Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations
The Stigma-Free Society offers unique and engaging school presentations about overall stigma with a focus on mental health.
The Society offers the presentations program by donation, or complimentary to schools and school districts.
The Student Mental Health Toolkit is offered free of charge to all schools and districts by obtaining personal registration from the Society. Go HERE to register.
Our knowledgeable presenters virtually interact with educators and students in their schools via ZOOM, or Microsoft Teams, and students are encouraged to view the Society’s impacting documentaries beforehand if possible.
Virtual presenters share their personal stories and offer knowledge on the topic of mental health and stigma.
Book a Virtual Stigma-Free Presentation today and feel free to contact us with any questions or feedback.
Virtual Stigma-Free Presenters
Andrea Paquette
President and Co-Founder of the Stigma-Free Society
Andrea Paquette is the President and Co-Founder of the Stigma-Free Society. She is an experienced speaker who lives well with bipolar disorder having been diagnosed for over 16 years. She holds a double major degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies and she has worked for the BC government in the areas of mental health and addictions, social development and education. She is certified in ASIST Suicide Prevention. She has also been trained and certified in the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Mental Health First Aid course. Andrea has received many awards including the 2015 Courage to Come Back Award by Coast Mental Health.
Andrea Paquette
President and Co-Founder of the Stigma-Free Society
Engaging, Fun and Authentic
Strengths:
I feel that my personal story of living with bipolar disorder resonates with people. I am authentic and honest in my talk. I love moving people to action and having them get help for themselves.
Topics of expertise:
Student mental health mostly grades 8-12, how to define and tackle stigma, and bipolar disorder specifically.
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Entertaining
- Informative
- Inspirational
Alensia Ma
School and Community Presenter
Alensia is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Adler University and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a BA in Psychology. After struggling with her own personal mental health issues during her undergraduate degree, she began working in the hospitality industry as a hostess eventually ending up in management. Seeing the everyday struggles and addiction that is prevalent in this industry, she has been inspired to return to education and begin a career path to help and educate hospitality workers and young adults. She would like to contribute to a greater awareness and reduced stigma of addiction and help others manage their highly stressful lives with more positive coping mechanisms and community support. She is excited for this opportunity to work with Stigma-Free society, gain experience and continue to open and grow her own perceptions and worldview.
Alensia Ma
School and Community Presenter
Creative, intuitive, joyful
Strengths:
I’m able to explain more complex ideas and thoughts using metaphors as well as insightful and knowledgeable about psychology and mental health. I’m also courageous when it comes to being honest about my challenges and journey.
Topics of expertise:
Psychology, mental health in general and depression and bulimia specifically
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Informative
- Positive
- Authentic
EJ Weston
(they/them)
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
EJ is a School and Community Presenter for the Stigma-Free Society and is extremely passionate about mental health and LGBTQ+ topics with the intersectionality of both subjects. EJ is able to talk openly about their experience with their own mental health, sexuality, gender identity and the effects stigma has on it. As a non-binary person, and having recovered from addictions, EJ is a person living with complex PTSD and depression, who understands the importance of asking for help. They believe that we are able to change people’s lives and create meaningful change when we share our stories and experiences.
EJ Weston
(they/them)
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Kind, Funny, Athletic
Strengths:
I love the fluidity presentations offer and am able to improve and deliver my presentation in many ways to suit different audiences. I use my ability to relate to others and my sense of humour to get our message across in a fun and educational way.
Topics of expertise:
Living Stigma-Free, Mental Health, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Psychology, Addictions
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Relatable
- Diverse
- Inspirational
Gia Khunkhun
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Gia K. is an 11-year old girl with a big heart and unique mind. She believes her dyslexia is a gift that gives her the ability to see the world in a different, exciting and refreshing way. For example, she likes to combine, flip and make up words. Gia is a “possibiltarian” – someone who believes in possibilities! Gia is a senior volunteer with Dolphin KIDS: Future-ready Leaders where she helps teach younger children important social, emotional and innovation skills. She is passionate about nature, team sports, art & science. Gia’s motto is “work hard, think positive, make the world a better place & have fun!” She would to love to talk to your school about dyslexia, how she overcame the stigma of a learning difference and why it is now her great gift!
Gia Khunkhun
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Unique, Creative, Caring
Strengths:
I believe I am a caring and thoughtful presenter. I spent a lot of time and thought on my presentation to make it very helpful for other children and even teachers.
