Friends of Mental Health Works

We recognize at times you may be looking for that special dynamic keynote address speaker that is motivational, informative and a “name” to help draw a crowd in. MHW Friends may be just the ticket for your next venue. Contact us for more information.

David Granirer

Counsellor, Stand-Up Comic, Founder of Stand Up For Mental Health

You have to be nuts to take counsellor and stand-up comic David Granirer's Stand Up For Mental Health program where he teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness, but the results can be life-changing! This hilarious presentation is part comedy and part education. David, who himself suffers from depression, looks at how humour can help fight the stigma around mental illness. Through video clips, you'll get to see examples of his comics breaking down barriers by finding the lighter side of their mental health journeys.

Mary Ann Baynton, MSW, RSW

Workplace Mental Health in Canada; Psychological Health and Safety; Mental Health Promotion

Mary Ann is a co-author of Preventing Workplace Meltdown: An employer’s guide to providing a psychologically safe workplace and provides consulting services to organizations and unions that wish to improve or address issues related to workplace mental health.

She serves as the Program Director for the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace which is a long-term public service commitment by Great-West Life to this very important social and economic issue. Projects through the Centre are making valuable tools, resources and information publicly available through the Centre’s website to all Canadians.

Rona Maynard

From wanting to die to loving my life: How I beat depression; When a star staffer breaks down: One manager's hard-won wisdom

Rona Maynard has been a champion for mental health since 1997, when she shared her history of depression in a landmark Chatelaine editorial that inspired a truth-telling conversation among millions of readers across the country. She personally answered countless letters and phone calls from readers struggling with their own or a family member's mental illness. When a suicidal reader left a message on her office voicemail, she knew she had found her mission.

Sandy Naiman

Keynote/Inspirational/Mental and Emotional Health Advocate

Sandy Naiman is an award-winning journalist and blogger. A staff reporter for The Toronto Sun from 1977-2007, her features, profiles and columns focused on Women's Issues and Health. She was Women's Editor at CHFI from 1980-1990 and a nationally syndicated columnist on ;CBC radio from 1990 to 1992.

Tom Regehr

Addictions, Trauma; Support for the Front line Provider

Tom is a middle-aged, university educated former business owner who ended up on the streets dealing with addiction, mental health and emotional trauma issues. He is the founder of C.A.S.T. (Clean and Sober Thinking), a self-help/mutual aid empowerment group. His story of healing is wrought with agony, hard work, love and glory.