Are you looking for simple strategies to support the mental health and well-being of the children in your life? Join Lindsay Ruddick, MSW, RSW, Social Worker and Family Therapist who will present on the topic of attachment and connecting with children through art. Lindsay will demonstrate attachment-based art activities that can be used in personal or professional settings and explain how we can use the activities as we interact with the children in our lives. Participants (and kiddos) are more than welcome to participate in the art activities as you learn. Register Here

Event Info

Date: February 10th 2022
Time: 12:00pm -1:00pm
Platform: MS Teams

About Lindsay

Lindsay has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Calgary (2015). She has worked as a family, individual and couples therapist for over eight years within a community setting. She practices narrative based therapy and she is drawn to alternative forms of therapeutic practice such as art-based interventions. Lindsay is an artist herself and enjoys using painting and creating as a form of self-care and expression. She is also a mom to a toddler who keeps her very busy. 

For any questions or accessibility needs, please contact Pamela Villafranca 

The following is a guest post by RRC Polytech’s Fitness Coordinator, Mario De Negri

January and February can be the breaking point for a lot of us. We need a break from the cold winter days and endless snow. The cold winter makes it challenging for us to function and find the energy to cook. I am always searching for some warmth and comfort to help me feel like I can get through the long months. I find cooking often does the trick of settling me when I come in from what seems like an abyss of never-ending winter cold.

Food can represent so much more than just nutrients. Food can mean taking time to nourish our bodies, can help us with mindfulness, and expand our creative side. Food often offers us comfort from the challenges we face in our everyday lives. Taking comfort in food helps us ground ourselves in the memories, feelings, and senses we’ve had when eating the dish in the past.

One recipe I really enjoy is Feijoada- Black Beans. I make it in my pressure cooker! To give a bit more context: Feijoada is a Brazilian black bean dish I started making a few years ago. I was searching for something that would make me feel warm on those cold winter days. The dish has all the makings of a cozy, warm, and hearty meal. The warmth of the dish lets me escape from the cold and makes me feel like I just put some fresh logs on the fire and am settling to watch them burn for the night.

Feijoada comes from the word “Feijoa”, which means “beans”. Beans are a staple food used in all parts of Brazil. Considered a traditional dish, Feijoada is rich and filling due to its stew-like nature. With the aromatic spices, it is just such a unique treat. It’s easy to make. Add it to a bowl of rice, and you are good to go.

A personal note; I suggest making extra. We all have those days when we feel beaten down from the cold, time escapes us, and we do not feel like cooking. So, I always pack up two containers of stew for immediate consumption. And to be kind to myself in the future, I make extra to store nicely outdoors in my shed. One good thing about winter is my shed can now double as a walk-in freezer- because it’s so cold outside! There have been many days I come home and am so thankful I can pull out one of these premade meals, cook some rice and know that I am taking care of myself. Your future self will thank your past self for this.

Enjoy,

Mario

Many of us feel the continued pressure that the global pandemic has brought into our lives. Many of us are still working and learning from home, which can feel not very reassuring for some. In contrast, others may feel comfortable with the continuation of virtual life. Many of us are also sitting in a place where we feel tired and unsure of what the future has to bring. The Campus Wellness Team curated resources that approach wellness through a holistic lens- meaning the body and mind are parts of ourselves that require care during challenging and difficult times. Prioritizing caring for our mind and body during grief helps us combat isolation. And It gives us the tools to be able to support our mental health.

Below you will find some resources to help maintain physical and mental wellness during a time of social distancing. For additional information, continue to check www.rrc.ca for updates. 

RRCP Recreation Services

• Monthly fitness challenges – challenge your friends to see how many you can accomplish at home!
• New: Weekly Fitness classes facilitated live- Check out staff and student news 

Fitness Apps 

Several are free, but check to ensure before you download. Some examples include: 

• Tone It Up (Apple and Google Play) 
• New: BodySpace – this includes an online community component (Free)
• New: 7 Minute Workout: Fitness App (Apple and Google Play) (Free with paid options) 
• New: NIKE Training Club App (NTC)  (Free with paid options)

Fitness Bloggers 

Follow your favorite fitness professional on social media, or check out a new community to share your progress. 

