This webcast, with guests connected to Children's Mental Health Ontario, is an open conversation about the intersection of disability and mental health that can break through the stigma, making it easier for you and your family to seek help when it’s needed.
By attending, you will learn:
- How to recognize the signs of mental health challenges
- What you can expect when talking about your child's mental health
- Where to go for help and support
- Strategies for collaborating with your child's school
All of these are key factors when working towards mental health intervention and support for your family. Talking about your child’s mental health is crucial for their well-being and the impact it has on your whole family. The supports discussed are available across Ontario. Join us and learn how to start that conversation.
A live Q&A with our expert guests will follow the webcast. The webcast will be recorded and made available for you to view for one month following the live event.
Vicki Cochrane
Vicki Cochrane is the Family Partnership Program Manager for Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO), leading the provincial volunteer-based peer support program, Parents for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH). She is also a parent with lived experience, having raised two boys with exceptions who have required constant advocacy and support throughout their childhood. Vicki has over 20 years of experience in child welfare as a Child and Youth Worker, working closely with many vulnerable families to advocate for their needs and support them in navigating systems. She is an original member of the Knowledge Institute Family Advisory Council and has represented the family voice in several provincial initiatives such as co-developing Quality Standards of Care in the child and youth mental health and addictions sector, the Innovation Initiatives grant selection committee, and the Middle Years Advisory Committee. She is passionate about volunteerism, advocacy, family engagement practices, and the value of peer support being integrated into our healthcare systems.
Zoya Gorbachova
Zoya is a mother of three children who along with their strength in character, manage physical and developmental disabilities. Zoya knows intimately what it’s like to navigate multiple systems of care to ensure that her children are living their best lives. She is the chapter leader for York-Aurora PCMH (Parents for Children’s Mental Health) and offers peer support in her community to other parents and caregivers on this journey. Zoya is passionate about advocacy and ensuring that children, youth, and family voices and experiences are shared to improve the systems of care in Ontario.
Kyle Williamson
Kyle Williamson is a Registered Social Worker in the province of Ontario who has been working in this field with children and families for over the past 10 years. Kyle has worked in Settlement Services with Canadian Newcomers, the Child Welfare Sector as well as predominantly the Children and Youth Mental Health sector. Currently, Kyle is the Operations Manager of Intensive Treatment Services and Court Ordered Assessments at Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare's Regional Children's Centre in Windsor, Ontario while also operating a private therapy practice on the side. Much of Kyle's focus has been on building collaboration amongst community partners to serve high needs clients while also bringing awareness to and developing best practices on operating Intensive Treatment Services in the province of Ontario. More importantly, Kyle spends his time outside of work with his wife Krista and two boys Nolan and Paxton.