Hi! My name is Kalli Youngstrom, I’m a ketogenic nutritionist and lifestyle optimization coach, working to help clients optimize their health lifestyles within my consulting business KY Wellness. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Public Health and have previously completed degrees in Psychology and Marketing. Wellness in all forms is one of my biggest passions both personally and professionally and the majority of my hobbies revolve around movement, mindfulness, and self development. As a retired professional bodybuilder I love to lift weights, but have recently fallen in love with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which I train regularly alongside running, swimming, and yoga. One of my personal mantras is “move your body, nourish your body, be kind to yourself, be kind to others” and I try to live and breathe by this every single day!

What makes you passionate about mental health?

I’ve always said my first love was psychology and as long as I can remember I’ve been captivated by understanding mental health, psychology, and emotions. As a young girl I watched my Father pursue a degree in psychology and knew that this area of study would eventually be part of my own path, thus leading me to pursue my first undergraduate degree in psychology at 18 years old. After completing my undergraduate degree I went on to pursue my bachelors of commerce in marketing, hopeful to find a way to bridge the gap between the mind and body as a wellness entrepreneur. After 10 years of health and wellness coaching I am constantly reminded of the impact mental health has on our physical health, and vice versa, and through personal and professional experience this has been a conversation I’ve worked to continue to normalize and encourage. As a wellness professional I believe there continues to be a divide between physical and mental health care, which is something I’m passionate about changing. This passion has led me to pursue my Masters in Public Health, of which I am currently in my second term and I hope to be able to have a positive impact on public health policy and promotion with an emphasis on mental and physical health in the near future.

Pets? My partner in crime, assistant, and boss of the house “Rosie” is a siamese/ragdoll adopted from the Print Albert SPCA and is named after the one and only Rose (Betty White’s character) from golden girls

Favorite ice cream? Pistachio

I work as a senior pediatric pharmacist at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital as a clinical support pharmacist, as well as a SMART Pump library pharmacist with Saskatchewan Health Authority.  My job involves some clinical practice, educating and training, provincial project-based work, and ensuring safe medication delivery related to the use of drug infusion devices.

What makes you passionate about mental health?

Mental health and the impact it has is everywhere.  It’s all around us.  And for me, it didn’t hit me until I lost a childhood friend to the illness.  I work in the health system specifically with children, and I can tell you first-hand that awareness is increasing, and the stigma associated with mental health is decreasing.  But what I am impassioned most about is turning that awareness into empowerment and ACTION.  Let’s all take steps as individuals, families, communities, and organizations to support people!  Everyone deserves support, and we as a system can do better to provide that support.  It all starts with us.

Pets? No pets, but total random aside if you want, what I miss in not having a pet I crave in adrenaline-seeking.  Sky-diving, bungee jumping, scuba-diving, snowboarding, I love it all!!!

Favorite ice cream? Sometimes I feel like an 18 y/o at heart, with a 80 year old’s ice cream flavor profile.  Maple Walnut? MMMM.  Pistachio?  I’ll take two scoops please!  Throw some extra pecans in there and oh boy you’ve got a happy fella over here!!

Hi! My name is Carey Bursaw, I am the co-owner and COO of a bookkeeping business in Saskatoon. I LOVE my job and the people I work with. I grew up in small town Saskatchewan and my heart is still there! There is nothing better than the smell of harvest time! I have three sons that are always on the move. One in university finishing up his ag/bio degree and 2 still in school. We are a hockey family and you can usually find us at the rink.  I love reading, crossfit, coffee, chocolate and good conversation.

Hi! I’m Bailey Strachan. I received my bachelors degree in Child & Youth Care Work in 2015. I’ve supported children, youth & families in many different capacities such as inpatient care, residential settings, non-profit, school, community programs and the early learning sector. I am a strong advocate for not only youth, but also for the Youth Care Worker sector as it is not a familiar or strongly supported  profession in Saskatchewan. In 2019, I became an instructor for the Youth Care worker program at Great Plains College. I’m also part of the YouthMatter team, facilitating their online safe space for Teen Talk Tuesdays.

What makes you passionate about mental health? 

Working with children, youth and families for the last 10 years in many different capacities mental health has been at the core of most or all of their struggles. Mental health has opened my mind to connections, experiences and  knowledge I never knew I could have. Also, recently becoming a mother and fighting my own battle with PPD has  only made me more passionate and motivated to break the negative stigmas that come along with mental health.