• New: Reebok Fitness Blog (Free)
• New: Tanya Poppett and Morgan Rose Moroney 
• New: Well For Culture – Indigenous Health x life-ways 
• New: Budget Friendly Easy Gluten-Free Recipes | Bites of Wellness *A delicious blog 
• New: Home – Fitty Britttty

  Many fitness facilities and companies are live streaming classes or providing online content. Check your local yoga studio, gym or other fitness facility to see if they are hosting anything. Alternatively, check out one of the options below. 

Fitness Subscription & Online Classes 

Please note that these options may involve fees. 

• Peloton * free 60 day trial 
• New: Animal Flow (Subscription fee of $19.99 month, can be performed at home and all movements are bodyweight, no equipment)
• New: FitOn * Free virtual workout classes  
• New: Joyn- Joinful Movement – One month free  
• New: Workout Videos | Fitness Blender – * free workouts from bodyweight to stretching 

Fitness Streaming  

• New: The Fitness Marshall-  Free youtube videos optional subscription for live classes  
• New: eHowFitness – YouTube – *Short 2min clips on everything fitness related 
• New: Group Fitness Classes — My Body Fitness & Nutrition (mybodywpg.ca)– First Class Free- Winnipeg Based  
• New: Little Sports – YouTube – * exercise at home for kids….parents also encouraged 

Mindfulness & Meditation 

• MindWell-U 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge ^ 
• MindWell-U Virtual Drop-in Mindfulness Class ^ 
• New: The Science of Wellbeing– Free Course from Yale University  
• New: A 12-Minute Meditation to Reconnect with Yourself – Mindful 
• New: All articles – Headspace ( Free Trial for one month)  

  Mental Health Bloggers 

• New: The Holistic Pyschologist youtube
• New: Theempoweredtherapist Instagram
• New: The Latest Kate Instagram
• New: Nedra Tawwab instragram 

Relaxation 

• ADAM* audio guided relaxation 
• Clear the Deck exercise to calm worry* 
• New: Free Relaxation Downloads (innerhealthstudio.com)– Free guided relaxation 
•  New: Ergonomic Assessment Tool
• New: TimeOut app – ensure that you are taking necessary breaks
• Drink tea 
• Put on music and dance
• Mindful walking, eating, sitting
• Take a bath
• Take a shower
• Audibly Sigh
• Spend time with a pet
• Right down your worries
• Connect your breathe

Social Connection 

• Check staff news for events organized by Campus Wellbeing  
• Connect with mental health coordinator 
• Schedule a fitness and lifestyle consultation 
• Schedule an informal coffee break on WebEx. Grab your beverage and just chat about whatever you feel like. 
• Challenge yourself to reach out to colleagues and friends  
• Send voice messages or hold video calls with friends and family 
• Plan a skating day at the Forks 
• Send in a Cheers for Peers to a colleague
• If children are home from school, consider creating a daily schedule 
• New:  Take a course at McNally Robinson 
• New: Meet friends at the Winnipeg Art Galley- Free and Paid Classes  

Creativity 

• Stream an Opera performance 
• Virtually tour a museum* 
• Dance! Or learn a tik tok dance 
• Cook or bake 
• Join our virtual paint night event monthly 
• Doodle or colour 
• Put on some music or play an instrument 
• New: Make your own Mukluks in a local Leather Creations class
• New: Learn how to Urban Sketch 
• New: Arts Alive | Programs | National Arts Centre (nac-cna.ca)- Free and Paid classes and workshops on art

Stress and anxiety are normal reactions to abnormal situations. Now more than ever, it’s important to prioritize self-care and finding activities that help us feel grounded.   Reach out to the Campus Well-being Team if you have any questions about campus Mental Health and Fitness resources.

Campus Well-Being is now offering fitness and lifestyle consultations to staff and students.

Looking for some expert fitness advice? Not sure where to start on your journey to better overall health? Book a free, virtual session with one of our certified fitness professionals.

What to expect from a consultation

Your consultation will will take 30 to 40 minutes and can be done over the phone or via MS Teams. Your coach will ask you some questions about your current health, fitness, and lifestyle before collaborating with you on a plan to take concrete, actionable steps to better your health.

You are welcome to book up to two additional check-ins with your coach to talk about your progress and any obstacles you’ve faced.

