For over twenty years, I have supported people during pivotal moments, helping them navigate the unfamiliar world of a life-limiting illness, dying and grief. (Including traumatic loss). Being part of these experiences has shaped my view of and approach to life. Facing mortality (and loss of any kind) can be transformative, as it forces us to let go of what doesn’t serve us and encourages us to become more of our true selves.
I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). In 2022, I moved into private practice, recognizing our communities’ overwhelming need (and discomfort) in discussing death, illness, grief, and loss. These experiences are part of being human. I want to help us to move through the messiness of it all together better.
I completed a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at McMaster University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Victoria (BC) and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation at Carey Centre for Spiritual Formation in Vancouver, BC. I am also a Certified Counselling Trauma Professional (Evergreen Certification), receiving training through the Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health (Level I & II) and other organizations. I am also working towards my teacher/practitioner accreditation through the Narrative Enneagram Institute.
Working for over twenty years in charities and non-profit organizations, I’ve spent most of my career working with trauma (child abuse/neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence) and grief (13+ years in Hospice Palliative Care). I often meet people at pivotal moments, helping them grieve what they’ve lost, hold onto what is important to them through the process, and ultimately, find ways to create meaning (and help others) through their own experiences.
As I’ve worked with individuals, groups, and families, I have learned what it means to heal and grow from these experiences. People’s stories and wisdom have shaped my understanding of the world and my work. I aim to create spaces where people can be heard, strategies can be explored, and healing happens. Sometimes healing comes in unexpected forms, but, in my experience, it often occurs in the context of a relationship.