I am a compassionate, client-centered social worker with a deep respect for the healing process. I believe that when you have the courage to allow yourself to embrace hope and believe that healing and recovery is possible, you are taking the first monumental step on your path towards living an authentically empowered life. I am committed to creating a therapeutic space where empathy and collaboration are the cornerstones of supporting you in building on your unique strengths and safely navigating you through your growth journey.
As a Registered Social Worker with a Masters of Clinical Social Work from the University of Calgary with over 10 years of direct experience counselling children, youth, adults, and groups. I have gained extensive skills and strategies in supporting clients through diverse issues such as relationship conflict, grief and loss, chronic pain, emotional disturbances, anxiety, depression, early childhood trauma, sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury.
The term “passing”- being perceived as white – has shaped my bi-racial identity. Although I am a woman of colour and feel the same joys, pain and love for our culture as the rest of our community, I must acknowledge the privileges I have been granted. However, due to my racial ambiguity I have faced constant pressure to explain and quantify my blackness, choose a side, and ultimately suppress my heritage. Having spent my life navigating a racial limbo created by society I understand the nuanced and deeply personal journey of finding the confidence to assert oneself as a person of colour. To those of you who have found yourself stuck in this frustrating “middle” I welcome you to join me in occupying multiple, intersecting social locations in a world that relentlessly seeks to categorize. I know firsthand the importance of taking an individualized approach to meeting you where you are and engaging you based on your needs and goals. I practice from an anti-oppressive lens and draw on a number of therapeutic approaches including trauma informed care, crisis intervention, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and elements of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
My passion for counselling is rooted in the value I place on an individual’s right to self-determination and the profound capacity for the human spirit to overcome adversities and ultimately thrive. Throughout my life I have faced difficulties with parental divorce, familial breakdown, trauma, poverty, living with the intersection of a biracial identity and culture, and grief and loss. I know that without the kindness, warmth and understanding of those around me I would not have garnered the confidence needed to connect with my internal resources and transform my way of living. Through my own lived experience and the inspiration of clients I have found a deep sense of meaning and pride. I feel privileged to practice in a space that allows me to dedicate myself to the positive support and advancement of people like you. With understanding, connection and engagement you too can feel empowered to walk through your own healing process with strength and pride of self.