How to book a session

To book a consultation, please contact a coach directly to set up a mutually agreeable time.

Your coaches

Mario De Negri

Mario De Negri is the Fitness Coordinator for Red River College Polytechnic. He’s been training in fitness and wellness for over 20 years and has a number of certifications in personal training, yoga and massage. He’s traveled abroad to study different forms of training in health and wellness and has completed a couple 10-day non-speaking meditations. His personal goal is to live to be 100 years old. He believes that being healthy isn’t just about picking up weights, but involves working on one’s inner and outer aspects in order to naturally feel more comfortable in one’s own body.

Mario is available Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-6pm. Book a consultation by contacting him at mdenegri@rrc.ca.

Evelyn Carriere

The reason Evelyn trains is to keep up with her Grandma. Evelyn has always admired her energy and adventurous lifestyle! By 90 years of age, she was still doing handstands against the wall in her condo. Evelyn wants to follow in Grandma’s footsteps while encouraging others to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. It’s never too late to be a boss.

Certifications

• CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), American Council on Exercise
• Senior Fitness Specialist
• Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, Canadian Red Cross

Experience

• 2 + Years in Fitness Industry (Small group + team training, 1-on-1 coaching, Crossfit Masterclass 55+)
• 13 + Years Coaching Volleyball (Canada and Europe)
• 3 Years as a Professional Athlete (Indoor Volleyball)

Evelyn is available to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-11am. Book a consultation by contacting her at emcarriere@rrc.ca.

Limitations

Fitness and lifestyle consultations are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Staff and students should consult a medical professional if they are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is pleased to announce its strategy for a more holistic approach to physical and mental well-being, facilitated through the new Campus Well-Being unit.

The new unit is an amalgamation of the Athletics and Recreation unit and RRC Polytech’s College-wide mental health strategy Healthy Minds Healthy College, and strives to create more opportunities for students, staff and faculty to participate in virtual and in-person activities that improve their overall well-being.

As part of the transition towards holistic well-being, RRC Polytech has made the difficult decision to cease participation in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference and will no longer operate Rebels sports teams.

Earlier this week we met with the Red River College Students’ Association executive team to inform them of this change and hear their ideas for how the SA can be included in the unit’s planning.

SA President Avery Halldorson provided the following message of support:

“The SA is supportive of this move and we look forward to seeing and participating in the activities and events the new unit brings to the College community.

We are in an evolving world, and while the varsity athletics program has played a role in improving students’ mental and physical health, the new Campus Well-Being unit can extend those same benefits to more students and staff. The new plan will provide something for everyone, from any background, and will be so beneficial to how students and staff integrate movement and self-care into their daily lives. In this new world, we have to find ways to adapt and be better, and I think this will be widely appreciated.“

It is important to highlight that this shift will not impact operation of The Loft or the Exchange District Fitness Facility. Both facilities are currently closed due to the recent rise in Covid-19 cases. This decision is guided by Public Health recommendations and a plan is in place to begin operating the Loft and Exchange District Fitness facilities when it is safe to do so.

Campus Well-Being was created as part of the Healthy Minds Healthy College Five Year Roadmap to Action and aligns with the College’s new Strategic Plan by: enhancing the student experience, fostering a culture of inclusion, and increasing opportunities for employee engagement.

The Four Priorities of Campus Well-Being:

Priority 1: Campus Well-Being is guided by a holistic view of health and well-being

• Evidence, assessment and evaluation of programs to direct needs
• Facilitated through a lens of equity
• Providing more opportunities to all students, staff and faculty to connect, and maintain good physical and mental health.

Priority 2: Sport and Fitness enhancements on campus and at home

• NDC Loft and Roblin fitness facilities
• Fitness classes onsite
• Virtual live and on demand fitness classes
• Fitness consultations
• “Ask the Expert” lunch and learns
• Intramurals (basketball, futsal, volleyball, pickle ball, badminton etc.)
• Activity challenges
• E-sports tournaments and watch events (in collaboration with the Manitoba Esports Association)

Priority 3: Mental Well-Being

• Through our College-wide Mental Health Strategy where we seek to:
  • Increase awareness and literacy of mental health (reducing stigma)
  • Provide advice and consultation; share internal and external resources
  • Build capacity through training (safeTALK, The Working Mind, Mental Health First Aid)
  • Partner with other internal and external stakeholders to implement:
    • National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety
    • National Standard for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students

Priority 4: Recreation and Wellness

• Arts based activities
• Relaxation based activities
• Mindfulness and meditation
• On-campus massage therapy

The Campus Well-Being unit is currently developing its full annual plan, and will begin making announcements about activities soon.