Topics of expertise:
Dyslexia, Mean Behaviour of Others
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Relatable
- Brave
- Hopeful
Cam Webster
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Cam, 25, was first hospitalized with Psychosis N.O.S. (Not Otherwise Specified) in July of 2014, less than one month after his 19th birthday. His illness developed and he was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder 2 years later. Cam is a “Mental Health and Addictions” student at Camosun, he has taught C.B.T. classes for Island Health and he has also taught Wellness Recovery Action Plan workshops through Mental Health Recovery Partners. Cam has been sharing his mental health story for 4 years now to try and raise awareness, break stigma and help others.
Cam Webster
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Friendly, Athletic, Curious
Strengths:
As someone living with various mental illnesses, I find students connect well with my story and my honesty. I believe managing a very successful recovery enables me to present in a relatable and authentic way that students seem to really connect with.
Topics of expertise:
Science and statistics related to mental illness, early warning signs, various ways activities can help with recovery.
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Candid
- Honest
- Optimistic
Joesh Khunkhun
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Joesh is a 15-year old school presenter for the Stigma-Free Society. He is very passionate about sports and plays a lot of them, his favourites are soccer, basketball, and football. Joesh is extremely passionate about ADHD and learning differences and how we as a society can be more aware of them. Joesh does not see these as a disorder but as more of a benefit and how we can effectively utilize ADHD and learning differences in our school systems. As someone who has both ADHD and the learning difference of written output, Joesh wants to inspire and educate young minds about what it’s like to live life with these and why it is important in our communities.
Joesh Khunkhun
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Adventurous, Energetic, Positive
Strengths:
Some strengths I have as a speaker include fearlessness, confidence and positivity. My speaking is very energetic, and I love storytelling. I also know how to engage youth through humour.
Topics of expertise:
ADHD, Learning differences, IEPs, Technology Addiction & Problematic Use, Racism, Anxiety, Climate Change/ Environment.
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Inspiring
- Perspective-shifting
- Educational
Tanpreet Parmar
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Tanpreet aims to encourage others to cultivate their own success and turn the life that they dream of into a reality. Tanpreet is a model, actress and philanthropist. She has a BBA majoring in Human Resource Management. She was crowned Miss Charity British Columbia in 2014 and Miss India-Canada in 2016, and placed 2nd runner up in Miss Canada 2020. Tanpreet believes in giving back to the community and is regularly invited to engage in motivational speaking with youth in which she shares the challenges, failures, and insecurities she has faced. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and confidence, and to never let anything or anyone bring us down.
Tanpreet Parmar
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Compassionate, Determined, Genuine
Strengths:
I am confident, enthusiastic and engaging. I like to interact with my audience!
Topics of expertise:
Body Image issues, Self-Care, Confidence, Self-Esteem, Stigma, Mental Health Awareness and Bullying.
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Empowering
- Authentic
- Inspirational
Nathan Lirenman
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Nathan Lirenman is a 20-year-old young man, currently enrolled in the Kinesiology program at Capilano University. Nathan is a person who has worked hard to learn the skills necessary to be successful in life and proud of who he is, a young man who happens to have Autism. Nathan has used determination, and hard work to not let stigma, stereotypes, and adversity get in the way of his goals. Nathan loves to keep active by running, working out, and walking in nature which he has felt has made him stronger mentally. Nathan is motivated to shatter all the stigmas associated with Autism!
Nathan Lirenman
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Ambitious, Empathetic, Determined
Strengths:
My strengths as a speaker is my courage to be able to speak in front of audiences, and my passionate desire to convey my message courageously. I also am really interested in learning about everyone around me.
Topics of expertise:
Living with Anxiety and Autism.
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Courageous
- Thought-provoking
- Engaging
Sarah Khan
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Sarah aims to help break down the stigma that surrounds mental health. As someone who experienced the stigma around talking about her own experience with anxiety and depression Sarah is passionate about sharing her story so that others know that they are not alone. Sarah is a Librarian and holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science with a focus on Youth Services. She is also a Journalist, Actress, Curve model, Lifestyle and Book Blogger. Sarah likes to spread positivity and hopes that her story will encourage others to focus on their mental wellness and practice self-care.
Sarah Khan
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Outgoing, Empathetic, Honest
Strengths:
I’m an outgoing person and I like to talk and connect with my audience to create an engaging experience. I’m a storyteller and I know how to interact and communicate with youth, to create inclusive spaces and promote meaningful conversations.
