Our Story
Founded in 2016 in the beautiful town of Squamish, Happimess was born out of the desire to create a creative and therapeutic space for kids and their parents. After moving to Canada with our two young daughters, we recognized a gap—there weren’t affordable, accessible creative outlets outside of expensive therapy sessions. Inspired by the benefits we saw in our own children through sensory play and art, we set out to make these experiences available to everyone. Our mission is simple: to make art accessible to all while addressing the growing mental health crisis, particularly among neurodivergent children.
Our Mission
At Happimess, we believe in the power of art and sensory play to foster emotional well-being, enhance development, and offer therapeutic benefits. We’re passionate advocates for neurodivergent children and aim to create a space where everyone feels welcome and accepted.
What We Offer
We started with sensory play sessions for toddlers and art classes for kids, and as our community grew, so did our services. Today, we offer sensory play, classes, afterschool programs with free school pickups to help busy parents, adult art classes, and customizable private parties.
Whether you’re a curious toddler, a budding artist, or an adult seeking a creative outlet, Happimess has something for everyone.
Who We Are
Happimess is run by Marcus Monopoli and Dalia Shehata, two neurodivergent parents with a passion for creativity and mental health advocacy. Dalia, an accomplished art director, holds a master’s in fine arts and several graphic design diplomas, while Marcus has a background in communication and global broadcasting. Our small team of talented artists and an occupational therapist brings diverse expertise to our offerings, with more than half of our team being neurodivergent themselves. We believe in providing accommodations for our staff first, setting the tone for inclusivity across our business.
Our Community Impact
Happimess is deeply rooted in the Squamish community. We regularly host local events, donate to initiatives, and partner with Sea to Sky Community Services to remove barriers for children in need. We’ve also launched a fundraising campaign to sponsor kids for free art camps, and we actively advocate for neurodivergent rights at the school and district levels.
We welcome everyone—all abilities, all ethnicities, all orientations. Your differences? That’s what makes you amazing. Whether you're neurodivergent, figuring yourself out, or just want a place where you don’t have to pretend to be someone else, you belong here.
We’re all about science. Yeah, that means we’re here for logic, common sense, and evidence-based everything. Vaccines? Absolutely, we trust them. Essential oils on ear infections? Okay, sure, but see a damn doctor first. And don’t even get us started on the fed-is-best debate. Whether it’s breast milk, formula, or some combo in between, we don’t judge—just do what works for you!
Oh, and what does art have to do with science? Science and art were once one and the same! Da Vinci had it all figured out—“Study the science of art; study the art of science. Realize that everything connects.” This isn’t just painting for the sake of pretty pictures—art heals. It’s scientific, it’s therapeutic, and it’s mental health care rolled into one. Art helps you express yourself, manage your mental health, and find meaning in ways words can’t. So yeah, it’s a big deal.
And let’s get real about this: mental health doesn’t have to come from running a marathon or doing yoga at the top of some mountain. We’re indoorsy people. What’s wrong with that? A good Netflix binge, some creativity, or diving into your art project can be just as beneficial as a nature hike (and without all the sweating). You don’t have to follow society’s cookie-cutter idea of ‘self-care’ or ‘wellness.’ There are so many ways to take care of your brain, and we’re all about helping you find yours. Art is therapy. Community is therapy. Find your people, your tribe. And if they’re not outside? Who cares? We’re in here, building, painting, creating—together.
Happimess is for the real people. The messy ones. The ones still figuring things out. The ones who don’t have everything perfectly polished (because honestly, who does?). If you’re not about inclusion, science, and respect, then hey, we’re not about you! But if you’re ready to embrace the mess - then welcome to the tribe.
Looking Ahead
As Happimess continues to grow, so does our vision. In the last year, we’ve moved into a larger space, positioning us to expand our offerings, including building at-home art kits to make creativity even more accessible. We look forward to continuing our mission of making art an integral part of mental health and well-being for all.