Alayna Fender

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion are indispensable tools when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. Not only in reducing mental illness and stress, but increasing overall happiness and life satisfaction. In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, rates of depression, anxiety, and stress are higher than ever. Not only do mindfulness and compassion teach us a new way to relate to our pain and suffering, but they allow us to recognize and savour the good in our lives as well. A trained Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, Alayna shares how she has transformed her life through these practices. She provides audiences with a deeper understanding of the benefits that mindfulness and compassion bring to the world. Audiences leave this presentation feeling motivated to make changes in their lives toward wellness.

Words Can Help, and Words Can Hurt (My Story)
While the greater LGBTQ+ community is experiencing more representation in today’s media and social climate, bisexuality is often neglected in prominent discussions. Alayna wants to change that. In this presentation, she shares her personal story of discovering her sexuality in a small, conservative community and her experience coming out. Alayna discusses the importance of inclusiveness, challenging audience perceptions on what “straight” and “gay” may look like. The underlying message through it all is to use your words to help, not hurt.

While the greater LGBTQ+ community is experiencing more representation in today’s media and social climate, bisexuality is often neglected in prominent discussions. Alayna wants to change that. In this presentation, she shares her personal story of discovering her sexuality in a small, conservative community and her experience coming out. Alayna discusses the importance of inclusiveness, challenging audience perceptions on what “straight” and “gay” may look like. The underlying message through it all is to use your words to help, not hurt.