leadership serving in the community including her recent run for Member of Provincial Parliament in the 2018 Canadian Election.

Instagram: @therealmakinismith

Twitter: @makinismith

Facebook: /makini.smith

On episode seven we hear from Michelle Nicole Colthrust.

Michelle has always felt a deep passion in becoming a helper, so much so it persuaded her to obtain her diploma as a Social Service Worker. After obtaining her diploma, she landed two jobs one working specifically with women and the other working with children & youths. Through her work Michelle managed to form great relationships, while serving the community. This then began her creative idea to begin her own brand called Made BeYOUtiful. Made BeYOUtiful was created to provide an outlet to discuss and educate women and girls on topics such as self-love & healing, healing after trauma, understanding anxiety and understand what abuse looks like specifically narcissistic abuse. She also volunteers her time as a peer bereavement supporter, mostly supporting victims of homicide. Michelle’s goal is to show all those who follow or support her, the new and older generation love. As simple as that may seem, life already hits many of us hard and we don’t need to beat ourselves up about it. Michelle is about spreading love through speaking her truth.

Instagram: @made.beyoutiful

On episode six we meet Donovan McKenzie.

He founded Heart of a Man to offer an alternative and the organization is making an impact in our community.

Donovan is a community mental health advocate with special interest in men's issues. He has spent years helping people to challenge ideas about what it means to be a man. His insights will offer you a fresh take on culturally acceptable norms for males and expose dangerously limiting definitions of masculinity.

Donovan's experience with depression and PTSD has made him passionate about ending the stigma. By sharing his story in a vulnerable and creative way, he challenges listeners to shift perspectives and develop the courage to reach out for help.

He founded Heart of a Man to offer an alternative and the organization is making an impact in our community.

Instagram: heartofaman_

Twitter: heartofaman_

Telisann is a patient of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She is stems from the island of Trinidad and grew up in a household where mental illness wasn't spoke about and was easily dismissed.

Throughout her adolescent years she was molested and beaten. She struggled with muting her pain for years but now stands firmly in sharing her truth with hopes of inspiring others that they too are not alone, and they too can facilitate their own own healing by taking control of their narratives and speak out.

Facebook: Alisa Fuller

Pamela  A. Davis is the founder of Queen of Resilience Inc. She believes to be a  true Queen and that God must be the center of your life. She created  QOR to provide women, especially college women, with quality support in  mental health awareness. She encourages, mentors and empowers women to  become the best version of themselves by instilling the true essence of  resiliency while becoming conquerors. Davis is an Empowerment Speaker,  Event Manager, HR Professional, and Singer who is determined to increase  Mental Health Awareness “One Queen at A Time.”

Instagram: @queenofresilience

Cleoni Crawford - a woman on a  mission. Conqueror of challenges. Mental health advocate. A leader in  her own right. Cleoni is a U of T graduate who has become a young,  passionate and resilient entrepreneur on a mission to raise awareness  about mental health by courageously telling her story in a new book  entitled “The Music of My life.” Due to unfortunate circumstances that  would take the lives of her sister and sister’s best friend, Cleoni’s  struggle with bipolar disorder inspired her to take a leap of faith and  devote her life to mental health awareness. Her journey to recovery has  propelled her to further her studies at Centennial College in the  Addictions and Mental Health program.

Since being diagnosed with  bipolar disorder in 2006, she has been hospitalized 26 times, homeless,  incarcerated, and suicidal. Despite this, she has taken her story to  fuel her passion to give back as a mental health advocate and speaker.

Twitter and Instagram: @onlycleoni

Youtube: OnlyCleoni TV