REVIEWS
“Verena has IT.”
Lots of people are educated. Many are gifted speakers. Very few have IT — that cocktail of magic and magnetism that makes a moment memorable. Verena has IT. She is the rarest combo of energetic and empathetic. Approachable but holds you accountable. If you can’t tell, I think she is a wonder. Verena makes an instant impact the moment you meet her. She is warm and wise, comforting and competent, confident and courteous and curious. She is a gifted orator yet also a great listener. Both qualities of a natural leader. When she speaks, people listen. She is memorable. Relatable. Impactful. Verena’s courage and candour taught me that having a conversation — even a delicate or difficult one — is always better than not having one.
Jonathan Torrens
Television Host and Personality
“The feedback I received from those in attendance was extremely positive.”
I just wanted to take a moment to thank Verena for her excellent presentation. Her insights were both thought-provoking and inspiring, highlighting the real impact of compassionate care. Her passion for the subject truly came through, and I appreciate the effort she put into delivering such a meaningful session. The feedback I received from those in attendance was extremely positive. Looking forward to more opportunities to learn from her!
Margaret Melanson
President & CEO, Horizon Health Network
“Verena’s work is creative, genuine, impactful and evidence based.”
In my experience, those who encounter Verena always leave their interaction improved. I have witnessed this but also experienced it first hand. Her genuine care and support of people is something special — something this world needs more of. Her creativity in communicating difficult important topics is inspiring. Verena’s work is creative, genuine, impactful and evidence based. She has inspired me to tap more into my own personal and spiritual health and wellness, to develop resilience — especially as it relates to my work providing care to patients. She is a hugely valuable resource.
Dr. Leah Jones
Physician; Academic Director, Black Health, Dalhousie Medical School
From standing ovations to repeat bookings, leaders and organizations trust Verena to deliver with authority and heart.
“She is passionate, compelling, disruptive (in a great way.)”
Verena, uniquely and succinctly, articulated the pain my participants suffer and, therein, reinforced the impetus for me to empower them to speak up and feel heard. Her delivery style and choice of presenting in a unique delivery — spoken word — made me, and others, listen more intently. She is passionate, compelling, disruptive (in a great way.) She delivers a poignant message in a way people will listen — and be moved.
Glynis E. Devine
Chief Empowerment Officer, She-Suite Leaders
“She has influenced the way that I practice being present with others.”
Verena is a warm soul who not only has a vast wealth of knowledge in the realm of compassionate care but also has an extraordinary ability to deliver information in an engaging and meaningful manner that both captivates and moves those who have the privilege of hearing her speak. She has influenced the way that I practice being present with others when engaging in meaningful conversation that pertains to all manner of health. Verena shines whenever she’s given the opportunity to speak about what is meaningful to her — when she’s at her most authentic.
Jeremie Saunders
Canadian Actor & Sickboy Podcast Host (CBC)
Great delivery. A wonderful story teller. Impactful presentation! Verena is emphatic, polished and entertaining.
Nicole Langille
President, FREE PEOPLE Destination Management & Events
What can I say, on behalf of Horizon Health Network — WOW, her keynote was impactful and invaluable. Her delivery and passion was what we all needed.
Normand Hector
Culture & Wellbeing Consultant, Horizon Health
Verena is inspiring and impactful. I have one of her poems framed and posted on my desk for daily inspiration. She is passionate. Wise. Empathetic. She will ensure return on both your investment and objectives. What are you waiting for? Book her already!
Mina Atia
Consultant, Crestview Strategy
“She is impactful. Professional at all times.”
Verena is uniquely intuitive to the needs of others, passionate about relationships and deeply empathic. She is a consummate professional who goes well above and beyond for her clients and families. Her approach to rapport is genuine, deeply respectful and without comparison. She is impactful. Professional at all times. Advanced critical thinking. An Infinite advocate.
Sally MacLean
Clinical Nurse Educator, Nova Scotia Health Authority
“The fact that she has been able to trailblaze a BIPOC clinic on her own accord is a testament to her determination.”
