Life is an epic journey of ups and downs and things happen to us and they can leave scars. My practice is based on healing from what has happened to you, and supporting you as you empower yourself to grow and adapt to life. My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” (Maya Angelou).
Before becoming a Social Worker, I practiced as a Registered Massage Therapist, where I also trained in pregnancy massage and as a labour support provider. I was fortunate to be invited and included in several parent’s unique journeys into parenthood. It gave me some great exposure to learning about how people process this transition, as well as some of their fears, insecurities, hopes and vulnerabilities. I decided to change the direction of my career to Social Work, so that I could learn the tools to help others become aware of their own agency over their life. Having the privilege of listening to people’s stories and watch them uncover meaning and direction and a sense of balanced wellbeing has been one of my greatest joys.
After having children of my own, my passion for providing support for birth parents and partners was renewed. I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child, but so many of us struggle with trying to do it alone.
I have now been in social work practice for 8 years, as well as 17 years in Developmental Services. I received my Masters of Social Work from Wayne State University in 2014, with a specialization in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have worked as a Sexual Assault First Responder, as well as predominantly in Primary Health Care and postsecondary education settings. I have worked with individuals of all ages, with various concerns. I am currently completing a certification for trauma therapy, and have taken various trauma informed care training workshops. I am also completing my Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders certification, and have attended several LGBT workshops, provided by Rainbow Health Ontario. I have been fortunate to work closely with several individuals who identify as trans*/gender fluid/non-binary and assist them in their journey of transition, in regards to helping them navigate systems, provide therapeutic support, as well as writing letters of support for Hormone Replacement Therapy and Gender Affirming Surgery.
I hold space in my office for parents to talk it out, feel it out and leave feeling a bit more validated and heard. Gaining coping strategies and learning about yourself and how to utilize your strengths to find more contentment in your life.
In my practice, I utilize various strategies from multiple therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialetical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed and Attachment.
I am a mom of 2 young girls and 2 dogs who keep me constantly busy! I was an avid traveler and hope to be again soon; I love to experience other places, mostly through the food and history – every place has a story to tell. I love reading, listening to podcasts (It’s a new favourite!) and starting new projects (which I usually hand over to my partner to finish). I love sitting around with friends and just laughing at one another and feeling connected, but I can also enjoy sitting quietly listening to thunderstorms. I am a lifelong learner and always researching or signing up for something new and interesting.