Student intern Bios

My name is Mariya and I am a settler on Treaty 13. I locate myself as a 2nd generation South Asian Muslim Women. My cultural identity is shaped by both my South Asian heritage and the lived realities of growing up in the diaspora. This deeply informs how I approach relationships and community work. I am currently pursuing a Master of Social Work. I am a Mental Health Intern with FOPT. I view my role as one of learning, unlearning and supporting the Indigenous community in ways that do not replicate colonial harm. My approach is rooted in empathy, relationship building and an openness to learning from Indigenous voices, while participating in acts of resistance. My professional background includes approximately a decade of working with children and youth across community, educational and recreational settings. Through these experiences, I have developed a love for client centred and strengths based practice.  

Virginia Chambers, RSW (she/her/hers) is a Mental Health Intern at Finding Our Power together. A settler of English/Scottish heritage, Virginia was born and continues to live as a guest in the Greater Toronto Area, on the traditional lands of the Mississauga of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat Peoples. Understanding the privileges she holds, Virginia believes that learning and growth is a personal responsibility that is ongoing and must be worked on daily. Virginia has a passion for trauma-informed, identity supportive, holistic wellness. Her interests stem from a deep connection to the adoption community, understanding as a child of an adoptee the complex generational impact of grief and loss that is caused by permanency journeys. Currently in her final year of her part-time Master of Social Work program, Virginia has an academic background in psychology/neuroscience, research, academic writing, and narrative theory. Her career has touched the realm of housing, accessibility, permanency -  and aquatics! In her spare time, Virginia might be found lifting weights, reading fictional novels, or crafting with yarn. 

Wachiya (Hello), My name is Janessa Hester (she/her), and I am from the Cree Nation of Waskaganish, located in the Eeyou Istchee Territory of Northern Quebec. I made the move to Toronto to further my education. I have completed a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and am currently in my fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work program at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am committed to supporting and fostering resilience in Indigenous communities, and I aim to continue this work as a Mental Health Intern at Finding Our Power Together. Chinaskumitin! (Thank You!) 

Jasmine (she/her) is a Mental Health Intern at Finding Our Power Together and a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Social Work program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Born in Barbados and immigrating to Canada at the age of five, Jasmine’s ancestry is deeply rooted in the Caribbean and South America, with a diverse heritage of European, Indian, African, and Arawak descent. She grew up in Windsor, Ontario, on the traditional lands of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Peoples.  Guided by the values of strength, resilience, and hard work instilled by her parents and cultural heritage, Jasmine has developed a strong passion for supporting others. After navigating her own challenges with mental health, she became dedicated to helping youth who face similar struggles.  Jasmine is especially committed to creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for Indigenous youth. Through her internship, she hopes to deepen her knowledge of traditional practices, cultural teachings, and holistic approaches to healing, while strengthening her ability to serve diverse communities with compassion and respect.

Joshua is a second-generation, multiracial Tanzanian-British settler from Treaty Six and the Metis Nation, North Saskatchewan River Territory, where Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) is located. He completed his Child Welfare specialization BSW at the University of Victoria in 2024. Recent experience has ranged from refugee services to youth transitional housing, family-centred circle facilitation  (Family Group Conferencing), supporting cultural/spiritual ceremonies with clients, and bringing African cultural education into early education programs. As a mental health intern, he works closely with the guidance of mentors and supervisors to align FOPT values with York University School of Social Work and East African approaches to Ubuntu healing modalities. Find Joshua supporting local events, Building Our Bundle, and research tasks this year! Ahsante Sana

Aliya Pariag (she/her) is a Research Intern at Finding Our Power Together.  As a settler of Indo-Caribbean descent, Aliya grew up in the Greater Toronto Area, situated on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat peoples. She recognizes the privileges she holds as a university-educated, middle-class settler and grounds her work in an awareness of the histories of migration, identity, and resilience that shape her cultural background.  Aliya is a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto, specializing in History and Political Science. Her academic background has equipped her with strong skills in research, writing, and analysis, which she applies to support projects that amplify youth voices and advance FOPT’s mission of empowerment, healing, and systemic change. She approaches her work with collaboration, adaptability, and openness to learning from community knowledge and lived experience.

Richelle is Anishinaabe Kwi 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 Change 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.

Stephanie is a highly dedicated and compassionate Child and Youth Counsellor with over 15 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families across educational, clinical, and community-based settings. She is currently completing a Master of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University, building on her academic foundation with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care and an Advanced Diploma from Centennial College.  

Early in her career, Stephanie has worked as an Independent Contractor and Family Support Interventionist, providing in-home and community support to families navigating complex diagnoses.

Her skillset includes development and implementation of individual programmes, daily living support, and communication using American Sign Language (ASL).  Stephanie currently provides critical school-based support to students with diverse and complex needs. She has extensive experience working with those diagnosed neurodivergent providing intervention strategies and family supports.    

Stephanie’s professional journey is also marked by her commitment to creativity and empowerment through the arts. As a professional vocal coach and contract vocalist since 2009, she has provided technical and performance training to musicians of all ages, while nurturing confidence and personal growth.  Stephanie is a passionate advocate for inclusive, person-centered care and continues to be inspired by others through her dedication to mental health, youth empowerment, and lifelong learning.   Stephanie is currently serving as a Mental Health Intern with Finding Our Power Together (FOPT),  She is excited to learn and engage with clients as an added tool to her practice, deepening her understanding and strengthening her ability to support this community with care, respect, and cultural sensitivity.