Mental Health Foundations: Cultivating a culture of compassion at SickKids

Mental Health Foundations, a cornerstone of the SickKids Mental Health Strategy led by Dr. Karen Leslie and Bonnie Fleming-Carroll, is equipping staff and trainees with essential tools to support the mental well-being of children, youth and caregivers. Through a dynamic, two-hour in-person workshop, 2,000 staff and trainees have gained practical skills in mental health literacy, emotional and practical support strategies and collaborative approaches when providing care.

Tailored case scenarios, exercises in recognizing stigmatizing language and open discussions on validating emotions help participants reflect on their practice and respond empathetically in everyday interactions. The program’s interprofessional format encourages meaningful exchange, with facilitators like John Westland, Social Worker and Madison Chin, Certified Child Life Specialist, bringing diverse experiences to each session.

Led by Katie Baldwin, Interprofessonal Education Specialist and Laila Strazds, Education Project Manager, Mental Health Foundations is inspiring real change beyond the classroom—empowering staff to support one another and provide compassionate, trauma-informed care. As Katie shares, “Mental health isn’t just the domain of psychology, psychiatry or social work—it’s part of every interaction in this hospital. The course can help staff members navigate these interactions.”