What people are saying about our workshops...
HOSTS/SPONSORS:

I recently had the privilege of participating in the Smiling Mask’s Team (October 2011) -  Parent and Professional workshop with the debut of their new workbook “Behind the Mask: Trust, Adjust and Transform Your Life!”  I think that these three women and their families are all incredible, smart and resilient.   The power they have to transform is amazing – I think they are going to change lives!  They have taken a very difficult topic and made it real and okay.  It was a gift to me to be able to be a part of their presentations.  The topic of Postpartum Depression has long been taboo – I think these women are going to change family policy and make a real difference in the lives of families affected by this hidden disease.

Crystal Elliott R.P.N., Executive Director
Family Centre, Lethbridge, AB
PARENTS:

Very educational.  I am on the right track.  Thank you!

I felt I belonged here "more" after hearing from the fathers.  I came here, originally, to support my wife.  Thank you.

Great and friendly speakers!

You guys really comforted me, and made me realize I am not alone.  You opened my eyes and gave me tools to start making my life better!  It is amazing that you guys are bringing this to attention!

Very impressed!

I liked the interview portion.  I think that if you could make more time for interviewing, even with pre-made questions, it might be a little more useful.  All in all, I am glad to have been here.  ~ father of two

It was great to have a chance to listen to both sides.  Unfortunately, Lethbridge does need resources for Postpartum Depression, even depression, alone.  So, I think it's great what you're doing tomorrow in regard to the healthcare professionals.  Thank you for bringing the awareness to the different communities and families!

Information from class is really helpful.  I will definitely try some ideas from the class.


PROFESSIONALS:

I thought it was really powerful to hear about your stories.  The Q&A session after the DVD was almost even more powerful to me than the DVD (which was amazing, already, don't get me wrong).  Really had an amazing day.

Amazing workshop!  What brave women and their spouses for presenting what they have gone through and for normalizing PPD.   If anything, there should have been tissue boxes at the tables, very touching and real stories!

Starting with The Smiling Mask DVD made a huge impact to start with - followed by the interview or question time - helped set the stage for this workshop, and helped me personally appreciate each of these three presenters (and their mates).  I appreciated their honesty and passion for helping "post-partum" moms and dads by getting information into the hands of community support agencies.  What a worthwhile day!

Having gone through PPD, personally, this was a great presentation to see/show the hope there is.  Also by educating, we can prevent others from suffering thorugh what we have.  Absolutely relevant and pertinent.

Eye-opening experience.  Happy to gain insight on the topic.  Enjoyed hearing the personal stories about PPD from the faciliators; it added a nice touch.  Looking forward to checking out other resources and websites on the topic.  The Smiling Mask will surely help a lot of women in need.  Great job!

This workshop was very informative and useful.  As a professional that deals closely with postpartum mothers/fathers, I found that it was a very good workshop to help me reflect on the care I offer my clients and improve where necessary.  As well, it has enticed me to get the word out on improving our healthcare with PPD.

Kudos to all of you for sharing your experiences.  Your sharing is so valuable in helping other women and partners come forward and acknolwedge this condition and know they are not alone.  Healing starts with hope and that is what you've provided, today.  Thank you so much : )

Amazing day!  The info was practical and useful.  Networking was great.  Opportunity to start looking at the gap in services for women with PPD.

Great presentation; I love hearing from the fathers!

Great hands-on workshop with lots of information.  Passing tools to use in the field.

Such powerful stories!  Thank you for empowering others with your own vulnerability.

I feel empowered to help women and families dealing with PPD!

Excellent workshop - incredibly useful for professionals, and I will promote this resource.  I hope more communities (and, globally) will embrace these ladies and their mission of awareness and support for PPD.

Loved the video - hits you straight in the heart.  Glad that there is a possibility of changing assessments and intervention in Public Health so we can make a difference in this area.

It was refreshing to hear the husbands' point of view and their perspective on living with someone who has PPD.