Udada Conference: Building an Inclusive Mental Health Landscape

Join us at the Udada conference: Building an Inclusive Mental Health Landscape!

Are you ready to be part of a transformative event? Look no further! The Udada conference is coming to Niagara Falls, ON, Canada on Thu May 02, 2024, at 09:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time).

Get ready to immerse yourself in inspiring talks, interactive workshops, and engaging discussions. This event aims to create an inclusive mental health landscape, where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

At the Udada conference, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, mental health professionals, and experts in the field. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to support your own mental well-being or that of others.

Discover innovative approaches, explore new perspectives, and learn about the latest advancements in mental health care. Our diverse lineup of speakers will share their expertise, personal experiences, and success stories, providing you with actionable takeaways.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to building an inclusive mental health landscape. Register now and secure your spot at the Udada conference in Niagara Falls, ON, Canada!

For convenient online registration and payment, please visit our website: [Udada conference]

Speakers for The Conference

Skyla Carmon

Skyla Carmon is a current Fiction MFA Candidate at North Carolina State University and a recent graduate of Cornell University where An Intersectional Approach to Black Women’s Work-Life Balance Relationship served as her undergraduate senior honors thesis. Skyla’s work aims to merge her empirical research background with her creative writing pursuits to share strong narratives that ultimately reflect the niche experiences of Black women in her narratives and findings. The research presented at this year’s conference is Skyla’s first completed academic work. She is now working on her Master’s thesis and debut novel in Raleigh, NC.

Skyla Carmon: An Intersectional Approach to Black Women’s Work-Life Balance Relationship

This study aims to examine the trends of both race and gender influences among Black women and their experiences with work-life balance using the Strong Black Woman Schema and Racial Centrality. Skyla analyzes the gendered disparities in Work-Life Balance while focusing on the racial differences. Her findings showed that there is a relationship between work-life balance and race, not just gender. She encourages racial centrality to be explored further.o merge her empirical research background with her creative writing pursuits to share strong narratives that ultimately reflect the niche experiences of Black women in her narratives and findings. The research presented at this year’s conference is Skyla’s first completed academic work. She is now working on her Master’s thesis and debut novel in Raleigh, NC.

Patrick Segawa, MPH, MA (He/Him)

Patrick Segawa is a distinguished Public Health Expert, Social Entrepreneur, and Adolescent and Youth Development Specialist with over 8 years of experience managing evidence-based projects in Uganda and Canada. Renowned for his expertise in Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS/STI Prevention, and Program Leadership, Patrick excels in research methods, community engagement, meaningful youth participation, health promotion, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Recipient of prestigious awards such as the Spring Research Fellowship and Student Research Award 2023 from Brock University, the Top 40 Under 40 2019 by the New Vision (Uganda), and the 120 Under 40 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute, Patrick has also received the Community Impact Award – 2018 from Clarke International University for his significant contributions to public health.

A prolific writer and researcher, Patrick has contributed to an edited book and published peer-reviewed journal articles, presenting his work at renowned international conferences, including the 23rd International AIDS Conference and the Women Deliver Global Conference.

Currently serving as an Intensive Case Manager within the Homelessness Services and Community Engagement Division, Patrick is a key member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee at Niagara Region. Holding a Masters of Arts in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University and a Master’s of Science in Public Health from Uganda Martyrs University, Patrick's impactful career reflects a commitment to improving global health and youth development.

Segawa Patrick: Drawing on Lived Experience of Peer Support Workers in the provision of Substance and Addiction Services in St. Catharine; a case study of ABC HEALTH CENTER.

This research found that the highest percentage of drug users can be accounted for by youth and young adults in Canada. Peer support also empowers the client to make informed and healthy decisions about their recovery. Some of the challenges faced by peer support workers include: the feeling of being vulnerable; not knowing when to draw the line in oversharing; difficulty in hearing similar traumas; and fear of being put into compromising situations.

Julianna Harry

Julianna Harry, is a Toronto-based registered psychotherapist and founder of Grey Couch Counselling and Psychotherapy a practice that focuses on enhancing women’s health, one client at a time by helping them work through the “grey” stuff, whether they be related to physical health, financial wellbeing, relationships and boundaries and career direction. Julianna reimagines a world where women are supported and cared for and works towards building that world one day at a time.

