17th Annual Compassion Fatigue Conference: Prioritizing Mental Health Across Professions

Speakers.

• Michelle
  Kudlats

  Michelle is a Partner at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers LLP. Her practice is focused on personal injury litigation including motor vehicle accidents, occupier's liability, and long-term disability cases, as well as medical malpractice. Michelle is known as a compassionate lawyer who keenly understands how to tell her clients' stories to optimize their access to justice.

  
  

  As a litigator, Michelle prides herself on being the voice for her clients. She has extensive experience across the tribunal system, conducting arbitrations, and appearing at trial including her most recent victory in Hemmings (litigation guardian of) v Peng (2022 OJ No 2674). Michelle's strength in deciphering complex medicine and facts has made her an excellent and frequently referred advocate.

  
  

  Michelle is a proud graduate from the University of Western Ontario Law School. Prior to that, Michelle obtained her Honours degree in Political Science, focusing on the judicial system, public policy, and social justice. Michelle is often asked to speak on medical-legal topics, including at the University Health Network's Brain Injury Conference.
• Emma
  Giao

  Emma Giao is a Registered Psychotherapist with a Bachelor of Art, majoring in Psychology from University of Guelph as well as a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Her career in mental health started in the adult developmental service sector, working with individuals with co-morbid mental and physical health issues. This experience pushed her to make individual psychotherapy more accessible to those who are neurodivergent and struggle with chronic mental and physical health issues.

  Emma works through a trauma-informed and harm reduction approach. While she practices in other areas, Emma’s work has a significant focus on various different forms of trauma including abuse, pregnancy and infant loss and PTSD. Additionally, her work continues to support the neurodivergent community.

• Natasha
  Lavji

  Natasha Lavji, the founder of Anchoridge Counselling Services, is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario with a Masters of Science in counselling from Canisius College in New York State. After completing this, Natasha worked with at-risk youth in Miami; she then went on to specialize in working with teens and their families struggling with difficult life circumstances with a particular focus on teens with learning disabilities and medical conditions.

  As the the founder and clinical director or Anchoridge Counselling Services, Natasha has spent the last eight years working with various populations providing mental health support. More recently, she has shifted her focus to supporting individuals pursuing entrepreneurship opportunities and growing Anchoridge into a counselling service that is focused on uplifting the communities that it is a part of.

• Brenda
  Bousfield

  A seasoned RN since 1988 and BScN holder from Ryerson University, Brenda Bousfield has dedicated her career to neuro/spine care, and was recognized as Nurse of the Year for Innovation in 2019. Notably, she has co-chaired NEON, enhancing practices and education in neuro assessments. She's led vital healthcare initiatives, including the launch of a Level Two Neuro Step-Down Unit, an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, and a Mobile Health Unit during the Covid pandemic. Beyond her professional achievements, she's a single mother and an avid hockey mom and trainer, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication in all facets of her life.
• Jonathan
  Burton

  Jonathan joined the firm in 2005. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario in June 2006 and returned to the firm to carry out his articles-at-law. Following his call to the Ontario Bar in June 2007, Jonathan assumed his current position as a Senior Associate lawyer at Gluckstein Lawyers. Jonathan restricts his practice to insurance litigation, including Personal Injury, disability matters, occupier’s liability, medical malpractice and product liability.

  Jonathan has always been driven by a passion for helping those in need, which fueled his decision to pursue a legal career representing injured persons and their families. 

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• Adrienne
  Patterson

  Adrienne Patterson has been an Ontario Educator for over 25 years, with experience as an Elementary School Teacher, Consultant, and Administrator. Her teaching centred on adolescent-aged students, specializing in Special Education and Behavioural Supports. She later became an Elementary School Vice Principal dealing primarily with vulnerable student populations and community organizations outside the School System. Her current research and advocacy are centred on Empathic Stress, PTSD, Self-Care, strategies to manage Chronic Illnesses and Injuries, Invisible Disabilities, and Trauma Informed and Supported Medical Care.

  This research has been gained through personal life experiences both occupationally and as a parent, and the recognition of Adverse Childhood Experiences' impact on her overall health. After a number of traumatizing events, and many years of working with the injuries and damage to her health and well-being, Adrienne has gained a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and skills that have enabled her to continue to improve in her recovery and advocate for others. Her passion is giving back so that others, who have been impacted by Compassion Fatigue and/or Occupational PTSD, can learn that when our physical, mental, and emotional health suffers as a result of our life's work, it is not a character flaw or a source of shame. Instead, these difficult experiences can provide an opportunity to recover these areas of health through Self-care, Self-compassion, and utilizing skills and strategies to lead a more grounded, healthy and joyful life…even in the face of continued adversity.