Eric Gurash is an experienced speaker, trainer, and communicator with a passion for equipping individuals and communities to respond with skill and compassion when mental health challenges arise. A certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) facilitator through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Eric brings a unique blend of professional expertise, personal experience, and engaging storytelling to every session.
Eric and his wife, Melissa, are the co-founders of Emmaus Support Mental Health Ministries, established in 2018 in response to mental health struggles within their own family. Together, they have developed and led peer-support programs that provide safe spaces for individuals and families to share their stories, reduce stigma, and walk together toward hope and healing.
With more than 15 years of experience in community engagement, adult education, and leadership training, Eric’s professional background includes work as a radio personality, communications director, program coordinator, and podcast host. His approachable teaching style combines practical, evidence-based tools with deep empathy and an understanding of the real-life challenges faced by those living with or supporting someone with a mental health concern.
While his personal journey includes a faith dimension, Eric’s MHFA courses are designed for audiences from all walks of life—parish staff and volunteers, community organizations, workplaces, and families—providing skills that are relevant and accessible in any setting.
Eric’s goal in every session is simple: to create a safe, respectful learning environment where participants feel empowered to notice the signs, start the conversation, and be the help until help arrives.
Emmaus Support Mental Health Ministries 