Health + Wellbeing
At the University of Alberta we are committed to supporting our people first because we know our success depends on it. We are committed to A Culture of Care where psychological, cultural and physical safety are at the heart of health and well-being.
We approach learning about health and well-being as an opportunity for you to map your own path toward health, happiness and a state of well-being. While these paths may be different for each of us there are also common experiences in the workplace that require specific attention: the toll that workload and work-related stress take on our sense of well-being and the need to build connections that rely on a culture of trust and respect.
We deeply value your interest in and participation in our learning opportunities toward health and well-being. The recent People Strategy results reinforce our learning curriculum framework and provide general themes to focus our attention in the coming years.
Health + Wellbeing course curriculum
Instructors
Trevor Haas
Trevor Haas is the owner and operator of Balance Mental Health Services, bringing over 25 years of experience as a mental health educator. For the past 20 years, he has been a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, helping individuals and organizations build the skills and confidence to support mental well-being in their communities.
Wendy Wilton, M.Ed (DE), ACC
For over two decades, Wendy Wilton has brought her energy, enthusiasm and expertise to training development and facilitation, engaging with learners from across North America. Moving from the private sector into consulting, she has worked with clients from diverse fields including nursing, banking, engineering, health care, the energy sector and various levels of government. In addition to a Masters in Education and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University, Wendy holds numerous certifications in tools and assessments such as DiSC, Meyers Briggs, Strength Deployment Inventory, EQi 2.0 and Organizational Relationship Systems Coaching.
Paul and Shirley Déry
Paul and Shirley Déry have many years of combined experience working in the human services field, supporting individuals, families, and communities through a variety of agency, educational, and community-based roles. Prior to beginning their work together in 2021, both Paul and Shirley worked independently with different agencies throughout their careers, gaining extensive experience in facilitation, frontline support, education, leadership, and community care. Shirley began her work with ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) in 2015, and Paul began in 2018. Since 2021, they have co-facilitated ASIST workshops together through organizations including the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Centre for Suicide Prevention, and now the University of Alberta. Their combined backgrounds and complementary approaches create an engaging, collaborative, and supportive learning environment for participants. Shirley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education and brings extensive experience working with diverse populations through multiple community and human service agencies. Paul holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and has worked in both organizational and human service settings, combining leadership experience with a strong people-centered approach. Together, they are passionate about creating respectful and interactive training spaces that build confidence, practical intervention skills, and meaningful connection within communities.
We Care tipsheets
We Care Program tipsheets are available for download and can accompany the course: Starting the Conversation: Introduction to Mental Well-being.
Learning framework
The health and well-being learning framework underlies our We Care Program, with focus on four main areas:
Protection from Harm
- Safety and protection from non-physical as well as physical harm including harassment, injury, discrimination and bullying.
- Security in your job and being financially compensated for the work.
Connection + Community
- Supportive relationships and enhanced social networks reduce feelings of aloneness and disconnection.
- Belonging and being accepted in a group encourages thriving at work.
Mattering at Work
- Dignity is recognized through a workplace culture where care and respect are non-negotiable.
- Meaning connects you to your significance in the larger picture of the organization and the community as a whole.
Life - Work Harmony
- Flexibility to determine the correct personal mix of how, when and where work responsibilities will be completed.
- Autonomy to establish what life and work harmony means to your own life.
Questions?
Contact Organizational Development at org.learning@ualberta.ca.