Pets? I have an almost 6 year old Corgi named Norman.

Favorite ice cream? Anything with chocolate really, but I’m also a huge fan of bubble gum iced cream, especially the bright blue teeth afterwords. Worth it.

For those who don’t know me.. my name is Greg, I am blessed to be the father of two wonderful daughters and married to my best friend Paige. I work with a great local construction company – Geransky Brothers Construction and outside of work I spend most of my time with family. I still try to play some sports and keep active and over the last few years have dedicated myself to leadership and self improvement. I am looking forward to sharing in this journey with my courageous sister and niece.

Why are you passionate about mental health? 

I am passionate about mental health because our brain health along with how we think has such a huge impact on our overall well being. Negative thinking can truly destroy our lives and any joy of living. Helping others through sharing my own journey makes the struggles and hard times feel worth it and gives me a greater sense of purpose.

Pets? I have a dog (Hunter) who has been with us before we had kids!

Favorite ice cream? the kind loaded with cookie dough.

I am Raeleen Viklund, and I’m excited to be part of the TeensTalk YXE board. I have spent most of my career in the non-profit sector, and currently work in Human Resources at SARCAN.

Why are you passionate about mental health?

I am passionate about improving access to mental health supports because of my personal experience and also my background in the non-profit sector. I have seen how a lack of mental health supports have impacted many people close to me, and I think there’s so much more we can do to change the conversations about mental health and reduce stigmas.

Pets? I have one dog – a 4 year old Boston terrier/pug cross named Roscoe (he’s literally the cutest)

Favorite ice cream? Probably cookie dough, but I had a rhubarb crisp ice cream at Fable in Saskatoon that was also pretty life changing.

Few are able to motivate teams and help results-driven leaders realize their highest personal and professional potential like Gord Moker. With a notable leadership career that has spanned nearly 45 years across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, Gord is an advocate for the power that stems from effective collaboration, company-wide enthusiasm, and genuine and meaningful connections among teams.

• He and his wife Val have two grown children, a grandson, and a furry friend.
• Enjoys gardening, yard work, and spending quality time with family and friends.
• Has a passion for performing four-part acapella harmony in the Barbershop Style, and making a difference in the lives of others through the transformative power of music.

Why are you passionate about mental health?

As a person who has experienced anxiety and depression, and after having hit ‘rock bottom’ two short years ago, I feel I have an obligation to use that experience and the gift of my talents, to help others in overcoming the mental health challenges they face, while knowing they are not alone and will step into the light of a brighter day ahead.

Pets? Coco, our Biewer Terrier, “Little Girl”, CEO of the Household.

Favorite ice cream? salted caramel

Hi friends, I’m Taylor Baier! I’m a Registered Social Worker and have spent the last 9 years working for @Crocus Co-op, a local mental health non-profit, where I’m currently the Executive Director. I’ve been privileged to walk alongside so many incredible folks over the years in their mental health journey and continue to be amazing by people’s strength, resiliency, and bravery. In my free time I love to travel, go for bike rides, and plant way too many flowers in my yard.

Why are you passionate about mental health?

Mental health has been at the core of both my career & personal life. Growing up, I struggled with my mental health, and it took until I was in University to reach out for help for my Depression & Anxiety. I realized how few supports there are (especially for teens) and how the negative stigma around mental health continues to be a barrier for many. My goal is to help create safe spaces for folks to get support, so no one has to feel alone in their struggles. If we take the time to be curious and truly get to know people, we will find out there is often so much more to their story.

Pets? Not currently, but I did have two cats named Dr. Yang & Chief Weber (RIP).

Favorite Ice Cream? Definitely classic Cotton Candy (best when served from a mini putt course at a lake) or Sour Cherry Cheesecake from Fable Ice Cream.

Hi, my name is Shirley Lepp and I closed my bookkeeping/small business consulting business a number of years ago. Prior to that, I had a various jobs in the financial services field including CIBC, Canada Trust, Deloitte, MNP and CRA. I’ve also held a variety of board positions over the years including Dalmeny Town Council, Dalmeny School Board and was a founding board member of the Twin Rivers Music Festival. I took the Business Admin program through the Edwards School of business as well as many industry specific courses over the years.

Why am I passionate about mental health?

Walking through this experience of teen brain health challenges with my granddaughter Taryn  and daughter Pam, my eyes have been opened to the huge gaps of service in this area. On top of the trauma of the illness showing up unexpectedly, it has been a monumental task for Pam to locate and coordinate the services she needed. I am excited to help provide education, emotional support, and a clear path to services to those faced with similar situations.

