Nicole Ineese-Nash is an Indigenous researcher, educator, and community worker with over 10 years of experience working with Indigenous children, youth, and communities. Born and raised in Toronto, Nicole is a member of Constance Lake First Nation in Treaty 9 territory and holds relation to the lands, waters, and people along the English and Kabikagomi Rivers. With a PhD in Social Justice Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood studies, she is passionate about supporting Indigenous self-determination and cultural resurgence, particularly in the context of childhood and youth. Nicole’s various research and practice interests reflect her lived experience as an Indigenous person on a path of cultural reconnection and learning.
As an Assistant Professor cross appointed between the schools of Early Childhood Studies and Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University, Nicole leads innovative community-based research on the topics of Indigenous disability, early learning, land-based education and youth mental health. Her research with Indigenous young people spurred the foundation of her national charitable organization called Finding Our Power Together, which offers mental health coaching, group psychoeducation, and cultural healing to Indigenous youth across Canada. Nicole’s skills in community-based research, social justice education, and Indigenous cultural practices have allowed her to work with Indigenous communities both in and out of the academy, informing her research, writing, teaching and practice.
Nicole has expertise in supporting youth, children, and parents on a variety of topics. She is particularly interested in coaching relationships that focus on navigating identity, disability and giftedness, attachment and development, cultural learning and practice, and working through trauma. Niki holds certification and practices a blended therapeutic modality in the following disciplines: Traditional Indigenous healing, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Therapies, and Internal Family Systems.
Ode’imin Mashkiki - Heart of the Medicine, Kaitlyn Wilcox (she/they) is a neurodivergent, mixed Potawatomi and settler Two-Spirit person. Their community relations come from Moose-Deer Point First Nation and Beausoleil Island. Born, raised, and residing in the Greater Toronto Area, Kaitlyn has been unapologetically embarking on a journey of self-rediscovery through the revitalization, reclamation, and reconnection of traditional ways of knowing, being, and doing, alongside their spirit, ancestors, kin, future generations, and the land.
Kaitlyn’s educational background is in Social Work with a double major in Philosophy and Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University which they will be graduating this Spring, preceded by the Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences certificate program through the Chang School of Continuing Education. In addition to being the Program Coordinator and a Mentor at Finding Our Power Together, Kaitlyn has been a teaching assistant and continues to be a research assistant and guest lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Within their work alongside Indigenous youth, they employ anti-oppressive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approaches to care while emphasizing decolonization, Indigenization, and cultural safety. Kaitlyn holds extensive knowledge in grief, eating disorders, identity, leadership, post-secondary navigation support and arts-based approaches. Throughout their work with Indigenous young people and communities, Kaitlyn strives to provide nurturing and supportive environments that foster hope and healing for Indigenous kin to thrive!
Danika Charlebois (she/they), of mixed Algonquin and settler ancestry, is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) providing virtual counselling services across Ontario. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Indigenous Studies and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Danika is dedicated to addressing a wide array of mental health concerns. These range from anxiety and depression to relationship and parenting issues, with a particular emphasis on creating a supportive environment that fosters personal growth.
Over the past four years, Danika has been actively involved with the Indigenous youth community in Canada on a national level. Her passion for supporting the growth and development of Indigenous youth prioritizes culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, strength-based and decolonized approaches to therapy. By integrating solution-focused and post-traumatic growth strategies, Danika aims to highlight and build upon the inherent strengths of each individual.
Central to Danika's practice is the belief in the transformative power of a safe, collaborative, and culturally inclusive therapeutic space. She advocates for a person-centered approach that recognizes and harnesses the success and potential within each person, guiding them to overcome challenges and become the heroes of their own stories.
Jasmine holds a Master of Social Work degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and is a registered social worker, specializing in mental health counseling for Indigenous youth. Her journey in this field is deeply rooted in her family's legacy of educators and mental health professionals.
Her valuable experience as an Aboriginal education worker in British Columbia's school district has significantly shaped her approach to mental health support. In this role, she provided educational assistance and social support to Indigenous youth, laying a strong foundation for her current counseling work.
Jasmine's expertise is further enhanced by her Master's research, which focused on Indigenous ways of knowing and traditional healing practices within counseling. This research highlights her belief in the importance of integrating cultural understanding into the wellness journeys of Indigenous participants.
At Finding Our Power Together, Jasmine is a key member of the mentorship team, where her passion for supporting youth and her commitment to broadening her mental health knowledge make a significant impact. Her dedication to her role and her enthusiasm for continuous learning are invaluable to our team and the communities we support.
Offers: Mental Health Counselling *Accepting new clients*
Nyle is an Anishnaabe artist, storyteller and Oshkaabewis (Traditional Helper) from Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. His art depicts the interconnectedness of all living things and incorporates teachings based on traditional knowledge. Nyle has worked on numerous projects supporting community organizations such as Anishnawbe Health Toronto, 7th Generation Image Makers, Chippewas of Nawash Health Centre, TakingITGlobal, Canadian Roots Exchange, Lower Simcoe Underpass Mural Project, Bold Realities Project, Sketch Toronto and Inkdigenous Tattoo Studio and Gallery. His work draws inspiration from woodland painters, Storytellers and the traditions of his Anishnaabe culture.
Nyle Offers: Cultural counselling
Richelle (she/her), is Anishinaabe Kwe from Chippewas Rama First Nation and is in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. She will graduate this fall with a minor in psychology and her Indigenous Knowledge and Experience Certificate from the Chang School of Education. Her additional educational background includes her Social Service Work and Indigenous Knowledges diploma from Centennial College. Richelle has been working with youth in creative outlets for over fifteen years, specializing in program creation for children with neurodiversity, like herself.
Richelle has also worked as an Indigenous crisis responder for youth around Turtle Island and mentored many young individuals seeking support. She also teaches Indigenous-based content through elementary classes within Toronto and conducts virtual guest lectures within post-secondary Institutions. Richelle holds extensive knowledge in trauma-informed practices, crisis care, youth mental health and development and arts-based and animal therapies. She is excited to work as a placement student with Finding Our Power Together this year to build upon her current knowledge and continue her journey toward working in youth mental health so she can support the growth, strength and power Indigenous youth hold.
Richelle Offers: Mental Health Counselling
Judy Finlay is an associate professor and graduate program director in the Faculty of Community Services at Ryerson University and has been a faculty member in the School of Child and Youth Care since 2007. She is currently the co-chair and principal investigator of the Cross-Over Youth Project, which is designed to learn ways to interrupt the trajectory of youth in the care of the state from entering the youth justice system. Finlay was the longest standing child and youth advocate in Canada and was Ontario’s chief advocate from 1991 to 2007. She has worked for more than three decades in the areas of child welfare and children's mental health.
Cecile Akiwenzie-Martin is an Ojibway First Nations woman of the Turtle Clan originally from Neyaashiinigmiing and married into Mohawk tradition, currently residing in Six Nations of the Grand River First Nations Territory. Cecile is also a mother, a Nokomis, a Lodge Conductor, a Sundancer, an Aboriginal Midwife, RPN, Reflexologist, Aromatherapist, Artist and Entrepreneur. Cecile has received their Spirit name (Manitou Waabshki Mshkiniinh), completed my first strawberry fast, received songs, sundanced in South Dakota and was trained to conduct the Sacred Grandmother Full Moon Lodge. Upon completion, Cecile received a Sacred Pipe for the lodge all under the instruction of the Late Frank Ewart Settee. Cecile has now over 20 years of experience and training in various areas of health and well-being work, providing services to families and people of all ages and from all walks of life.
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