“Becoming a facilitator in this program has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. […] Knowing that I’ve played a role in fostering that deep connection is incredibly fulfilling.”
– Debbie Adams, WCC facilitator
At Writers Collective of Canada (WCC), we’re constantly inspired by the stories of our facilitators – passionate volunteers who create spaces for writers to explore their voices and innate creativity. For our November spotlight, we’re pleased to introduce Stacy Wyngaarden and Debbie Adams, who tell us about their journeys as WCC facilitators with lived experience as military women.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO YOUR FIRST WCC WORKSHOP, AND WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR YOU?
STACY: The ad was posted on a social media wellness page for veterans and it spoke to me. Struggling at the time – therapy had always told me to write – I just didn’t understand what I was supposed to write about. When I did write, it was all negative, reinforcing the place I was in. Putting into black and white it seemed to solidify the dark. Perhaps Her Story would help turn that around.
All the women in the room were confident, well presented and very professional. I fidgeted even though my camera was off during the meeting – second guessing every step – what was I doing here? Then I finally got the courage to just turn the camera on – focusing more on the camera than the slides.
During the first reading – I didn’t share, although I almost wanted to – my heart pounding out of my chest just considering unmuting my mic. What would they think of me, uneducated, unprepared perhaps not enough for this group. I questioned why I would put myself in a place that was so uncomfortable – again!
When the participants started to give feedback, and it was so positive and uplifting, my focus changed. I started to really listen. This definitely wasn’t the typical military environment I was accustomed to.
During the second write I focused on me, my path and my words and like the sounds in nature it just flowed – I strung words together that told a brief story of who I thought I could be, prompted by Maya Angelou “Still I Rise”. The line “Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise” profoundly spoke to me and I then shared my first draft.
The silence in the workshop was deafening, leaving only room for the sound of my nervous heartbeat that seemed to take over the space, confident everyone there could hear it over my words. The positive reactions became the spark that fueled my need to take the negative words in my mind and replace them with a positive light for my life.
HOW DOES WRITING ALONGSIDE PEERS – WHO SHARE A VERY SPECIFIC LIVED EXPERIENCE – CHANGE THE WAY YOU SEE YOUR OWN STORY?
DEBBIE: Writing has always been a way for me to process and make sense of the world. It helps me uncover new perspectives, not just about my experiences but also about my inner self. One of the most powerful moments of discovery came during my sessions with the WCC. Writing alongside like-minded women—fellow veterans—created an experience unlike any other.
In those moments, we weren’t just telling our stories; we were seeing ourselves in each other’s words. We weren’t alone. That shared space, built through writing, reminded me that understanding doesn’t always happen in isolation—it happens in connection.
STACY: Writing with female veterans and understanding a shared experience – knowing you’re not alone and being in an environment that explores deep listening – has changed so much in my life it’s difficult to put into perspective.
As a mother, the lived experience of my military career (being programmed to produce results) guided my parenting. As a wife, life was arranged to get through one day after another. As a woman, a daughter, a sister, and a friend, my life seemed to be missing something big. And I noticed it all when the words flowed with every keystroke. I desired more for me, and I wanted to be more than my past. I discovered it was up to me; like songwriter Jane Marczewski wrote, “you can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore, before you decide to be happy.”
Perhaps, putting pen to paper and allowing the words to just flow can create a story that offers a new, or different, perspective. Writing and the practice of deep listening started my “be relentlessly kind” journey and I couldn’t be more thankful.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT YOUR WRITING JOURNEY WITH WCC?
DEBBIE: What has surprised me most about my writing journey with WCC is how it has reshaped my connection to the veteran community. For a long time, I distanced myself from other veteran women because of the pain surrounding my own discharge from service. I thought separating myself was the only way forward. But through this community, I’ve been able to see what was best about my time in service—not just the challenges, but the camaraderie, resilience, and shared understanding. I’ve realized that I do need these sisters, not just to share stories, but to heal, grow, and move forward together.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CREATE AND HOLD SPACE FOR OTHERS’ STORIES? HOW HAS THAT RESPONSIBILITY IMPACTED YOU?
STACY: Everyone has a story to tell, and it’s crucial to consider how we hold space for those who believe we can be trusted to hear that story. The power that holding space has over my every day life is profound. When you hold space for those in your lives, it will come back ten-fold. When you create an environment where listening is as important as sharing, that environment will grow and be nurtured. There will be moments in that space where it is turned back over to you to tell your story – even if it is just how your day was. Truthfully, listening to people is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO STEP INTO A FACILITATOR ROLE, AND WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE?
DEBBIE: Becoming a facilitator in this program has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. I love the creative process of choosing writing prompts each week, knowing that they will spark reflection and connection. What makes this experience truly special is the bond we share—we are all veteran women, peers who understand each other in a way few others can. In this space, we cheer each other on, share our stories, and grow together. Knowing that I’ve played a role in fostering that deep connection is incredibly fulfilling.
We extend our deepest thanks to all of our veteran facilitators and writers for their outstanding courage and peer leadership. Together, we are creating powerful connections through the transformative act of writing in community. Thank you for being here.