CCDMP research assistant, Riad El-Karout presenting The 3Es © of Social-Emotional Development.
CCDMP research assistant, Riad El-Karout presenting The 3Es © of Social-Emotional Development.

Reflecting on the Beauty of Young Minds: A Recap of Beautiful Mind Part II (March 2024)

News

We're thrilled to share the heartwarming moments and inspiring highlights from Erin Mills Connects’(EMC) Beautiful Mind Part II which took place on March 22, 2024. Our knowledge mobilization team collaborated with EMC to organize this follow-up event to the Beautiful Mind Day in November 2023. This was a real celebration of our community's dedication to taking care of student mental health.  

 

The event was held at the new Mattamy Sports Dome at the Churchill Meadows Community Centre, where 19 teachers, 16 support staff, and 101 student mental health ambassadors from 9 elementary and middle schools spent the day learning about mental health support strategies, sharing how their schools are promoting student mental health, and participating in activities such as human foosball co-facilitated by UTM students and EMC volunteers.  

Mental Health panel with Dr. Ruthie Speidel, Assistant Professor of Psychology at UTM and Managing Director at the CCDMP and Jermeka Castello, Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker, Malton Youth Wellness Hub
Mental Health panel with Dr. Ruthie Speidel, Assistant Professor of Psychology at UTM and Managing Director at the CCDMP and Jermeka Castello, Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker, Malton Youth Wellness Hub

Student Showcase 

The highlight of the day was the student showcase. Student mental health leaders spoke about their outstanding work in promoting positive mental health at their schools after attending the fall Beautiful Mind Day. From creative art projects to innovative peer support programs, the displays were a tribute to the dedication and creativity of our young leaders and the teachers who support them. Congratulations to all schools, keep up the amazing work!  

 

Mental Health Panel 

Students had the chance to write down their questions about mental health, which were given to our expert panelists: Dr. Ruthie Speidel, Assistant Professor of Psychology at UTM and Managing Director at the CCDMP and Jermeka Castello, Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker, Malton Youth Wellness Hub. Ruthie and Jermeka responded to the students’ questions ranging from stress management to building resilience, providing practical tools and strategies for maintaining mental well-being.  

Mikayla Hamilton, communications assistant presenting the Kindness Catcher Kits
Mikayla Hamilton, communications assistant presenting the Kindness Catcher Kits

CCDMP developed resources given to students and schools
CCDMP developed resources given to students and schools

Evidence-Based Strategies and Tools 

The Centre for Child Development, Mental Health, and Policy (CCDMP) presented strategies and resources based on their child development research, including: 

  • Riad El-Karout, research assistant and social media coordinator, presented The 3Es © of Social-Emotional Development (emotion regulation, empathy for others, empathy for the self).  
  • Chanel Tsang, knowledge mobilization project lead, introduced a new student support strategy called R.E.A.CH OUT. © designed to help students recognize the signs of mental health struggles and be supportive friends. 
  • Mikayla Hamilton, communications assistant walked students and teachers through the Kindness Catcher Kits which the CCDMP developed and donated to each school, a kit designed to promote kind actions within the school community.  

It was amazing to see how these insights resonated with the students, sparking meaningful discussions, and encourage them to reflect on their own emotional well-being. 

 

We are filled with gratitude for Cathy Chamberlaine, Miguel Martinez, and the team at Erin Mills Connects, our staff and students, including Maya Awad, Joy Chang, José Chacón. Most importantly, we thank the incredible student leaders and dedicated teachers. Let's continue to celebrate the beauty of young minds and nurture a culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being!