Inspire courageTM

Building environments of acceptance

I’m Elaina, and I’m passionate about bridging gaps in education through innovative curriculum design. With 20 years of teaching experience, I’ve always thrived on identifying areas where educational systems can improve. My journey began with crafting a specialized curriculum called Inclusion 10 for students with diverse needs, an experience that propelled me into earning my Master’s in Curriculum Studies from University of Saskatchewan.

Determined to make a broader impact, I collaborated with a team to develop the Mental Wellness 30 curriculum, which has been instrumental in enhancing emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and affective domains. This led me to pursue a PhD in Curriculum Studies, where my research illuminated the transformative power of well-designed curricula in both public and private sectors.

My mission is to equip individuals of all ages and backgrounds with essential life skills, fostering resiliency, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. As a mental health and wellness expert, I create evidence-based learning experiences that empower and uplift.

Furthermore, my contributions extend beyond the classroom. I co-created the Service Hospitalities Psychological Health and Safety course to address the vital issue of employee well-being in the service industry, combating absenteeism, poor leadership, and high turnover rates.

My customized curriculum designs are inclusive, catering to diverse communities, including Indigenous, Women, Racialized, Persons with Disabilities, and LGBTQ2+ groups. They effectively address mental health, emotional intelligence, sustainability, and more.

Throughout my career, I’ve successfully promoted academic success, retention, and leadership development across various educational levels, from K-12 to post-secondary to Industry. My commitment to creating inclusive and practical learning environments remains unwavering.

If you’re looking to create environments that foster learning, acceptance, and resilience, let’s chat!

Contact Dr. Elaina

Awards & recognition

2024: Provost’s Support of Teaching and Learning Award

2023: ASPA Merit

2019: Graduate Teaching Fellowship

2019: Canada 150 Medal for Volunteerism

Writing credentials

2021: PhD Dissertation: The Experiences of Secondary Teachers Co-Constructing Mental Wellness Knowledge

Elaine Guilmette, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada

SEE DISSERTATION

2021: Teacher and Adult Ally Curriculum

RBC, Robb Nash, CMHA National, Sun West School Division

2021: A Year of Wellness: A Resource for Grades K-2

Sun West School Division

2021: A Year of Wellness: A Resource for Grades 3-5

Sun West School Division

2021: Psychological Health and Safety

Service Hospitality

2020: A Year of Wellness: A Resource for Middle Year’s

Sun West School Division

2020: MENtal Health

Allan Kehler
Guilmette, E. (2020). Supporting the men in my life. In A. Kehler (Eds.), Mental Health: It’s Time to Talk. (pp. 162-166). Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing.

2018: Mental Wellness 30L

Sun West School Division, Saskatchewan Ministry of Education

2012: Master’s Thesis: Inclusion 10

The Experiences of Peer Teachers and Functionally Integrated Students in a Secondary Female Inclusive Physical Education Program
Elaina Guilmette, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada

SEE THESIS

Values that guide the way

Respect

Acknowledging diverse perspectives

Earning people’s trust and having them onboard with new ideas. Gently leading businesses, corporations, and educational establishments to foster a culture of collaboration and deeper engagement.

Empathy

Embracing the emotions and thoughts of another

Giving a voice to the voiceless by mastering the art of active listening. Empowering those who go unheard to have their voices heard and fostering inclusivity for those who often feel excluded.

Humility

Checking your ego at the door

Recognizing that there’s always room for growth and improvement when maintaining openness and receptivity. Encouraging teamwork and harmonizing different personalities to reach common goals.

Innovation

Catalyst for progress

Knowing what’s relevant and needed now to prepare our youth and workforce for the future. Encouraging creativity enhances curiosity, paving the way for breakthrough solutions.

Excellence

Benchmark for success

Having an attitude that upholds high standards for yourself and others. Having a success mindset to bounce back from failure, persevere through challenges, and achieve your highest potential.

