Hi, I'm Jackie Ferris

A dedicated Social-Emotional Mentor, specializing in developmental relationships

I am passionate about empowering teens and young adults on their path to improved mental health and happiness. I believe in the transformative power of developmental relationships, and I strive to build deep, meaningful connections with each mentee.

Through relaxed, consistent, and engaging interactions, I guide individuals towards personal growth. We get together to do simple activities that encourage self-exploration and expression, challenge negative thoughts, and develop essential life skills. My focus is on nurturing positive relationships and creating a safe space where my mentees can flourish.

As a kind, compassionate, and accepting mentor, I provide mentees with a trusted non-parental adult environment. I offer a dedicated and personalized approach to mentoring, and support mentees with genuine care, empathy, and encouragement. My ultimate goal is to empower young minds and help them unlock their full potential for a happier, healthier future.

How I Got Here and How It's Going:

I left a very fun and rewarding 10-year career in radio in search of more meaningful work. Read the story of how and why I started Comrade Morpho on GuelphToday.com.

A year later, some mentees and their parents shared a bit about their experiences working with me for this update article.

Helpful Details About Me:

Bachelor of Arts, Honours Degree in Fine Art and Psychology from the University of Guelph (2021)
Mentoring for Youth Mental Health certificate from Fordham University & Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring, Spring 2024
Volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters Guelph
- - 2023 Match of the Year award
  - Community-Based 1-on-1 Mentoring
  - School-Based Group Mentoring
Certified in developmental relationships from Search Institute

SafeTALK: Suicide Alertness Training
St. John Ambulance Certified
- First Aid, CPR, AED, Mental Health & Wellness
Covid vaccine x5
Clean driver’s abstract & vulnerable sector police check
Non-smoking / pet-friendly household
Fully insured
10-year marketing career in radio

Let's Work Together

Get to know me a little more...

Beginning

I was born and raised in Fergus, Ontario, and as a result, I enjoy the sound of bagpipes! I have 5 sisters and 2 brothers. My mom passed away from cancer when I was 19, and my dad is still going at 98 years old.

Growing up I was a dancer and took ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance lessons. My childhood best friend, Rachel, lived across the street from me and had a pool, plus, the Fergus Pool was just down the street, so I swam a lot in the summers. Dancing and swimming are still two of my favourite things to do.

P.S. Rachel is still my best friend!

Middle

High school was a bit of a slog, but after graduating from C.W.D.H.S., I found my academic stride at Georgian College, where I studied Advertising and Marketing. I did my college co-op placement at 107.5 Dave FM in Cambridge, which turned into a 10+ year career in the promotion and marketing departments of Vancouver radio stations.

Through hard work and dedication, I climbed my way up to being the Promotions Director at 102.7 The PEAK. I managed a team of 2 full-time coordinators and 15 part-time street team members. Together we were responsible for creating and promoting fun and engaging contests and events for clients, listeners, and communities.

I had so much fun!

Recent

In 2017 I switched gears; ghost-wrote a novel, and did some traveling before settling down in Guelph to be closer to my family in Elora. That’s when I decided it was time to finally pursue my interest in mental health by enrolling in University to study Psychology and Fine Art. In January of 2021, I graduated with honours from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Some of my favourite Psych classes included: Early Adolescent Development, Education Psychology, Social and Personality Development, and Developmental Psychology. They were incredibly insightful and inspiring courses.

The art studio is where I got to let loose and express my creativity. I had so much fun in my Sculpture, Digital Media, Drawing, and Conceptual Art classes.

Now

Much to my surprise and delight, I ended up meeting the love of my life while in University. It was love at first sight for me but I was shy, so when Christian finally asked me out, I was over the moon with excitement. Our first date lasted 3 hours at the Red Brick Cafe and next thing we knew, we were eloping in Austria to exchange rings in a beautiful play tower.

We have been happily married since July 2019. We live in a cute little condo in the Ward near downtown Guelph. We share our space with an adorable rescue cat named Le Petite Prince. When I’m not with mentees, I’m at home working on creative projects, or catching up with friends and family. Christian is an artist and a professor at the University of Guelph. He is currently working on his first full-length graphic novel, and he graciously did the drawings for my website!