Dr. Natasha M. Ali has been a Registered Psychologist in Manitoba since 2016. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Islamic Psychology through Cambridge Muslim College in the UK. She runs a private practice in the city, works at the University of Manitoba as a psychologist and Muslim spiritual care provider, and also offers her services to the local Muslim community through Manitoba Islamic Association.

For nine years, she was the counsellor assigned to the Indigenous Student Centre at the University, working closely with Indigenous students. She therefore brings a unique lens to women’s issues, one shaped by her own experience of being a racialized woman, studying and working in predominantly White institutions, of listening and learning from Indigenous women, and from her faith tradition, Islam.   

Natasha was born in Montreal to immigrant parents from the Caribbean. She has lived most of her adult life in Canada but grew up in the Caribbean. She discovered the protections that came with practicing her faith when she was completing her doctorate in the US. 

Taylor is a mental health professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for driving meaningful change in the mental health field. She has a blend of clinical expertise, hands-on advocacy experience, and a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology that uniquely equips her to understand the complex intersections of mental health, trauma, and community support.

Her journey into the mental health field began early, fueled by a genuine desire to create change in her community. Taylor’s experience spans various domains, including subsidized housing, women’s equality, mental health and addictions, victim support, career guidance, student accessibility, inclusivity, and mental health advocacy within governmental, private, academic, community-based, and non-profit sectors.

Currently serving as the Director of Operations at Candace House, a pioneering non-profit organization that provides comprehensive support to family survivors of homicide in a home-like environment, Taylor is deeply committed to holistic care and community support. Her role allows her to address the complex emotional needs of those affected by trauma through fostering healing and resilience.

To balance her own self-care in the midst of supporting others, Taylor enjoys indulging in her hobbies – whether that’s diving down a research rabbit hole, knitting among her collection of candles, or whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen.

Rita Chahal is the Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. Traveling from Northern India to Pier 21 on Canada’s east coast at the age of nine, Rita and her family were the second East Indian family to settle on PEI during the mid ’60s. She would later graduate from Dalhousie University with honors and eventually settle in Manitoba. Building her career on the prairies for over 42 years, Rita’s work spans academia and corporate sectors, however most prominently she has served the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years.

As a champion of change, Rita has held key leadership roles serving as Executive Director for: The Women in Media Foundation, Employment Projects of Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC). Her vision and leadership played a key role in leading the province through the resettlement of refugees during the Syrian Refugee Crisis, and the influx of US claimants during the Trump administration.

As the General Manager of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, Rita was the first person and woman of color to take on the role. Major cornerstones of her initiatives addressed labor skills shortage issues, foreign-trained credential recognition, and HR services to address the impact of domestic violence in the workplace. Her community work includes serving on numerous local, provincial, national committees, and Crown Corporation boards as a chair or executive member.

Joanna is Anishinaabe from Huron Tract Territory and a member of Aamjwinaang First Nation. Joanna has been with RRC Polytech since 2015 and has held two positions in the Department of Community of Services – faculty and most recently as the Indigenous Curriculum and Cultural Advisor. With a background in counselling and social work, Joanna approaches her work from a holistic and relational perspective which is rooted in Indigenous cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial practices. Joanna brings 30 years of diversified experience in the human and social services field providing services and leadership to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and organizations throughout Canada and the United States.

In this new role, Joanna’s focus will be Indigegogy where she will be working with faculty to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and ways of teaching and learning into curriculum and instructional practice. Joanna is passionate about creating holistic and relational learning experiences for faculty and staff to learn about Indigegogy and how to approach Indigenizing curriculum and practices.

Nadine is currently working as an instructor at RRC Polytech’s micro credential Shelter Support Worker program for housing and intimate partner violence. She draws on the experience and training gained from more than 10 years working in the social service field with youth and women, a master’s degree in Social Work from the school of Social Work at McGill University and an Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg with majors in Religion and Culture and Conflict Resolution Studies. Nadine is also a PhD candidate in Sociology at Carleton University. where she has explored food culture in relation to transnational identities, race and ethnicity in Canada, disability studies and capitalism and economic stratification.

