Empowering young people
to promote belonging, inclusion
and positive mental health for all.
Evidence-based
Student, Staff & Parent Programs
Evidence-based
Student, Staff & Parent Programs
Who We Are:
Common Compass is an Ontario-based, registered charity which partners with schools and youth organizations to strengthen social-emotional wellbeing, mental health and belonging through evidence-based workshops and training for children and youth, educators/ youth-facing staff, and parents. All of our customized programs are developed and delivered by our team of mental health and education professionals and are tailored to the unique strengths and challenges of each school or organizational community.
Lunch n’ Learn:
Supporting Your Child’s Self Esteem
Schools We’ve Worked With
Common Compass has had the privilege of working with hundreds of schools over the last 12 years, developing and facilitating evidence-based workshops, training, retreats and SHSM certifications. We work with students, staff and parents in schools, camps and youth organizations.
What Students Say
I liked the mentality that you had regarding procrastination in that procrastination is normal and it happens to everyone because it creates a positive environment in which noone is shamed for a behaviour that is common in many people.
I loved how perfectionism in procrastinators was talked about, because many people procrastinate because of perfectionism.
That certain terms like procrastination are not about laziness but instead more have to do with fear. Also that it becomes less fearful if you start it early.
I learned about privilege and how you don’t choose the power you’re born with but you choose how you use it.
This program helped me realize my feelings and emotions. Previous to this, it was hard to understand how I was feeling, why I was feeling and how to cope with it. [At the Common Compass program], I was able to learn how to cope, how to understand, and how to help myself overcome these challenges
It was great! Lots of energy and we learned without realizing it.
What Educators Say
I am writing to recommend Leisha Zamecnik as an outstanding resource and facilitator. She succeeded in bringing a diverse group together, engaging them in common activities and reflection and motivating them to carry on the message of the day in their own school communities.
The facilitator was confident and knew what she was doing. She was collaborative and listened to others opinions in the group.
Leisha was AMAZING! She was bubbly, kind and I can tell she really enjoys and is dedicated to what she does.
Leisha’s enthusiastic attitude allowed students to reflect on their own strengths and abilities to do what they loved and let their passion lead the way. I found the content a great way to further the student’s thinking, as well as to instill a sense of confidence and optimism in the students that participated.
What Parents and Others Say
Working with Common Compass has been a great experience. Their custom created programs were thoughtfully designed to support students and newcomers, creating safe spaces for learning, growth, and connection. Their approach is not only inclusive but also impactful, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in participants.
Common Compass facilitators created an atmosphere where people felt comfortable to share. This isn’t easy given the amount of stigma there still is about mental health. It says a lot about the facilitators that they were so quickly able to help people feel comfortable to share.
We loved the hands on group work in the sessions with students. They were engaged, moving, and doing a ton of hands on learning. We know this is how kids learn- so this was amazing to see.
They created a staff survey, to get a sense about how we manage student anxiety, student issues, with regards to student mental health and wellbeing. Common Compass took our feedback, took our suggestions about what we felt the needs were. They designed a program that was highly engaging. There just isn’t all the money to go around to fund programs for mental health and wellbeing, so we have to call upon other supports like Common Compass to fill in the gap.
I thought a lot of parents came out of the parent presentations. Any time you can get parents being more involved, it’s a good thing. The ability to to engage people, whether its students, parents or communities, I think is a critical service that is being offered. I think that is something that is valuable and needs to be supported.
What Students, Teachers, Parents and Others Say
I liked the mentality that you had regarding procrastination in that procrastination is normal and it happens to everyone because it creates a positive environment in which noone is shamed for a behaviour that is common in many people.
I loved how perfectionism in procrastinators was talked about, because many people procrastinate because of perfectionism.
That certain terms like procrastination are not about laziness but instead more have to do with fear. Also that it becomes less fearful if you start it early.
I learned about privilege and how you don’t choose the power you’re born with but you choose how you use it.
This program helped me realize my feelings and emotions. Previous to this, it was hard to understand how I was feeling, why I was feeling and how to cope with it. [At the Common Compass program], I was able to learn how to cope, how to understand, and how to help myself overcome these challenges
It was great! Lots of energy and we learned without realizing it.
I am writing to recommend Leisha Zamecnik as an outstanding resource and facilitator. She succeeded in bringing a diverse group together, engaging them in common activities and reflection and motivating them to carry on the message of the day in their own school communities.
The facilitator was confident and knew what she was doing. She was collaborative and listened to others opinions in the group.
Leisha was AMAZING! She was bubbly, kind and I can tell she really enjoys and is dedicated to what she does.
Leisha’s enthusiastic attitude allowed students to reflect on their own strengths and abilities to do what they loved and let their passion lead the way. I found the content a great way to further the student’s thinking, as well as to instill a sense of confidence and optimism in the students that participated.
Working with Common Compass has been a great experience. Their custom created programs were thoughtfully designed to support students and newcomers, creating safe spaces for learning, growth, and connection. Their approach is not only inclusive but also impactful, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in participants.
Common Compass facilitators created an atmosphere where people felt comfortable to share. This isn’t easy given the amount of stigma there still is about mental health. It says a lot about the facilitators that they were so quickly able to help people feel comfortable to share.
We loved the hands on group work in the sessions with students. They were engaged, moving, and doing a ton of hands on learning. We know this is how kids learn- so this was amazing to see.
They created a staff survey, to get a sense about how we manage student anxiety, student issues, with regards to student mental health and wellbeing. Common Compass took our feedback, took our suggestions about what we felt the needs were. They designed a program that was highly engaging. There just isn’t all the money to go around to fund programs for mental health and wellbeing, so we have to call upon other supports like Common Compass to fill in the gap.
I thought a lot of parents came out of the parent presentations. Any time you can get parents being more involved, it’s a good thing. The ability to to engage people, whether its students, parents or communities, I think is a critical service that is being offered. I think that is something that is valuable and needs to be supported.