Peer Support Program - MEET THE - Diabetes Hope Foundation
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MEET THE Peer Support Program
Who Are Our Mentors DHF Alumni or Type 1 Adults Ages 21 to 35
Our Mentors Have Completed police reference checks for working with vulnerable populations. Completed 12 hours of Mental Health First Aid Training and certified by Canadian Mental Health Commission. Received two full days of additional training, including Compassionate Fatigue Training, Emotional Intelligence Training, and Leadership Training. Committed to sharing their personal and lived experiences to offer peer support for youth with diabetes who need social and emotional support during periods of transition and stress. Supported by Mood Disorders Association of Ontario through monthly community of practice meetings.
Location: Toronto
Adelaide B. Areas of Study: Psychology, Therapy
Years Living with Diabetes: 13 years
Hobbies/Interests: My favorites include Rihanna,
The Chronicles of Narnia, Titanic, Arrested
Development and the Toronto Raptors.
Statement: I became a mentor because I know
how essential it can be to have a friend/mentor to
provide guidance who has been through similar
experiences. While the health professionals I now
have been fantastic, it helps to have someone who
understands the day-to-day requirements of
diabetes care and how it affects your life.
Location: Hamilton
Anna S. Areas of Study: English, Psychology, and Education
Years Living with Diabetes: 23 years
Hobbies/interests: basketball, yoga, hiking, travel,
and writing.
Statement: I am a lover of EVERYTHING chocolate!
I make it my mission to find a specialty chocolate
store in every city I visit. To offset my chocolate
eating, I have always loved playing sports and my
newest passion is yoga.
Location: Ottawa/Toronto
Ferzin M. Areas of Study: Health Sciences, Doctor of
Chiropractic
Years Living with Diabetes: 20 years
Hobbies/Interests: learning about everything,
volunteering, planning events at school, cooking,
biking, soccer
”I decided to be a mentor because I know how
challenging it ca be to transition to post-secondary
education, live on your own for the first time, and
have the extra responsibility of being a type 1
diabetic. I went through a lot during my transition
period and had a fantastic mentor help me along the
way. I can’t wait to be that person for someone
else.”
Location: Vancouver/Cumberland, BC
Ki S. Areas of Study: Social Work, Counselling, Biology,
International Development
Years Living with Diabetes: 28 years
Hobbies/Interests: Big Mountain hiking, yoga, arts &
culture
“I grew up in Ontario, completed my first degree at
Guelph and then headed straight for our beautiful West
Coast ocean and mountains! I’ve always enjoyed living in
or near big cities for all the diversity and fun opportunities
they bring, but this year opens a new chapter for me in
the village on Cumberland, BC. Needless to say, I’m big
into nature and healthy living. I look forward to meeting
you and supporting you on your own journey!”
Location: GTA-Richmond Hill
Kristin H. Areas of Study: Child and Youth Care, Education, Special
Education
Years Living with Diabetes: 19 years
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, Games, Puzzles, Sci-Fi/
Fantasy Entertainment
“I’m a huge sports fan!!! I’ve been involved in the world of
sports for many years as a fan, player and coach. I’ve been
writing poetry on and off for many years, but have recently
gotten back into it and am in the process of publishing my
work. On my downtime, you usually find me solving
different puzzles and playing all sorts of games and
expanding my music catalogue. While I don’t watch a lot of
TV, my favourite shows are: SWAT, MacGyver, anything in
the world of Sci-Fi/Fantasy and anything on Food Network.
Location: St. Catharines
Lindsay N. Areas of Study: Medical Sciences, Nutrition and
Behavioral Studies
Years Living with Diabetes: 9 years
Hobbies/Interests: Powerlifting, hiking, water sports,
farmers markets and antique shops, movies and country
concert lover.
Statement: I spend copious amounts of time at the
grocery store looking for good sales and protein packed
snacks. I love to spend time with my Rottweiler, Bandit.
Every now and again I'll also check Pinterest for home
decor inspo, but somehow my room continues to be
decorated with cats and hippos.
Location: Burlington
Ravjot S. Areas of Study: Occupational Health & Safety
Years Living with Diabetes: 21 years
Hobbies/Interests: Watching shows and films , reading,
traveling and exploring, being a foodie, writing, listening to
music, going to concerts, spending time with family and
friends
My name is Ravjot but I go by Rav. I am in the Occupational
Health and Safety Co-op Program at Ryerson University. I
transferred to Ryerson from another school and I do not
regret it! So far, I have worked in both the lumber and nuclear
industries. Outside of school, I love to watch shows and films,
being a foodie, and spending time with my family and friends.
