About Us

Meriya Gmeiner-McPherson

Storefront

Meriya is the Store Manager and will likely be the first person to greet you when you arrive at the store. Meriya is responsible for managing volunteers, sourcing products and supporting clients and counsellors in their practice. Meriya studied at Quest University with a focus on sociology, art and education and examined the intersectional nature of mental health in a cumulative art project exploring student experiences of mental health at university. She has an interdisciplinary background working as a residential counsellor, outdoor educator, thrift shop manager, bus driver, photographer and artist. She is hoping to pursue graduate studies in Social work and continue building her skills as a community organizer and artist.

You can reach Meriya at info@hardfeelings.org

“Hard Feelings is a space to seek support for the unspoken challenges that can influence ourselves, our families and our community. I am excited to work as a part of a social enterprise that is actively trying to make a more accessible space for talking, healing and community wellness.”

Benjamin Landsberg

Storefront

Benjamin joined our team in November 2018, allowing us to expand our hours and service in his role as Store Assistant. He is a Toronto-based contemporary dance artist with a focus on mental health, healing and the transformative potential of creative process. Since completing Ryerson University’s Performance Dance BFA Program, he has performed and collaborated with multiple dance companies and toured worldwide, as a dancer and choreographer. Benjamin brings a wealth of retail and merchandising experience to his role at Hard Feelings. Currently, Benjamin also works in crisis response and emotional support at Distress Centres Toronto, and is pursuing education in counselling and psychotherapy.

You can reach Benjamin at info@hardfeelings.org

“I am thrilled to be a part of the tranquil, supportive, and attuned space that is Hard Feelings. It is an honour to connect to people who come into the store and to support the incredible counsellors here.”

Kate Scowen

Counselling

Kate is the Founder and President of Hard Feelings.  She has been working in the non-profit and community services sector for over 30 years. She has worked as a counsellor, program manager, writer and consultant for a variety of community-based organizations in Toronto.  Kate completed her MSW at the University of Toronto in 2015 and has worked most recently as a counsellor at George Brown College and Ryerson University.

You can reach Kate at kate@hardfeelings.org

“Hard Feelings is the culmination of three years of researching, talking about and imagining a little space that might make big change in the landscape of mental health service delivery in Toronto. The response to this project has been unbelievably powerful and positive. I feel honoured to be able to bring it to life, with the support of many, many wonderful people who have donated time, ideas, energy and resources to get it off the ground.”

Board of Directors

Claire Angus, CPA, CA, MSc (Treasurer) – Director of Finance, Sheena’s Place 

Maureen Carter-Whitney, LLB, LLM (Secretary) – Vice-Chair, Environmental Review Tribunal

Arij Elmi, MSW, RSW – PhD Candidate, University of Toronto

Katherine Roy – Graduate Student, Ryerson University

Kate Scowen, MSc, MSW, RSW (President) – Counsellor, Private Practice 

Kaleigh Wisman – Community Relations Coordinator, West Neighbourhood House

Advisors

Robert Barnard – CEO Decode

Dr. Lisa Berger, C. Psych. – Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice

Maureen Fair – Executive Director, West Neighbourhood House

Janis Gillan – Owner, Cafe sur Mer

Cathy Mallove – Communications and Knowledge Exchange professional

Solomon McKenzie – Juris Doctor Candidate, University of Toronto Faculty of Law

Neil Price – Associate Dean, School of Social and Community Services, Humber College

Dr. Micheal Shier, PhD, MSW, RSW – Assistant Professor, U of T, FIFSW

Dr. Sarah Thompson, C. Psych. – Clinical Psychologist, Ryerson University & Private Practice

Financial Documents

2018 Hard Feelings Annual Report

2018 Hard Feelings Financial Statements