Currently Breanna Sawatzky is Acting Manager for Campus Well-Being. Breanna has been with RRC Polytech since 2016 as the College’s Mental Health Coordinator and has worked to implement the Healthy Minds Healthy College strategy and develop the five year Roadmap to Action.

I am grateful for Breanna’s expertise in health and wellness, her commitment to consultation and evidence-based practice and her enthusiasm for Campus Well-Being.  Breanna has degree in Psychology, and is currently working towards a Masters of Public Health through the University of Victoria.

Recruitment and competition for the Manager position, as well as other key positions in Campus Well-Being will be forthcoming.

For more information, please review the frequently asked questions below.

We look forward to connecting with each of you soon.

Laureen Janzen, M.A.
Director, Student Support Services
RRC Polytech

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will any staff lose their jobs from the decision to cease Rebels sports teams?

No current staff will be affected by this decision. Due to Covid-19, the Rebels athletics program has not been operational for close to two years, and all staff involved in the program had previously been redeployed.

The shift towards a holistic Campus Well-Being unit will allow RRC Polytech to employ students on a contract, casual, or part-time basis.

The College is also actively recruiting permanent positions within the Campus Well-Being unit.

Was this decision made due to budget cuts?

No, there were no budget cuts made. All funds that were previously used to support the athletics program will be diverted to Campus Well-Being.

Sports and competition help students focus on their mental and physical health, and help relieve the stress from their studies. Why would you take that away?

The Rebels athletics program involved around 100-120 students per year across the four sports RRC Polytech had participated in. Through the Campus Well-Being unit RRC Polytech will be able to expand the mental and physical benefits of sport and competition to even more students – as well as staff and faculty.

We are currently not working or learning on campus, how can we get involved in Campus Well-Being?

During Covid-19, the Campus Well-Being unit will expand its offerings of virtual activities, including physical, mental and recreational sessions.

Once staff and students begin to return to campus full-time, many of those offerings will shift to in person – however we will continue to host virtual activities as well.

The unit will also work with the School of Indigenous Education, International Education, the Language Training Centre and each of the regional campuses to explore the best ways to engage staff and students in person when it is safe to do so.

Bell Let’s Talk focuses on destigmatizing, building awareness, acceptance, and action in mental health. Of course, events will look slightly different this year, but continuing conversations about our mental health is more important than ever.

Hearing the stories others have to tell about their experiences overcoming and navigating mental health barriers helps us normalize and minimize the stigma or shame that we may feel concerning our own mental health.

Bell Let’s Talk Day represents a community coming together to learn about ourselves and the experiences of others and to create dialogue about what it means for us to support our mental health and wellness.

The Healthy Minds, Healthy College strategy focuses on ensuring that mental health resources in various capacities are accessible to the staff, students, and faculty at Red River College Polytechnic

For Bell Let’s Talk Day, we have compiled a list of self-led & facilitated activities to encourage participation in the mental health narrative by understanding and destigmatizing our experiences.

Please join us on January 26th from 12:00-1:00pm for a live facilitated workshop where we watch films curated by Student Life on Mental Health and discuss together ways to destigmatize and open up the conversation about mental health and wellness.

Explore Resources

Browse through the Wellness and Counselling Services websites and get up to speed on the variety of resources available to students. Staff resources can be found on the Staff Forum.

Pick up Bell Let’s Talk Merchandise

On January 26^th drop by the Student Association Office at the NDC and receive a free Bell Let’s Talk Package including a toque, worksheets, and key fob. For questions about this please contact Pamela Villafranca

Contribute to the Virtual Photo Booth

Capture and share a photo of you wearing a digital Bell Let’s Talk toque and add a message about how you are taking care of your mental health. Access the virtual photo booth here.

