SHSM Sector Partner Experience

Created by HeadsupCAN & the University of Toronto Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre

HeadsupCAN and the University of Toronto Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre (MPARC) are partnering to deliver a full-day, certified Sector Partner Experience (SPE) designed exclusively for Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students in the Health & Wellness and Sport sectors.

This immersive, in-person program hosted at the University of Toronto Athletic Centre, blends concussion and mental health education, hands-on research demonstrations, and an innovation challenge that empowers students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.

Learning Objectives

By participating, SHSM students will:

  • Earn a certified Sector Partner Experience (SPE)

  • Gain foundational and advanced knowledge in mental health, concussions, and brain health

  • Explore real-world research methods and recovery tools through live demonstrations

  • Collaborate in an Innovation Challenge, guided by the ICE Learning Framework

  • Connect with post-secondary mentors and discover career pathways in sport, health, and wellness

Session Information

  • Available Dates: November 17-28th, February 16-20th, May 1-12, 19-29th.

  • Session Cost: $80.00 per student (min. 40 students, max 60 students — sessions can draw from multiple schools to ensure attendance requirements are met)

  • Session Duration: 6 hours

  • Session Timing: 9:30am-3:30pm (timing can be modified)

  • Location: University of Toronto, Athletic Centre (Clara Benson Building), Room BN307, 55 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6

  • Food: Yes, lunch will be provided.

Book a session

Why This Program Matters

This SPE is more than a one-day event — it’s a gateway for SHSM students to:

  • Engage with cutting-edge concussion and mental health education

  • Experience hands-on research methods at Canada’s leading university

  • Collaborate on real-world problems in health and sport sectors

  • Gain certifications that contribute to their SHSM pathway

  • Build connections with mentors, peers, and future career opportunities

Program Leads

 

Dr. Catherine Sabiston

Catherine is a Professor at the University of Toronto, the Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Mental Health and the Director, Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre.

Dr. Michael Jorgensen

Michael is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport, University of Toronto and HeadsupCAN’s Research Director.

Ryan Sutton, MA

Ryan is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of HeadsupCAN, the Head of Product and Growth at Rhea Health and the Project Manager for Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness.

 

Samira Sunderji, Phd(c)

Samira is a PhD Candidate in the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre. Her research focuses on improving student mental health and well-being through physical activity. 

Seth Mendelsohn

Seth is the Co-Founder of HeadsupCAN and our Creative Director. He owns and operates Mendelsohn Media as a Videographer, Video Editor and Graphic Designer. He has extensive educational expertise and is passionate about creative avenues for storytelling.

 
 
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