Amber Sperling Social Work and Psychotherapy Services

10/26/2026

We talk a lot about finding our village. Today, we have a voice in its next chapter. 🤍

It’s municipal and school board election day,and here’s your reminder to make voting part of today’s plans.

Municipal elections may receive less attention, but local decisions show up in family life every day:

🏠 Where housing can be built and how neighbourhoods grow
🚗 Roads, sidewalks, snow clearing and public transit
🌳 Parks, playgrounds, trails and community spaces
📚 Libraries, recreation programs and local facilities
🚒 Fire services, community safety, water and waste services
💰 Property taxes, user fees and how local dollars are spent
♿ Whether communities are accessible and easy to navigate with a stroller, mobility aid or young children

Municipal councils do not run Ontario’s healthcare system or set the provincial school curriculum. Those are provincial responsibilities.

Today, we are also electing school board trustees. The province sets curriculum and the broader funding framework, while school boards make local decisions about budgets, programs, staffing and resources, school buildings, and priorities for new or expanded schools and child-care spaces.

These choices help shape whether families can find an affordable home, safely walk to a park, access recreation, get around their community and feel supported where they live.

Between work, school bags, appointments and figuring out dinner, voting can slip down the list. If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time.

📍 BARRIE
Vote online or by telephone until 8 p.m.
Voting instructions: barrie.ca

📍 ORO-MEDONTE
Vote online or by telephone until 8 p.m.
Voting instructions: oro-medonte.ca

📍 ORILLIA
Vote in person at your designated ward location from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Find your location: orillia.ca/election

Barrie and Oro-Medonte voters: have your Voter Information Letter ready. Orillia voters: bring identification showing your name and qualifying address.

Take a moment to learn about your candidates, consider what matters to your family and community, and make an informed choice.

Our communities are where so many chapters of our lives unfold. Your voice belongs in the conversation.

Send this to someone

10/24/2026

Weekends as parents just hit different.

What parts of you are feeling lost and overwhelmed?

Humour is very welcome here. 😉 😆

10/23/2026

10/19/2026

Eyes leaking from returning to work after having a baby are no joke.

The grieving, the overwhelm, confusing feelings and not knowing if it's normal or if you are going crazy.

We get it. Alison is setting the record straight with tips and validation tonight. Can't make it? Register and we will share the recording with you.

10/18/2026

10/18/2026

It was an honour to be part of Bridget's Bunnies walk for pregnancy and infant loss. This is such an incredible organization that supports people in their darkest moments.

The turnout today demonstrated that community and supports are there. You are not alone.

10/15/2026

Say their baby’s name, if you know it.

Acknowledge the loss. “This is heartbreaking.” “I’m so sorry your baby died.” “I’m thinking of you and remembering them.”

No “at least it was early.” No “at least you have other children.” No “at least you can try again.”

Pain can be a full sentence. It does not need a silver lining.

Sit with how hard this is. Listen when they want to talk. Respect when they don’t. Bring dinner. Remember the dates. Keep checking in after everyone else has gone back to their routines.

Their baby remains part of their story.

And remember the wider family.

Grandparents grieving a grandchild while watching their own child hurt. Aunts and uncles missing a niece or nephew. Partners trying to support someone they love while carrying their own grief.

They deserve care and space for their grief, too.

This Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, we’re remembering the babies who are missed and acknowledging the families living with that loss.

We’ll be at ’s Run this Saturday, walking alongside families and remembering together. 🤍

Save or share this to help someone show up with care.

MARSHACare

10/14/2026

You don't have to choose between grieving and living.

If you're trying to conceive, you can carry the grief and still let yourself have the things that bring you joy right now. You can hold space for a future you can't see yet.

If you'd like someone to hold that with you, Ashley has evening appointments this week, in person in Orillia or virtual anywhere in Ontario. Link in bio.

Part 3 of 3. Parts 1 and 2 are on our profile.