Pets? Love my kids’ animals, but none for me.

Favorite ice cream? Rum Raisin.

Hey! My name is Nicki Dawyduk. I am beyond excited to be a part of Teens Talk YXE!  I work as a social worker with the Government providing services to children and families.  I am also a counsellor with The Whole Heart YXE.  Prior to entering the world is social work, I worked as a paralegal for nine years. When I am not working you can find me completing DIY projects at home or learning to golf.

Why are you passionate about mental health?

For me, I see first hand on a day to day basis the impact mental health has on our society and the lack of services offered in our community.  Having family members and close friends dealing with mental health has increased my awareness and passion to break the stigma.  I recognize as a society we have come along way to address mental health however we still have a long way to go.

Pets? Two dogs, Stella the English bulldog and Winston the basset/beagle mix.

Favorite ice cream? Hands down, cotton candy.

My name is Taryn and I am in grade 9. I love to learn and read about all things – right now I am fascinated with sharks and watching all the documentaries I can. I also love to dance and spend time with my animals.  

Why are you passionate about mental health?

I am passionate about mental health because it’s something I know impacts many people – including me. I want to help bring awareness around teen mental health by sharing my story so others know that they are not alone. Nobody should have to walk their journey with mental illness alone – we are stronger together.

Pets? I have 2 pets and they are my WORLD – a dog named Dulce and a cat named Luna. I show my mom pictures everyday to try and continue to wear her down in hopes of getting one more animal!

Favorite ice cream? Definitely mint chip. Big fan.

Hi! My name is Graeme Hopkins, and my pronouns are he/him! I am a member of the Remai Modern Youth Art Collective, the Wheat and Laurel writing club, and the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s youth group WILD Outside. I volunteer at the University of Saskatchewan’s Museum of Natural Sciences by creating exhibits, online resources, and field trip and outreach materials. I also volunteer with Rogue Souls Productions, a local Saskatoon theatre company dedicated to providing free and inclusive theatre opportunities for youth, and The Virtual Museum of Natural History, an Instagram account distributing educational posts created by youth! I love performing and acting, particularly in roles where I get to play big characters and make people laugh! I have performed in over 15 musicals, one-act plays, and other theatre productions in Saskatoon by Floyd Theatre, Fully Productions, the McClure United Church Players, and Evan Hardy Collegiate’s Out of the Blue theatre company! I also enjoy helping out behind the scenes. I enjoy running, making art, competing in debate tournaments, and conducting independent research on geology and paleontology in the Saskatoon area. I have presented my research and scientific work at four regional science fairs, two Canada-Wide Science Fairs, the 2023 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, the 2023 International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology based in Tunisia, the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Ontario as part of winning their Beaty Species Discovery Award at the 2023 CWSF, and the 2019 SMART Teams conference in San Diego, California. I love writing both fiction and non-fiction. I have been published by the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild’s Windscript magazine, City Limits Publishing LLC, the CBC, The Hamilton Spectator, the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Evan Hardy Collegiate’s annual writing club anthology, and Evan Hardy Collegiate’s Souls Source Newspaper. I have performed my spoken-word poetry at numerous events by the group Legacy One. For the 2023-2024 academic year, I will be serving as the Saskatchewan Network Representative for Jack.org, a nation-wide charity focused on equipping youth with the skills to advocate for mental health. I will be serving as the voice of Saskatchewan’s youth, helping to shape Jack.org’s work and programming to meet the needs of Saskatchewan as well as the rest of Canada. I can’t wait to see what TeensTalk YXE and I can do together!

Why are you passionate about mental health?

Mental health is important to me because it is something we all have to take care of, safeguard, and advocate for – whether it’s for ourselves or others. The mental health crisis is one of the leading health issues in our country, yet it is one of the only ones people are afraid to talk about. Young people have a unique capacity to illuminate mental health as both a health issue and an important facet of health for the rest of the world.

Pets? I have 1 pet – a bearded dragon named Kermit

Favorite Ice Cream? Cotton Candy

My name is Mason Henschel. I’m 14 years old and going into grade 9 this fall.

I like gaming, acting, singing, music, film, volleyball & basketball. My favourite subject in school is art and I hope to pursue a career in arts/music. In the future I want to study psychology and architecture.

Why are you passionate about mental health?

I want to help one day end stigma around mental health and educate other youth as it is something I struggle with myself.

Pets? I have a cockapoo dog named Pepe who is about to be 17 years old.

Favorite ice cream? Cotton candy

My name is Fynn Wakefield, my pronouns are he/him! I am in grade 8 at North Park Wilson. 

What makes you passionate about mental health?

Seeing how much my own mental health affects my day to day life, I want to be able to raise awareness about mental health and help others!

Pets? I had a chocolate lab named Suklaa! (Sukkla is the word for chocolate in Finnish super funny i know) Sadly she passed away 2 years ago! I still love her very much.

Favorite ice cream? My favorite flavor of ice cream is strawberry cheesecake!

Hello! My name is English Laflamme, she/her, and I graduated in the class of 2023 at Rosthern Junior College

Why are you passionate about mental health?

I am passionate about mental health because I have seen people around me and myself struggle with their mental health and I have seen what a safe support system can do for a person. I believe everyone should have access to these systems and to be a part of one is important to me.

Pets?  I have a dog named Shadow and I had a bunny named Rocket.

Favorite ice cream? My favorite flavor of ice cream is mint chip!

Hello! My name is Aaditya Mann and I am currently a grade 12 IB student at Aden Bowman Collegiate. I am super excited to be a part of TeensTalk YXE. As a high school student, a lot of my time is spent doing homework and projects. However, when I do have time, I love spending time with my friends and family, reading mystery novels, watching basketball, and going on runs!

Why are you passionate about mental health?

Throughout my time in Canada, I have seen many of my friends in schools who suffer from extreme anxiety and depression – yet are unable to properly express their need for help due to the negative stigma that is attached with mental health. As such, I have always been passionate about being able to support those who struggle with such issues, whether that be through providing them a safe, calm place to relax for a while or simply being there for them and listen to their troubles – and hopefully help them find some healthy solutions. Youth nowadays are affected by the issue of mental health, and the sooner we can lessen its impacts, the better it is for the future!

Pets? Unfortunately, I do not have any pets as of right now – but I would hope to get a dog sometime in the future.

Favorite ice cream? My favorite flavor of ice cream has to be neapolitan. I know, it is not the most common choice, but it covers all the good flavors of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate in one bite – what more can you ask?!

Hi everyone! My name is Joanne and I am passionate about mental health and addictions! I have dedicated my professional life to assisting people on their mental health journeys and their recovery.  My son is 11 and is also a mental health warrior.  We work hard every day to draw awareness to the day to day issues people deal with when they are attending to their mental health needs.  I am the Clinical Manager at Possibilities Recovery Center where we work with individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues.

Why are you passionate about Mental health?

I am passionate about mental health because it effects us all in some capacity. It impacts our selves, relationships and ability to move forward with our lives. We need to take care our ourselves and each other in order to create a better tomorrow

Pets? I have 2 bad cats! Silky and Ebony are the bane of my existence and constantly try to trip me down the stairs or lay in my clean laundry. But they love my son and he loves them so I’ll bankroll their continued participation in our household because they make Xavier happy.  Then there is Tucker, he’s an SPCA rescue dog who thinks he’s a person. He was the perfect fit for our little home when we found him. He’s a pitbull crossed with a staffie so he looks tough but he’s all love. He’s still in bed (it’s 10am) and last I looked he was under the covers. Perfect example that we should never judge a book by its cover.

Favorite ice cream? Absolutely raspberry cheesecake. I’m not a sweet tooth but when we go for ice cream and they have my fave flavour I turn into a fan girl! If they don’t have it ill always default to chocolate!

Hi, I’m Tara Mewis –  Owner of Honey Cut Studios- sharing important stories in a creative way. I have 20 years of storytelling and message delivery to the masses as well as 11 years of business operations knowledge.

Why are you passionate about mental health?

Having personal experience with adolescent mental illness and understanding the complex needs of these teens as well as the giant void of services available are big motivators.

Pets? I have a pitbull named Sam.

Favorite ice cream? Chocolate fudge.

I am a primary care nurse practitioner that works in Saskatoon’s core neighborhoods.

Why are you passionate about mental health?

I have a passion for mental health because I really believe that our quality of life hinges on our ability to cope, express our thoughts and feelings, and feel supported by family/friends/community .

Pets? I have a beautiful golden retriever named Wrigley and while he isn’t formally a therapy dog, he is definitely my therapy dog.

Favorite Ice Cream? Rum raisin