Lauren is a mental health advocate and speaker focusing on living well with mental illness.
She is currently available for speaking engagements and consulting.
About Lauren
Lauren (she/they) lives with the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. She has the unique combined perspective of having experience working in the mental health care system as a social worker, and of navigating the mental health care system as a patient.
She shares her experience and knowledge as a speaker to various audiences, and also through her YouTube channel Living Well with Schizophrenia where her videos have been viewed over 20 million times.
Lauren shares vulnerably about her struggles and successes navigating the mental health care system, working on recovery, and living well with a chronic mental illness. By sharing her story and experiences her goal is to help others feel more supported in their own mental health journeys, and also to push for better mental health care systems and supports.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Social Development Studies
Honours Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
Candidate for Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), Health Specialization
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mental Health Educator
Social Worker
Researcher
Mental Health Navigator
YouTube Channel Creator and Host
20+ million views
200,000+ subscribers
200+ educational and
lived experience videosPeer support community
Lauren has leveraged the power of social media to share her story and spread awareness and education to people all over the world.
The videos on her channel help to normalize conversations around mental illness and reduce stigma associated with schizophrenia.
She also leads an online peer support community thats brings together and supports people living with schizophrenia.
Lauren brings a unique perspective to her advocacy informed by her lived experience, and background in social work.
Topics Lauren has spoken on:
Mental health advocacy
Her experience living with schizophrenia
Her experience navigating the mental health care system and roadblocks she has faced
Mental health policy and the social determinants of health
Leveraging social media in order to raise awareness around mental health
She is able to speak on a broad range of additional topics. Find out how she can share her knowledge and expertise to meet the needs of your audience.
Meeting The Needs of Your Event
She is based in Edmonton, Canada and is available to travel internationally for in person speaking events or is also able to present virtually. She has delivered keynotes, participated in panel presentations and facilitated workshops.
We also have the experience and production capacity to produce high quality customized videos to present at your event
Consulting
Lauren can bring her lived experience, educational background and professional expertise to your project or organization.
Manuscript review
Project advisement
Research advisement
Policy review
Organizational culture
I’m 31 years old, and a mother to three beautiful children. They keep me very busy, but when I’m not chasing after one (or all!) of them, I love to read (classic literature is my favourite), explore the outdoors, and particularly run. I love road running and trail running and have completed several ultramarathons. I find that physical activity and connecting with nature really help me to stay grounded and look after both my physical and mental health. Doctor Who is my favourite show because it combines a love for science and space, with an optimistic take on the human condition. I’m passionate about health policy, health equity, and social justice, and have leaned heavily into these with my professional and volunteer experience.