1. Every Mind Matters at Work!
Session Outline
Course title: Every Mind Matters at Work!
Course description: Through the use of structured experiences, group discussions and
interactions, this dynamic, engaging and interactive session is designed to provide participants
with the opportunity to increase their awareness of mental health and its potential incidence and
impact in the workplace, challenge existing stereotypes of mental illness, and explore how they
might better support their colleagues who are struggling with mental health issues. Additionally
participants will have an opportunity to consider their current mental health and strategies to
ensure continued health and well-being in their current context..
What will you learn?
 Recognize the stigmas that typically surround mental health/mental ill- health
 Describe the continuum of mental health: From illness to wellness
 State the potential incidence and impact of mental health/illness in the workplace
 Recognize potential indicators of a possible mental health issue
 Evaluate your mental health status using the wellness wheel
 List an array of strategies to promote mental health, in yourself and others in the
workplace
Who should attend this course? Designed to appeal to anyone interested in acquiring
more information, insights and ease with mental health in the workplace and to acquiring insights,
information and ideas intended to support mental health in the workplace.
Date(s) – TBD
Location – TBD
Resources required –
 Laptop
 LCD
 Two flip charts
 TV/VCR/DVD

2. Facilitator Bios:
Diana Vissers, BA, MA (Disability Management), MCVP, RRP
CEO Work to Wellness- Disability Management Consultant
Diana Vissers is a professional consultant for disability management with a special focus on
mental health.
For the past 25 years she has worked with organizations to preserve and promote the health of
their employees and with individuals who have and are experiencing health challenges that
interfere with work. Her diverse experience includes working in the private and public sectors,
with the Workers’ Compensation Board, private disability insurance companies, unions, and
community based mental health agencies.
She is an active member of an array of professional organizations including the Human
Resources Management Association, Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada, the
College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professions, a past Director of the British Columbia
Vocational Rehabilitation Association, and past Director of the Canadian Association of
Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment, and editorial chair for the Rehab Review.
Diana recently completed her Masters of Arts degree in Disability Management with a special
focus on workplace disability prevention and mental health. Her research included development
of and delivery of mental health education for supervisors in a Municipal organization.
Gina Buchanan CHRM, BA, MEd, EdD (cand)
Principal of Changeways Training and Development
Gina Buchanan provides consulting, education, training and development services to an array of
organizations and agencies. In addition she serves as faculty in the School of Business and as
part of the corporate facilitation team at BCIT, and is on faculty in the Centre for Instructional
Development and the Centre for Leadership at the Justice Institute of BC.
Over the past fifteen years, Gina has successfully designed, developed and delivered a broad
array of workshops, courses and programs using varied delivery methods to diverse audiences.
Although varied in her work, Gina’s primary areas of practice include facilitation, adult education,
leadership and communication.
Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Psychology (SFU), a Post-Graduate Certificate in Human
Resource Management (BCIT), a Masters of Education, Post-Secondary Curriculum and
Instruction, (SFU) and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at UBC.
Complementing her education, Gina brings with her the experience, information and insights she
acquired in a series of progressively senior management roles in both union and non-union
organizations engaged in community services and education.
As a skilled facilitator with a passion for adult education, Gina enjoys creating dynamic,
interactive, education, training and development opportunities that promote participant
engagement and learning, enhancing both individual and organizational effectiveness.