Halyna is a Registered Psychotherapist holding a Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto.

She has been practicing in the field for over 6 years and throughout has incorporated, facilitated and developed numerous mindfulness and wellness-related programs, workshops and events. Meditation & Mindfulness, Journalling, Art Therapy and any type of movement have been crucial avenues of wellness for Halyna to engage in herself and make more accessible for others.

Hi, I am Rebecca! I got my first serious concussion tobogganing in grade 2. Since then, I've had many more. My 8th concussion in 2014 left me with long term symptoms, forcing me to step away from my sales career to focus on building resiliency. Fortunately, I had my yoga practice and my Education degree to help me create a daily routine that supported my growth, as I had to wait months to receive help from Parkwood Hospital, where the wonderful staff taught me so much more about living with a concussion.

I completed my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2016, and since then have completed many more, taking me to over 500 hours of courses with the top instructors I could find. I discovered macrame in 2021 when my plants began taking over the house and I needed more space. I love the moving meditation of tying the repeated patterns, and find it soothing to create beautiful things when I am having a bad symptom day. As these practices have been key to creating a new, concussion friendly life for myself, I am on a mission to help others find the tools that help me.

When I learned about Keep Your Head Up, I knew it would be a great fit for me. I love connecting with other passionate people and sharing what has helped me. Every time I get to connect with someone else living with a TBI, I learn something new about my own experience. I'm looking forward to connecting with all of you!

Hi everyone, I’m Maria, and I am so excited to be part of the KYHU team and community. I’m a performer and a coach. I have a masters degree in vocal performance, and over 10 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor.

After being hit by a drunk driver in my twenties, I was left with chronic muscle tension, migraines, and sensory processing issues. At the time I had no idea these symptoms would become my biggest teachers in mindfulness, balance, boundary setting, and compassion for self and others. I’m eager to share what I’ve learned on my own journey, and offer you some tools and techniques to promote wellness within your unique odyssey with TBI.

In order to better understand the inner workings of my own brain and body, and to better serve my clients, I am dedicated to ongoing learning, training and development. I am a certified mental health and vocal health first aider. I have trained in postural assessments and myofascial release using foam rollers, therapy balls, and self-massage techniques. I have studied the foundations of trauma-informed expressive arts therapy, and have taken several meditation courses in addition to being a meditation practitioner for over 10 years.

Currently, I am enrolled in a neurobiology course at The University of Chicago in order to learn about various neurological conditions that challenge folks like you. I wholeheartedly believe that movement is medicinal, however, in order to tap into the incredible mental and physical health benefits of movement, we first have to get the prescription right. Not all physical activity is right for all bodies, and that is where mindfulness comes in. By focusing your attention on the present moment and on the physical sensations of movement while you’re experiencing them, you can develop a keener somatic awareness that allows you to more easily read the cues and feedback that your body is sending you. A mindful movement practice can generate a heightened sense of self-knowledge moment-to-moment, allowing you to challenge yourself safely and discern your limits more accurately without further judgement of your experience.

With practice, moving mindfully can grant you more comfort and control over your mind and body’s response to physical activity, often making it a more enjoyable experience overall. I’m looking forward to meeting you, and moving mindfully with you all very soon!