About Us

Tara is the Social Enterprise Manager and will likely be the first person to greet you when you arrive at the store. Tara is responsible for sourcing products and supporting clients and counsellors in their practice. Tara has an interdisciplinary background, with experience in social research, community arts, facilitation and communications. She is also Co-Founder of not for you. zine, centering the voices of BIPOC womxn and non-binary people, and is always in pursuit of new social projects to engage with. 

You can reach Tara 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.”

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.”

Phi joined the team in October 2019 in their role as the Storefront Assistant. They will welcome you to the store and support you in identifying the mental health resources you are looking for. Phi is a recent graduate from Ryerson University’s Social Work program and is a multi-disciplinary artist. They have been performing their spoken word, singing and drag at Pride Toronto. Phi creates warmth in the space through centering anti-oppressive practice. When they are not telling you about the newest books added to the storefront, they can be found reading comic books. Phi is currently pursuing an education in counselling

You can reach Phi at info@hardfeelings.org

“I am glad that a refreshing space such as Hard Feelings exists. The environment is welcoming and supportive. It is wonderful to join a team that is seeking to build a community with stronger mental health.”

Claire Angus, CPA, CA, MSc (Treasurer) – Director of Finance/Treasurer at several non-profits in Canada and the UK 

Maureen Carter-Whitney, LLB, LLM (Secretary) – Member, Condominium Authority Tribunal/Toronto Licensing Tribunal/Immigration and Refugee Board, Refugee Appeal Division

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

Katherine Roy, BA, MA – Arts Educator

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

Kaleigh Wisman – Communications and Storytelling professional

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 – Articling Student, Bay Street firm

Iris Nemani – Chief Programming Officer, Harbourfront Centre

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

2018 Hard Feelings Annual Report

2018 Hard Feelings Financial Statements

2019 Hard Feelings Financial Statements