She is an incredibly dynamic yet empathetic individual. Her work is on point, resonating, and reflecting all the good in humanity. The fact that she has been able to trailblaze a BIPOC clinic on her own accord within a larger institution is a testament to her determination and commitment to identifying and then following through to do what is right for others.
Dr. David Botten
Family Physician
“When Verena speaks people listen.”
My experience working with her left me inspired and motivated. Shortly after the death of George Floyd we were able to find funds to allow stories of Black Nova Scotians to be captured on camera that lead by example the importance of leading with love over hate. Verena jumped in head first and used her powerful tool of speaking and connecting to help lead these conversations. She is truly moving and exceptional. She has tremendous knowledge in her field that is backed by emotional intelligence and a desire to make change. When Verena speaks people listen. Verena takes complex issues and distills them into language that is beautiful and digestible. I have a much deeper understanding of the issues that plague under represented communities and that sits with me as I move through day to day life. Verena has a special voice in the healthcare community and so much further. She speaks passionately and intelligently and truly does inspire.
Sylvia Beirnes
Producer, bycoastal
“She can capture the attention in a room more than many I’ve ever met.”
I have attended her speaking events and the way she captures the attention of a room, shares her heart, is deeply compassionate and committed to supporting and delivering her message is awe-worthy. She is so generous with her knowledge, in tune with the enviroment, and creates a safe space for conversations that may otherwise never be had. The first time I heard Verenas spoken piece call “build”, I remember feeling a sense of awe. The words were incredibly powerful but somehow not as powerful as her deliverance. Together it felt like something that needed to be heard across the world. Verena has an intelligence that is remarkable. She has an ability to write and communicate on a deep, emotional level. She has a compassion and sensitivity that is unmatched. She can capture the attention in a room more than many I’ve ever met. But her heart? Her love? That’s really something to see. That’s what is most difficult to put into words.
Mallory Ryan
Naturopathic Doctor, Nova Scotia
She has a transparent, genuine and authentic aura that makes one feel connected to her. Interactions with her feel very intentional and pure, as if she sees and supports you.
Guyliegh Johnson
Author, Poet, Black Student Advisor, Dalhousie University
From physicians and NPs to academic faculty, Verena’s clinical credibility and approach to care are recognized across disciplines.
High level of clinical knowledge and competency. She is thorough and caring. She has helped me to consider socio-cultural elements of care. Almost every patient we have shared, she has gone above and beyond to support — even when health system resources are not in place.
Dr. Jacob Cookey
Psychiatrist; Co-founder, Virtual Hallway
“I do believe her presentation has made me a better provider.”
Verena is a passionate advocate and great care provider. When giving a presentation you can clearly see her dedication to her craft — she provides insightful information and captivates her audience. She goes above and beyond for her patients and truly advocates for the services they require. Her workshops are clearly laid out and she keeps the audience’s attention easily. Verena has helped me better care for marginalized individuals and people of colour. Her presentations shed light on the difficulties these patients face and the discrimination they may go through. I do believe her presentation has made me a better provider.
Dr. Brigit Desjardins, Captain
Family Physician, Canadian Armed Forces
She is a compassionate clinician who is dedicated to patient care, with a special interest in mental health. She excels at developing rapport with her patients and is a valuable team member who communicates well with her colleagues. She has assisted me by having conversations about providing racially and culturally responsive care, as some cases have been quite complex. She has been involved with creating a specialized clinic to assist with providing racially and culturally responsive care at her workplace.
Dr. Delyth Roberts
Psychiatrist, Nova Scotia
“She amazes me in all she has seen and done in her time on this earth.”
Verena was always in the top 5% of her classes academically but also one of the most enthusiastic, thoughtful and respectful people I have ever worked or taught with. Exceptional, always has great attention to detail, committed to whatever she is doing in general and shows incredible empathy for those around her both professionally and personally. Her attention to all aspects of care for her patients and those around is unmatched. She has given of herself back to her profession, community and family at a level few can fathom. She amazes me in all she has seen and done in her time on this earth.
Kim Hebert
Nurse Practitioner, Professor, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University
“She has impacted my practice by providing other perspectives to care.”
