Workshop, Training, & Speaker
Our expertise, values, and approach to our work at Agapé Lens Consulting & Therapy, has made us a highly sought after group practice, providing speaking, education and training to an array of topics to organizations, corporations, and community groups in the private and public sphere. We specialize in creating conscious-raising, interactive, safe and practical skill building experiences through our services, on topics surrounding mental health and social equity. All workshops, training, and speaking engagements can be tailored to your specific needs and held virtually or in person.
"True teaching is not accumulation of knowledge, it is an awakening of consciousness." -African Proverb
Workshops & Training
Knowledge is power! Through our educational and training consultations, we are committed to arming our participants with the knowledge they need to create personal and/or professional change. We provide interactive, thought provoking and easy-to-follow education and training sessions, leaving room for self-reflection, critical reflection, and group sharing. Our goal is to always leave you with practical skills that may immediately be applied to your personal and professional needs.
Speaking Engagements
Through our speaking engagement services, we strive to leave folks feeling encouraged, seen, and capable of creating change or finding healing. As speakers, we have developed great skill in creating an inviting atmosphere and an experience that speaks to the depths of our audience members. You will sometimes feel discomfort where hard truths are discussed, or you may feel validated in these spaces. Regardless of the different emotions our lectures, presentations, or keynote speaking engagements provoke, audience members will encounter a compassionate, heart-felt, attentive, and often humorous speaker from the Agapé Lens team.
Areas of Expertise:
Workplace Burnout & Coping • Anti-Black Racism• Mental Health 101 • Social Work Practice • Shame • Africentric Social Work • Self-Compassion • Resilience • Spirituality & Mental Health • Improving Work culture • Stress Management • Leadership • Grief • Healthy Relationships • Self-Care • Men's Mental Health • Unconscious Bias • Racial Microaggressions • Racial and Intergenerational Trauma • Self-Esteem • Black Mental Health • Imposter Syndrome • Boundaries • And more
Testimonials
"As the Director of Professional Development and Networks at the Ontario Association of Social Workers, I am delighted to recommend Simone as an exceptional facilitator and speaker on the subjects of resilience, trauma, and personal development. Over the course of several events and training sessions, Simone has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to engage and inspire her audience.
Simone brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to her presentations, captivating attendees from the moment she begins. Her deep knowledge and expertise are evident in every session, and she delivers complex and challenging information with confidence and clarity, making it accessible and relatable to all participants.
One of Simone's greatest strengths is her ability to connect with her audience on a personal level. She is personable and relatable, creating an atmosphere of trust and openness that encourages active participation and meaningful discussions. Her skill in framing concepts, particularly around resilience, is remarkable; she provides nuanced insights that are both thought-provoking and practical.
Simone is also adept at addressing sensitive and critical issues, such as the impact of trauma on individuals, with a balanced and informed perspective. Her discussions are always thoughtful and inclusive, providing valuable takeaways for all attendees.
I highly recommend Simone for any speaking or training opportunities on resilience, trauma, and personal development."
Lydia Fernandes, Director, Professional Development & Networks, Ontario Association of Social Workers
"We had the great opportunity and pleasure to welcome Simone Donaldson as a speaker during our Black History Month celebration to speak about Anti-racism and the Workplace: Understanding Anti-Racism in Canada and the Crisis in it. Simone has the ability to speak highly intelligently while being warm and relatable. She was bold in her approach to the material and stayed true to what she believed was important knowledge to be shared. Her session was interactive, informative, and engaging and healing for some of our audience members! Her passion shines through her work. We would highly recommend Simone as a speaker for all organizations and would love to work with her again!"
Stephanie Jones, Lead, Organizational Effectiveness – Strategic and Business Management Branch, Civil Law Division, Ministry of the Attorney General
“Working with Simone was an absolutely wonderful experience. The material that she presented around anti-Black racism was extremely impactful and kept attendees engaged and interested in learning more; so much so that we hosted a second session with Simone at our annual conference to continue the learning and discussion. We are happy to have had the opportunity to work with her!”
Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO)
“Simone speaks expertly to the Toronto context when it comes to health care, social services, trauma-informed care, workplace wellness and anti-Black racism. As the lead for the “Centre Talks” program at St. Michael’s Hospital, I’ve invited Simone to speak to health care providers and policy-makers many times over the past five years. She brings detailed knowledge of the health care and social service sectors to each talk, equipping health care providers with practical information on issues such as serving uninsured patients, and advocating for patients experiencing racism. She also brings deep therapeutic knowledge, and a trauma-informed, anti-racist lens, with a focus on anti-Black racism. Simone is an excellent, engaging speaker, whether in conversation on a panel, or presenting on her own. She crafts each presentation with the audience and context in mind, and works closely with organizers to ensure that learning goals are met. I will always be looking for opportunities to collaborate with Simone, and seek out her expertise.”
Amy Katz, Centre Talks and Knowledge Translation, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Network
“For the last few years, our organization has had the pleasure of working with Simone from Agape Lens. Her ability to provide relatable, impactful and engaging virtual training/session facilitation for underrepresented youth is rare. Her knowledge on various topics is deep and she is able to navigate to share this knowledge with individuals of all ages and work stature. We have appreciated the support Simone provided and look forward to working with her again."
Odion Welch, Mental Health Coordinator, Africa Centre (Alberta)
"It has been a tremendous experience working with Simone Donaldson! Simone took on the unique job of consulting for my fictional novel that explores mental illness. Her commentary, insight and knowledge blew me away! She took the time to read my novel and meet with me to go through any stigmatized language or problematic storylines. Expertise aside, she was very open to discussing with me the merits of certain parts of the book and whether or not they contributed to the story. Simone was also a delight to work with, she has great energy and I always left feeling rejuvenated and reminded of why mental health is my passion. I would highly recommend her for any consulting job regarding mental health and anti-Black racism as well."
Stephanie Jones, Consultant, Speaker & Author, Jones Mental Health