She has worked in the health care setting at Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department and has a strong interest in social policy that aligns with the health and wellbeing of an inclusive society. She believes strongly in the value and power of community knowledge and community building.

Join Coach Justin Ross to build strength, flexibility, and training knowledge in this self-paced class that focuses on movement quality over quantity. All fitness levels are welcome & exercise progressions and modifications will be provided throughout each workout to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. Sifu Josh Schafer teaches this longevity practice that is easy to access and yet profound enough for a lifelong engagement.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Mondays, 12:10 to 12:55pm, in the A103. All experience levels welcome.

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For a virtual Tai Chi option and other online movement classes, create or sign in to your free MindWell account.

These fun and high energy sessions utilize bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, bands and more for a compete total-body workout. Coach MG welcomes all fitness levels, providing exercise progressions and modifications to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

Learn about the foundational movements of Breaking, and their connection to Hip Hop culture with instructor, Mooki. Classes will be focused around learning steps, and terminology which will provide students a knowledge base to take the dance into their own hands.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesdays, 12:10 to 12:50pm, in the A103. All experience levels welcome.

Holly Pluchinski guides participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels; mats are provided for in-person sessions.

In-Person

• Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, GM33, near North Gym.

Virtual

• Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm *Includes access to recording for one week post-class.

• Fridays – REGISTER – 12:15 to 12:45pm

Note: Links for virtual sessions will be emailed to registrants separately.

Learn practical self defense techniques in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Gain confidence and fitness while adding tools and techniques to the martial arts toolkit. Taught over five independent workshops, a person can attend all or any single class, and gain benefit.

Thursdays, March 7 to April 4, 2024, 4:15pm to 5:15pm, in North Gym side court.

Find out more class details and registration link.

Cravings are a natural part of the human body. However, when these cravings become persistent and intense, they can be a source of stress and change our relationship with food. Additionally, what sugar is good? What sugar is bad? How do I reduce my sugar intake? Join Registered Dietician Hao-Yi Sim to learn about why cravings occur and how to manage sugar intake.

REGISTER – In-Person or Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – 12:00 to 1pm, Connected Classroom in EMP – G139, near North Gym.

Anyone who has spent time in Manitoba knows that the province’s mascot is the mosquito, closely followed by ticks hitching a ride. And in our homes could be other insects waiting for us, like lice and bedbugs.

Join presenter, Syd Shukla Bergen, BSc and Master of Science in Entomology student to learn to recognize common Manitoba pests, identify the diseases they carry, and discover ways of limiting exposure.

REGISTER – Virtual, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 12pm to 1pm.

Elevate your indoor jungle with Landscape Horticulturists! This hands on session will guide you through the nuances of repotting tropical plants and sowing seeds, ensuring your green companions thrive. Learn to select the right soil, understand pot sizes, and master timing for planting seeds.

REGISTER – Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 4:30 to 6:30pm

Location: NDC Greenhouse, Building S

If you want to properly repot one of your own house plants, bring that along too. Please wear covered footwear.

Discover an ancient, effective and simple practice to calm and align the whole system of body, mind and spirit. Utilize the power of breath, posture, intent and voice to activate an inner self-healing guidance system. The session will be led by Jolie Lesperance, multidisciplinary performer and teacher in the areas of dance, theatre and martial arts. No prior experience or training is required.

REGISTER – Thursday, March 28, 2024, 6:30pm to 7:30pm (NOTE: Recording will be made available after the class to all registrants).

Campus Well-Being welcomes you to tap into your creative side, connect with new people and take some time for your wellness. Click for more information and registration.

Free Flow Paint Night

REGISTER – EDC: Tuesday, March 5, 4:15 to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – NDC: Tuesday, March 12, 4:15pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Virtual Paint Night

REGISTER – Virtual: Thursday March 7, 6pm to 8pm. Link will be emailed to registrants closer to the event.

