Artist. Advisor. Human Connector.

Paula Toledo, Founder of Ode to Wonder and Wonder Gatherings brings a rich mix of talents and creativity to her mission to help people stay socially fit and protected from loneliness.

Her lost song ‘How Long (Will it Take)’ was featured by Rolling Stone Magazine after thousands of music lovers worldwide connected in an online community over a search to find her over 16 years. 

With a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied under the esteemed co-founder of Positive Psychology Martin Seligman, Paula offers a unique synthesis of art, science, and lived experience, weaving together evidence-based practices that help us feel more connected to one another. 

As a speaker, Paula has been the Master of Ceremonies for the Montreal Walk for Mental Health. She was also invited to speak at the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress on the topic of designing well-being pathways for art-based social prescriptions to combat loneliness and enhance well-being. She spoke on a panel with Roblox on the Power of Play at Collision, one of North America’s largest tech conferences, was honoured at the Game Awards, was a featured speaker at WE Day, and gave a TEDx talk, ‘Why Wonder is the Bridge to Healing Stigma’.

Movember featured her as she raised awareness and funds for men’s mental health through her unique approach whereby she initiated music social prescriptions.

Paula has made significant contributions to media, both as a writer for CBC Parents and a correspondent for GlobalTV Montreal morning news. 

She is a visiting guest lecturer at Kwantlen University, teaching students how to use music and wonder to connect and enhance their well-being. In addition to acting as a workplace well-being advisor, Paula has held Wonder Gatherings to connect employees socially and taught teachers how to implement these practices in their classrooms.

She is currently co-piloting a virtual music and well-being Wonder gathering with her fellow alumni, Tricia Fox Ransom.

  • Annual General Meetings, Master of Ceremony

  • Speaking at high school events. Lecturing at universities or facilitating Wonder Gatherings.

  • Workplace well-being in-person talks or webinars

  • Workplace, schools, community & art organizations, bespoke private events.

  • Canadian Mental Health Advisor for Psychological Health and Safety.

  • Asset mapping, building frameworks, and piloting.