Meet Our Speakers
Real People, Real Stories
Meet our speakers: Courageous individuals sharing their lived experience with Mental illness
Merle
Merle is a retired provincial public servant and freelance writer. She has volunteered with Hope and Me for four years in various capacities including on the TIPs warmline, co-facilitating the Hope and Me support group for people with anxiety and depression, and giving presentations to patients at Humber River Hospital.
Amanda
Amanda is committed to lifelong learning and sharing what she has learned through education and her lived experience with bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She has a BN, MN in nursing. She is currently completing her MSc in Global Mental health by writing a dissertation on the disclosure of mental illness by healthcare professionals. Through Peer Talk, she is excited to share her journey and continue to learn from those around her.
Erin
Erin is a Registered Nurse working in the mental health and substance use field. Erin’s experience with depression and anxiety began during her teenage years and has persisted throughout her life. Ultimately, Erin’s experience with mental health has impacted most, if not all, of her life choices, including her career path. Erin is passionate about eliminating mental health-related stigma, creating safe spaces, and making mental health care equitably available for all. She hopes that by sharing her experiences, Erin can advocate for change and make people feel comfortable talking about mental health.
Bart
Bartholemew Hugh Campbell is an Author, Performance Management Consultant, International Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator, Peer Support Associate with the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (Hope+Me), with over 25 years of leadership experience in people development, operations management, and active member of several boards. Yet he still makes time to share his skills as a Research Advisor at the Centre for Mental Health & Addiction, the Patient Advisory Committee at Sunnybrook Hospital, etc. By sharing wellness and recovery stories, Bart hopes to inspire those who are affected directly or indirectly by mental health to break free from stigma or self-stigma to find wellness and enjoy a great quality of life. Peer Talk gives him an opportunity to do so globally.
Ann Marie
Ann Marie is the Executive Director and CEO of the Hope and Me Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. She is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), Certified Executive Coach, Bronze Kirkpatrick Certified Evaluation Professional, and Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). Her dedication lies in providing support and services in the workplace to individuals and their families impacted by mood disorders. The mantra of Hope and Me is “Talk to someone who has been there,” and she ensures that lived experience, a cornerstone of their work, is embedded in all aspects of programming, instilling hope, healing, and recovery. Before her current role, Ann Marie gained extensive corporate experience as a Senior Executive and HR professional and then formed her own Human Resources consultancy.