This summer, 12 KW Hab team members completed our first-ever Introduction to Mindfulness training series with Charlie McMillan a mindfulness practitioner. Over eight sessions, staff came together to explore how mindfulness can strengthen personal wellbeing and build a more compassionate, resilient workplace.

Charlie McMillan trained as a social worker and has spent his career advancing human rights, inclusion, and leadership. He served as Chief Executive of the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities in Glasgow, United Kingdom, where he championed policy influence and inclusive leadership. He is currently Chair of the Global Leadership Advisory Group for Disability with the Global Leadership Exchange (GLE), a worldwide collaboration that connects leaders in mental health, disability, and substance use. GLE creates space for sharing ideas, knowledge, and best practice to spread innovation, improve services, and change lives.

KW Habilitation has also been part of GLE, and our CEO, Ann Bilodeau, is a member of this international network. Charlie’s role with GLE, combined with his passion for mindfulness, brings a unique global perspective to our work here at KW Hab.

Learning to Pause, Reset, and Lead from Within

Mindfulness isn’t about escaping stress. It is about meeting it differently. Participants practiced slowing down, noticing thoughts and feelings without judgment, and finding space to respond with clarity and care.

For Susan Doesaran, the training came at a turning point:

“I was overwhelmed with my work situation. My doctor advised me something had to change. The topics in Mindfulness gave me the tools to take control of my mental health. One aha moment for me was realizing my thoughts are not my reality, and what others think of me is none of my business.”

Susan shared that while her work circumstances remain the same, her mindset has shifted:

“Nothing has changed in my work situation, but my attitude has made me stronger. I don’t have to engage. It’s all about choices. I reset my life by engaging in Charlie’s soothing practices and making self-care intentional, because I can only give what I have.”

New Ways of Connecting

For Annita Boer, mindfulness changed how she shows up with others, especially in her teaching role at LEG UP!:

“I was usually bustling around making sure people did the craft correctly, but this summer I slowed down, encouraged people, and supported their creativity in a quiet, connective way. The result? Amazing art, pride, and individuality. My ability to pause and take time to do less resulted in more.”

She added:

“Mindfulness has become more than sitting with my eyes closed. It is pausing before reacting, choosing a positive view, and building gratitude, even when things are difficult.”

Building Calm Together

Sara Ropp joined the sessions both for personal growth and to prepare for her role in supporting the new Influencer Council at KW Hab:

“Charlie was a great leader, welcoming, engaging, and practical. He showed us how to use mindfulness in the moment to manage stress and anxiety. Sometimes that just means walking around the building or taking a few minutes to breathe.”

For Sara, the most powerful part was seeing the group come together:

“Two participants shared openly about being fairly pessimistic before attending, and by the end had a different outlook. One even said it was the best training she has had at KW Hab. It was amazing to see everyone so involved and invested.”

Looking Ahead

The impact of this series goes beyond personal growth. A smaller group of participants will continue working with Charlie to support influencers, people with lived experience of disability who are stepping into leadership roles locally and beyond. Together, they will help shape change through calm, mindful, and intentional leadership.

We extend our gratitude to Charlie and to every participant who invested in this journey. Your willingness to pause, reflect, and share openly has planted the seeds for a stronger, more mindful culture at KW Hab.