Description • Mission • Vision
NNMH is uniquely positioned at the intersectionality of mental health and disabilities. The Network is directed and operated by people with lived experience with disabilities and mental health issues. With a focus on the intersections of barriers that citizens face, the Network prioritizes the realities facing Indigenous Peoples, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, disenfranchised peoples, racialized and marginalized communities, people of colour, Black people, newcomers and all peoples seeking inclusion in the experience of living with disabilities. We promote the social inclusion and community involvement of all persons with disabilities within society. An essential tool in achieving full inclusion is the assistive technology application that NNMH makes available through its website. This tool serves as a significant step toward breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment.
The Mission of NMHIN is to promote hope and well being using an intersectional lens for Canadians living with disabilities and mental health issues. By working closely with our membership, and by forging partnerships and alliances, we promote social justice, human rights from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework in amplifying the voices of citizens to influence decisions which affect them and enhance their well-being.
Our vision is to work collaboratively with our partners and alliances across Canada and around the world in establishing a nation that embraces intersectionality in supporting the lives of citizens living with disabilities and mental health issues. We envision a country where all citizens enjoy lives free from discrimination and with the freedom to experience full inclusion as valued members of society.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina, Saskatchewan
Kathleen Thompson is the co-chair of the NMHIN, and a longstanding disability and human rights advocate. She is also the founder and president of her own consulting company, Thompson Policy Consulting Inc. Her work activities include providing crisis intervention and trauma counselling to individuals, groups and corporations to support Canada’s Covid-19 recovery effort. Kathleen Thompson is the co-chair of the NMHIN, and a longstanding disability and human rights advocate. She is also the founder and president of her own consulting company, Thompson Policy Consulting Inc. Her work activities include providing crisis intervention and trauma counselling to individuals, groups and corporations to support Canada’s Covid-19 recovery effort.
Aime Hutton, Voice Chair, 2SLGBTQI Leader
Calgary, Alberta
Aime Hutton has 20+ years experience in the field of working with youth and dealing with bullying and abuse. As past leadership has failed her throughout her school years, she has now turned her experiences and attention to helping educators, corporate leaders, and youth leaders. Aimes knows the need to feel safe and welcomed in all areas, which as an adult has now shifted to the importance of feeling safe and welcomed in the workplace. Aime is an 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Coach, a DEIB speaker/trainer, and international best-selling author. She has created trainings and workshops in the areas of Queer 101, Self Acceptance is My Superpower, Creating an Inclusive Workplace, and Creating Safer and Welcoming Spaces for all Employees. She is also an Emotional CPR Educator. Aime sits as vice-chair on the Board of the National Network for Mental Health representing the Province of Alberta and is a member of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Advisory Board with the Calgary Police Service. In her spare time Aime enjoys spending time with her wife Tara in the mountains, or in the city of Calgary, and volunteering for Calgary Outlink as a group facilitator of Grabb Java. Where Aime facilitates monthly coffee nights for adults of the 2SLGBTQ+ Community and allies. Both Aime and Tara are also volunteer summer coaches at the community level for the Special Olympics Calgary.
Grandmother Roberta Oshkabewisens, Indigenous Representative
Ottawa, Ontario
Little White Buffalo Woman: Bear and Loon are my teachers. Odawa/Ojibwe from Wiikwemikoong, Manitoulin Island, and proud mother and grandmother. My experience and training have and is still provide me with a long and rewarding life with our traditional teachings and ceremonies. I have been entrusted to follow through with confidence by those who have spent years of teaching me. Additionally, I facilitate and provide consultations to political leadership, other agencies/organizations, gatherings, and individuals. My main goal is to provide and facilitate our traditional healing and wellness ways of life for our Anishinabek to my best ability which I hold highly and respectfully due to the way I was taught throughout my life. I carry all the teachings with great pride and in honour of my teachers and guides.
Alan Bridgeman, Youth Representative
Winnipeg Manitoba
Alan Bridgeman is an accomplished software engineer, entrepreneur and disability advocate who has worked and volunteered in the disability community for almost a decade. Including, currently serving as an expert on the Accessibility Standards Canada’s (ASC’s) committee on accessibility requirements for Information Communication Technology (ICT). Alan has worked for organization like Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLR), Microsoft, the RCMP, Mamawipawin indigenous governance research center among many others. Alan is currently running and developing his own digital accessibility company. Alan has some background in mental health including having his Mental Health First Aid for Youth along with being regularly involved with the National Network Mental Health (NNMH).
National Project Coordinator
Ontario
Program Coordinator
Ontario
Financial Coordinator
Ontario
Communications & Outreach
Ontario