Shirley Hogan has been dedicated to Mental Health Education and Training for over 30 years, with a broad background in crisis intervention, emergency response, mental readiness, and wellness support. Shirley is Metis, her mother’s family is from Sandy Bay First Nations in Manitoba. Her Mental Health Training journey began in her early 20s, when while attending CNC and then (when it opened) UNBC she began volunteering at The Crisis Center for Northern BC. Eventually becoming a paid employee in the role of Youth Services Coordinator and then Volunteer Manager. During her 10 years employed with the Crisis Center, she was responsible for training new volunteers, supporting individuals, and facilitating support groups and workshops—experiences that laid the foundation for her passion for mental health and well-being. It was during this time she was accredited to teach ASIST and was trained in Critical Incident Debriefings and Crisis Counselling through the Justice Institute of BC.
After a decade in the non-profit sector, Shirley transitioned to the public service, where she spent fifteen years as a Civilian Member of the RCMP working in the 911 dispatch centre with ten of those years as part of the Management Team. She was also a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) for 12 years, and then Team Lead for Scribes and Dispatchers. During this time, she had the opportunity to facilitate workshops including Suicide Intervention and Mental Readiness (R2MR) training programs for both civilian and regular RCMP members. Additionally, she served as a peer support member.
She is proud that over the last 30 years she has had the opportunity to teach a variety of mental health courses. That now includes ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), SafeTALK, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Workplaces, The Working Mind, Resiliency Programs and Mental Health for Managers programs. These courses empower individuals and organizations to recognize mental health challenges, intervene early, and create supportive, trauma-sensitive environments.
After 15 years and a very successful career with the RCMP she made the decision to return to her first love, non-profit work. It was then that she began working with the Canadian Mental Health Association first as Workplace Trainer and Advisor and then as Manager of Education and Special Projects. For six years she spent the majority of her work days, travelling and teaching within Western Canada, the majority of that time in Northern BC.
Today, she knows that some of the most difficult moments in life can teach us the greatest lessons. The process of change, while difficult, often leads to a more fulfilling and authentic lives. Through experiences, she has learned that growth is a choice, and embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary, can lead to profound transformation.
She is deeply grateful for the opportunities to support others on their journey, and honored to help individuals and organizations cultivate resilience, well-being, and mental readiness. She believes that mental health in the workplace is a critical component of overall success and productivity, and is passionate about helping organizations build supportive, compassionate environments where people can thrive.
Click on the gallery to find some of the agencies Shirley has worked with
Raven Workplace Mental Health Training and Consulting 