The HeARTful Living Seniors Learning Series was a 12-week hybrid workshop (remote and in-person) designed to enrich the lives of seniors living in Mississauga. This initiative was brought to life by V Serve Canada in association with Shubh Helping Hands, with generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Over the course of the series, participants engaged in interactive sessions led by seasoned experts who shared their knowledge and skills across various domains. Here’s a spotlight on the experts who made this series a success. We hope that their expertise and wealth of knowledge educated and entertained our attendees.
Nilav Mukherjee is a distinguished cybersecurity expert and the founder of Thiefdroppers, a company dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals and organizations from the growing threats of cyberattacks. With a mission to make the digital world safer, Nilav has a talent for simplifying complex cybersecurity concepts and empowering people to take control of their online safety.
As part of the HeARTful Living for Seniors series, Nilav conducted insightful workshops designed to equip seniors with essential digital skills. His sessions focused on:
Nilav’s approachable teaching style made these workshops not only informative but empowering, leaving participants with the tools and confidence to safeguard their online presence.
Simone is a Certified Holistic Cancer Practitioner, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and Holistic Health Transformation Consultant who believes true health and happiness come from a balanced life. With expertise in nutrition, regenerative detoxification, hypnosis, and mindset development, she creates personalized programs to help individuals overcome limiting beliefs and achieve lasting vitality and longevity.
As part of the HeARTful Living for Seniors series, Simone led engaging nutrition sessions focusing on:
Simone’s holistic coaching style empowered participants to take charge of their health by blending practical knowledge with mindset transformation, promoting better health outcomes for long-term well-being. Her work can be found on her website.
Ritu is a passionate photographer and visual storyteller who uses her craft to capture the beauty and essence of her surroundings. Through her photo blog, @ritukspics, she shares her unique perspective on life, shining a spotlight on the people, places, and businesses that make her community special. Ritu’s photography is not just an art form; it’s a way of forging connections and telling stories that inspire and resonate with others. Her work beautifully combines creativity with authenticity, reflecting her deep appreciation for the world around her.
Beyond her photography, Ritu is a dedicated community advocate. She serves as the Vice President of Charity Management for the Mississauga Chapter of 100 Women Who Care and as the Chair of the Professional Development Committee at the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT). Her commitment to giving back to her community is evident in all that she does, whether through her volunteer roles or her artistic endeavours.
As part of the HeARTful Living for Seniors series, Ritu led visual storytelling workshops that empowered participants to tell their personal and community stories through photography and video. These sessions offered more than just technical skills; they taught participants how to see the world through a creative lens, capture moments with purpose, and share their experiences in meaningful ways. From mastering lighting and composition to exploring narrative techniques, Ritu’s workshops fostered a sense of connection, empathy, and self-expression.
Karlene is a multi-talented artist whose expertise spans numerous art mediums, making her a beacon of creativity and inspiration. She immerses herself fully in artistic expression, crafting works that transport people to places of calm, peace, beauty, and brilliance. Her art serves as an invitation to dream and explore, inspiring a sense of wonder and encouraging others to embrace their own creativity and self-expression.
Karlene’s passion for art goes beyond personal creation; she is dedicated to sharing her love for art with others. Her ability to connect deeply with participants and make art accessible to everyone makes her workshops truly unforgettable experiences.
As part of the HeARTful Living for Seniors series, Karlene led vibrant Art Sessions that encouraged participants to discover their creative potential. These sessions explored various forms of artistic expression, including painting and drawing, allowing participants to develop new skills in a supportive and joyful environment.
One of the highlights of the session was the opportunity for participants to create a framable piece of art to take home—a tangible reminder of their creativity and accomplishments. These moments of shared artistic activity fostered connection, joy, and a sense of community, making Karlene’s session one of the most memorable in the series.
Karlene continues to shine as an artist and educator, proving that creativity is a powerful tool for connection, self-expression, and personal growth. To explore her stunning artwork and learn more about her journey, you can find her creations here.
Meena Chopra is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning visual artist and poet whose work transcends boundaries and inspires audiences worldwide. With a passion for space, colors, forms, and words, Meena’s creations are a harmonious blend of visual and literary artistry. Over her illustrious career spanning more than three decades, her art has graced prestigious galleries across the globe, including venues in Canada, India, England, and the USA.
Her masterpieces are cherished in the collections of embassies, government bodies, hotels, and private art enthusiasts, reflecting her universal appeal and artistic brilliance. As a poet, Meena has published two widely celebrated collections and is currently working on two more, showcasing her versatility as a creator.
As part of the "Art at HEART" series, Meena led inspiring virtual art sessions that introduced participants to the transformative world of artistic expression. Through her workshops, attendees explored the unique and meditative art form known as Neurographic Art, which uses free-flowing lines and shapes to unlock creativity, reduce stress, and foster a sense of connection.
Meena’s sessions were more than just art classes—they were immersive experiences that encouraged participants to think beyond traditional boundaries and embrace the therapeutic power of creativity. Through her work, Meena continues to inspire others to see the beauty in both the tangible and the abstract, proving that art and poetry have the power to transform not only canvases but lives. To explore Meena’s stunning art and literary creations, you can learn more here.
Stay tuned for more updates on our HeARTful Living workshops and the experts who are enriching lives through their inspiring sessions.
