Synapspark

05/29/2026

These folks at Peel Region Children's Aid Society are such an inspiration!

After completing our very serious and intense 2 day Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training they showed their serious side and then their goofy side during our picture taking..

Such a pleasure to work with these caring and compassionate people...thank you to Brittany Bullock for being my amazing cotrainer and to Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin for hosting this training.

***deintervention

05/25/2026

"Struggling With Our Mental Health Is Nothing To Be Ashamed Of..."

It is the silence we build around mental health that can be shameful.

In many of my mental health workshops -- especially in my Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Trainings (ASIST) -- people often share that talking about mental health and seeking help is not acceptable in their family, at their workplace, in their community or in their culture.

Seeking mental health support can mean pushing against a history of generational messages about strength, faith, privacy and loyalty. It can feel like choosing between belonging and healing.

If you've ever felt torn between your culture, faith, or family and your need for mental health support, my wish is that you should not have to choose between belonging and getting help.

Cultural stigma around mental health continues to affect many communities, especially those where emotional struggles are often misunderstood, dismissed, or judged. When people experience trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, or major life stressors, the responses they receive from family and community can either encourage healing or increase shame.

Ufortuantely many mental health concerns are still met with silence, mixed emotions, judgment, or advice that may not fully address what someone is experiencing.

The ultimate goal is not to reject culture, but to create a balance between honoring cultural values and recognizing the importance of mental health care.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is a step toward healing, growth, and overall well-being.

Ask yourself -- What is one way I could make the spaces around me safer for honest conversation?

* Thank you to Daily Wellness for the inspiration for this post..

Be Fearless

Steve

05/15/2026

I feel so energized when I read feedback from my Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training [ASIST] and participants say they now feel more confident in helping people in their personal and professional lives who may be struggling with thoughts of su***de.

Thank you Brittany Bullock for co-facilitating with me..and shout out to Idea Training Collaborative in downtown Toronto for hosting us!

Be Fearless

Steve

***deintervention

05/08/2026

Hey, check out GTA Business Training Collective on Inside Durham last week!

Reach out to us

We are Jennifer R Maxwell Ella Bates Angie Cole Ross Stephen Lister Sean Mullin

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX-oe02sqBM/?igsh=cDkzZjRtNmxpaGh1

05/08/2026

Some very kind words from my new friend..and hopefully partner in creating some new workshops and seminars...Vernon Hiller
=========================
Some people talk about making a difference. Stephen (Steve) Lister has dedicated his life to it.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of sitting down with Steve Lister, owner of Synapspark Consulting Mental Health Education, and it quickly became apparent why his work resonates so deeply with so many people. Steve is intuitive, authentic, and genuinely compassionate - the kind of person who makes you feel heard, understood, and empowered within minutes of meeting him. That passion for helping others is at the heart of everything he does.

We spoke candidly about life’s challenges, personal growth, lessons learned, and the urgent need for stronger support systems for today’s youth. What stood out most was Steve’s unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change, especially for individuals and families navigating ADHD and autism.

As a certified Autism Awareness/ADHD Trainer and longtime mindfulness practitioner, Steve has developed impactful workshops that combine practical tools with real human connection. His sessions focus on emotional regulation, de-escalation of violent behaviour, and building empathy - equipping parents, educators, children, and community members with strategies that truly make a difference in everyday lives.

Steve brings an incredible level of energy, heart, and lived understanding to his work. Whether he’s speaking to a room of educators, coaching professionals, or writing his next book, his mission remains the same: helping people better understand themselves so they can improve both their personal and professional lives.

An accomplished speaker, entrepreneur, and author currently working on his second book, Steve is someone who doesn’t just teach these principles — he lives them.

If you or your organization are looking for a high-energy, deeply engaging, and genuinely inspiring speaker or workshop facilitator for your next event, I cannot recommend Steve Lister enough.

