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Cynthia Banks
Self Employed Wellness Professional
Orono,Ontario
Summary
Compassionate and accomplished wellness professional with training in Addiction Prevention and Treatment from McMaster University and extensive experience supporting individuals through recovery, personal growth, and behavioural change. Demonstrated leadership in program development, group facilitation, retreat and workshop delivery, team collaboration, and community engagement. Skilled in creating safe, client-centered environments that foster healing, resilience, and meaningful transformation. Brings a unique combination of counseling support experience, adult education, wellness programming, and organizational leadership developed through careers in social services, post-secondary education, and media production.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Faculty – Journalism Program
Durham College
01.2013 - 01.2022
- Delivered post-secondary instruction in journalism and communications.
- Mentored and coached students in professional development and career readiness.
- Developed curriculum, evaluated student performance, and facilitated experiential learning opportunities.
- Fostered inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments.
Owner, Producer, Director & Writer
Banks Productions Limited
01.1995 - 01.2022
- Founded and led an internationally award-winning documentary production company.
- Managed project teams, budgets, schedules, contracts, and stakeholder relationships.
- Conducted extensive research and interviews involving sensitive social and human-interest topics.
- Developed expertise in leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and project management.
- Oversaw all phases of production from concept development through distribution.
Owner & Wellness Facilitator
Rising Spirit Wellness Retreat
Rising Spirit Wellness Retreat
01.2019 - Current
- Founded and operate a wellness retreat and educational centre focused on mindfulness, personal growth, and holistic wellbeing.
- Design and facilitate retreats, workshops, yoga classes, meditation programs, and wellness experiences.
- Support individuals navigating addiction recovery, mental health challenges, life transitions, and personal development.
- Manage all aspects of operations including programming, marketing, client relations, strategic planning, and business development.
- Create safe, supportive environments that foster healing, self-discovery, resilience, and community connection.
Owner & Wellness Facilitator
Rising Spirit Wellness Retreat
Orono, ON
10.2018 - Current
- Developed wellness programs integrating holistic practices
- Established operational protocols ensuring high-quality guest experiences and satisfaction.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to foster team development.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation to enhance operational efficiency.
- Created and Facilitated Groups, Retreats, Yoga and Meditation Classes
Residential Addiction Counsellor
Safe Hope Home
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Supported individuals experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, and complex trauma.
- Facilitated addiction recovery groups and psychoeducational programming.
- Built trusting therapeutic relationships through compassionate, client-centred communication.
- Assisted residents with recovery planning and personal goal setting.
- Accompanied residents to 12-Step meetings and facilitated Big Book study discussions.
- Contributed to a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented residential environment.
Producer / Director
CBC Current Affairs and Documentary Unit
01.1987 - 01.2001
- Produced documentary and current affairs programming focused on social, cultural, and community issues.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in dynamic, deadline-driven environments.
- Developed advanced interviewing, active listening, storytelling, and relationship-building skills.
- Created content that explored complex human experiences and community concerns.
Education
Addiction Studies Certificate - Addiction Prevention and Treatment
McMaster University
01-2018
Bachelor of Applied Arts - Radio & Television Arts
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
01-1985
Skills
- Addiction Counseling & Recovery Support
- Group Facilitation & Program Coordination
- Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Care
- Motivational Interviewing
- Client-Centered Communication
- Crisis Intervention & Support
- Wellness Programming
- Mindfulness, Meditation & Yoga Instruction
- Team Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Community Engagement
- Conflict Resolution
- Budget & Operations Management
- Curriculum Development
- Relationship Building & Stakeholder Engagement
Certification
- Yoga Instructor Certification
- 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training | 2019
- Meditation Specialist Certification
- 2021
- Mindfulness Core Concepts
- The Centre for Mindfulness Studies | 2019
- Standard First Aid & CPR Certification
- Current | Renewed 2023
- Reiki Practitioner – Second Degree
- 2016
- After-Care Trauma & Depression Group Facilitator
- Homewood Health Centre Satellite Program | 1998
- Developed discussion topics and facilitated support groups.
- Provided telephone support and crisis intervention assistance.
- Supported individuals transitioning from treatment into community living.
Timeline
Owner & Wellness Facilitator
Rising Spirit Wellness Retreat
01.2019 - Current
Owner & Wellness Facilitator
Rising Spirit Wellness Retreat
10.2018 - Current
Residential Addiction Counsellor
Safe Hope Home
01.2018 - 01.2019
Contract Faculty – Journalism Program
Durham College
01.2013 - 01.2022
Owner, Producer, Director & Writer
Banks Productions Limited
01.1995 - 01.2022
Producer / Director
CBC Current Affairs and Documentary Unit
01.1987 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Applied Arts - Radio & Television Arts
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
Addiction Studies Certificate - Addiction Prevention and Treatment
McMaster University
COMMUNITY & WELLNESS LEADERSHIP
- Facilitator of wellness retreats, mindfulness workshops, meditation programs, and yoga classes.
- Experienced in supporting individuals through life transitions, grief, recovery, stress management, and personal growth.
- Committed to fostering inclusive, compassionate, and trauma-informed environments that encourage healing and resilience.
- Wellness speaker at Local Wellness Events and Networking Groups