Peer-Led Virtual Support Groups
Migraine Canada and Migraine Quebec have partnered to ensure every Canadian has access to a support group. Our peer-led support groups provide a safe, inclusive space for individuals living with migraine to connect, share experiences, and support one another. We are pleased to offer the following meeting options:
Schedule for English-language meetings:
- Daytime Group: Third Thursday of every month at 12:00 PM EST.
- Evening Group: Last Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM EST.
- Visit https://www.migrainequebec.org/fr/groupes-dentraide to register for Migraine Quebec’s monthly French-language support group.
Registration: The sign-up links for both monthly meetings is shared in community email on the second week of each month. To stay informed about upcoming registration opportunities, Join our community.
Capacity: Each group is limited to 20 participants. Additional registrants will be placed on a waitlist.
We look forward to welcoming you!
What to Expect:
- A safe and non-judgmental space to share your experiences
- Opportunities to connect with others who understand life with migraine
- Helpful resources and practical tips for managing migraine
- Support from a peer leader with lived experience
Our goal is to foster meaningful connections, provide valuable resources, and empower participants to share their stories and advice.
For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Evening Support Group Peer Facilitators
Natanya Mandel (she/her)
Natanya is a compassionate and experienced coach and facilitator, specializing in leading support and coaching groups. With a background in crisis counseling, mental health, and mindfulness-based chronic pain management, she combines empathy with practical guidance. Her extensive leadership roles in community health organizations and migraine advocacy have honed her skills in communication, group dynamics, and building a safe, supportive space for participants. Natanya’s coaching empowers individuals to manage challenges such as chronic pain and stress, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful personal growth through collaboration and mindfulness.
Krysta Gillis (she/they)
Krysta has a strong background in disability education and social work, with a particular focus on chronic pain and migraines – conditions she has personally lived with her entire life. This firsthand experience allows her to understand the exhaustion and isolation that often comes with navigating life while managing chronic illness. Krysta approaches facilitation with empathy and kindness, striving to create a space where everyone feels heard and supported. With extensive experience in accommodation policies and disclosure, particularly in higher education, Krysta is passionate about advancing disability and migraine research and advocacy. Her history of facilitating support groups has reinforced her commitment to fostering a safe, open environment where individuals can engage in supportive, respectful discussion, while knowing they will be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Daytime Support Group Peer Facilitator
Michelle Cousineau (she/her)
Michelle has been living with chronic migraine for over 40 years. Although she is now retired, she was an IT professional for 25 years and discovered many creative ways to enjoy a successful career. Over time, she has learned that she may never become migraine-free, but she has a very good chance of improving the frequency and severity of her migraine episodes. That is a very positive thing. She hopes that people who join the support group meetings find comfort in knowing they are not alone on their journey and that their experience will improve as they gain knowledge through sharing.
Disclaimer: The support group is intended to supplement care and emotional support purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information shared that may be perceived as advice or recommendations regarding medication, diet, exercise or other aspects are not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions regarding your health or medical conditions. Migraine Canada assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from participation.