05/08/2026

I am thrilled to announce that I have been nominated for the Reader's Choice Award in Ajax and Oshawa in the category of Best Mental Health Consultant!

https://best-businesses.thereaderschoice.ca/.../best...

https://best-businesses.thereaderschoice.ca/.../best...

If you feel that the work I am doing is positively impacting Durham - and the wider world - I would very much appreciate it if you can find a moment to vote for me 😃

You will simply have to fill in your name and email in order to vote.

Final voting day is May 30.

Thank you all so much for your ongoing support of my work!

Be Well

Steve

05/07/2026

Today I had the pleasure of speaking to grade 10 students at Pickering High School put on by the Ontario Career Lab: Career Conversations.

These small-group career conversations help students explore key interests, skills, and values that will inform their future pathways.

I talked about my career path...becoming as teacher out of University, living abroad for 7 years, starting my own company, how it all began, and how I ended up doing what I am doing today despite all the curveballs that life threw at me..and throws at everybody of all ages.

This comment from a student really warmed my heart..

"Steve, thank you for showing me a career I didn't know existed. You showed me that sometimes, change can be good and result in a positive outcome."

Be Fearless

Steve

05/04/2026

Going Beyond Awareness to Action

1 in 3
Canadians who experience a mental illness report unmet or only partially met needs for care (Stats Can)

Only 23%
of Canadian workers feel comfortable talking to their employer about a psychological health issue (Stats Can)

51%
of Canadians who meet criteria for a mental health disorder do not talk to a health professional (CMHA)

6 months After
Canadians who receive evidence‑based mental health training show increased confidence and are more likely to provide support (MHCC)

----------------------------

May 4 to May 11 is Mental Health Awareness Week across Canada, led by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

This week is an opportunity to be intentional about how we show up: for others, our communities, and ourselves.

Across Canada, people are:

👥 Starting conversations that might not otherwise happen

Building confidence where uncertainty exists

Helping people act when it matters most

Together, this extends beyond this week - because awareness alone doesn’t drive change; confidence, shared language, and ongoing practice do.

Be a part of something bigger by growing your network of people shaping how mental health is understood and supported across workplaces and communities nationwide.

This week creates space to:

Build on the impact you’re already making

Reach more people when attention is already there

Support others doing this work across the country

That momentum is powerful, and it’s built by people like you!

04/30/2026

I am grateful to be invited to speak at this event with 5 other powerhouse health promotors!

Join us on June 13 form 9:00am to 1:00pm for IT'S TIME TO SHINE IN HEALTH.

Registration details below.

All are welcome!

Be well

Steve

04/26/2026

ARE YOU TRULY LIVING A LIFE OF HAPPINESS & PEACE?

IF NOT, IT’S TIME TO PAUSE & ASK...WHY NOT?

On June 13, 2026 join me in a focused gathering of professionals committed to creating real solutions.

This event is designed to bring together like-minded individuals who are ready to share insights, offer support & explore practical ways to improve physical health, mental clarity & business performance.

In today’s fast-paced work culture, many professionals & business owners silently carry stress that affects both performance & personal life.

While some organizations offer HR support, a large number of businesses & individuals across Canada do not have access to
safe, open spaces where these challenges can be discussed & addressed.

Running a business or managing a demanding job often feels like being stuck in a constant cycle, facing one challenge after another. Over time, this leads to exhaustion, reduced productivity & less meaningful time with family. The need for balance between professional success & personal well-being has never been more important.

IF HEALTH IS TRULY OUR GREATEST WEALTH, IT DESERVES TO BE OUR FIRST PRIORITY...NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT.

Take this opportunity to reconnect with what matters most & move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Secure your spot for this FREE event today:
digipixinc.com/events/20th-anniversary
June 13, 2026
From 9 am to 1 pm
At The Work Hub, Ajax room
190 Harwood Ave. South, Ajax, L1S 2H6

Join us for the DIGIPIX 20th Anniversary Celebration! Discover exciting programming, special events, and memorable moments as we honor two decades of innovation.