Guiding your journey to better mental health

Carol is a registered Social Worker with over 4 years of working with individuals, families, youth and children in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Carol completed her Undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo and continued to pursue her Bachelor of Social Work Degree at Renison University College. Before Pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work Carol volunteered with at-risk youth and spent time completing humanitarian work in Guatemala which led to her interest in culturally sensitive mental health services. Carol has previously worked and volunteered with refugees, international students and Indigenous Individuals and is passionate about accessible mental health services for marginalized communities. In her downtime, Carol enjoys reading, watching movies, trying new recipes, singing karaoke and film photography.

After starting a career in health insurance and group benefits, she developed an interest in mental health in a social context. She returned to school as a mature student and obtained a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Sociology and Child/Youth Studies. Sarah has dedicated herself to her education and worked on an extensive research project to develop community-based resources for LGBTQ+ youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her degree, she has worked in youth homeless shelters, senior support services, and disability advocacy. She continues to support students with disabilities through peer mentorship and advocacy groups at Brock University. Outside of work, Sarah is engaged in a lively francophone community in the Niagara Region and enjoy spending time outside exploring the beautiful landscapes her area has to offer!

Joel has an educational background in psychology and social work with over 5 years of volunteering at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Joel finished his Undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto and went on to complete his Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University. Joel has worked closely with survivors of intimate partner violence as well as perpetrators of intimate partner violence when completing his placement at the Abrigo Centre in Toronto. Here he found his passion for working with people on their journey to recover and gained an intimate understanding of the difficulties navigating systems for those who have language barriers. Joel believes that accessible mental health services are a gateway to total well-being for Canadians. Away from work, you can find Joel in the outdoors, dog watching at the park or playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Valerie is a Registered Psychotherapist who has worked for more than a decade in community mental health. She holds a Masters of Arts in Psychology from Médaille College and a Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Toronto. Valerie has extensive clinical experience working with individuals and groups on addressing diverse mental health concerns including complex trauma, suicidal ideation, concurrent disorders, and the impact of socioeconomic status on mental health. She is passionate about exploring the role of digital health technologies on reducing health disparities in the mental health sector. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys baking, working on her green thumb, and visiting local coffee shops.

Amira completed her Social Work education at MacEwan University. She has worked in various roles in her social work career, such as with Edmonton Public Schools, where she worked with students and staff to promote mental health and inclusivity. As well as the City of Edmonton, where she helped citizens with daily issues and facilitated presentations about inclusivity. She has also worked in the medical field, reception, and customer service. Amira found her passion for mental health and social work after years of volunteer work and speaking with people in the profession. Amira enjoys spending time with family and friends in her free time, travelling, and hijab styling.

Alessandra has an educational background in social work and has studied at George Brown College and York University. She has a diverse background in the health and social services sector supporting individuals, families and caregivers with system navigation, case management and care coordination. She has worked in multiple settings including Long Term Care, several non-profit organizations, and Primary Care. Alessandra’s hobbies include reading, hot yoga, hiking, and spending time with her dog.