Freedom

Promoting open communication

Gaining the autonomy to explore diverse ideas and new experiences. Building a forward-thinking environment that pushes boundaries and promotes progress, innovation, and societal well-being.

I’m on a mission to bring more confidence and fulfillment into people’s lives and workplaces.

Testimonials

“You should feel so proud Elaina that a course that you created helped this young person so immensely! We know how passionate you are about youth mental well-being, so we know you will do amazing things!”
Carey Moss, Regional Manager, Citizenship and Social Impact, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, and Western Ontario, RBC Royal Bank
“I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for presenting at our virtual event last week! We have been collecting some feedback from the audience and there has been nothing but great things said about your sessions. Your passion and depth of knowledge on the subject definitely shone through!”
Alison Wall, B.Comm., Director, Strategic Partners & Planning, Service Hospitality
“The profound impact of Elaina’s innovative curriculum goes far beyond the classroom walls. Her insights and wellness strategies truly change lives, and will impact youth and young adults for generations to come. Elaina’s positive attitude, determination, and passion is infectious. I am grateful to have worked alongside one of the best.”
Allan Kehler, International Keynote Speaker and Best Selling Author
“Nurturing Resiliency was an amazing session. Elaina did a fantastic job going on the four pillars but allowed voice and choice and I feel like it really impacted everyone in that session. She allowed us to feel our emotions and validated that what we are feeling is okay and that things will get better.”
Kendall Krawchuk, Teacher, Sun West School Division
“It is crazy to think that 7 months ago I was at the lowest time of my life – as low as thinking about suicide. Having you teach the Mental Wellness 30 course helped me improve the state of my mental health. I honestly think school systems all around Canada should have this class. Thank you for everything you have taught me and thank you for an amazing semester.”
Student, Sun West School Division
“Your words were so moving and your passion for what you do came through so eloquently.”
Shannon Patton, Director of Community Engagement, CMHA Regina Branch
“I went through the course material and watched the videos. I’m blown away and speechless – so powerful, moving and a lot of bravery from the personal stories that were shared. Elaina is very talented!!”
Bay Stenz, Chief Operating Officer, Service Hospitality
“Elaina’s Mental Wellness 30 course brings me so much hope for the youth I work with – for all youth.”
Shannon Peardon BSW, BA, Sun West School Division, Child & Youth Counsellor
“You are doing such important work for our kids and all kids!”
Melissa Lander, Learning Consultant, Sun West School Division
“You are amazing, Elaina. Congratulations for being the recipient of the RBC grant to further the mental wellness of our youth! I am looking forward to seeing all the good work ahead as a result of your commitment and the initiative you show. Great job!”
Vicki Moore, Director of Education, Sun West School Division
“Elaina is a joy to work with from start to finish. She is enthusiastic and innovative, while balancing the needs of the project, such as deadlines, budgets, and other administrative requirements. We enlisted Elaina’s talents to develop a full training program on the transferability of learning into the workplace, including presentation design, participant activities, and all associated materials. She delivered an engaging and impactful product which we continue to receive rave reviews about.”
Alison Wall, B.Comm., Director, Strategic Partners & Planning, Service Hospitality
“I loved the mental health conversation. It was nice to have an honest, open, and vulnerable conversation about the struggles we face and to truly feel heard.”
Cassandra Kirby, Teacher, Sun West School Division
“I think that Elaina’s Mental Wellness 30 course should be mandatory to take. It is so important, not only for those suffering from poor mental health, but also those behind all the stigma. I want to make a binder of resources from the course so that I will always have them. Maybe if everybody had to take this course, people would be less cruel or judgmental, and be more understanding.”
Student, Sun West School Division

Land acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I live on Treaty Six Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. I pay my respect to the First Nation and Métis ancestors of this place to reaffirm our relationship with one another. I recognize that some may be visiting this website from other traditional Indigenous lands. I ask that you take a moment to make your own Land Acknowledgement to the people of those lands. In doing so, we are actively participating in reconciliation.