Exceptional and insightful. A true advocate of care for her patients as demonstrated through mutual patient collaborations. She is a compassionate and caring health care provider which has influence on her colleagues and with positive outcomes for her patients. She has impacted my practice by providing other perspectives to care and patient concerns and complications not previously known or experienced.
Shaun Kaye (Captain, retired)
Physician Assistant, Nova Scotia
Verena is a true advocate in the medical sphere. She reminds caregivers to see the person within the medical case or predicament and acknowledge the micro, mezzo and macro levels that are at play in their presenting concerns.
Grace Atkinson
Social Worker, Canadian Armed Forces
Verena is an extremely caring individual, strong advocate for ethical and appropriate healthcare for her patients. Her work has taught me to improve myself, to not always settle for the status quo. Verena was mentioned in a patient’s obituary — she was described as this patient’s ‘singing angel’ because she comforted them with song in their final days.
Kyle MacPhee
Nurse, Continuing Care Manager, North West Territories
Verena’s work encourages me to look within and reflect on the message she is sharing and how it might apply to my own life and relationships. Her work often offers a different perspective that I might not have thought of before and provide a form of clarity or healing that I never knew I needed. The way she can connect with people and make them feel seen, heard, and understood, is a true God-given gift.
Dr. Cinera Cartwright
Psychiatrist, Nova Scotia
Verena has opened my heart to be more compassionate, and more aware of issues that affect marginalized peoples. Her pieces stop a person in their tracks.
Yvonne Strba
Registered Nurse, Nova Scotia Health Authority
Verena is authentic, passionate, and purposeful. Her work has opened both my mind and heart.
Erna Snelgrove Clarke
Professor of Nursing, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario
Having heard Verena’s stories and perspectives helped me realize how much extra these communities have to deal with. Gaining this knowledge has helped me not only advocate more but how I advocate — to amplify voices that white femininity had previously out shadowed or benefited from.
Jeanine Goulet
Registered Nurse, Nova Scotia
Verena has challenged me to engage more spiritually. She is brilliant and the kind of human being the world needs more of. Someone who practices with integrity in a system that does not uphold integrity.
Hannah Cavicchi
Social Worker, Nova Scotia
Verena has great knowledge and energy. Her story has stayed with me. She’s great at what she does.
F.O.
Regional Manager, Horizon Health Network
Verena is talented, passionate and powerful. She has the ability to hook her crowd.
H.R.
Regional Director, Horizon Health Network
“Her work has influenced my views on health and wellness, parenting, leadership, advocacy, equity and diversity.”
I was working as a physician at a clinic when she was an NP student. Her clinical acumen was impressive, but even more impressive was her ability to connect with diverse folks from all walks of life and quickly gain their trust and respect. She sees the whole person and not just the collection of symptoms or disease. Verena is a skilled clinician, speaker, writer and advocate for health and equity. One piece about raising her daughter really resonated with me — with her permission I used it as part of a workshop I was giving to other physicians on physician leadership. Her work has influenced my views on health and wellness, parenting, leadership, advocacy, equity and diversity, and spiritual well-being.
Anonymous
Physician, Nova Scotia
Beyond the stage and the clinic, Verena’s work moves people to think differently, love more deeply, and lead with greater intention.
“She’s influenced me to lead with love.”
Few people have the ability to walk in a room and have everyone stop what they’re doing to pay attention to them. I’ve seen this happen with Verena on multiple occasions. She can grab the attention of individuals, just by being herself. I feel Verena’s inspiration whenever I speak with audiences. My audiences have heard many stories of Verena’s inspiration. Verena has influenced me to give myself and others grace. She’s influenced me to lead with love — rather than fighting fire with fire. She has shown me the true strength of moving through life with loving intention.
Tyler Simmonds
Public Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, Filmmaker
Verena is Kind. Patient. Gentle. Understanding. She is balanced in her perspective and respectful in how she approaches, cares, and engages with others. She is truly a treasure and a light to every room she enters.
Dena Williams
Event Producer, Events & Creative Strategy Consultant
Verena’s work is deeply compassionate and grounded in understanding. Her approach to care is holistic, addressing not just the mind, but also the body, emotions, and spirit.