Participate in Self-Led Activities

Download the Bell Let’s Talk Toolkit that has self led activities, such as Self Care Activity Challenge, Kindness Box, Chatterbox, and Mandala Art. Access the toolkit here

Jack.org Pre-Recoded Jack Talk (online)

Attend the Jack.Org event on Mental Health 101- a course designed to help and develop an understanding of mental health through storytelling, and hearing individuals lived experiences.  Jack.org

Join the Social Media Campaign

On January 26, Bell donates 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for every applicable text, local or long distance call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, every Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video, and every use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat filter.

Mental Health Film Viewing- Facilitated Live Event

When: January 26^th

TIme: 12:00pm-1:00pm

Platform: WebEx

Join us on January 26^th to spend time together and watch a few short films on the topic of mental health, isolation, and stigma. Together we will discuss the films and practice grounding activities. Films are curated by the Student Life team and are chosen to represent various parts of ones mental health. Support will be available to all participants during the event. Register Here

The holiday season is the perfect time for gathering with friends, new and old, and sampling sweet treats.

This heart-warming combination came together in a special virtual event planned by RRC Polytech’s Language Training Centre (LTC) and Student Life as part of the Healthy Minds, Healthy College Strategy. 

“Cookies with Kerri,” hosted by Kerri Korabelnikov, dean for the School of Education, Arts & Sciences, saw 50 students register for an online chocolate chip cookie baking lesson. While everyone got to enjoy a tasty treat at the end, the aim of the event went beyond baking.

“This wasn’t about just chocolate chip cookies, it was about connecting with people and creating a community,” says Korabelnikov. “It was very energizing; everyone was laughing and having a lot of fun.”

Students now living in Winnipeg but originally from around the world, including Korea, Mexico, and Colombia, collected ingredient kits in advance. On a blustery December evening, they joined together to participate step-by-step in a two-hour online session, hosted by Korabelnikov and supported by Michelle Johnson, manager of Student Integration and Employment Outreach at the LTC.

Students were also encouraged to involve their children in the cookie-making class, which made the experience even more special, says Korabelnikov.

The online baking activity was a family affair for LTC student Heidi Novelo Poot and her eight-year-old daughter, Maya.

“It was something different that you can enjoy with the kids and meet other people,” says Novelo Poot. “She (Maya) was so proud, and I think that was the best part. And those cookies were very good, and the recipe was easy.”

Another student, Gabriel Novelo (no relation to Novelo Poot), has been in Manitoba since moving from Mexico in August and is taking classes with the LTC. Activities like “Cookies with Kerri” are a good way to connect with people, Novelo says, something that is more challenging in the middle of a pandemic.

“I wanted to participate with students from other classes. As a newcomer, I need to be in touch with as many students as possible,” Novelo says. “As a newcomer, you need to integrate and take part in all of the activities.”

For Novelo, who operated a food truck in Mexico, the experience marked another first.

“It was fantastic because I used to cook in my food truck, but I never baked. This was the first time I had the chance to bake something,” says Novelo, adding the cookies “magically disappeared” quickly.

In addition to building a stronger sense of community, there are other positive mental health benefits to activities like baking, says Pamela Villafranca, Mental Health Coordinator at RRC Polytech.

“We want to introduce students to different self-care activities. We may not think of it this way, but cooking, baking and prepping food can be a form of self-care; it can be therapeutic for some folks, the process of working with your hands, mixing the ingredients, and getting to sample the final product can feel really good,” says Villafranca. “This workshop promoted connection and community building, and taking a break from your studies to learn a new skill.”

Villafranca shares some key wellness tips to stay connected and support your mental health:

• Find ways to stay connected with your peers and your instructors – join group chats, use instructor office hours, turn on your video in class, and participate, such as asking questions in class
• Recognize that we need a variety of forms of self-care, and we may need varying types of self-care at different times of our lives
• Try something new! Baking cookies is one example of a self-care activity that helps you get creative, learn something new, and work with your hands
• Learn about the services that you can access for support, including the Mental Health Coordinator and Student Support Services department

Above all, Villafranca notes: “We want the students to know that staff and faculty are here for them, and we want to support them.”

To learn more about wellness initiatives at RRC Polytech, the Healthy Minds Healthy College Blog. 

