Tammy Whelen is no stranger to adversity. She faced a difficult battle with cancer at just 25 years old, and has experienced firsthand the anguish of losing a loved one to drugs.

Since that time Tammy has dedicated herself to helping others. Whether planning fundraisers, sharing her story, or motivating others, Tammy channels her energy and passion into creating a brighter future for those who may be fighting their own tough battles.

Today, in her role as Education Lead at Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin, Tammy is focusing her efforts on helping to spread the word about the mental health issues that affect so many Canadians from all walks of life. As a Certified ASIST, safeTALK, Compassion Fatigue, Mental Health First Aid, Myers-Briggs and Mental Health Works facilitator, Tammy is determined to demystify mental illness and fight the stigma surrounding it. She understands that awareness is the key to finding solutions – not just for those struggling to live with mental illness, but for the families trying desperately to cope, as well as our society as a whole.

With a certification in Adult Education and Facilitation and Teaching Effectiveness, Tammy also shares her personal experiences which demonstrate that we each face our own challenges – big or small. She believes it is through understanding and acceptance that we can build a network of support for those in need.