Lee-Tasha Smith

Lee-Tasha Smith is a counselling psychologist in training, focusing on culturally specific interventions, addressing oppression, and exploring the social determinants of health and their effects on marginalized and racialized communities. She recently made a notable contribution to the Canadian Psychological Association's journal, sparking a new dialogue about curriculum construction and its shortcomings in adequately preparing future psychologists to address the mental health needs of BIPOC individuals. Currently, she is collaborating with graduate programs to review and enhance their curriculum development processes, with a specific emphasis on intentionally incorporating cultural considerations into the core curriculum.

Lee-Tasha Smith and Julianna Harry: Healing Voices: Breaking Barriers and Nurturing Black Women's Mental Well-being

Summary: Their study emphasises the importance of culturally responsive approaches in mental health programs, to ensure that the support and interventions provided align more accurately with the diverse and dynamic cultural contexts shaping the mental health landscape for Black women. A key focus of their discussion revolves around disrupting the systemic silencing of Black women's voices, particularly in the realm of intra-racial concerns.

Watetu Gichuki- Ph.D. (C), Global Health, McMaster, Program Manager VAW Shelter

Watetu Gichuki is currently dedicated to her doctoral studies in the Global Health Program at McMaster University in Canada. As a scholar affiliated with the Stronger Futures Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) at Murdoch Children’s Institute Australia, she brings a unique perspective to her research. Her PhD focuses on the health of African, Caribbean, and Black women (ACB), specifically emphasizing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).

In her research, Watetu explores the application of an Afrocentric perspective to address the experiences of IPV among ACB women in Canada. Watetu also takes on the role of a Program Manager in the Violence Against Women (VAW) sector. Her professional journey spans both VAW and public health, collaborating with diverse groups.

Watetu approaches her work with a commitment to decolonizing practices and a trauma-aware, integrated feminist lens. This approach reflects her profound understanding of the intersecting challenges women face. In 2020, Watetu was honored with the Gown African Scholars Award for Emerging Academic Achievement. Beyond her academic and professional commitments, Watetu continues to inform the broader dialogue on issues affecting women's well-being.

Chris Leonard- Community Elder, Process Facilitator

Chris Leonard is a Community Elder, Process facilitator and trainer committed to supporting transformative change in communities and workspaces

Over the past 30 years, she has supported individuals, workers, and communities impacted by loss, change, and transition. Her facilitation and training are grounded in holistic, anti-oppression frameworks that build capacity in areas of Grief and Bereavement, Vicarious Trauma, Impact Debriefing, and Restorative Practice.

During the last three years, Chris has supported workers and communities on coping with pandemic stress and burnout, racial injustice, and collective grief. She brings mindful awareness from her training as a Zen Shiatsu therapist to her work that supports strengthening individual and collective well-being.

Denise Johnson -MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist

Denise Johnson is a highly dedicated Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, boasting an impressive educational background that includes a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Social Work degree, and a Family Mediation certificate from York University. Her foundation in social work is further strengthened by a community worker diploma from George Brown College.

With a career spanning over 18 years, Denise has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the principles of social justice and the enhancement of individual well-being. For the past 17 years, she has specialized in addressing Intimate Partner Violence, offering invaluable support to women and children as they navigate the challenging journey of rebuilding their lives.

Denise's passion for empowering and advocating for vulnerable populations is evident in her work, reflecting a deep commitment to fostering resilience and positive transformation within communities. Her extensive experience, coupled with her educational background, positions her as compassionate and skilled professional dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves.

Gichuki Watetu, Chris Leonard, Denise Johnson: Empowered Healing: Unraveling Transformative Insights through Afrocentric Praxis and Black Feminist Thought in Addressing the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Among ACB Women in Ontario, Canada

Summary: This research centers on exploring intersectionality in mental health care, guided by the Afrocentric principles of Imani (faith) and Umoja (unity). The integration of these Afrocentric principles aims to provide a holistic and culturally resonant strategy, acknowledging the importance of faith and unity in navigating the complexities of mental health challenges within the context of IPV going beyond academic discourses and offering practical strategies for the healthcare and social service sectors.

Keynote Speaker

Edna Aryee

Edna Aryee is an advocate for young Black women and has received several awards, including the Canadian Senate Role Model Award, and The United Nations Youth Award. Edna is an Associate of The Canadian Register of Health Service Psychologists and a Certified Clinical Traumatologist. Edna is completing her licensure as an autonomous Psychologist. She is also a Registered Psychotherapist and holds a Ph.D. in Counselling-Clinical Psychology and an Adjunct Degree (Ph.D.) in Gender and Women’s Health, Women’s College Hospital, both from the University of Toronto. Edna works in private practice and her employment history include Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry patients at The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Correctional Services of Canada, and Ontario Shores.