You can also try out Kerri’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Mix white sugar, margarine or butter and brown sugar together
3. Combine baking soda and hot water in separate dish
4. Add baking soda/water, eggs, vanilla, salt, and flour to sugar mixture and stir
5. Stir in chocolate chips
6. Form dough into small balls and place on cookie sheet
7. Bake at 350F for 9 -11 minutes
8. Remove cookies from cookie sheet and let cool
9. Enjoy your delicious cookies

And feel free to reach out and let us know what you think!

Join RRC alumni, Amanda Le Rougetel for a night of Vision Board fun!

What is a Vision Board?

Also known as dream boards, a vision board is a visualization tool which refers to a board of any sort used to build a collage of words and pictures that represent your goals and dreams. These inspirational collages serve as your image of the future – a tangible example, idea or representation of where you are going. By putting a vision board somewhere you can see it every day, you will prompt yourself to visualize your ideal life on a regular basis.

What supplies do you need?

All you need is: a pair of scissors, glue, stock paper/poster board, and magazines!

Don’t have any magazines, but still want to participate? Register below, and check ‘yes‘ to needing supplies.

Magazines must be picked up at the Notre Dame or Exchange District campus. Pick-up times will be directly e-mailed to you.

Don’t forget – you can also participate virtually with absolutely no supplies with the help of Canva!

REGISTER HERE

As we step into the new year, MindWell is offering bite-sized programs and classes to help you create lasting positive change to support your mental health and wellness into the new year. Below are some of the offerings of MindWell programs and drop-ins available to RRC Polytech, staff, faculty and students.  All you have to do is sign up for a MindWell account and you will have access to all mental health workshops and drop-ins. 

What’s on Offer?

• Taking Care of the Mind that Leads

For all managers and people leaders, learn how to ground and remain resourced, relaxed and responsive as you effectively lead your team to success.

Learn more >>>

app.mindwellu.com/rrc/webinar

• Learn to Meditate: Modern Mindfulness for a Busy Life

Akin to training your muscles at the gym, mindfulness capabilities can be strengthened by meditation. Learn the basics and create your own simple meditation practice.  All skill levels welcome! 

Learn more >>>

app.mindwellu.com/rrc/dropin#thu_programs

• Choose Your Own Well-Being

MindWell’s virtual mindfulness studio with drop-in classes every day of the week! Sign up for one of these 20-minute sessions to get your daily dose of mindfulness and community! Find what works for you, and learn new skills to support your wellness.

Learn more >>> 

app.mindwellu.com/rrc/dropin 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our Mental Health Coordinator, Pamela at pvillafranca@rrc.ca

The holiday season can be both exciting and stressful. Exams may have left us feeling tired and in need of tuning in to the creative parts of ourselves. Practicing art and embracing our own creativity can help us feel grounded and is a beautiful form of self-care.  Please join us for a free Paint Night to take care of ourselves as we enter the winter season.

The Details

Date: December 16^th, 2021

Time: 6-8pm

Platform: WebEx

REGISTER HERE.

Kisa MacIsaac, RRC grad and owner of Power of Painting, will (virtually) lead you through an evening of self-care as you create your very own painting.

THRIVE events encourage balance and self-care that in turn supports good mental health. All THRIVE events are offered at no charge to participants and are open to staff, students, and faculty.

Need Supplies?

For this virtual paint night, you’re welcome to use your own supplies or sign up to borrow a supply pack. Supply packs will include the canvas, paint, and brushes and can be requested when you register. Brushes and unused paint must be returned to your campus so they can be reused.

We have a limited number of supply packs, so be sure to register early.

There is abundant evidence that taking time to express ourselves through creativity in a social group improves mental health and overall well-being. Don’t miss this chance to make yourself a priority.

More on the Instructor

Kisa MacIsaac (she/her) is Métis, a mother, artist, educator, and a RRC graduate (ECE diploma 2005). She works in a nonprofit early learning and

childcare program in Winnipeg’s inner city and leads wellness painting events as well as creating custom artworks. Making art is medicine –

it has the power reduce stress and anxiety, it is relaxing. Everyone can make art, it’s all about letting go of fear and just creating and going with the flow!
Check out: Power of Painting – Workshops and Art by Kisa
Facebook.com/powerofpainting
IG: @powerofpainting204