Our Team
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
Our Supporters
Diane Dale
Mary Anne McNally