MEET THE

PEER SUPPORT

PROGRAM

Who Are

Our Mentors

DHF Alumni

or Type 1 Adults

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.

Our Mentors Have

Adelaide B.

Anna S.

Location: Toronto 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 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 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.”

Ferzin M.

Kristin H.

Lindsay N.

Location: GTA-Richmond Hill 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 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.

Ki S. Location: Vancouver/Cumberland, BC 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!”

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 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! “

Heather C.

Ravjot S. Location: Burlington 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.

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..”

Alannah M.

Kira S. Location: Ottawa 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 “”

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! “

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. “

Serena H.

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.”

Location: Sudbury Areas of Study: Biochemistry, Chemical Sciences 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!

Michelle E.

Victoria R.

Location: Toronto 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.

Sydney G. Location: Kingston/Barrie 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!

Luc L. Location: Sudbury 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!

Luka V. Location: Ottawa 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."

Matt P. Location: GTA-Etobicoke 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!”

Shannon D. Location: St. Catharines 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/

Barbara Pasternak

Founder & Chair

barbara@diabeteshopefoundation.com

Alexx Colley

Program Coordinator

alexx@diabeteshopefoundation.com