What We're About

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 Costance 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 Jutice 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 Finfing Our Power Together, whichoffers 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 Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Therapies, and Internal Family Systems. 

Vanessa is a mixed Anishinaabe counsellor and community helper. She is a member of Sagamok Anishnawbek and has an undergraduate degree in Forensic Psychology and a Masters in Child and Youth Care (CYC). She is currently pursuing a Masters in Counselling Psychology. Growing up disconnected from her community, Vanessa has used her educational and personal journey as a method to explore her culture and identity. 

Vanessa has been working with Finding Our Power Together in a variety of capacities since 2019. Vanessa works as the Mentorship Program Coordinator and Mentor. Her practices include a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach to CYC, with a focus on community-based youth practices. Vanessa specializes in working with young people around identity, emotional regulation, mental health, educational and employment goals. She uses a strength-based, relational practice and indigenous worldview as an approach to best supporting young people. Vanessa currently works as a Counsellor at kapapamahchakwew- Wandering Spirit School with TDSB.

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!

Megan (she/her) is a Métis woman from Penetanguishene and Drummond Island. Her ancestry also has roots in Scotland, France, and Ireland. She is on a journey to connect, thrive, and fully embrace her Indigenous identity. ⁠
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Megan started a placement with FOPT in 2020 through Toronto Metropolitan University and is now our Administrative Coordinator. Megan has an undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Care and is currently working towards her Masters of CYC at the University of Strathclyde. She has worked to support young people in a variety of settings, including community, school, camp, and outdoor education. Megan is immensely passionate about supporting young people and empowering them to embrace who they are as they walk through life. She hopes to one day have her own practice where she can use land-based practices and animals to help young people heal and connect with themselves and others. 

Jasmine has worked within the school district as an Aboriginal education worker in British Columbia where she assisted youth with their education needs and provided social support. She has her undergraduate and Masters of Social Work degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto. 

Jasmine comes from a family of educators and mental health providers and is proud to continue the family tradition. Jasmine is working toward becoming a clinical therapist specializing in Indigenous participants. She researched Indigenous ways of knowing and traditional healing practices within counselling as her Master's research thesis. Jasmine believes culture is key when assisting Indigenous participants on their wellness journeys. At Finding Our Power Together, Jasmine is an integral part of the mentorship team and facilitates our Orange Heart Club program. Jasmine has been with us for one year and is excited to continue supporting youth and furthering her knowledge in mental health!

Ji Eun (she/her) is a settler woman in Tkaronto, and her ethnic background is Korean. She has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Toronto and an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Studies.

Ji Eun has worked with children and families as an educator and in leadership roles for over nine years. She has a passion for early childhood education as she recognizes that a child’s early years experiences are the foundations for their development and learning. She is interested in research emphasizing the importance of early years as they are essential to a child’s future. Additionally, she would like to contribute to the early years sector, becoming more inclusive and affordable for parents. Jieun is excited to continue working as a Research Coordinator at Finding Our Power Together.

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. 

Brianne (she/her) is originally from Vancouver Island, British Columbia and has recently moved to Toronto to complete her Master of Social Work with the Factor-Inwentash School of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Brianne’s social location is Coast Salish/Duwamish, Ukrainian and Canadian. Brianne’s interest in social work comes after obtaining her undergraduate degree from The University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus and her Bachelor of Psychology. During her undergraduate degree, Brianne acquired a minor of English that focused on intergenerational trauma. Brianne has extensive personal experience navigating the mental health system and the intricacies of finding personalized, effective treatment. Her lived experience makes her extremely understanding that everyone’s journey is unique and deserves to be listened to and advocated for. Brianne knows that this is especially necessary for marginalized communities that have been historically abused by the healthcare system. Brianne is thrilled to be placed at FOPT for her first practicum and looks forward to building meaningful connections and assisting in any way she can. 

Sumayyah is a Bengali-Canadian, currently studying Child and Youth Care at TMU, and she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for BIPOC community advocacy to her role. 

In her work, Sumayyah champions trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches, fostering meaningful relationships and honoring the power of culture and community in the pursuit of well-being.She's a firm believer in dismantling systemic barriers and is passionate about providing equitable and optimal support for BIPOC communities. As part of our team, Sumayyah serves as a Youth Facilitator in our Orange Heart Club program and as a Youth Mentor in our Mental Health Coaching program.

Sumayyah was drawn to Finding Our Power Together because of our commitment to preventing suicide through sharing knowledge, spirit, and culture. She's looking forward to supporting Indigenous youth on their journey to finding their power and realizing their goals.

Samama Butt (she/her), is a Pakistani-Canadian and currently a fourth-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is passionate about working and supporting youth in discovering their goals and finding their strengths. She has experience working with POC youth in school and community settings. In her practice, she values using and integrating approaches that are culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and relational. She plans to continue her practice with engaging youth in a meaningful manner by using intersectionality and social location to ensure that she is not contributing to systemic barriers.  

Samama was drawn to Finding Our Power Together because of their values and mission to prevent suicides amongst one of the most vulnerable populations in Canada, which is the Indigenous youth population. Additionally, she admires that FOPT is using cultural knowledge and practices to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth alike to reach their goals.

Currently, Samama is working as a placement student within the organization. Samama is assisting and independently working on projects related to FOPT’s Orange Heart Club, such as developing resources and program planning. She hopes that her work and contributions at FOPT and the Orange Heart Club can make an impact for both the organization and the youth involved.

Wanda is a passionate MSW candidate at the University of Toronto, specializing in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency, Wanda brings her extensive academic and professional background to our team.
Hailing from the Beausoleil First Nation, she is keen to use her knowledge in Psychology and Business Management to help our communities flourish. As a summer intern, Wanda's work at FOPT extends into crucial research on Indigenous youth suicide and serves as a trusted mentor on our mental health team.