Maria Estrada is a passionate mental health advocate, speaker, educator, and professional Child & Youth Counsellor specializing in mental health and addiction. Having immigrated to Canada as a child, Maria faced mental health challenges and stigma firsthand. This led her on a journey of self-advocacy, diagnoses, relapse, and ultimately, recovery. Now, Maria uses her personal story to support others, especially youth with complex needs. She has been recognized with the 2017 United Way Halton Hamilton Community Speaker Award and the 2019 Vicky Award for Shine Out Shine Out. She is currently writing a multi-disciplinary memoir that expands on existing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) literature by exploring her lived experience on both sides of the mental healthcare system.

“Not all those who wander are lost” -J.R.R Tolkien

I gather on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Attawandaron, and the Huron-Wendat people. I understand that the land I recognize as Halton has been, and is, home to many First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples from across Turtle Island, and beyond. I also recognize the unique connections and relationships that Indigenous people and their ancestors have had with this place since time immemorial.

Kalyn’s Coffee Talk hosted by Kalyn Nicholson

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield