Our recent study revealed fascinating insights about transforming mental health systems for transitional age youth (TAY) that could reshape how we approach mental health care for young people worldwide.
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Diverse voices gathered at Goodwill to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in mental health care: the lack of service coordination and system navigation in London-Middlesex.
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Find out how MINDS is pioneering projects focused on addressing complex challenges in youth mental health and addiction. Through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, MINDS aims to improve the well-being of young people in our community and beyond.
Creating reconciliation training that encourages coordination of care specific to Indigenous people in Western care systems…
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A video podcast for people to share their lived experiences of the London system…
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An art and coffeehouse event where people can sell their art or donate to a community spaces for mental health/addiction…
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Working alongside our stakeholders to understand the mental health and addiction system based on their experiences…
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Twice yearly events where young people (16-35) come together to prototype projects to address a specific social issue…
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Revolutionary mindful social innovation education program to learn how to affect change in the health care system…
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A toolkit that promotes storytelling as a tool against stigma, fostering empathy and understanding…
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The Road to Mental Health (R2MH) is a vital resource offering free transportation services for rural youth (16-25) in crisis and/or…
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Fixing the Cracks: A Toolkit for Youth and Adult Allies is an essential resource designed to mend the bonds between young adults and their…
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The Peer Support Guidebook, a valuable resource developed by the Youth Mental Health and Addictions Council (YMHAC) in response to…
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The Youth Mental Health & Addictions Council (YMHAC) is a dynamic initiative that amplifies the voices of young people in London…
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Youth-Centred Practice (YCP) is an innovative initiative aimed at transforming mental health care for young individuals by placing their…
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Explore MINDS’ ongoing and pioneering projects in our blog, focusing on addressing complex challenges in youth mental health and addiction in London-Middlesex
The focus? Addressing the critical lack of resources and support for substance use and addiction in London-Middlesex…
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We are filled with gratitude for each of you who have shared your time, talents, energy, and passion with us…
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YPAR isn’t your traditional research method. Y-PAR puts youth in the driver’s seat, making them active co-researchers…
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Our recent study revealed insights about transforming mental health systems that could reshape how we approach mental health care…
Read More A summary of our first two-day CSI event that lists the projects moving forward in our local community…
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This blog is your go-to guide for everything you need to know about our two-day adventure into mindful social innovation…
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This post is In memory of MINDS Director of Research, Dr. Eugenia Canas, who passed away on June 18th, 2021…
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With dedicated drivers trained in crisis management and cultural sensitivity, the R2MH is a free option to attend appointments and more…
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The MINDS Convening 2022 will be an opportunity to share and celebrate the various interventions that have been successful…
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One of our youth researchers shares insights on their work at MINDS and shares their favourite projects…
Read MoreOur cross-disciplinary team is built on the idea that we all have something unique to offer. We could not do what we do without their extraordinary support.
Director and Principal Investigator
Dr. Arlene MacDougall is an accomplished psychiatrist, leader, researcher and innovator. She has led the development of transformative and novel cross-sectoral initiatives to address the growing burden of mental ill-health both locally and globally. She has authored over 50 publications and has been recognized as a global Young Physician Leader by the InterAcademy Partnership. Arlene is passionate about integrating mindfulness, social-emotional learning and social innovation tools and processes to catalyze self and system transformations for mental health and wellbeing.
Associate Director, Innovation and Engagement
Melissa has been working in youth mental health since 2012, focusing on youth co-creation and innovation. Melissa has a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Western University and is a Certified Project Manager. She believes foremost in empathy and compassion as a means to combat power inequality and support authentic communication between diverse people. They have a soft spot for a good book, game and cup of tea.
Associate Director, Research and Operations
Renee is passionate and accomplished researcher whose focuses on general health and well-being, with an emphasis on mental health related to positive psychological practices and patterns of interpersonal behaviour. Before beginning her role with MINDS, Renee was a Mitacs Elevate Program Postdoctoral Fellow, Western University and graduated with her PhD in Social Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier.
