Education
PhD(abd), Wilfrid Laurier University
M.S.W, Wilfrid Laurier University - Social Work
B.A., University of Waterloo/St. Jerome’s University - Legal Studies
Courses taught in SDS
SOC 204R - Sociology of Adolescence
Research and teaching interests
- Community-based approaches to justice and restoring well-being
- Structural determinants of health
- Social innovation and enterprise
- Anti-oppressive practice
- Arts-based research
Over the past decade, I have worked with a variety of public sector and not-for-profit organizations to develop and launch community-based justice initiatives. I have witnessed the positive impacts of these approaches as a counsellor, community social worker, project manager, and researcher.
Through my experiences, I found my purpose working with youth and women in the community justice and mental health sectors. My passion for these sectors led me to complete a BA in Legal Studies from the University of Waterloo and a MSW specializing in community development from Wilfrid Laurier University. After working in prisons and parole offices for several years, in 2019 I returned to Wilfrid Laurier University to work on a PhD in Social Work where I share stories and build initiatives using arts-based research to support youth and survivors of trauma.
My research focuses on organizational development in human service organizations with the goal of increasing collective well-being, social innovation (including entrepreneurial activities), and community-based approaches for restoring well-being and repairing harm. I believe that it is critically important to empower marginalized groups to thrive.
Beyond work, my partner and dog bring me so much joy. We love gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors together. Day to day, I enjoy cooking, attempting to play my piano, and going to the gym.