No matter what your life challenges, conditions and circumstances, you never lose the power to choose.

The Impact of Kickstart Mental Health

  • Mental Health

    WELLNESS WORKSHOP FACILITATORS

    Shawna and Dave Mornix degrees in Social Work, Mental Health First Aid, and Diversity Training are pillars to facilitating their wellness workshops. Coaching individuals and communities on how to use their own resources during a crisis and learning techniques to make wellness a process.

  • Diversity & Inclusion

    AFRICAN CARRIBEAN CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN ONTARIO (ACCANO)

    As a founding member of ACCANO, Dave is a transformative community activist and social educator for diversity in his community. His commitment to fight injustice and oppression helps create change as a facilitator to deliver diversity and Anti-Black Racism solutions for community agencies.

  • Leadership

    COMMUNITY DRIVEN AWARD WINNERS

    Awarded “Difference Makers” as a young entrepreneurs Shawna & Dave are known for creating community spaces that foster a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can come together to learn, grow, and support one another. Here is a list of recognitions for Kickstart Mental Health:

    • Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce

    • Algoma Visionary Award, Strive Young Professionals

    • Community Driven, Passport to Unity

  • Social Capital

    Volunteering & Community Driven

    Shawna and Dave are a remarkable couple who have built significant social capital by volunteering for multiple community initiatives. They tirelessly invest their time, energy, and resources into various charitable organizations. This extensive network of relationships is a source they use to help connect clients who need extensive help and need to be connected to other community services. Overall, their goal is to help increase capacity and connect people who need support.

“Thanks so much for the fun and educational day yesterday! I was pleasantly surprised with the content as well as the online environment. I know how hard it is to engage individuals remotely and I think you did a great job.”

— Client Testimonial

Our Wellness Journey

Mental Health Wasn’t a Priority

The stigma and a lack of education attached to mental health was why both Shawna and Dave had difficulties seeking help. They didn’t realize that their day-to-day struggles were worthy of support.

The Toll We Payed (Investment)

In each of their own lives, they've seen firsthand how damaging a lack of awareness can be when it comes to treating mental health. For example, Shawna lost her first husband due to misunderstanding his erratic behaviour’ as a “midlife crisis” instead of a blocked arteries that eventually led to his death. Dave lived in such extreme poverty and violence that he suffered through bouts of depression and felt unworthy of a better life.

Why Wellness is a Process for Us

By effectively communicating their experiences and the lessons they learned, they were able to inspire and empower indviduals from all walks of life to strive for a better mental well-being. For Shawna and Dave, wellness is a process that requires education, self reflection, courage and the willingness to take small actions every day towards a life you desire and deserve.

The Shift We Made (Commitment & Willingness to Change)

Dave finally hit a point were he needed to escape his traumatic experiences and limitation, he realized that being in a new environment might be the change he needed. However, when he got to Canada he realized that if he wanted a fresh start he had to transform his life through small consistent actions. Midlife, Dave made the courageous decision to go back to school and pursue an education that aligned with the quality of life he desired.

Shawna, driven by purpose of losing a loved one, and her own struggles of living with Tourette Syndrome, ADHD and Major Depressive Disorder, dedicated herself to mental health education for her family, herself, and as a potential career. She went to therapy and found courses that gave her the ability to start her own business. Through her efforts, she developed the skills to educate and support people and organizations struggling with mental health processes.