OUR AMBASSADORS
We are grateful to those community members who have volunteered to be our BMHAW Ambassadors. Through their diverse and personal stories, they hope to help those who might also be struggling. Ambassadors help us open conversations and reduce stigma to the complex nature of the mental health and wellbeing of humans. Watch for these ambassadors at events, their stories online or in print media. They are here this week to support you.
​
BMHAW Ambassadors are community members with lived experience who aim to support community members. They are not licensed professionals or crisis responders. The stories, advice or information they share is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical care.
​
If an Ambassador becomes concerned that someone may be at risk of harming themselves or others, they may alert a professional or appropriate support service to ensure safety.
Dr. Shakil Amin (he/him)
Businessman | Community Volunteer
Shakil, his wife Dr. Fauzia Sajjad and his son Kaiser, ​have been living in Banff since 2013. He has been ​actively involved in the community, currently sitting ​on the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital Community ​Board, the Police Advisory Board, and the ​Settlement Group. His personal experiences and ​knowledge in the health care system as well as ​being a former health care provider adds to his ​perspective when serving on these boards. In his ​free time Shakil enjoys cooking, spending time with ​his family and taking in the beautiful mountain views.
Makaylah Rogers (they/them)
Community Advocate | Social Impact Entrepreneur | Keynote Speaker
Makaylah is a non-binary, neurodivergent, trauma survivor who has lived in the Bow Valley since 2016. They have struggled with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation from a very young age, and was diagnosed with complex PTSD as well. They have been on their own healing path after leaving behind a history of trauma and abuse. Makaylah is passionate about breaking down stigma and fostering open, empathy-based conversations in our community to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard. Makaylah has 12 years of social-business and facilitation experience, and is a local voice for inclusivity, well-being and belonging through their businesses, Frankie D’s Donuts and Scale Naturally Consulting. Their advocacy work spans vital topics such as anxiety & depression, mental illness, suicide prevention, neurodiversity, 2SLGBTQIA+ education, sexual violence prevention and more. Additionally, their business Frankie D's Donuts is on a mission to reduce loneliness…one Donut at a time. Their made-from-scratch Donuts serve as a conduit for connection among people, emphasizing the importance of community and fostering meaningful connections.
Bobbie Alsworth (she/her)
Mental Health Advocate
Originally from the UK, Bobbie has been living in Canada since 2022. She came to the mountains hoping for a fresh start, but instead, the struggles she carried with her felt amplified. Anxiety and panic attacks became a significant challenge, making it difficult to enjoy the outdoor adventures she loved. However, through humor, connection and self-discovery, Bobbie is learning to navigate these challenges.
​
Now working with the Banff Canmore Foundation, Bobbie feels she has found her dream organisation—a place where she can support others and help foster a sense of belonging in the community. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, breaking down stigma, and creating spaces for open and honest conversations. Bobbie knows firsthand the importance of connection and is dedicated to helping others feel seen, heard, and supported on their own journeys.
Scott Walker (he/him)
Mental Health Advocate | Server| Entrepreneur
Scott has made the Bow Valley home since 2010. He has lived with bipolar disorder since 2000 and has survived four manic episodes, each accompanied with a psychiatric hospital stay. Scott spent over 30 years being functionally depressed and has lived through deep depression many times including suicidal ideations. He has been a local mental health advocate since 2015. During that time he led and continues to lead a variety of events, to both reduce stigma and raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Scott shares about his bipolar journey publicly in a variety of ways including on his social media and in media interviews. He is currently writing his first book focused on a specific area of mental health. During his free time, Scott enjoys spiritual and personal growth, hiking, mountain biking, and reading.
Geoff Hilhorst
Musician | Realtor | Community Advocate
I’ve faced battles that too many experience in silence—mental health struggles and addiction. For years, shame and stigma kept me from speaking out, making it even harder to ask for help. I believed I had to fight my struggles alone, but I’ve since learned that healing begins with honesty and connection.
​
I still struggle today, and not every day is easy. But I no longer face it in isolation. I now have a voice behind me, an ever-growing support network, and the understanding that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance. It’s about getting back up, even when it feels impossible.
​
By sharing my story, I hope to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and remind others that they don’t have to suffer in silence. If my voice can help even one person feel seen, heard, or understood, then it’s worth telling. No one should have to fight alone.
​
Ri
Mental Health Advocate
Ri, originally from the UK, moved to Banff last year to travel and explore new opportunities. She has experienced navigating multiple cultural identities and faced challenges growing up that has shaped how she approaches life and her relationships as an adult. Her experience with mental health struggles, led her to seek support and has been through both one-on-one therapy and group therapy sessions. Working in a new industry has been a learning curve, bringing both growth and setbacks. Ri is committed to learning and moving forward. She believes that everyone deserves access to support, “not everyone has the tools or network they need and healing depends on circumstances and sometimes is beyond personal control”. Ri has studied forensic psychology and has worked in various supportive roles within the mental health and wellbeing space which has sparked her passion for mental health advocacy.
