Dr. Jennifer Lavoie is an Associate Professor of Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, Ontario, Canada. She conducts nationally funded research focused on police responses to people in mental health crisis. She recently led a multi-perspective research team in developing scenario-based training and evaluation for frontline police officers that focused on reducing bias and enhancing de-escalation skills in mental health crisis response. Jennifer is a mother to a wonderful 11-year-old son, Evan, and lives life fully with her partner, Greg. She adores cycling for the fitness and inner perspective that it provides and is grateful for the company of her rescued dog, Winston.

Our discussion in this installment of Vitality on Earth concentrated on Jennifer’s personal experience with mental health, along with the implications it poses in everyday life. As a professor, a mother, and partner, Jennifer speaks of the barriers she faces while living with a mental health disorder. Her achievements of overcoming these barriers are addressed, and the significance of cultivating a state of inner peace when it seems nearly impossible. It was through her bravery, honesty, and vulnerability during our recording where I truly felt this authenticity. Jennifer’s journey has manifested in a growth of character so powerful; it translates to getting the best out of her students- especially during the new age of online learning.