Team bios

Cecily Jacko is the Administrative Coordinator for Finding Our Power Together. A proud member of Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation, Cecily was born and raised in Toronto, where she has cultivated a deep connection to her community.

Cecily’s professional journey spans a diverse range of Indigenous community settings, non-profit organizations, and media arts. With a background in Anthropology, she brings a unique perspective to her work, blending cultural insights with a passion for storytelling and advocacy.

Beyond her professional roles, Cecily is a dedicated mother and active community member, driven by a passion for supporting and uplifting those around her. She is trained as a doula, specializing in postpartum care, and has also completed SMART management training, equipping her with a broad skill set to manage complex projects and community initiatives effectively.

Cecily’s multifaceted experience and commitment to her community make her a vital part of the team at Finding Our Power Together, where she continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Indigenous youth and families.

Tristan Peterson (she/her) is the Project's Manager at Finding Our Power Together and the Project Coordinator for the Building a NAN Early Years IELCC Framework Project. 

A settler of Irish, German, French, and Scottish descent, Tristan grew up in Caledon, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples.

Tristan holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Social Science in Political Science and Law from the University of Ottawa. Her work focuses on critical policy analysis and Indigenous early learning, combining her academic background in political science and law with a commitment to decolonizing education and mental health supports for Indigenous communities across Canada.

Richelle (she/her) is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Chippewas of Rama First Nation. After spending much of her early life as a performance artist and teacher, the birth of her daughter inspired a shift toward supporting youth mental health. Richelle holds a double diploma in Social Service Work and Indigenous Knowledge: First Peoples with a distinction in Leadership from Centennial College and a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Indigenous Knowledge and Experience from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is currently pursuing her MSW in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency at the University of Toronto.

Richelle has extensive experience as an Indigenous crisis responder for youth across Turtle Island and has mentored many young individuals seeking support. She also teaches Indigenous-based content in elementary schools in Toronto and conducts virtual guest lectures at post-secondary institutions. Richelle has gained various certifications and knowledge in areas such as Grief Counselling, Crisis Intervention, Trauma-informed Practices, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Youth Mental Health and Development, and Arts-based and Animal therapies. Currently, she is working towards coaching and counselling certifications for youth with neurodiversity, including ADHD and ASD.

As an Indigenous Mental Health Counsellor, Richelle's practice is grounded in a trauma-informed, social justice-oriented, and person-centred approach, integrating both Indigenous and Western frameworks. Her deep commitment to creating safe, trusting environments for her clients ensures they feel secure and comfortable. Richelle emphasizes collaboration, mutuality, and empowerment to ensure her clients feel respected, heard, and supported in their journey toward well-being.

Richelle Offers: Virtual Mental Health Counselling in Ontario and In-Person Mental Health Counselling in Toronto

Kaitlin Rizarri (she/they) is Filipina from Cebu and mixed Mi’kmaw and settler from Ktaqmkuk, Elmastukwek (Newfoundland, Bay of Islands). She grew up north of Tkaronto in Caledon and is now a community farmer. 

She is a PhD student of Social Justice Education at University of Toronto (OISE). Her research likes to think about urban farming in relation to lands and waters.  

At Finding Our Power Together, Kaitlin is a Research Assisrant and the Interim Project Coordinator with the Bridging the Gaps Project. Kaitlin is passionate about conducting community research, uplifting Indigenous opinions and voices to create systemic change.

Felicia Morin is an Anishnaabe student from Beausoleil First Nation. She lives outside of Toronto. She is entering her third year as an undergraduate student currently pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University. Opportunities within her program such as visiting a remote fly First Nation community and visiting Aotearoa (New Zealand) which were both Indigenous focused visits, continues to inspire and reinforce her journey towards reconnection to her culture. While also guiding the her passion of supporting youth who need support with mental health and substance misuse. Her goal is to pursue her Master of Social Work. She is always eager to any opportunity to further her knowledge and skills to better support people in her future work.

Kaitlyn (she/they) is a mixed Bodéwadmi, French, Irish, and English Two-Spirit person born and raised in Mississauga. Their Bodéwadmi ancestors, from their maternal family, are from Moose Deer Point First Nation. Kaitlyn holds a Master of Social Work from York University, a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Philosophy and Psychology, and an Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences Certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition to their academic education, Kaitlyn is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

As an Indigenous Mental Health Counsellor, Kaitlyn is a compassionate helper dedicated to supporting kin in navigating their healing journeys. In their practice, they employ anti-oppressive, strengths-based, and trauma-focused approaches to care. Kaitlyn emphasizes decolonization, Indigenization, and cultural safety in their work, ensuring that each client feels seen, heard, and valued. Their extensive training includes modalities such as Liberation-oriented therapy, Arts-based therapies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Ego-state Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, and Somatic Therapy, allowing them to tailor their approach to the unique needs of each individual.

Kaitlyn’s work is deeply rooted in their connection to Spirit, kin, ancestors, future generations, and the Land. This connection informs their practice, allowing them to foster safe and meaningful therapeutic relationships that invite authenticity. Drawing on familial teachings and cultural wisdom passed down through generations, Kaitlyn integrates these traditions into their approach with care and respect. They are committed to creating nurturing and healing environments where Indigenous kin can thrive and be unapologetically proud of their Indigeneity.

River Valade (he/they) is a Red River Métis, Black, and Ukrainian Two-Spirit & Trans-Masculine person raised in southern Ontario. He is a Mental Health Counselor (MSW, RSW) and Helper with six years of experience working with urban Indigenous families and youth. He is passionate about walking alongside Indigenous youth on their healing journeys and helping them to embrace their truths and gifts.  

River is a graduate of the Master of Social Work - Indigenous Field of Study Program at Wilfrid Laurier University ('23); a MSW program specialized in Indigenous social work practice & research. They also hold a Bachelors of Social Work from McMaster University ('20).   

River's therapeutic practice is rooted in the concept of Two-eyed seeing; this involves braiding Indigenous knowledge and approaches to help with aspects of Western therapy methods. In his practice, River braids Indigenous healing methods and Indigenous approaches to helping, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems therapy techniques.  

In addition to his role as a Mental Health Counsellor, River is also a Research Assistant at Finding Our Power Together. As a researcher, River blends his experience as a community organizer, social worker and therapist with his knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies & pedagogies. He believes that to create meaningful change, researchers & policymakers need to center and prioritize the lived experiences of marginalized communities.

River Offers: Virtual Mental Health Counselling in Ontario and In-Person Mental Health Counselling in Toronto

Gabby (she/her) is the Youth/Intake Worker at Finding Our Power Together and the Project Lead for our first community trips to Nibinamik First Nation this year. Gabby is actively involved in ongoing projects that focus on empowering Indigenous youth and strengthening culturally responsive programming.

With a degree in Child and Youth Care and Criminology, Gabby brings a strong foundation in trauma-informed and person-centred care. Originally from Guatemala, they were exposed to Mayan Indigenous culture from a young age, which has shaped their understanding of the importance of cultural identity in mental well-being and community care.  

Gabby prioritizes strengths-based approaches and believes in the power of culture as a key part of identity and wellness, ensuring that their work remains rooted in relational, inclusive, and holistic care. Committed to continuous learning, she strives to deepen her understanding and approach to working with Indigenous communities in a way that is respectful, reciprocal, and grounded in the voices and needs of those we support.

Gabby Offers: Virtual Mental Health Counselling in Ontario and In-Person Mental Health Counselling in Toronto