RAW– A Youth Mental Health Summit

RAW is a two-day youth mental health summit in North Bay, Ontario, designed for educators, youth workers, mental health professionals, and community leaders who believe in the power of creativity to transform lives. This immersive event explores how art, expression, and innovation can help us better connect with and support the mental well-being of today’s youth.Through hands-on workshops, compelling speakers, and a vibrant, supportive atmosphere, RAW equips you with the tools to express, empower, and evolve—both for yourself and the youth you serve.

Why RAW?
Young people today are navigating an incredibly complex world—mental health challenges, identity exploration, addiction, trauma, and economic uncertainty are daily realities. RAW is here to meet them with creativity, compassion, and real-world strategies that go beyond conventional approaches.

Whether you're supporting youth in a classroom, clinical setting, or community space, RAW will leave you inspired and empowered to lead with empathy, imagination, and purpose.

‍2025 SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS
‍
‍We’re proud to welcome a growing lineup of passionate facilitators and thought leaders who are pushing boundaries in youth mental health and creative engagement.

🎨 Jayson Stewart
Visual arts educator, environmentalist, and high school teacher
With over two decades of experience teaching at Espanola High School, Jayson brings a deep understanding of how creativity supports emotional regulation and healing. His hands-on workshop will focus on mindful mark-making as a powerful tool for calming the nervous system and unlocking self-expression.

💰 Mark Wilson – The Money Project
Founder, community advocate, financial wellness mentor, business owner, father

🧠 Elizabeth Jean Olivia Gagnon
Lived experience speaker, author, and youth mental health advocate
Elizabeth is the founder of Miss Liz’s Teatime & Parties and a survivor of extreme abuse who has turned her pain into purpose. Through storytelling and vulnerability, she shares a compelling look into trauma, recovery, and building spaces of connection and empowerment for youth who feel unheard or unseen.

🎤 Merissa Mills, BSW, RSW
Registered social worker, therapist, and creative communicator
Merissa’s workshop combines mental health insight with creative practices like storytelling, movement, and art. With a lived experience of ADHD and a down-to-earth, engaging style, she guides participants through accessible ways to foster identity, resilience, and meaningful connection with youth.

🎭 More Speaker Announcements Coming Soon!
Our full lineup will include artists, clinicians, peer mentors, and youth speakers covering essential topics such as: Art for trauma recovery, Creative approaches to addiction & recovery, Identity and expression through movement, Program building & community support,  Job readiness all with a mental health lens.

📍 Location: Rorab Shrine Club, North Bay, ON
📅 Dates: October 4 & 5, 2025
🕘 Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
🕘 Sunday: 9 AM – 2 PM
💲 Cost: $175 Professional / $125 Student (18+)
‍
🎒 Includes: Lunch both days + full Creativity Toolkit
‍
‍Join Us
‍RAW isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement. If you're ready to explore creative solutions for youth mental health and be part of a community that leads with heart and imagination, we invite you to join us.

✨ Spots are limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
‍[REGISTER NOW]
[BECOME A SPONSOR]
[APPLY TO SPEAK]