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With a Stroke Of My Pen is a creative writing program designed to connect stroke survivors to their creative brain through using their own written words. Creativity-based therapies have been proven to widen the recovery world for survivors of a stroke.
The program is taught by June Hawkins, a freelance writer and stroke survivor.
The group is facilitated by Lisa Barker, a licensed mental health professional:
the focus of her work is assisting people in their recovery following complex health events.
The program is taught by June Hawkins, a freelance writer and stroke survivor.
The group is facilitated by Lisa Barker, a licensed mental health professional:
the focus of her work is assisting people in their recovery following complex health events.
June Hawkins
June has always felt a strong pull towards living life as an adventurer. She has been a mountain guide, cross-country ski racer, marathon runner, canoeist, writer, homemaker, and mother of two.
In February 2021, she had a stroke while working at a cross-country ski resort. It has been one of life's most significant challenges, and her healing journey is ongoing. As her recovery progressed, writing became a vital part of her process. As her creative energy returned, so did her inspiration. Driven by the healing power of writing, June now facilitates the With a Stroke of My Pen writing program. This program is designed to spark the imagination, stimulate the brain to create vivid images, and then transform those images into written words. Participants receive weekly prompts as homework and are invited to share their stories with the group if they wish. The virtual classroom is fun, inspiring, and challenging, yet relaxed, with an understanding that everyone present is a survivor and connected through their shared experiences. |
Lisa Barker
Lisa is a licensed mental health professional in Vancouver, BC. Her counselling integrates skills and approaches from trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy and positive psychology. The modalities Lisa works with are evidence-based and backed by an understanding of human growth and development.
lisabarker.ca |
“Human connections are deeply nurtured in the field of shared story”
Jean Houston, PhD scholar and philosopher
Jean Houston, PhD scholar and philosopher
Program Details
2025 Fall Schedule
Monday September 15 to October 20
Thursday September 18 to October 23
Monday November 3 to December 8
Thursday November 7 to December 11
Classes run from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm PT
Class size is limited to eight
The cost is $90 for each six week session
Monday September 15 to October 20
Thursday September 18 to October 23
Monday November 3 to December 8
Thursday November 7 to December 11
Classes run from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm PT
Class size is limited to eight
The cost is $90 for each six week session
If you have more questions click here to access FAQ (frequently asked questions)
If you would like to register email June
If you would like to register email June
What Participants Are Saying
With a Stroke of My Pen has been an unexpected and meaningful addition to my recovery journey. June creates safety that inspires us to take risks and express ourselves through both the writing and sharing process. I never considered that I’d be a stroke survivor or a writer… now I’m both! ~Kim |
"Being a part of this amazing writing group has made such a huge impact on my life. It has allowed me to explore parts of my mind that I thought I had lost due to the stroke. I would encourage other stroke survivors to take this course." ~Shelly |
“I felt very brave when I registered for June’s writing course, not knowing what to expect. It turned out to be a delight, very encouraging, inspirational and safe. The topics were flexible in how we interpreted them and we could tell our own stories, true or fictionalized, based upon them. Getting to know the others in the class was a bonus, too - a fun highlight to my week!” ~ Diana
Scholarship Program
We also have a Scholarship Program to assist participants with the cost of attending.
If you would like to donate simply email [email protected].
If you would like to access the Scholarship Program we would love to hear from you. Please email June.
To our Valued Contributors: Your gift is deeply appreciated and will make a huge difference.
There's More!
Sample June's Writing
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