Marine Gemeda
Manager, Business is Jammin’, Black Business Initiative
Attending a workshop on boundaries that Verena facilitated was very impactful. I experienced her as an educator, a facilitator, and a community member. It was a deeply impactful session.
Vanessa Furlong
Nova Scotia
“Anyone who crosses paths with her is better for it.”
Verena’s work is a reflection of who she is: warm, thoughtful, and full of light. She brings her whole heart into everything she does, from her poetry to her speaking engagements — it’s about creating a space where people can heal, grow, and feel connected. Her passion for her work is contagious, and you can see the way she touches everyone she encounters. Her ability to uplift others while continuously working on her own growth is something I admire deeply. Anyone who crosses paths with her is better for it.
Monique Thomas
Founder, 1.11 Marketing
Verena’s work has greatly impacted me in such a positive way. Always offering a fresh perspective and finding ways to cultivate joy throughout difficult times in a way that doesn’t reinforce toxic positivity.
Vicktorea Brooks
Nova Scotia
Verena’s work and online presence reminds me to be more compassionate with myself and to reflect with intention, something so many of us needed reminding of in today’s oversaturated world.
Alexa Cude
Photographer, Nova Scotia
Verena was the first person I really HEARD speak about the experiences of racialized people in prison, as well as the medical field. As a woman studying counseling psychology, Verena’s voice is an important one in my learning.
Karen Venoit
Photographer, Nova Scotia
Verena has a way of speaking that feels as though she knows the collective soul of any group. Her words are thoughtful, powerful, and provoking. She has a magic of being able to push boundaries because you know whole heartedly it is in and from true care for the collective.
Victoria Scully
Nova Scotia
Verena’s work is relatable. She understands personal issues that many have not faced. She is someone that allows you to be able to express yourself with no judgement.
Sara Jaber
Engineer, Nova Scotia
Verena is caring, compassionate and she always creates a safe space for those around her.
Julia Arsanious
Senior Consultant, EY
Verena’s work is impactful, powerful, raw, truthful, emotional, NEEDED in this world. Her words remind me to lean into my feelings — whatever they are. To listen to my heart and to do the ‘hard thing’ even when it feels impossible. She is a LIGHT in this world.
Jasmine Parent
Social Worker, Nova Scotia
Verena is a fearless champion for the vulnerable. She courageously uses her voice to uplift others, and bravely share her own experiences to inspire, encourage, and bridge connection.
Nadia Katherine
Nova Scotia
Verena is a beautiful medley of art, spirit & science. I appreciate her dedication to God, her family and her community. She gently influences by example — motivating others to do the same.
Venessa Dowling
MSW, Nova Scotia
Verena’s lived experiences, humility, compassion, wisdom, kindness and brilliance have culminated in the purest form of caregiver I have ever encountered.
Anonymous
Juris Doctorate, British Columbia
Verena can apply religious beliefs to everyday life, and frames it in such a way that it’s applicable and relatable to even those who are not religious.
Jenny Veinotte
Nova Scotia
Verena is a lighthouse, guiding the way, sharing light in the dark, and offering protection. She instills calmness, she radiates love, and she makes it easier to discuss and reflect upon hard things.
Morgan Atwater
Nova Scotia
Verena’s work is impactful, mind and heart-altering, powerful, profound, admirable, inspiring, eye-opening, heartfelt, hopeful, intelligent, raw, respectful, attentive. Verena inspires me to think differently, love deeper, pray harder, and try my very best to keep hope alive.
Nancy Sherobeem
Arizona
Verena is passionate about what matters. She has a way of getting your attention on critical thinking and thoughts. She has a way of motivating me to want to do better. She is a rare person. She is brimming with compassion, love, peace and her faith is unwavering.
Ginette Currie
Nova Scotia
Verena is meaningful, thoughtful and a brilliant speaker. I am mesmerized by her powerful voice and choice of words. Her work makes me dig a little deeper on my outlook towards others.
Conny McRiner
Nova Scotia
Whether you’re planning a keynote, workshop, leadership session, or clinical training, Verena brings rare clarity, credibility, and connection to the conversations that matter most.
Book Verena to Speak →