What: Peer Supporter-facilitated support groups and courses in small groups of up to 8 persons.
For Whom: Persons struggling with mental health and related challenges that are looking for a healing-oriented community, a compassionate, non-judgmental, empowering space in which to share, learn and grow. No referral or diagnosis required. Just a desire to move forward in one’s unique journey of healing.
When: June – mid-September 2026
Where: We offer peer support groups in-person and online. Refer to the specific group for more information.
Fees: None
To sign up: Connect
Group Facilitators
Brandon Topitsch
Brandon has been through some dark times with depression and meaninglessness during his youth. He rebounded quite well due to the actions of some close friends and supports, especially at a time when he thought that he was critically lost. During this time he quite heavily used athleticism and fitness to help get out of his depressive funk. With being well on the way to his recovery and being able to live with his depression and neurodivergent troubles, he has decided to help others along their journey towards greener pastures and hopes to give his time and effort towards helping others get out of the depths.
Percy D’Souza
GraceWins is an expression of Percy’s own life journey: from losing almost everything at the depths of his ‘dark nights of the soul’ which, among other things, included a diagnosis of ‘severe, treatment-resistant, psychotic depression’; to passionately living in the moment every day since, by grace, he was given a second chance at life in the spring of 2018. This is the core value Percy brings and realizes through GraceWins. He also brings to GraceWins a unique blend of skills earned through his diverse academic [PMP, MBA (Ivey), Post Grad – Communications (NMIMS), Electronics Engineering (MIT, Manipal)] and professional [Mental Health Peer Support, Healthcare Sales & Marketing, Project Management, Corporate Communications] experiences. And bold, maverick passion for the work @GraceWins.
Shawna Glaeser
Shawna has always been a creative individual, using art as a way of self expression. It wasn’t until she was dealing with several overwhelming, traumatic events in her life that she realized the true healing power that art had on her mind, body and soul. Creating art became a meditative and mindfulness practice for her. Shawna found art to be a calming and relaxing activity with many benefits for her mental health and well being. There is freedom in creativity which allows our imagination to run wild with no expectations. Shawna discovered that it was in the process of creating the art that she found her calmness, and upon finishing the art, it brought joy and pride.
Shawna knows that there are many that could benefit from Therapeutic Arts and wants to help guide others in this direction. She began
her journey as a Creative Arts facilitator in 2017, helping to empower others through the creative process of making art. In 2025 she completed her Therapeutic Arts Practitioner course and started her creative based wellness practice: Mindful Expressions ~Therapeutic Arts.
Peer Support Groups
Art Therapy Support Group
“It’s not about being good at Art, its about Art being good for you.”
Mindful Expressions is a Therapeutic Arts practice that blends healing with creativity. This peer support group aims to use guided creative sessions to empower and motivate self-expression in a fun and engaging way. The goal is to create deeper connections with peers, gain a sense of fulfillment, work on personal growth and develop emotional regulation in a supportive, empathetic and nonjudgmental environment.
Art Therapy Support Group for Women
Date: Tuesdays: Starts Tuesday, June 2
Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Where: In-person: Muslim Welfare Residences, 732 Dundas Street East, Whitby
Facilitator: Shawna Glaeser
Mental Health Peer Support Group
This is a group for those of us that struggle with mental health challenges to connect, share, support and learn from each other as we strive to move forward on our unique journeys to being our best selves. A safe, non-judgmental, respectful, compassionate, empowering space for us to be.
Date: Mondays: Starts Monday, June 1
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Online: Google Meet
Facilitator: Percy D’Souza
Music & Mental Health Support Group
Music is food for the soul. If you enjoy music – listening, singing – and you enjoy the company of others that do, then this group is for you. We connect through our common love of music. With the accompaniment of a guitar, we sing along to popular songs, make meaningful connections, share about our experiences, and support each other. No musical talent necessary. Only that you enjoy music and would like to connect with others that do.
We are offering two Music & Mental Health Support Groups each week
Music & Mental Health Support Group for Seniors (65+)
Date: Tuesdays: Starts Tuesday, June 2
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: In-person: Chartwell Colonial Retirement Residences, 101 Manning Road, Whitby
Facilitator: Percy D’Souza
Music & Mental Health Support Group for Women
Date: Wednesdays: Starts Wednesday, June 3
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: In-person: Muslim Welfare Residences, 732 Dundas Street East, Whitby
Facilitator: Percy D’Souza
Nature Walk Support Group
Nature is a natural anti-depressant. Science heavily backs up the the experience that a walk in the woods or even a local park can reset and rejuvenate our minds, break the rumination loop that is common with people that are stressed or depressed, and boost our moods. Even better when we go for a walk with a supportive, compassionate group of people that can relate to our struggles with mental health challenges.
With the fine summer weather upon us, GraceWins is organizing a bi-weekly nature walk support group for anyone that is struggling with mental health challenges.
Date: Every other Saturday: Starts Saturday, June 6.
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: In-person: Kinsmen Park, 155 Arena Street, Oshawa
Facilitators: Brandon Topitsch, Percy D’Souza
