June is a Month of Reflection, Celebration, and Learning | | |
This month, we honour two important observances that speak to identity, resilience, and community. We invite you to listen, learn, and act in ways that build belonging and strengthen inclusion for all.
National Indigenous History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It's also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing journey of truth, reconciliation, and allyship.
Explore and learn more with resources below:
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Pride Month is dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities — uplifting voices, advocating for equal rights, and fostering a world where everyone can live authentically, safely, and without fear or discrimination.
Explore and learn more with the resources below:
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Watch our Wellness Webinar Fostering a connection with your LGBTQ2+ youth hosted by Dr. Nicolás Francisco Narvaez Linares.
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Affirmations are a powerful strategy for shifting to a positive mindset and improving self-esteem, both of which improve children and youth’s ability to bounce back from stress. Check out our free Affirmation Cards and and try out these affirmations for 2SLGBTQIA+ kids & youth, allies, and caregivers.
| | Let’s Build Stronger Minds—Together! | | |
Don't forget to save the date for our Strong Minds Gala on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Marriott CF Toronto Eaton Centre.
For 50 years, we've led the way in mental health promotion. Now, we’re launching the next 50 years—and we want you with us.
Become a sponsor and help bring proven mental health programs to 500,000 children and youth. Your support empowers kids to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive—plus you'll receive exclusive recognition across our event and digital platforms.
Ready to build strong minds together?
Reach out to Anne Lovegrove at
anne.lovegrove@strongmindsstrongkids.org
| | Thank You to our Generous Sponsors for Their Commitment to Supporting Mental Well-Being of Children and Youth | | We’re deeply grateful to GreenShield for their generous support, which is helping us expand access to our Attachment Program, Make the Connection, to support healthy parent–child relationships across Canada. | | | | Thanks to their generous support, we will be able to impact over 500 parents, caregivers, and professionals through our Make the Connection program—an evidence-based program designed to strengthen early relationships, support secure attachment, and promote healthy child development. | | "Thank you for this AMAZING content. This is really changing the way I think about and actually interact with my baby and I think she is loving it!!! I told everyone at my mom and baby's play centre about it. This is AMAZING information.” | | We are so grateful to The Quinn Family Foundation for their continuous support of our mission! | | | | Thanks to their generous support, 200 students across the GTA have participated in our Stress Busters program where they learned valuable, evidence-based strategies to manage stress and build resilience. | | “It was amazing, we got to do a lot of things like making a coping kit, and learned that stress is a okay thing to have and that stressed spelled backward is desserts. Stress Busters also helped me learning how to deep breathing. I would said that I had the best time I ever thought I would!!!” – Student Participant | | We’re thrilled to welcome our newest team members to Strong Minds Strong Kids! Your passion and talent are a perfect match for our mission, and we can’t wait to grow stronger together. | | |
Amy Voz
Stress Busters, Facilitator
Sudbury, Ontario
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During the recruitment process, Amy’s energy, passion, knowledge, and kindness truly inspired us. We knew right away that she would be a perfect addition to our mission of supporting children and families.
With Amy on board, we’re excited to expand our Stress Busters program and provide even more access to resources from coast to coast!
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McKenzie Cline
Development Manager
Hamilton, Ontario
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With over six years of fundraising experience and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, McKenzie brings both expertise and heart to our mission of supporting children’s mental health. Her deep understanding of human development fuels her passion for creating lasting impact.
Outside of work, you’ll find McKenzie recharging on the yoga mat or finding inspiration in her favorite music.
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Dene Guillas
Stress Management Trainer
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Dene brings over 20 years of facilitation experience across education, non-profit, and community sectors. He is deeply passionate about mental health, healing, and creating inclusive spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Leading with heart, story, and a trauma-informed lens, Dene inspires reflection, bravery, and meaningful change.
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Nicole MacRae
Lead Attachment Trainer
Epekwitk, Prince Edward Island
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Nicole is a Clinical Therapist, a certified Perinatal Mental Health and EMDR Therapist, and now, a valued member of the SMSK team. She’ll be leading Make the Connection training for professionals and helping us keep things current and impactful.
Nicole brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, lived experience, and Maritime warmth. Outside of work, Nicole loves spending time with her family, playing hockey, writing and travelling.
| | We have a 50+ year history of using psychological science to champion the mental well-being of Canadian children and their families. Be a part of this transformative journey—together, we can make a lasting difference. | | Please share our newsletter within your social media channels | | | | |