Programs and Innovation Officer
Shara specializes in curriculum development and program design, where she merges creativity and strategic thinking to build programs that provide meaning, connection and value for those she serves. Having collaborated with global health professionals on innovative mental health-focused projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, El Salvador, and Canada, she brings much gratitude and experience to her work. Outside of work, you can find her listening to music, enjoying a cup of tea, and delving into a good book.
Research Associate
Daphne is a PhD candidate from the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. Her doctoral research is on social innovation in higher education, especially with regards to the influence of philanthropic foundations on social innovation initiatives in Canadian universities. She has been involved in research that maps the leadership practices of social innovators as well as examining the progression and influence of social innovation initiatives within the context of Canadian universities.
Community Engagement Coordinator
Tandra Lepine is a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to breaking the silence and stigma around mental health. As a motivational speaker and twice-nominated CMHA Champion of Mental Health, Tandra uses her platform to provide coping strategies, resources, and open conversations about mental health. Her mission is to bridge the gap between private struggles and professional help, reminding everyone that they are never alone and that hope is always within reach. In her free time, she likes playing Stardew Valley and competitive darts.
Research Associate
Grace is in her 4th year of Neuroscience and Biology at Dalhousie University completing her Honours in Dr Sean Barrett’s lab studying nicotine addiction. She has previously worked as a research assistant with Dr. Igor Yakovenko researching opioid psychosocial and opioid agonist treatments. Grace is interested in pursuing a research career studying the intersection of mental health and addiction. In her spare time, Grace loves to play pickleball, tennis and spend time with friends.
Business Research Assistant
Adit holds a Master of Science in International Business from Ivey Business School at Western University. In this role, Adit focuses on business, strategy, and marketing research, helping to address various business challenges and providing support as needed. His professional interests lie in analyzing business problems from multiple perspectives. When not at work, Adit maintains an active lifestyle through regular exercise. He also keeps himself informed about current business trends and developments. For entertainment, he enjoys binge-watching the TV series Suits, as well as various documentaries and YouTube content.
Youth Research Associate
Alec is a undergraduate student at Western University, completing an Honours specialization in Psychology. Alec has been a part of MINDS since 2018, starting as a co-op student in his senior year of high school. He is currently leading the studying Youth-Centred Practice project. Alec is also a facilitator of the Youth Mental Health and Addictions Council (YMHAC).
Research Associate
Lily is currently an EDI evaluator and adult liaison to the Youth Mental Health and Addictions Council (YMHAC), which she previously co-facilitated with Alec Cook. Lily admires the transdisciplinary approach to solving complex mental health system challenges within the MINDS lab; outside of work, she enjoys catching up on quality time with friends and family.
Researcher
Jennifer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies at King’s University College at Western University. Her main areas of research include social inequality, youth mental health, and youth crime and legislation in Canada. She graduated with a PhD in Sociology, with a specialized focus in Criminology from Western University. In her personal time, she enjoys volunteering with wildlife rescue and rehabilitation and spending time with family and friends.
Researcher
Richard Booth is an Associate Professor at the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing (Western University) and a clinician researcher with an active research program exploring health informatics, human-technical relationships, and psychiatric-mental health nursing. Richard is an avid angler and will find any excuse use his charcoal barbeque in the rain, snow, or sun.
Researcher
Abe is Associate Professor and Acting Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University. Abe is passionate about using research for system change to ensure those experiencing health and social challenges are adequately supported and stably housed. Abe enjoys swimming, biking, running and spending time with his family outdoors.
Researcher
Kelly Anderson is a Canada Research Chair in Public Mental Health Research, and an Associate Professor in the Departments of Epi-demiology & Biostatistics and Psychiatry. Her research program is focused on risk and protective factors for population mental health, and access to mental health care. Kelly enjoys reading and building Lego with her kids.
“There is much gray area in the field, and we can’t be in black and white thinking. It’s that puzzle piece or cookie-cutter treatment that’s black and white. We can’t do that for each child because each child is not that cookie cutter shape.”
Fanshawe StudentYouth Centred Practice