I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents (and their families) living in residential treatment programs, secure custody/detention centers, and the education system. Most of the young people I have worked with have been involved with the child welfare, mental health, and youth justice systems. For over 10 years, I provided support to meet the psychological, social, emotional and physical safety needs of children and adolescents experiencing addictions, behavioral crises, mental health related illness/crises, and developmental disabilities utilizing a variety of trauma informed evidenced based treatment/intervention modalities. I believe in the resiliency of others and emphasize strength based approaches that focus on enhancing an individual’s social, emotional, and behavioral skills. In my experience, I have witnessed how accessing the right supports such as prevention programing, early clinical intervention, adequate school supports, psycho-education (for children and adolescents, their families, and other professionals), empathy, advocacy, and genuine care for the well-being of children, adolescents and their families contribute to opportunities for success. I value inclusiveness and enjoy building relationships with young people, their families, and community service providers.
I hold a graduate degree from Western University in Sociology (Program and Policy Evaluation) and am completing my third and final year in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Wilfred Laurier University as a Social Worker Intern with Tina and her associates. In addition to my social work education, I am currently completing training in EMDR Therapy. I have been married for 5 years, have a daughter under the age of two, and have two large dogs – Linkin and Maverick. I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening and yard work, biking, and reading.