well-being coordination
As a Well-Being Coordinator, I step into the world of storytelling from a different perspective, blending my passion for both the arts and mental health. My role is all about ensuring that the environment supports the to emotional, psychological, physiological, and interpersonal well-being of all involved, from the cast and crew to the creatives at the helm. Together, we’ll explore sustainable ways of working that honour each person while upholding the integrity of the creative process. Develop embodied tools to navigate stress, prevent burnout, and nurture a culture rooted in care, respect, and connection. Co-create a space where people feel deeply seen, supported, and free to offer their fullest creative expression.
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Advocating for a healthy and supportive work environment
Developing, integrating, and/or modifying well-being strategies tailored to the production needs
Facilitating discussions around importance of well-being for cast and crew
Conducting well-being check-ins throughout the production process
Providing psychoeducation, workshop, and/or debriefing relevant to the production
On-set well-being support during emotionally activating scenes
Providing de-role support to help actors transition out of emotionally charged roles
Supporting actors in working through barriers in connecting with their characters
Offering well-being support to help navigate industry pressures
Creating space for reflection and mindfulness during demanding moments
Providing crisis intervention support and/or referrals to external professionals
Offering well-being support post critical incident
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My work begins long before the cameras roll. I collaborate with the production during pre-production to understand the unique demands of the project. Whether it's a script involving sensitive subject matter, intense emotional content, or a cast member with specific needs, my role is to ensure that well-being is intentionally woven into the fabric of the production process.
From there, I review scripts and production schedules through a well-being lens—identifying scenes that may be emotionally activating, flagging areas that need thoughtful attention, and offering adjustments to better support everyone involved. I provide guidance on how to pace and structure emotionally activating content to allow for resourcing and recovery, not just performance.
I meet with cast and crew individually or in groups to explore what kinds of support would be most meaningful to them. These confidential conversations can include anything from relevant personal history and potential triggers, to self-care strategies, performance preparation, emotional safety boundaries, or concerns about the production process—including anything that might affect their capacity to be present and engaged on set. My role is to listen, respond with care, and co-create a space that honours both the artistry and the humanity of those involved.
On set, I serve as a grounded presence. I offer in-the-moment support—whether that’s a quiet check-in, a grounding practice before a heavy scene, or simply being available when something unexpected arises. My “kit” includes sensory tools, self-regulation supports, and a trained nervous system ready to attune to what’s needed, without judgment or pressure.
At the end of the day, I’m available to support cast and crew in unwinding from the emotional, psychological, and energetic demands of filming. Whether it’s debriefing a tough scene, de-roling from an intense character, or simply creating space to process the day’s events, these moments help people land, settle, and reset. This kind of care support both individual and collective well-being. It fosters a more connected, collaborative set culture and helps reduce the risk of burnout.
Well-being support continues into post-production as needed, offering space to process and integrate the weight of the work. My commitment is to care for the creative spirit while honouring the whole person.
This structure allow me to advocate for working conditions that support the well-being of both cast and crew. By understanding individual needs and potential challenges ahead of time, I can help mitigate risk, reduce disruptions to the production schedule, and contribute to a more attuned, respectful, and sustainable work environment. When people feel safe and seen, they’re more able to show up fully—whether that means accessing emotional depth for a performance or staying well-resourced through a long day on set.
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CAD$165 per hour
*As part of my commitment to reshaping industry culture with care and sustainability, I offer adjustable rates to accommodate varying needs. Feel free to reach out, and we can figure out what works best for your production.
Voices from the Work:
Honest reflections on our collaboration from the productions I've partnered with.
“Working with a Wellbeing Coordinator on Echo was an invaluable experience. Having someone dedicated to the mental, emotional, and physical health of our cast and crew created a noticeable shift on set — the environment felt safer, more supportive, and ultimately more productive. It allowed everyone to bring their best, most authentic selves to the work, knowing that their wellbeing was seen and prioritized. I’ve heard about incidents on other sets where, unfortunately, things went badly — situations that might have been avoided if there had been someone focused on wellbeing. It really showed me how important this role is. I truly believe that integrating wellbeing support into production culture isn’t just a nice idea — it’s essential for sustainable, impactful storytelling. I’m grateful we had the opportunity to lead by example on Echo, and I would encourage any production to consider making this role a standard part of their team.”
— A voice from Echo
(anonymity preserved for confidentiality)
“It was a welcome addition to the usually chaotic nature of a film set to have Leifennie available to chat with and check in on the well-being of the cast and crew. Our narrative specifically dealt with some sensitive issues associated with trauma, and for me specifically, had some all too familiar parallels to a painful medical journey that I had been on for the last few months. Lefennie was open, non-judgemental, easy to talk to, and made me feel at ease.”
— A voice from Echo
(anonymity preserved for confidentiality)
At Sonder Therapy Lounge, I bring curiosity and compassion to counseling, grounded in culturally and trauma-responsive care. I prioritize honoring your unique lived experiences, weaving them into our therapeutic journey to foster a supportive environment where self-discovery, healing, and growth can thrive. I facilitate your journey in cultivating a loving relationship with yourself, others, and the world around you. My role is to guide you to connect with your inner wisdom and navigate life with greater clarity, confidence, and certainty. Alongside individual and relationship counseling, I also offer Well-Being Coordination services within film and TV productions—supporting cast, crew, and creatives with care practices that promote well-being and sustainable working environments. I also offer affordable counseling options as part of my dedication to accessibility and community care. Currently, most sessions are conducted virtually. In-person sessions are available on select days.
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