Topics of expertise:
Anxiety, Depression, Overwhelm, Burnout, Self-Care, and Wellness.
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Inspiring
-
Relatable
- Engaging
Samara Liberman
(she/her)
School and Community Presenter & Programs Manager at Stigma-Free Society
Samara is the Programs Manager for Stigma-Free Society. She has a Bachelors degree in Equity Studies, a Masters in Teaching and a professional development certificate in Youth Mental Health. Samara wrote her Masters thesis on inclusive education practices for students with learning disabilities. She is passionate about inclusion in all forms, but specifically for students struggling with learning disabilities and/or mental health concerns. She has Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, as well as generalized anxiety disorder and situational depression, which she speaks about openly and honestly. She wants to work towards removing the stigma connected to seeking mental health help from a professional and is open about her experience in therapy.
Samara Liberman
(she/her)
School and Community Presenter & Programs Manager at Stigma-Free Society
Tenacious, Vulnerable, Warm
Strengths:
Living with two learning disabilities and two mental health diagnoses that greatly impacted my academic experience, I can relate to students who might be struggling in these areas. I understand how mental health is impacted by other aspects of our identities, such as disability, and can speak to these intersections from my own lived experience.
Topics of expertise:
Ability/disability, Anxiety, Depression, De-stigmatizing therapy, Panic attacks, Learning difficulties, Mental Health and Disability stigma, Diversity/Inclusion
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Personal
- Relatable
- Accessible
Ellen Reimer
(she/her)
School and Community Presenter & Communications Lead at Stigma-Free Society
Ellen is an English and Environmental Studies student at the University of Victoria and is also the Stigma-Free Society’s Co-op student, who is responsible for assisting staff with communications and the development of Society’s programming. As someone who has spent a large part of her life in school, Ellen has experienced and witnessed her fellow schoolmates struggle to keep up with expectations in the classroom, while also balancing personal mental health needs. She believes that community care and authentic connection play a big role in her success as a person. Ellen is passionate about sharing her story in the hopes that it will encourage others discover ways to prioritize their mental health through challenging circumstances.
Ellen Reimer
(she/her)
School and Community Presenter & Communications Lead at Stigma-Free Society
Considerate, Understanding, Open
Strengths:
I love connecting and engaging with young people, which shines through when I speak about my story. I believe it is so important to help others feel comfortable during each presentation, so they can take in the information in a relaxed and open state of mind.
Topics of expertise:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Coping with Mental Health, Self-Love, Self-Care, and Supporting Loved Ones with their Mental Health
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Sincere
- Uplifting
- Motivating
Mike Scott
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Mike Scott is a father to four, retired electrician and foreman, and avid study of stigma and mental health. Mike is currently working on the Family Research Advisory Panel for the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine. While also achieving his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1997, Mike experienced a ten-year battle with life-threatening episodes in bipolar I disorder.
Mike Scott
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Poetic, Optimistic, Empathetic
Strengths:
By learning to deal with stigma and manage my own mental health, I have been able to have success in careers and in raising my family over the last twenty years. I aim to convey my insight and experience when given the platform, also with an ability to provide solutions such as in the Q&A.
Topics of expertise:
Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder, Mania, Psychosis
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Surprising
- Interesting
- Driven
Sterling Renzoni
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
After recovering from two eating disorders, Sterling has become an established mental health advocate. He has continued to raise awareness about and advocate for those with mental illness, through Trent Active Minds, EDify Talks, The Stigma-Free Society, Ontario Shores Center for Mental Health Sciences and The Yellow Tulip Project. As a mental health advocate Sterling has shared his story on CBC Radio One and on CP24, making headlines for his experience recovering from an eating disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Sterling is committed to creating a safe environment where students and community members can seek treatment and talk about their experiences with mental illness and mental health challenges.
Sterling Renzoni
School and Community Presenter at Stigma-Free Society
Friendly, Approachable, Genuine
Strengths:
Sterling has lived and academic experience with mental illness and battling stigma, in elementary, secondary and university. He also has experience presenting on national television and on student panels. He is trained in SafeTalk, and he is a certified mental health first aider.
Topics of expertise:
Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, OCD and related disorders, Personality Disorders, Battling mental illness in school, Mental Health Advocacy
3 ways to describe your talk:
- Inspirational
- Heartwarming
- Informational
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