Marissa Rasmussen

Episode 309: On Empowering Allies and Supporting Survivors: A Conversation with Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region’s Anna Najcler

December 2nd, 2024  |  Season 3  |  40 mins 3 secs

allies, anna najcler, sexual assault support centre of waterloo region, supporting survivors

In this episode, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Anna Najcler, Volunteer Coordinator at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC). Anna shares her journey to her current role, highlighting the essential qualities she looks for in volunteers, how SASC provides comprehensive training and support, and the unique needs of survivors from diverse backgrounds.

Episode 308: On Caring Through the Years: Exploring Geriatric Health and Mental Wellness

November 25th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  27 mins 26 secs

oncaring through the years: exploring geriatric health and mental wellness

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen speaks with Julie Earle, NP-PHC MScN, the Most Responsible Provider Nurse Practitioner on the Geriatric Dementia Unit at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Julie shares insights from her career,

Episode 307: On Journeys in mental health from experience to education - Part 2

November 18th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  21 mins 13 secs

mental health from experience to education, part 2, valéry brosseau

In Part 2 of this episode, Marissa Rasmussen continues her conversation with Valéry Brosseau, mental health advocate and founder of Validate Mental Health Consultants. Valéry shares insights from her TEDx talk on destigmatizing suicide, essential tools for supporting mental health, and how her extensive training has shaped her approach to advocacy. They also discuss the challenges of self-care in demanding work and practical advice for those looking to implement mental health support in organizations or step into advocacy themselves.

Episode 306: On Journeys in mental health from experience to education - Part 1

November 11th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  24 mins 34 secs

mental health from experience to education, part 1, valéry brosseau

In Part 1 of this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, sits down with Valéry Brosseau, mental health advocate and founder of Validate Mental Health Consultants. Valéry shares her journey from volunteering at Distress Centre Durham to founding her own consulting firm, where she now leads workshops and training on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Episode 305: On Life in your 20s

November 4th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  46 mins 10 secs

on life in your 20s

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, sits down with Caitlin Jasulaitis, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Windsor, for a conversation about the unique and universal challenges of life in your twenties. While Marissa and Caitlin both bring the fresh perspective of young adults, they also recognize that many of these struggles—financial stress, career uncertainty, maintaining friendships, and setting boundaries—are ones people face at all stages of life.

Episode 304: On Halloween safety and inclusion

October 28th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  46 mins 45 secs

halloween safety and inclusion

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, chats with Program Manager Caitlin Plant about Halloween safety and inclusion

Episode 303: On building resilience and well-being

October 21st, 2024  |  Season 3  |  37 mins 37 secs

on building resilience and well-being

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, sits down with Dr. Diana Brecher, a clinical psychologist and adjunct faculty in the Counselling Psychology Department at Toronto Metropolitan University. With her extensive background in positive psychology, resilience, and mental health support, Dr. Brecher shares insights into how these concepts can enhance well-being.

Episode 302: On Crow Shield Lodge

October 14th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  49 mins 11 secs

on crow shield lodge

In this episode, our Communications and Marketing Manager, Marissa Rasmussen, sits down with Clarence Cachagee, founder of Crow Shield Lodge. Clarence shares his journey and the vision behind this unique space dedicated to reconciliation and healing. He highlights how Indigenous land-based teachings foster connection and belonging within the community. Together, they explore the significance of these teachings in promoting unity and understanding among diverse groups.

Episode 301: On fostering leadership among younger generations

October 7th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  34 mins 21 secs

fostering leadership among younger generations

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen sits down with Anne Anderson, a community pastor and leader of the Thirdspace Community, to explore the evolving role of faith communities in addressing modern challenges. Anne shares her journey and insights on how emerging faith communities are fostering leadership, particularly among younger generations. They discuss the intersection of faith, mental health, and social issues like food insecurity, and how faith communities can offer true hospitality and inclusion. Anne also delves into her work with alternative forms of worship and the importance of interfaith dialogue in creating supportive, spiritually rich spaces.

Episode 299: On Back to School and Screen Time

September 23rd, 2024  |  Season 3  |  37 mins 59 secs

back 2 school

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen and Alexandra Gordon discuss how parents can manage screen time for their children. With the return of school and the shift from potentially more screen time to less, this episode offers practical advice on creating healthier screen habits. We also dive into the dangers and benefits of the internet, how to set boundaries with children, and navigating their internet use as they get older.
To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening, and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

Episode 298: On Rehabilitation after an injury and Mental Health

September 16th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  30 mins 36 secs

mental health, rehab and mental health. rehab

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, talks with Caitlin Plant, Program Manager, about the realities of rehabilitation and its profound effects on mental health, just in time for National Rehabilitation Awareness Week. As Caitlin and Marissa share their personal experiences, they explore the challenges that come with physical recovery and how it intertwines with emotional well-being.
To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8

Episode 297: On Silent Strokes, Impact /Awareness

September 9th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  56 mins 55 secs

silent strokes

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, talks with Cheryl Vanderveen, an expert in dementia care and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, about the critical topic of Silent Strokes and their impact. Cheryl shares why raising awareness about Silent Strokes is essential and discusses how these often-overlooked strokes can lead to serious consequences, including post-stroke suicide. Tune in to learn more about recognizing the signs, supporting individuals at risk, and advocating for Silent Stroke awareness.

Episode 295: Part 2 - On Support Systems and Self-Care for Single Parents

August 26th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  27 mins 9 secs

part 2, support systems and self-care for single parents

In Part 2 of our discussion on single parenthood, Marissa Rasmussen and Caitlin Plant share valuable insights on the importance of support systems and self-care. They explore how single parents can find the resources they need and prioritize their well-being, especially as the busy school year begins. The episode wraps up with practical advice for making the back-to-school transition smoother.

Episode 294: Part 1 - On Navigating Single Parenthood

August 19th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  27 mins 33 secs

single parenthood

This week, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager, is joined by Caitlin Plant, Program Manager, both from Distress and Crisis Ontario, to explore the complex challenges single parents face. In Part 1, they delve into the pressures and obstacles that come with balancing work, parenting, and societal expectations. Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation on what it takes to navigate single parenthood.

Episode 293: On Aging Gracefully and Social Media

August 12th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  23 mins 45 secs

This week, Marissa Rasmussen, DCO’s Communications and Marketing Manager, talks with an aging gracefully social media influencer, Amanda Giorgini, about how social media impacts mental health across different generations. They explore societal pressures and online standards, discussing how these challenges affect various age groups. The episode also covers the benefits and drawbacks of social media, offering practical tips for maintaining healthy boundaries and fostering positive mental well-being.