Emma Bockner

Emma’s impressive professional and academic background is only surpassed by her passion and drive. She is a true agent of change who draws from her experiences with addiction, eating disorders and depression to make an impact in the mental health field. With an honours diploma in Social Service Work from George Brown College, she is now working towards her Bachelors of Social Work at York University. She has experience working as a program developer and facilitator on CAMH-funded “By-Youth For-Youth” projects geared towards youth homelessness and 2SLGBTQIA+ education. Emma was also previously the chair of York Region’s award winning Youth Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stabilization Strategy.

Emma brings to the team over 6 years of professional and volunteer experience as a mental health and addictions advocate and public speaker. She has shared her lived experience and hard-won lessons as a keynote speaker on George Brown College’s Parliamentary Assistant and Board Roundtable, was an interviewee on Right Now Radio, discussing youth homelessness and service provision, and is currently a speaker for YouthSpeak. She is also involved with several community-based recovery groups for both youth and adults. 

Emma’s goals include delivering a TED talk, always with a focus on evolving the narrative around mental health. She wishes to foster spaces for open discussions in the best way she knows how; through vulnerability, connection and community.