A leading voice for Canadian families.
We train and empower family members to share life transforming skills, building community and hope through evidence-based family programs, advocacy and education.
Sashbear began with one family.
Lynn Courey and Mike Menu created The Sashbear Foundation in memory of their daughter Sasha, who lived with Borderline Personality Disorder and died by suicide in June 2011.
They brought Family Connections to community settings around Toronto in 2014. Today it reaches families across Canada, led by people who have lived it.
Every March 10, on Sasha’s birthday, we mark Mindfulness Day, to bring hope to others.
Our storyA stigma free world where life coping skills, support and hope are available and accessible to anyone in need.
To lead a mental health reform and create a validating environment for everyone.
- Eliminating the stigma around emotion dysregulation and suicide
- Promoting early prevention and recognition, and access to timely, affordable treatment
- Disseminating effective life coping and relationship skills
- Informing, empowering and mobilizing families and communities for change
What we bring to this work.
- Compassion
- Dedication
- Evidence-based practice
- Inclusion
Our team.
- Lynn CoureyPresident
- Doreen HyndmanProgram Strategist
- Johanne DeschampsProgram Administrator
- Lauren ZauderProgram Coordinator
- Marlene YipDevelopment Officer
- Melanie JaniManager of Volunteer Engagement
Board of Directors.
- Paul KungChair
- Shirley MoumourisTreasurer
- Vanessa DreyerSecretary
- Terry CrosbyDirector of Indigenous Relations
- Kathy HunterDirector
- Christiane DevaudDirector of French Programming
- Charlene FreakeDirector
- Alison TaylorDirector
Listening and learning.
Each September 30, we reflect on the deep effects of residential schools, including through the stories survivors share.
Read moreYou are not alone.
We work to address and prevent discrimination and stigma, and provide a safe, inclusive environment for families to learn new skills.
Read moreConnect with us.
We are pleased to collaborate with community members, mental health providers, schools, agencies and researchers.
General and mediainfo@sashbear.org
Family programsfcprogram@sashbear.org
Sashbear Walkwalkcoordinator@sashbear.org
Donationsdevelopment@sashbear.org
Phone416.523.0495 or 1.888.523.0495
Every family deserves skills, support and hope.
Make waves with us. Join a free program, walk in your city, or help another family find their footing.