Student intern Bios

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

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.

My name is Malcolm McConnell Im an undergraduate Commerce student at Queen’s University from Toronto, Ontario and I am Nishnaabe, from Nipissing First Nation. At Finding Our Power Together, Im volunteering in administrative and fundraising work and I hope to support wherever I can. I'm early in my academic and professional journey and I'm interested in gaining practical experience in business, problem-solving, and community-based work.

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.