Our Story
Our journey together started all the way back in Grade 9 where we met in French class. At the time, Dr. Christina was struggling significantly with lyme disease and an eating/body image struggle, which led to several missed days of school. Mary, a kind and intuitive soul picked up on her struggles and soon Dr. Christina’s mum would receive phone calls from Mary checking in, giving updates on homework, and stopping by to give support. The foundation of the friendship was built on a deep sense of compassion and empathy towards each other and grew into a mutual desire to explore healing. Lots has changed since those early teen years. Mary went on to develop a passion in teaching through a mindful, experiential, and compassionate lens, while Dr. Christina through her own journey of healing physically, mentally, and spiritually grew a desire to counsel youth and adults clinically within a social work lens.
Dr. Christina’s Story
PhD, RSW, MSW, BSW, BA SOC, RHN, EDIT
How it Began
Since a young age, I was highly sensitive and felt deeply for the emotional struggles of others. I became known for my ability to hold an empathetic space for others to confide in and seek support. I understood the healing capacity of compassion having had support for the suffering I endured myself during my teen years. At age 13, I contracted Lyme Disease which led to kidney failure. In addition to my health issues, I struggled greatly in my sense of identity and self and found it difficult to cope with the social implications of feeling different from my peers. With severe low sense of self, people pleasing tendencies, and issues of perfectionism, I unintentionally slipped into an eating struggle and severe body image challenges that left me desperate to find healing both physically and emotionally. I experienced a profound healing in my early 20’s which inspired me to want to support others seeking a sense of freedom from their inner critic, inner peace, and a deepened sense of self. I knew very early on that understanding suffering and experiencing healing was both a personal and professional soul mission.
While pursuing my undergraduate and masters degree in social work, I was placed in a practicum for youth experiencing homelessness. My time with these youth who were experiencing profound daily and past forms of trauma, was incredibly impactful. I grew a deep understanding of the impact of trauma on the physical, spiritual and emotional lives of these youth. I began to develop an awareness towards the root underlying causes of suffering and pain that so often lead youth into struggling with school attendance, family/peer relationships, mental health challenges such as eating disorders, addictions, and more. Ultimately, it was through this practicum that I was inspired to pursue research by earning my designation in holistic nutrition and a PhD in social work at the University of Toronto. I’ve had a private practice for 10 years supporting diverse youth and adults of all ages.
My Vision
Through my work, I have developed a strong belief in the intrinsic wisdom and capacity that we all have within to find healing, inner peace, and a deep sense of self. Being a part of the queer/LGBTQQIP2SAA++ community, I understand the expansion that is occurring in school systems to recognize and foster safe spaces for youth within diverse communities. I am beyond excited to be able to have the privilege of getting to know the teachers and parents that directly influence youth and it is her hope that in doing so, this program will help to break down mental health stigma further, while honoring the incredible importance and wisdom of teachers and parents in the lives of youth. Outside my research and clinical work, I am a huge animal lover and a commission artist on the side. I thrives in any setting that involves nature and cannot go a week without experiencing a good hike.
Mary’s Story
BA SOC, BEd, OCT, Reiki I-III
How it Began
Growing up, I was a shy, kind child that loved learning, experiencing, and trying new things. While in school, I experienced teachers that were patient and compassionate, while others who left me feeling unsupported and not good enough. My love and dedication to learning, along with my passion for guiding others to deeper learning and healing, lead me to pursue my vocation as a teacher. I have been an elementary educator for over 10 years, specializing in teaching multilingual learners and Mathematics.
I attended McMaster University to study sociology. It was intriguing, and sparked curiosity to discover the way people interact in organizations and societies. During my studies, I participated in programs with Frontier College as a tutor, Extend-A-Family to provide respite to families with children with special needs, and a note taker for students in my class. These programs' values consisted of the right to learn, providing equitable opportunities and strengthening the community, which mirrored my values.
My Vision
I am passionate about allowing others to feel supported and cared for, while providing a safe place to express and learn. A simple moment of stillness, listening, patience, and interaction, creates connection, and in turn deeper healing, learning and success can flourish. I am grateful to have learned the gift of patience, understanding and compassion through the lens of a teacher, as well as a student. It has been extremely rewarding to watch my students grow and incorporate new tools to navigate daily life.
I love creating and trying new things and often find myself working on multiple projects at once. Adventures and new experiences energize me. Therefore, I incorporated a combination of healing techniques, such as experiential healing, equine therapy, and wellness courses, that include meditation, art and writing activities while on my personal health journey. I found this approach to healing powerful, as I gained emotional intelligence skills, mindful self-compassion, and was able to see situations through a different lens. I believe that everyone learns and heals in a different way, and by knowing yourself and trying new experiences it can make your healing journey more meaningful and authentic.