Make Your Own Fairy Garden

REGISTER – EDC: Thursday, March 14, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – NDC: Tuesday, March 26, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Spend some time in nature – join fellow students and staff for a guided walk through the Chickadee Trail at Birds Hill Park. We will spend some time bird watching and walking through the trails.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Roundtrip by Chartered Bus – 9:45am to 1pm. REGISTER – Seating is limited. You may also register family members to attend (space permitting).

The bus will stop at NDC at 9:45am and then at EDC at 10:00am.

OR provide your own transportation and meet the group at Chickadee Trailhead at 10:40am in Birds Hill Provincial Park.

Bring yourself, your friends or family for an “all welcome” board game night.

DROP-IN – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, March 19, 4 to 7pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

DROP-IN – Notre Dame Campus: Thursday, March 21, 4 to 7pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Contact Kristi if you’d like to reserve a specific game for your group of friends, classmates or staff team.

Hear from a panel of distinguished women who will address student mental health challenges and the achievements and contributions of women in the mental health field! Join us for lunch right after to connect with others!

Walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability.

Date: March 6, 2024 – register here

Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm

In-person location: NDC G139 – Connected Classroom

Virtual location: MS teams

Join Ms. J La’s Fur Babies on March 21, 2024, to meet some adorable feline friends and enjoy light refreshments.

You are welcome to register here or walk in.

Cat food donations are encouraged.

Learn the basics about mental health and how you can be proactive in managing yours this semester. If you attend, you have a chance to win a prize!

You are welcome to register or join the day of.

March 18th on MS TEAMS 12:00pm – 1:00pm (virtual) Register here! Email Fizza for the link.

Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:30pm North Gym

Fridays 3:00 – 4:00pm North Gym

Fridays 4:00 – 5:30pm North Gym

Mondays 4:00 – 5:30 pm North Gym

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 – 5:30 pm North Gym

When it comes to making art, it’s all about the process! Let your imagination and intuition flow – we supply all the materials and you bring your creativity.

Kisa MacIsaac, paint night instructor extraordinaire, will be on hand to offer guidance, help with techniques, tips and tricks to make your painting come alive.

Materials for this unique paint night experience include: various sizes of paint canvases, sponges, variety of stencils, pencils, acrylic paint, variety of brushes, cardstock, scissors (to create custom stencils), and some different “loose parts” to use to create your unique and wild artwork to take home!

Note: This paint night is NOT a guided step-by-step painting. Instead, you will be shown some ideas on how to use the materials, with some visual ideas of wild kinds of art you could create, and you will be encouraged to be brave, let your stress melt away and just create, following your intuition along the way)

REGISTER – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 4:15 to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 4:15pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave, DM30.

“Art is a powerful form of medicine – with the power to heal, to find insight, stillness and growth, to de-stress and feel in balance. Making art is a safe space to be wild and free.” Kisa MacIsaac

Join Campus Well-Being, the Students’ Association and instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for an evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants follow a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas.

There is no cost for this event. All students and staff are welcome to register. Limited number of spots.

REGISTER – Virtual: Thursday March 7, 2024, 6pm to 8pm. Link will be emailed to registrants closer to the event.

NOTE: The first 20 RRC Polytech students may request a paint kit to pick up from NDC or EDC. You will receive email confirmation. Student kits are limited, so register early.

Escape from our wintery world for a couple of hours and relax with some greenery. Pick a container with plant and add some accessories to create your own “fairy garden” to take home with you.

All materials and plants provided. Register early, seating limited.

Session Details:

REGISTER – EXCHANGE DISTRICT CAMPUS: Thursday, March 14, 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – NOTRE DAME CAMPUS: Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Join the RRCSA and Campus Well-Being for a night of pottery or wood painting! Enjoy some relaxing, unhurried creative time by picking a small terracotta ready-to-paint flowerpot or a wooden butterfly and transforming it into your own amazing work of art.

All materials supplied!

REGISTER – EXCHANGE DISTRICT CAMPUS: Thursday, April 4, 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – NOTRE DAME CAMPUS:  Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave.