Mental illness and mental health have been something long swept under the rug. Most believe counselling or therapy is needed only during times of crisis or if there's something "wrong" with them. Michelle Onyango hopes to start changing the narrative one client at a time.

“Stride Wellness was born out of need, both for me and my clientele.” 

While raising children and working a variety of different jobs in the helping field, Michelle Onyango obtained an Honours Degree in Psychology. 

Unfortunately, soon after, tragedy befell her family in 2012. Michelle’s fourth child, David, died on her 31st birthday at only 3 months old. On a day when she should have been celebrating, Michelle’s world crumbled and her heart broke.

“As you could expect, I was devastated. That might be an understatement. Lost might be a better descriptor.” 

After a few months of laying on the couch in a state of fog, she was encouraged to apply for a Master's Degree at Thompson Rivers University in Education Counselling. 

 

When that suggestion was made, Michelle had one day to decide as the application deadline was closing. Desperate for a change, she applied. Fortunately, she received acceptance and in the summer of 2015, graduated with a Master of Education in Counseling. 

Upon discovering this path to healing, Michelle Onyango has made it her mission to help others who are grieving along the journey of recovery. 

By pushing through immeasurable pain, continuing her education and nurturing a passion for helping others reach their personal, academic and career goals, Michelle embraced her experience with grief, loss and trauma to find a way to not only heal but to have a greater sense of empathy for those hurting and suffering.

With that, Michelle remains a strong believer that wellness is multifaceted with mental health as an integral component. At Stride Wellness, Michelle Onyango takes a holistic approach with her clients, believing she can help anyone reach their goal of wellness as she did.

 



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