Who we are
True Reflections Founder
USING UNIQUE WAYS TO SPREAD OUR MESSAGE
Hailey Trealout
As the oldest of seven, Hailey’s greatest message is the same one she grew up with – As long as you have people who love you and accept what comes from it, you’ll never lose. Just never forget to stop to smell the roses.
"Being the oldest has its challenges. You're automatically protective, weary of how the other children treat your family, and always feel the need to be there. As the oldest of seven, I have had the chance to help my siblings learn things our parents may not have taught them. With that kind of power, one of my goals is to not only be a role model to my siblings, but to people around the world who feel they are alone. This is something I feel we can do through True Reflections."
As a full-time mom to her son, writer and past participant in pageants, Hailey has seen the need for an initiative that promotes self-acceptance and true image.
"Nobody knows you better than you do. When you lose that sense of self at the hand of others, you lose more than you realize. Self-Awareness and Acceptance is one of the most important lessons you can teach yourself. We all go through the awkward stages, trying to figure out who we are and where we want to go... but for some, that stage becomes a mind set, something they struggle to get out of. With the right amount of support, and a bit of inspiration, anyone can learn to accept themselves for who they are and better the world with their individuality."
True Reflections Committee
Kailey Jackson
Hi, my name is Kailey Jackson and I have graduated with my personal support worker certificate. I am going to pursue the child and youth care program also at St. Clair college. I want to help the youth in any way that I can.
I have played broomball for 15 years and counting which I love dearly. I also enjoy other sports and outdoor activities. My other hobbies include horseback riding, dancing and volunteering in the community.
I want to be a part of True Reflections because of their ability to embrace the differences each individual has and encourages positivity. They also get involved with many different causes throughout the community which I love to be a part of.
Katie Orshinsky
My name is Katie and I have graduated from the Educational Support program in 2015 and will soon be a graduate of the Early Childhood Education program. I will be heading into the workforce to do what I love and work with children. Some of my hobbies include playing guitar and ukulele, baking, horseback riding and much more. I am interested in helping True Reflections because it is a wonderful organization that has helped so many people and has the potential to help many more. I feel that mental health awareness and acceptance of all people are things that are extremely important and deserve support. If I am able to reach or help at least one person through True Reflections I will consider my involvement with this organization a success.
Matt Dierckens
My name is Matt Dierckens and I am an assistive technology specialist.
My hobbies include: traveling with my guide dog Marilyn, listening to and composing music, podcasts, radio, and computers.
I want to be a part of True Reflections because I love helping others and putting a smile on people's faces.
Shelby Allard
My name is Shelby Allard and I graduated from Brock University in 2015 with a degree in Outdoor Recreation.
I am currently pursuing a career in Policing. I want to help in an way I can, and find a way to spread more happiness.
I like to go camping in the wilderness, while I also enjoy playing video games. I started a youtube channel to share my opinion and interests in hopes of reaching out to other people around the world.
I want to be a part of True Reflections because they promote such positivity and kindness for every individual. They spread happiness where they can and that is beautiful. I want to be a part of something that creates beauty in an emotional sense.
Melissa Appleyard
Hello! My name is Melissa Appleyard. I'm a Taurus, a personal support worker, and professional nerd. I go to school at the University of Windsor for child psychology and am minoring in disability studies. I'm hoping to get a Masters in Social Work. The end goal is to be a counsellor of some sort. I want to help people be the best versions of themselves.
I like to write and read. I love to sing, cook and binge watch TV shows. I love being around my friends and family and I adore animals. Recently I've found a spiritual path that helps keep me calm in times of stress. I have depression and anxiety, which has caused me to need breaks from school, distance myself from people I love and think bad things of myself.
In recent years, I've learned I am more important than my illnesses and that there is more for me to offer. This has helped me get back on track and living my life. Because of what I have gone through, I want to help those who suffer from similar things. I want to be someone who listens and helps others. In that, I'm hoping that I can grow as an individual, too.
I'm excited to meet everyone and learn and grow with you!
Katie Dierckens
I’m a recent graduate from the Medical Office Administration program at St. Clair College. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, hanging out with family and friends, and singing.
I want to be a part of True Reflections because I love the message that they convey, everyone has their own difference and struggles and you shouldn’t judge someone before you get to know their story. I found this group when I was in a time of need and I want to be able to help other people who may be struggling with Mental Illness.
True Reflections Leaders Abroad
Alex Gervais
My name is Alexander Ryan Gervais. I ‘m 25 years old and I have struggled with self-doubt for my entire life. Sometimes it’s really hard for me to look into a mirror without finding a reason why I shouldn’t be important to someone else. Despite all of that I have been able to persevere and become someone that I can honestly say I am proud to be. I pride myself on being an honest person, a good friend, and someone who is authentic. For the last three years I have worked really hard towards my goal and now I’m a professional animator at DHX Media in Halifax. You’ll be seeing my name in the credits of season 2 of Inspector Gadget this fall. Even though I constantly doubted my skills as an animator while I was in school. Before I moved here I lead at the House of Shalom youth center in Amherstburg for 8 years as a mentor for high school kids and I can honestly say that it changed my life for the better. I also helped teach in a special education classroom for more than a year. I care about people, all people, and I believe that everyone has something special in them to give, and that everyone is equal no matter what. I am honoured to be coming on as a partner of true reflections and can’t wait to get started up here in Halifax.
Above all, I think it's the people in my life that helped me get to where I am today and gave me the confidence I needed in myself to get here, so thats what I believe in, people.