What We're About

Nicole is an Anishinaabe educator, researcher, and writer from Constance Lake First Nation. She has been working in Nibinamik First Nation since 2015, where she worked extensively on the community history project. Nicole was also a member of the Nibinamik Wellness Index and Roadmap to Healing team, which supported the youth council’s fundraising initiative in Toronto in 2018. Nicole currently acts as the team lead as a research associate at Ryerson University in the schools of Child and Youth Care and Early Childhood Studies. Nicole has a background in early childhood development, parent support, Indigenous perspectives of disability, health and social policy, and community-based youth practice. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Toronto in Social Justice Education and Indigenous health where she is working on developing a land-based youth-elder leadership project in her community’s traditional territory. 

Lauren has spent the last ten years partnering with Indigenous communities in Canada; her role ranged from direct youth work, training and coaching Indigenous youth workers in local communities, and providing capacity building and leadership training for communities. Lauren has experience providing support for vulnerable populations of young people facing a range of mental health concerns and works to create safer and braver spaces for youth to work on their personal development goals. Recently Lauren has begun facilitating freelance counselling utilizing the method of therapeutic coaching for young people between the ages of 15-25. Lauren also offers consulting services to non-profit and for profit organizations, including, but not limited to resource development, training and facilitation in leadership development, youth engagement, trauma-informed practice, etc. Lauren has both her Bachelors and Masters of Child and Youth Care. 

Vanessa is an Anishinaabe Child and Youth Counsellor, researcher and educator and member of Sagamok Anishnawbek. She has an undergraduate degree in Forensic Psychology and a Master’s in Child and Youth Care (CYC). She has years of experience working with youth of all backgrounds in a variety of capacities, but most specifically in First Nation Communities within Northern Ontario. Vanessa's practices include a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach to CYC, with a focus on community-based youth practices. Vanessa currently works as a Counsellor at kapapamahchakwew- Wandering Spirit School with TDSB.

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. 

Maggie Stein is a second year Master of Social Work Candidate at the University of Toronto. She earned an honours BA.Sc in Psychology at the University of Guelph and a diploma of General Arts and Sciences from Humber College. Maggie has 5-years of experience working directly in clinical practice and indirectly through academic research with Adolescents and Young Adults facing a variety of mental health concerns. She works from a trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective, taking a collaborative and client-centered approach when delivering evidence-based interventions for those with whom she works with, and for. Maggie has a background in cultural safety practices, attachment theory, emotion regulation, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), mental health policy and advocacy. Maggie has training and experience in delivering trauma-focused therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and other mindfulness-based approaches. In delivering such services she strives to build therapeutic plans based on each individual’s unique lived experiences, needs, and values.

Jessica is a recent graduate of the Social Work program (BSW) at Ryerson University. Her passion for social work has led her to find creative and innovative ways to combat mental health challenges within First Nation communities. She has previous experience working with youth and newcomers who struggle with mental health resources. Jessica was on the board of the Youth Sexual Health Committee raising awareness surrounding sexual health. She has worked in multiple disciplinary sectors using harm-reduction and anti oppressive models. Jessica assisted with the development of the Building Our Bundle program and has extensive research skills in Indigenous youth mental health. Jessica's interest in community building and development has led her to create meaningful relations as an ally in Indigenous communities that helps to better support their way of life.

Jessica is an Anishnaabe placement student who is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Ryerson University. Jessica has had previous experience working in interdisciplinary teams supporting Indigenous communities in various capacities.  She has 10+ years experience working with children and youth in several different organizations and initiatives. Jessica has also provided in-class, individualized support to children who have exceptional needs. She is competent in developing and implementing activities and workshops that are culturally specific and age-appropriate. 

Kruti is a 4th-year student at Ryerson University in the Child and Youth Care (CYC) program. She has provided individualized, in-class support to students with behavioural disorders, and intellectual and physical disabilities. She has also conducted peer-support groups and stress-relief activities for children and youth between the ages of 6 and 22. Kruti is currently pursuing a double minor in French and Psychology. 

Megan is a 4th year Child and Youth Care (CYC) student at Ryerson University. She has experience in program planning and facilitating team building activities for young people between the ages of 5-16. Her family’s roots are Scottish, French, and Metis. Megan’s volunteer work with the Crisis Text Line has strengthened her crisis intervention skills as well as deepened her passion for helping others. She joined the Finding Our Power Together team to gain a better understanding of Indigenous advocacy and how to better support young people in Indigenous communities.

Rosario Dizon is a placement student currently finishing her final year in the Bachelor of Arts Early Childhood Studies at Ryerson University. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has completed her Resource Consultant certificate at Seneca College. She is the past President of the Early Childhood Resource Teacher Network of Ontario. Rosario has more than 15 years of experience working with families and children with disabilities and collaborating with community partners to build inclusive communities. She also has extensive experience in mentoring and building the capacity of early childhood educators in promoting inclusive practices in early learning settings.

Natasha is currently enrolled in her placement course to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies at Ryerson University. Natasha directly entered into her 4th-year of studies after completing her Early Childhood Education diploma through Loyalist College. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has been working in the school board for 7 years. She has experience working with children in inclusive environments from aged 2-6 years old.