Website: https://stigmafreementalhealth.com/ 

Email: Andrea.Paquette@stigmafreementalhealth.com 

Area(s) of Expertise or Expert topic area:

• Mental Health and Wellness
• Personal Story of Lived Experience of Bipolar Disorder
• Stigma-Free Society - Awareness, Understanding and Acceptance

Bio: Andrea Paquette serves as the President and Co-Founder of the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society. In 2009, she initiated the Bipolar Babe Project, sharing her personal mental health journey and establishing a website as a valuable resource hub. Evolving into the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC in 2010, the charity later rebranded as the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society, extending its reach across Canada through comprehensive education and training programs. The society's core focus remains on mental health and anti-stigma initiatives for various communities.

At the heart of Andrea's dedication is the Society's impactful Virtual Presentations Program, led by 20 stigma-free personal story presenters. These individuals are empowered to share their own struggles and victories, spearheading Stigma-Free Mental Health’s mission to foster awareness, understanding, and acceptance.

Driven by a passion to combat mental health stigma and societal biases, Andrea shares her inspiring journey since her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2005, addressing diverse audiences across North America. As an acclaimed mental health activist, educator, facilitator, speaker, and published author, she has delivered her story at 850+ venues, including schools, workplaces, and community events, touching thousands with her message of hope.

Andrea's exceptional contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including the 2023 Alberta Blue Cross - Faces of Wellness Recipient and the 2019 President's Commendation from the Psychiatric Association of Canada. Notably, she was a 2017 YWCA Woman of Distinction nominee for Metro Vancouver and featured in a nationally aired Bell Let’s Talk Public Service Announcement. Her impactful presence extends to the media, where she appeared in CBC's documentary "You Can’t Ask That."

Recognized for her unwavering commitment, Andrea received the 2015 Courage To Come Back Award from Coast Mental Health, the 2013 Mel Cooper Citizen of the Year in Victoria, B.C., and the 2013 Award for Youth Mentorship from the National Council for Behavioral Health, Washington, D.C. She was also honored with Vancouver Island's Business and Community Award - 2015 Top 20 Under 40 Award and served as a spokesperson for the National Bell Let's Talk Faces of Mental Illness Campaign. Andrea shares her message with passion far and wide that truly... "No matter our challenges, we can all live extraordinary lives."