~ ENDORSMENTS ~

"I was particularly impressed with the quality and planning of your "Basic Instincts Workshop", self-improvement talks. It is readily apparent you are a real helping professional. Your service and consideration to both my Clubhouse membership and social service staff was most gratifying.In a modern world that increases our interpersonal isolation, your "Basic Instincts Workshop", self-improvement talk provided us with needed knowledge for maintaining personal optimism. You may be assured, I will be writing you during the next several months to set up another workshop; more specifically, because of both your professionalism and your integrity, we are going to ask you for more workshops."(Recovery - Life Skills Workshop)

"Alicia was well organized, funny and perceptive of the audience’s mood. The response and feedback from the women was very positive and uplifting. She did a wonderful presentation and we hope to have her back. I highly recommend Alicia for her professionalism, humour and ability to relate to the audience."(Wellness Day @ Health Unit - Keynote Speaker)"

"We appreciate your willingness to share your experiences with the women in our community. Your commitment and dedication to improving women’s lives is inspiring."(Monthly Event Talk)

"Of the critiques collected at the end of the event, Alicia received "excellent" for her Talk from everyone who evaluated. I would recommend her as a fine Speaker that she is. Her story of healing was both humorous and explicit, while her incisive overview of needs of the mental health community at large were extremely inspiring. Alicia’s remarks were complete with references on self-help materials as well as results of personal investigative research"(Retreat Speaker)

"The workshops, which were held at the Ravensong Health Centre on March 6th and 13th of this year, were not only a benefit to the participants but also to our organization which enhanced its reputation for staging meaningful events in the community for mental health consumer/survivors. I have nothing but praise and admiration for Alicia and her work. Collaborating with her in holding her workshops, she demonstrated commitment, organization and attention to detail in every aspect of her work. She is also a very wonderful person and I do not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking interesting and beneficial workshops for their organization’s members and clients."(Recovery/Life Skills Workshop)

"Alicia has a very warm and personable approach and we would not hesitate to recommend her to any organization specializing in mental health and recovery". (Self-healing Talk)

Thu, 2006-01-26 19:05. I was amazed at the amount of knowledge you shared with us. The clarity of mind and focus was great. Realizing how important it is to trust in who and what we are. Again, thank you.Shirley P. - Workshop Participanton

Sun, 2006-01-22 17:19. Thank you very much Alicia for sharing your wisdom with such candor and compassion. After your stimulating Basic Instincts workshop, I began thinking about, and speaking with friends about, their experience of daydreaming. Its universality speaks to its human import and so I am now practising - daydreaming - a tool which is proving to be relaxing, creative, and serves to enhance my self awareness. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with such spirit - you know what you speak of!
im I. - Workshop Participant

Thu, 2006-01-19 17:15. Great! Great! Great! “Basic Instincts” was the first workshop I have ever attended. To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive since I didn’t know what to expect, but decided to go and see what happened. The way in which it evolved got me completely engaged, after 20 minutes I was completely involved and willing to participate and share. Alicia, you are great, you know the material very well but also have enough experience to let the workshop develop according to the participants needs and experiences but always following the plan.We laughed and had fun, but on the other hand, we touched on subjects that made me think and re-evaluate many issues that I have unresolved. I walked out with a lot of energy and with a great understanding in the areas of my personal as well as business life that need extra work: In addition to understanding why some of my actions and reactions are the way the are. Understanding is the only way to true change. And the changes have already began… Great! Thank you Alicia for allowing me to participate and benefit from all you wisdom.
Carolina Barreneche, Workshop Participant President, White Rock Office Services

~ SUPPORTING WORDS ~

"She is intelligent, articulate and persistent. Alicia would be a formidable ally or an equally formidable opponent for any cause, organization or movement." - Andrew Hannon, Magazine Editor -

"I have always found her to be a very articulate spokesperson for the group she works with, usually the disadvantaged and less powerful in our community. She is a dedicated hard worker that leaves no stone unturned when she builds her case" - Nick Taylor, Senator

"Alicia has shown me she is concerned, compassionate, (and) knowledgeable of current events, persistent and forthright." - Dave Rutherford, News Director / Talk Show Host -

"I met Alicia Ballard in 1991 as an articling student at a Calgary law firm. Alicia was a good listener and provided moral support to me. Unfortunately I lost touch with Alicia as I tried to find some career direction. In February 2004 by coincidence, Alicia and I were browsing in the same store along the beach in White Rock. I recognized her immediately.
After talking to her, I was reminded of Alicia's intelligence, tact and compassion. I have told Alicia often that she would make a very good life coach. Alicia emmigrated to Canada at the age of twenty one. Prior to this, she was born and raised in Argentina, part of which was under a dictatorship military regime.
Alicia can empathisize with the cultural, financial and social struggles of immigrants, based on her own experiences of fitting into another culture. Alicia worked for several years in Calgary as a Simultaneous Interpreter and a Translator based on her expertise of 3-4 languages. Alicia seldom mentions her language versatility, which is typical of her understated approach.
Because of her well roundedness, Alicia is able to see the "big picture" in complex situations. She is a "safe harbour" for individuals who are experiencing confusion, grief and anger in their relationships.
Alicia is careful about being an impartial observer in such scenarios. She is knowledgeable about mental health issues and effective approaches to maintaining one's health and well being.
She is generous about sharing her information with others, without expecting anything in return. Alicia has a wealth of knowledge on issues such as healing, creativity and identity. She is attuned to issues like recovering one's sense of connection, strength, self protection and autonomy.
I have never attended one of Alicia's workshops unfortunately. Based on the positive feedback that I have heard about them, I sense that the audience are enthusiastic participants to Alicia's unique approach to life." - Vicky J. - Friend, Lawyer and Social Worker (Good for her!)

Angel Dust most precious, I find the name of your webpages both enchanting and uplifting."
Joy flowing back to you!" - Quasar9 -