I have had T1D since I was two and my experiences with it
have made me passionate about meeting others living with
it and discussing our experiences.
Alison D. Location: Toronto
Areas of Study: Radiation Therapy
Years Living with Diabetes: 17 years
Hobbies/interests: Video games, movies and TV,
especially animated shows. Love exploring outdoors!
“I believe in cultivating resilience so that even on the
hard days when it feels like it’s impossible, we can
overcome and come out stronger. Having someone to
reach out to who gets how difficult diabetes is, on top of
everything else, is such a valuable support that I’ve been
lucky to have because of the DHF network. I want to pay
it forward and be that someone for someone like you! “
Location: Toronto
Heather C. Areas of Study: French, Biology, Human Resources
Years Living with Diabetes: 15 years
Hobbies/Interests: baking and decorating cookies and
cakes, board and other group games, and travelling
”I am a bubbly personality with a quirky weirdness. My
projects currently include perfecting my latte art and
making the world’s best brownies. I love exploring new
places and trying new foods, as there is always
something new to discover! This program is an amazing
initiative and helps build a community of support and
connection that helped me thrive and learn to love my
diabetes. I love meeting new people and talking about
everything and nothing; I can’t wait to meet! “
Alannah M. Location: Oshawa
Areas of Study: Nursing
Years Living with Diabetes: 13 years
Hobbies/Interests: Horseback riding, watching
TV, baking
“Hi! I like to spend my spare time horseback
riding or binge watching tv. I love all animals, I
currently have 4 cats, a dog and lease a horse. I
love to bake (especially anything chocolate)! I
graduated from UOIT in 2017 and have been
practicing as an RN for just over a year. I became
a peer mentor to be there for others the way my
mentor was for me..”
Location: Ottawa
Kira S. Areas of Study: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
Years Living with Diabetes: 15 years
Hobbies/Interests: Sports (soccer, volleyball,
football, weightlifting etc.) science and research,
hiking, music concerts, comedy and traveling.
“When I’m not out playing sports or at the gym, you can
find me at home watching Netflix documentaries with my
cat. There isn’t a comedy movie that I haven’t seen. Hoping
to travel to 30 countries before I turn 30. Big science nerd.
Spend too much money on concerts. Very competitive
board game player. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, I
never had the opportunity of having a mentor. It took me
years to accept my diagnosis and be open about it. I’m
hoping to help someone experiencing similar issues as I
did and guide them on their path to acceptance and mental
well-being.”
Janet B. Location: Ottawa
Areas of Study: Bio-Chemistry, Regulatory Affiats
Years Living with Diabetes: 24 years
Hobbies/Interests: Softball, piano, working out at the gym,
hiking and being outdoors, live music
“I love finding new ways to get out and meet new people
who share common interests, or finding ways to be
active. Can never go wrong though with turning on a
movie though; I love Marvel, anything with action, and
Disney. I lived in a few different cities for school, but am
excited to call Ottawa my new home by working for the
government. I enjoy being a tourist at home and attending
festivals, exploring trails and taking in the beauty of life! I
live by the motto of “do what makes you happy “”
Shawn R. Location: London
Areas of Study: Health Sciences
Years Living with Diabetes: 19 years
Hobbies/Interests: Competitive swimming, watching
movies, snowboarding, video games
“Although I don’t watch any sports on TV, I love to
play them among my friends, and I love to watch
movies and television shows. I like to ride my
motorcycle to the beaches around London, and I am
a hardcore “foodie”, whether its eating or trying to
cook something new.”
Rebecca P. Location: Mississauga
Areas of Study: Fitness & Health, Nutrition and
Healthy Lifestyle
Years Living with Diabetes: 19 years
Hobbies/interests: Weight lifting, hiking, puzzles &
board games, reading, cooking and baking, fashion/
clothes, music & collecting vinyl records
“I love being active and I’m always up for a challenge
whether I’m doing a Spartan Race or boulder
climbing. I have never been one to let my diabetes
slow me down from doing the things that I love. Aside
from being active I’m a foodie and LOVE to cook and
bake for myself and others. I’m a huge animal lover,
and enjoy going to music concerts! “
Serena H. Location: Toronto
Areas of Study: Media Production
Years Living with Diabetes: 14 years
Hobbies/Interests: Film Making, Dance and Travel
”After graduating from Ryerson in 2018, I have
entered the workforce and thus beginning my own
transition to #adulting. I love dark chocolate, my
favourite TV show is Boy Meets World, and
sometimes I like to listen to Andrea Bocelli or
Enrique Iglesias. I survived over 12 years of Ballet
and Jazz training and now I sometimes hit up
Zumba. I chose to become a mentor with the DHF
as the T1D community is so amazing and
supportive. I love getting involved with it any chance
I get. “
Location: Kingston/Barrie
Sydney G. Areas of Study: Human Kinetics, Education
Years Living with Diabetes: 19 years
Hobbies/Interests: Sports (both playing and watching),
dogs, movies, the outdoors, learning new things, getting
involved in the community, eating yummy food. culture
“I will talk anything from the last sporting event you
watched to the last book you read! I love hikes with my
dog Buster, food that is bad for you, and Netflix! I have a
background in science, but a passion for reading and
writing. I am currently in school to be a high school
science teacher, but am still hanging onto the dream that
one day I will be a stay at home dog mom!
