Student intern Bios

Kate Briones is a proud Filipino-Canadian whose identity is shaped by the resilience and values of her immigrant parents. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University, Kate brings a wealth of experience working in schools, mental health clinics, and daycares, where she has honed her skills in supporting children and youth.

Kate’s practice is deeply rooted in trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches, recognizing the importance of honoring diverse lived experiences. With a passion for fostering resilience in youth, she is eager to deepen her expertise in mental health counseling and youth programming.

As a Mental Health Intern with Finding Our Power Together (FOPT), Kate supports mental health and research initiatives that align with the organization’s mission of empowering Indigenous communities through culturally grounded services. She is committed to integrating her academic learning with her professional experience to develop resources, mentor youth, and contribute to initiatives that center on cultural identity, mental wellness, and healing.

Outside of her work, Kate values teamwork, organization, and continuous learning. She looks forward to collaborating with FOPT’s team and the communities they serve to make a meaningful impact.

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.

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.  

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.

Teyam is an Iranian-Canadian woman from a working-class background, and a settler living on the traditional territory covered by Treaty 13. Her lived experiences as the child of refugee parents have shaped her awareness of systemic barriers and resilience. At the same time, she acknowledges the privileges she holds through access to higher education, Canadian citizenship, fluency in English, and the ways she is often perceived as able-bodied.  

Teyam first entered postsecondary studies in 2007, and her educational journey has continued into the present as she works towards a Master's degree in Child and Youth Care. Alongside this, she has built 15 years of experience in residential treatment, shelter, and education settings. Her expertise includes co-creating and facilitating life skills programming with students, supporting school-aged learners, and navigating education related supports to help young people achieve their goals.   

As a mental health intern with Finding Our Power Together, Teyam aims to work alongside Indigenous young people while learning from land and culture based traditions. This role reflects FOTP's mission to center Indigenous knowledge, nurture healing, and amplify youth voices. Teyam approaches her practice through an anti-oppressive, decolonial, and trauma sensitive lens, offering individualized supports that respond to each young person's needs and aspirations. 

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. 

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.