about me
welcome.
i would like to introduce myself as a white, middle-class, male-identified social worker and therapist. i was born abroad, however grew up in the unceded territory of the mississauga of credit, anishnabeg, the chippewa, the haudenosaunee and the wendat peoples. i have lived across the province of ontario and currently reside on the lands significant to the people of treaties 3, 5 and 9. i would like to acknowledge the inherent power this gives me and also recognize the colonial history of the social work profession. in my practice, i work to address issues of power, inequality, and privilege (earned and unearned), to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all historically oppressed communities.
i have been working in the field for 18 years, as a social worker for 14 years, and as a counsellor for 10. i have worked in diverse workplaces, including a homeless youth shelter, advocacy agencies, child welfare, children's mental health agencies, family service organizations, and within schools. although my experience has varied, i have focused my career on working with children, youth, and their families. i also have extensive experience working with adults. additional expertise working with adults, children, youth, and families in the area of gender identity and sexuality. i provide gender affirming care.
i graduated from trent university in 2007 with an honours bachelor of arts degree. i attended george brown college's community worker program, graduating in 2009. i received my master of social work degree from carleton university in 2011. since graduating, i have continued my learning extensively in different therapeutic modalities.
when i was young, i was supported by social workers who helped me make positive decisions for my future. i think back and believe that these helpers contributed to positives that continue to be present in my life today. my journey to becoming a social worker and counsellor, is rooted in my own experiences as a person who has needed support at different stages in my life. i believe that there can be healing in sharing our stories, and that at times it can be helpful for others to help us carry our stories and reframe them to make it easier to move forward. for anyone to engage in the difficult work of change, we must first feel deeply understood for who and why we are. i endeavour to understand the individuals i work with, hoping to create healing spaces for them.