Laurie Pinard
Laurie is an exercise enthusiast and running instructor living in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In 2012, Laurie was chosen as one of five individuals representing Canadians in the Faces Campaign by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. This national campaign highlights awareness about mental health issues. Laurie then became a spokesperson for Bell Media’s Let’s Talk Campaign in 2013 to educate the country on reducing stigma surrounding mental illness. Laurie has appeared in every national newspaper publication in Canada and on national television to talk about her story and encourage others to take ownership of their illness and seek the help they need. Laurie represents self-determination, resiliency, and hope; she speaks nationally about her story of battling back from mental illness and lets people know it is possible to reach recovery and live a healthy, fulfilling life.