Hello! I’m Laura Lawrence, founder of the YOUth MATTER Mental Health for Youth Symposium held on October 10th, in Melfort, SK at the Kerry Vickar Centre.

I’ve spent over 15 years working with youth in and out of the classroom as a teacher, coach, & mentor. This event was a vision of mine that started earlier this year and became a reality thanks to all the amazing people who graciously donated their time and efforts to volunteering, speaking, presenting and facilitating for the Symposium. It was my hope that this event could foster a safe, inclusive environment and inspires positive action and meaningful change for youth through open discussion, learning new strategies and methods for managing stress, anxiety and emotions. This event turned out to be all that I had envisioned and so much more and everyone who was present there that day was able to share in the magic of it. My heart is full and I’m excited for what’s head next year for YOUth MATTER!

Chris Beaudry - St. Front, SK

Keynote Speaker - The Power of the Mind: From Abuse to Awakening

Break-out Sessions: Mental Health in Sport & The Truth about Addiction Chris Beaudry, former Assistant Coach of the Humboldt Broncos, will be joining the event as a keynote speaker! Chris is married to Richelle Beaudry and they reside in St. Front, SK with their three beautiful daughters. Chris is no stranger to mental health challenges and is eager to share his personal journey with others. He has spent the last year speaking to youth in Saskatchewan schools, and just recently was a panel speaker on “Break the Barrier - Men & Mental Health” in Saskatoon, SK. To read more about Chris’ journey to healing visit https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/loss-trauma-healing-broncos-beaudry-finds-a-new-path-through-life

PHOTO CREDIT: Karen Pauls - CBC News @karenpaulscbc

Linsey Levendall

Linsey Levendall is an artist. illustrator and conceptual designer who was born in South Africa and now resides in Melfort, SK with his wife Tamzyn and 2 children. Linsey discovered his love for art at a very young age as a way to escape and express his emotions through his own creative mind. He is passionate about supporting youth in mental health initiatives and is excited to offer his guidance to help youth express themselves through art and creativity. Linsey believes that self-expression is a powerful way to release stress, anxiety and process emotions in a healthy, mindful way. Linsey will be leading an Art Break-Out session for the youth during the Symposium.

Alexis Epp - Biggar, SK

Keynote Speaker - My Mental Health Journey

Break-out Session: “Real Talk about Mental Health”

Alexis Epp is 22 years old and was born in Biggar, SK. Her struggle with mental health started when she was 14 years old. Unaware of how to process the emotions she was feeling were she quickly became aware that she shouldn't be feeling that way. In 2018 she was admitted to the Dube Centre in Saskatoon for 2 months where she received ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy) and was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Through the journey and her recovery, she has found a passion for advocating for mental health and has spoken at a number of events including schools and conferences. It is her hope that by sharing her story she can provide hope to other people who are struggling.

Ruby Powder - Kenaston, SK

Keynote Speaker - My Mental Health Journey

Break-out Session: “Real Talk about Mental Health”

Ruby Powder was born and raised in a small community in the Northwest Territories and moved to Kenaston, SK at the age of 14. Since a young age she has dealt with depression and anxiety, although she was not officially diagnosed, mental illness was a factor in her life. It wasn't until November 2017 that she hit her rock bottom while struggling with undiagnosed mental illness, trauma, suicidal thoughts and alcoholism. In January of 2018, her parents helped her seek professional help and she was admitted into a rehab facility for mental illness and addictions in Sevierville, Tennessee, USA. Ruby spent six months doing extensive trauma work & learning new coping strategies. She recieved a diagnosis of PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar type 2, Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety. Since treatment, she has gained a love for herself, her life and her recovery. She plans to study social work in Saskatoon and pursue a psychology degree in Tennessee.  Her story isn't over because others need to know they are not alone. She is excited to be a keynote speaker for this symposium and share her journey with others!

Roxanne Danberg - Indigo Yoga Co., Melfort, SK

Break-out Session: iREST Meditation

Roxanne Danberg is co-owner of Indigo Yoga Co. a company that seeks to create and share vibrancy, richness, and beauty through the instruction and practice of yoga. Indigo Yoga aims to create an environment that is welcoming to all, creating a safe space for students to feel free of judgement or expectation. In honoring that everyone is at a unique place in their personal life and yoga journey- physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually- and their aim is to encourage that uniqueness.  As a break-out presenter, Roxanne will be leading an iREST Yoga Nidra session for students. iREST can help navigate life’s challenges by helping to cope with daily stress, improve sleep, decrease anxiety & depression, resolve trauma and relieve chronic pain. For more information on what Indigo Yoga Co. has to offer please visit https://www.indigoyogaco.ca/home

Shelley Waddell-Enns - Shell’s Fitness & Soul Center, Carrot River, SK

Break-out Session: Yoga for Relaxation & Release

Shelley Waddell-Enns is the owner of Shell’s Fitness & Soul Center - a personal trainer and fitness instructor, a Certified Life Coach and Certified Mediation Teacher. She is passionate about reaching out to others and aiding those to reach their full potential in becoming their best self through mind, body and spiritual connection. Shelley also holds several other certifications through fitness and health and has been part of several workshops related to fitness and healing. Shelley is an avid traveler, continually expanding her knowledge and lending her skills in helping those in need. Through unfathomable trials and blessed triumphs, Shelley has navigated her way on her own personal journey to the creation of Soul Center. Her intention is to bring yoga to youth focusing on physical yoga, which involves various poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques she will be joining us as a break-out presenter offering a Yoga class for the students.

Taryn McDonald - Untamed Balance Yoga & Wellness, Melfort, SK

Break-out Session: Yoga to De-Stress

Taryn McDonald, owner of Untamed Balance Yoga & Wellness is a certified Yoga Instructor, Reiki and Thai Reflexology Practitioner. Through her classes and work with her clients she uses these modalities to help you get in touch with your life force energy. Her vision is that we can heal ourselves with using universal energy, the breath and Chakra realignment. Taryn will be facilitating a Yoga break-out session for the youth at the symposium and we are excited to have her join us!

Afua Tiah McLaren - Renewed Spirit Life, Melfort, SK

Break-Out Session: Meditation made Easy

Afua Tiah McLaren owns Renewed Spirit Life, and has 15 years experience working with clients in the field of holistic mind body therapies. Afua believes that we, as human beings, have so much potential to experience amazing lives full of love, health and wellness. It’s just a matter of understanding our magnificent bodyminds and having tools that assist us to be our best on a daily basis. Afua saw how simple meditation/mindfulness techniques helped her own daughter deal with challenges at school, so she decided to expand her training to work with kids in the classroom. The teachers and students she’s worked with so far, haves seen significant improvements in a short period. We are excited to have Afua join us and lead students through simple meditation practices.