Location: Toronto
Victoria R. Areas of Study: Accounting, Biology
Years Living with Diabetes: 20 years
Hobbies/Interests: Snowboarding, soccer,
volunteering, adventures in Toronto and country
music/concerts
Hi! I’ve recently moved to Etobicoke from Guelph for work,
and am constantly out and about experiencing all I can in
Toronto – whether it be a random pop up festival or event,
or going to one of the many amazing food places
downtown. I also absolutely love dogs and take every
opportunity to visit my dogs up north with family and pet sit
friend’s dogs. I am looking forward to becoming a mentor,
as with my transition to post-secondary education with
diabetes I have experienced the importance of having a
solid support group.
Location: Sudbury
Areas of Study: Biochemistry, Chemical Sciences
Michelle E. Years Living with Diabetes: 9 years
Hobbies/Interests: Olympic lifting, Crossfit, running,
hiking, travelling, concerts, and learning new things!
“I decided to become a mentor because I know how
mentally and physically challenging it can be for
someone who is living with Type 1 Diabetes. For me,
exercising and competing in Crossfit competitions has
worked wonders for my blood sugar levels since I really
enjoy food! When I’m not in the gym or at school, I like
to either go outside and enjoy nature, or relax on the
couch with my cat and watch Netflix for longer than I
probably should! My favourite types of shows and
movies to watch are comedies, romantic comedies,
horror, and medical dramas!
Location: Sudbury
Luc L. Areas of Study: Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry,
Anthropology
Years Living with Diabetes: 4 years
Hobbies/interests: Playing guitar, drums and
exercise
Statement: I am pursuing a career in medicine to
become an endocrinologist to help youth living with
diabetes. I enjoy spending time with family and
friends, as well as meeting new people. Going to the
gym has become part of my lifestyle and I have really
embraced it. Music is also a large part of my life as
deep down I still want to become a rock star like I
thought I would be when I was 9 years old!
Location: Ottawa
Luka V. Areas of Study: Biomedical Sciences
Years Living with Diabetes: 7 years
Hobbies/Interests: Exercising to physical exertion,
learning about new science developments
“We are always growing and improving, life's a long
term game that takes a lot of patience. Fortunately,
I'm a firm believer that things work out one way or
another with time and focus. I remember when I used
to be afraid of heights, yet today, my body naturally
finds its way to adrenaline ridden cliffs to climb for
what purpose? Well, the reality is that there is no
rational purpose. It's absurd! But I love it. I'm here
searching to find a healthy balance in the statement of
"being here for a good time, not a long time."
Location: GTA-Etobicoke
Matt P. Areas of Study: Chemistry and Math
Years Living with Diabetes: 21 years
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, writing, movies and
videogames.
“I love everything Fantasy & Sci-Fi I'm always ready to
watch the Lord of the Rings extended editions! When
not geeking out you will find me at the gym, where I
am preparing for my quest to destroy the One Ring
and stop Voldemort and the rest of the Sith. My one
weakness is my sweet tooth, but cookies are just so
tasty!”Location: St. Catharines
Shannon D. Areas of Study: Child and Youth Studies, Educational
Assistant & Special Needs Support Program.
Years Living with Diabetes: 30 years
Hobbies/Interests: weight lifting/powerlifting, playing
baseball, hockey, reading, relaxing!
“I have discovered weightlifting in the past few years
and it has become a huge passion of mine. Not only is
it great physical activity but it is a huge stress reliever
and also helps my blood sugars stay in control! I also
love staying active by playing baseball and hockey for
fun! I have 2 small dogs that keep me on my toes as
https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/
peer-support-online-application/info@diabeteshopefoundation.com
DIABETES HOPE FOUNDATION
6150 Dixie Road, Unit 1, Mississauga Ontario L5T 2E2
Tel: 905-670-0557 Fax: 905-670-0995
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